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V O L . X X V N O. I I JA N UA R Y 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 28 C O M M E R C I A L D E V E L O P M E N T F O C U S "Hannaford's numbers are incredible," he says. "For them to put a $4 million renovation into the store is great. It's a hub thing. And they know that." "Our store reports seeing increased activity beyond seasonal influxes," says Ericka Dodge, Hannaford's manager of external communications. "We know already that we are a destination for shoppers in the area — and as such we are making a major investment with this extensive remodel." It's one reason Ellsworth has a year-round base of customers. "I've got friends who don't live in Ellsworth who say, 'We're going to come in and do our shopping,'" says Dan Sargent of Sargent Real Estate. "I think it's a destination, especially in the wintertime when other areas close down because they're seasonal communities." Challenges remain MacIntyre is concerned there may be a perception, in the larger world, that Ellsworth is a seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round hub. at could be a hindrance to some outside businesses as they consider whether or not to settle here. "ere are some people kicking the tires, but whether it comes to fruition or not is a different story," MacIntyre says. Some are concerned that addi- tional development could worsen the labor shortage. "We're competing with the [Mount Desert Island] people for labor, where you can make $20 per hour as a dishwasher — and they can't fill those positions," says Bates. It goes back to perception, says Stein. "Young people who would be part of the workforce want to be part of a vibrant community, so a lot of them go to Portland or even far- ther south, like Boston," says Stein. "ey don't necessarily see value in Ellsworth. Hopefully there will be a turning point." Ellsworth's recent residential development helps. "We recognized two or three years ago that, if we're going to create jobs and move forward, we need the people and so we need the housing," says Cole. In 2016, the city successfully began con- necting with developers. Now there are 164 rental units in the queue. "We'll continue to push that," he says. Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz ALLEGIANT • AMERICAN • DELTA • UNITED Has winter lost its charm? If you're ready to leave winter in your wake, enjoy the convenience of an airport closer to home. Fly nonstop to warm and sunny destinations, or to hub cities with easy connections to the world. Our new and improved airport check-in center makes saying goodbye to winter easier than ever. Plan your winter escape at FlyBangor.com Dear Winter, Lately you have been so cold to me. I long for more warmth and light in my life. A break would do us both good. So I'm leaving you. Goodbye. Me BGR_Winter19_MEBiz_011519.indd 1 1/15/19 1:21 PM Sensible Solutions 207.989.4824 www.cesincusa.com Make sure all the pieces stack up. At CES we believe that quality service, responsiveness, and expertise are key to developing success. One size does not fit all. CES has been providing tailored solutions by listening carefully to and partnering with our clients since 1978. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

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