Economic Development Agencies

Eastern Maine Development Corporation

www.emdc.org

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is a non-profit organization providing resources and assistance to businesses and community leaders to ensure the future success of the region. The organization has been working diligently for 40 years with Eastern Maine entrepreneurs and community leaders, focusing on sustained growth and on fostering the high quality of life for which Eastern Maine is renowned. EMDC's core service territory covers more than 15,000 square miles, six counties; and a population base of more than 324,000, making it the largest economic development district in Maine. Divided into two divisions - Community Services and Business Services - EMDC has a qualified staff of 50 professionals ready to service any entrepreneurial need. Plus, the organization's partnerships with state and national agencies and its cooperation with groups such as Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, Tri-County Workforce Investment Board, Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System, Penobscot Valley Council of Governments, Midcoast Regional Planning Commission, and others provides EMDC clients unprecendented access to a range of expertise under one roof. EMDC works one-on-one with companies of all sizes, offering everything from business counseling to workforce training programs to lending programs. An EMEC retiree has served on the EMDC board of directors for several years.

Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development

www.leadaroostook.org

LEAD, Inc., a non-profit corporation, was established in 1986 for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the balanced development of Aroostook County, which includes:

Northern Maine Development Commission

www.nmdc.org

Established in 1967, Northern Maine Development Commission is a nonprofit organization that provides regional planning, economic and community development, business loans and packaging, geographic information system services, and small business counseling services to the northern Maine region. In addition, NMDC is the lead agency for the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone.

NMDC is one of five economic development districts in the state of Maine, and one of 320 nationwide. Initially created in the 1960’s, regional development organizations provide rural America with professional planning and economic development services, thereby helping local economies remain competitive both domestically and globally. With representation from member communities, NMDC works with federal, state, regional, and local partners to implement services and programs for all of northern Maine that make the most of the area’s resources to build a healthy and diverse economy. Its service area includes 71 communities and 137 unorganized townships throughout Aroostook county and parts of Washington, Piscataquis, and Penobscot counties.

Sunrise County Economic Council

www.sunrisecounty.org

Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) works in four major programs areas: Developing Businesses, Assisting Communities, Investing in People, and Ensuring Excellence. A private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization, SCEC was established in 1993 by Washington County citizens– people with ideas, insight, commitment and a passion to keep what we like most about our unique communities and way of life. Using a collaborative approach, SCEC’s staff of four implements projects that leverage scarce resources, strengthen capacity and respond to opportunities that will make a brighter future for us all.

EMEC has been involved with Sunrise County Economic Council since 1997. The two organizations have cooperated on several projects, including a job creation project that currently employs 100 people in the Calais area. An EMEC employee once chaired this council, and a Cooperative employee currently serves the Council as a council member.