Staff writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Governor John Baldacci declared war on runaway fuel costs and enlisted members of Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development and Aroostook Partnership for Progress in the fight to turn Maine’s economy around during last week’s combined annual meeting at Northern Maine Community College.
Staff photo/Mark Putnam
The reins of leadership were handed over from outgoing APP President Larry Shaw of MMG Insurance, left, to incoming President Dave Peterson of TAMC during Thursday’s annual meeting in Presque Isle.
The second-term governor also praised APP and LEAD for showing the benefits of consolidating regional economic development initiatives.
“As I’ve gone around the state talking about the virtues of streamlining to improve quality and efficiency, you are practicing it here in Aroostook County,” said Gov. Baldacci. “You have recognized that combined, your efforts will have a greater impact on the economy of Aroostook County.”
The governor told the breakfast-time crowd of over 100 that there is too much duplication of economic development efforts at too many levels across Maine.
“We in Augusta need to help you and the regional economic development groups do their work,” he said. “Providing you with the tools and resources you need so that you can pursue economic development strategies that make sense for you.”
Gov. Baldacci also spoke about rising transportation and energy costs and their drag on the national and state economies. He said he has instructed his Administration to begin reviewing options to encourage Mainers to use less oil and gas, and to ensure that no one will be left out in the cold because of high heating costs in the winter months.
“We must take measures to wrench us from this oil dependency in Maine,” said the governor. “We’ve had a string of beautiful summer days, but I see the trouble that’s coming this winter will be very difficult. My goal is that we not only get through this year, but take actions that put us in a better position next year.”
“This means aggressively pursuing home-grown, clean, renewable energy, like wind, solar and tidal power,” he continued. “It also means encouraging homeowners and businesses to weatherize and in some cases change their energy sources so that our dependency on oil is reduced.”
While energy prices remain a significant challenge for Maine businesses and families, the governor expressed optimism. “I am excited about Maine’s future,” he said. “And am pleased that APP and LEAD have joined to combine your efforts to promote business development in The County. Your success is Maine’s success.”
The governor later toured two Pine Tree Zone-designated businesses in Presque Isle: Acme Monaco and MMG Insurance. During the breakfast meeting, MMG’s Larry Shaw, president of APP, turned over the leadership reins to Dave Peterson of TAMC. Also, Shaw’s administrative assistant, Patty Browning, was recognized for her service as recording secretary for the Partnership.
In his opening remarks, Shaw said APP was well positioned to keep things going into the future. “Our organization is four years old and more enthusiastic than ever. With a powerful voice and a lot of skill, our team is well positioned to attack opportunities and issues that arise,” he said.
Shaw called the natural beauty of Aroostook and its people the most important assets the region brings to the economic development table. “A ready, skilled workforce is a critical piece of the puzzle and we have one, thanks to our close relationship with our high schools and colleges,” he added.
In addition to Peterson, other newly elected APP officers include Bob Clark, vice president; Alan Landeen, secretary; and Chris Anderson, treasurer.
Nathan Berry of Barresi Financial Inc., president of LEAD, encouraged listeners to get involved in any of the avenues of service to see the region succeed and prosper. Formed in 1986, he said LEAD is 100 members strong and remains committed to its original mission.
Thrilled with the strong turnout, Berry said it shows there is excitement in the county for a collaborated effort to build a strong local economy. New organizations like Momentum Aroostook, he said, are reaching out to tap the imagination and energy of young Aroostook professionals.
Other LEAD officers include Virginia Joles, vice president; Linda Smith, secretary; and Barb Pitcairn, treasurer.
APP’s Executive Director Walt Elish wrapped up the two-hour session with a recap of the Partnership’s accomplishments to date and an aggressive game plan for moving forward.
“The commitment to addressing the challenge set four years ago has not ended. Many businesses see the value to investing in APP and have recommitted their financial resources to the work … their direct involvement is critical to the County’s economic future,” he said.
Elish noted three strategic initiatives that would take priority in 2008-09:
• Reestablish a four-year program to raise $1.5 million to solidify and enhance its business attraction and retention activities;
• Build on the efforts to partner with appropriate agencies developing and implementing specific action items that address current and future workforce needs of northern Maine businesses; and
• Continue to promote the region as a resort destination to potential developers using APP’s transactional economic development strategy.
Gov. Baldacci congratulated the organizations on their accomplishments and suggested their “can-do spirit” and strong work ethic, rather than government assistance, will lead Aroostook and Maine out of a depressed economic condition.
“Besides,” he said, “you’re too far away to depend on anyone else.”
