Mainebiz

37 E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T I t's all coming together in the City of Westbrook as the munici- pality and private sector push forward on a path of significant investment and sustainable growth. With many major commer- cial and residential projects in progress, the City of Westbrook is being revitalized and drawing investors from a variety of sectors. Westbrook understands the importance of an agile regulatory system and works at the speed of business to mitigate environ- mental and financial risk. "Whether you are a startup or an established business expanding within the community or relocating to Westbrook, we listen to your needs and focus on high levels of certainty as you make go/ no-go decisions," says Economic Development Director Daniel Stevenson. Stevenson joined the Westbrook team in late 2017, and hit the ground running by using his experience at the state and municipal level to advance business-friendly incentives such as Tax Increment Financing and grant programs. JOB GROWTH & EXPANSION Westbrook's business-minded approach has proven successful. Recent noteworthy private sector investments include: • MaineHealth's purchase of 1 Riverfront Plaza, an investment of $10.5 million, realized approximately 600 employees in Westbrook's Downtown area. • IDEXX, a global leader in veterinary diagnostics headquartered in Westbrook, began its $62 million expansion breaking ground on a 135,000-square-foot addition, which will offer more workspace on the state-of-the-art campus and bring hundreds of new jobs. • Waterstone Properties Group Inc., a Needham, Massachusetts- based real estate development company, began site work for Rock Row, a one-million-square-foot, mixed-use complex the com- pany is developing at the gateway to Westbrook. Rock Row has broken ground and will welcome Market Basket Supermarket as its first tenant with an expected opening in the summer of 2019. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT American Roots, a textile company that uses 100% American-sourced materials, recently made the jump from Portland to Westbrook, relocating to the Dana Warp Mill. e City has formed a unique partnership with American Roots by creating a municipally funded workforce training program. e investment will create quality sustainable manufacturing jobs in Westbrook. PARTNERSHIPS e City of Westbrook recognizes that collaboration and part- nerships equate to shared economic success in the creation of sustainable, healthy communities. e City partners with vari- ous organizations, including the Westbrook-Gorham Chamber, Discover Downtown Westbrook, Westbrook schools and Westbrook Arts and Culture on initiatives geared toward improving quality of life and attracting businesses. "Businesses invest in communities that invest in themselves," says Stevenson, who recently spearheaded a Downtown Façade Improvement Program. e program offers a 1:1 grant match up to $15,000 for improvements to building façades. e goal is to create a positive visual impact and stimulate private investment. e mutual investment from the public and private sector benefits the local economy by strengthening locally owned businesses. DOWNTOWN WESTBROOK REVITALIZED If you haven't been to Westbrook in a while, it's time to take another look, particularly in the downtown area. Downtown Westbrook is situated on the Presumpscot River and Saccarappa Falls. It is a walkable downtown, with a pedestrian bridge and a River Walk offering a scenic path with great views of the river and falls. Along the river are City-owned ramps and floats that allow better access for kayakers and fishermen. e area offers free public parking, allowing for convenient access to downtown restaurants, businesses, parks and the river. Over the past few years Westbrook has attracted craft brewers and numerous food establishments, with many of them taking root downtown. e Dana Warp Mill has also attracted several unique businesses, entrepreneurs and artists. LOCATION Westbrook's proximity to Portland, the Jetport, the Maine Turnpike and the lakes region makes it a convenient location for businesses to take root with a much lower price tag than neighboring Portland. To learn more about development opportunities and site avail- ability, contact Daniel Stevenson at 207-591-8101 or dstevenson@ westbrook.me.us and see how Westbrook can work for you! l Top: Downtown Westbrook is situated on the Presumpscot River and Saccarappa Falls. A recently opened pedestrian bridge connects MaineHealth and businesses in the Dana Warp Mill directly with restaurants and shops on Westbrook's Main Street. Left: American Roots at its new Westbrook location in the Dana Warp Mill will soon launch a city-sponsored workforce training program. P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F A M E R I C A N R O O T S P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F R O B M I T C H E L L City of Westbrook 2 York St., Westbrook, Maine 04092 Daniel Stevenson, Economic Development Director dstevenson@westbrook.me.us Office: 207-591-8101 / Cell: 207-956-3197 www.westbrookmaine.com Westbrook works for you! Westbrook Economic Development

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