PRESQUE ISLE — It’s been 25 years since a group of community leaders set their sights on creating a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the future of Aroostook County, and in the quarter century since, Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) has been an instrumental force in advocating for the region.
As the organization wraps up its silver anniversary, it does so reflecting on the many and varied accomplishments over that period of time. LEADers are simultaneously looking ahead to the future, one in which they intend to bring more county businesses and organizations into the fold to help move forward both LEAD initiatives and county development efforts.
“Looking back, it is impressive to say the least at what a group of volunteers, who share a common desire to see Aroostook County flourish economically, have accomplished. Since 1986, LEAD has become a recognized advocate for county businesses and interests in Augusta and Washington, D.C.,” said Jon McLaughlin, LEAD board president. “With the support and through the efforts of our members from throughout Aroostook County, LEAD has also been instrumental in a myriad of activities, from initiating successful marketing and business recruitment activities to securing federal funding for vital county interests.”
It is that message and record of accomplishment LEAD is touting throughout Aroostook County as it launches a silver anniversary membership drive in the coming weeks. The goal is to bring more county businesses and organizations on board to grow the organization and ensure that in the next quarter century LEAD’s efforts to positively impact development in the region flourish.
Membership in LEAD is inclusive of individuals, businesses and organizations, and municipalities of all sizes. An affordable and progressive dues structure has been key to ensuring the group is inclusive since it was founded.
Among the current areas of focus for LEAD include business advocacy, government relations and legislation, transportation, energy, education and health care. Working committees meet regularly to focus on these issues and report regularly to the LEAD board of directors, which meets monthly.
The organization responsible for launching the “Crown of Maine” branding campaign two decades ago and such traditions as Aroostook Day at The Legislature and Aroostook Capitol for a Day, has assumed a leadership role in the area of business advocacy. In partnership with the Maine State Chamber and other entities, LEAD works to ensure the success of legislation that enables businesses to operate more efficiently in The County.
Transportation has historically been a key issue for LEAD. The group has successfully advocated for a north-south highway with recent success in the near completion of the “Caribou Connector.” Other key and recent successful efforts were the support LEAD provided for rail service to continue in The County and for the federal truck weight limit on Maine’s interstate to be lifted.
LEAD has also initiated a number of projects that keep county residents informed in various arenas. Politically, the organization has sponsored key senatorial and gubernatorial debates in the county in recent years.
The Entrepreneur of the Year project, launched by LEAD nearly three years ago, has also helped draw attention to the great work being done locally by business owners and innovators. Other award programs such as LEAD’s Business Hall of Fame and Spirit of Aroostook Award have provided recognition for several deserving individuals and enterprises.
LEAD has also been a key partner in supporting events that bring global recognition to Aroostook County including national and international events hosted by the two Maine Winter Sports Center facilities in Presque Isle and Fort Kent and the World Acadian Congress coming to the region in 2014.
“There is a great deal of momentum with LEAD and we want to focus on expanding our efforts and membership to continue the great progress we have made in recent years,” said McLaughlin. “I really encourage any county business, organization or municipality that is not already a member to seriously consider membership.”
A letter from McLaughlin accompanied by a newly created brochure will be mailed to current and prospective new members in the coming weeks. For more information on LEAD activity and membership, contact McLaughlin at 521-0157 or at sadc@aroostook21.com, or visit LEAD’s website at www.leadaroostook.com.
