State hits pause button on 'business friendly' community program
Applications for designation as a “business-friendly” community under the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Certified Business Friendly Community program have slowed, prompting the LePage administration to take a hiatus in order to reevaluate the program.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the state has stopped accepting applications from communities is considering changes to the program.
Five years ago, in the program’s first year, there were 32 applicants, the newspaper reported. For 2016, there were only two and this year there has been none.
According to the program’s website, designation means communities receive recognition on the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development website, become part of Maine's business attraction strategy and receive two Business Friendly Community signs. The website currently says that in lieu of accepting applications, “We are currently seeking feedback and input on what would make this program valuable to communities.”
Comments and suggestions will be accepted through Sept. 30. To find out more go here.
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