Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I I N O. X V I I I A U G U S T 2 3 , 2 0 2 1 22 G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E F O C U S left. Its largest tenant is Defense Finance and Accounting Service, with 142,000 square feet. "Loring, with 4,000 acres and tons of square feet of existing buildings, has bursting capacity for new businesses and construction," Umphrey says. "e most significant asset is a long airport runway and hangars. e best incentive for new businesses is Loring's location and access to resources while being part of a robust, redeveloped site of the future." e Loring Air Force Base closed in 1994. Soon after the base closure, the Maine Congressional delegation, led by former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, established two federal anchor tenants — Defense Finance and Accounting Service, which leases 142,000 square feet, and a U.S. Department of Labor Job Corps Center. "is provides a solid framework to build around," says Umphrey, who was recently appointed to the board of the Loring Development Authority. "We are working on a business development strategy and sustainability plan that looks to prioritize the most promising and emerging business development opportunities. e direction from Gov. Janet Mills is to be bold, take advan- tage of the assets and make it happen." Setting goals for economic growth In its 5-year plan, Eastern Maine Development Corp. outlined four pillars of future economic development: Broadband: Expand and increase accessibility and affordability of broadband capacity, including creating a broad- band committee, doing a regional needs assessment, and increasing and improving access. Transportation: Improve and expand the transporta- tion infrastructure, and support port and rail development. Climate resilience: Foster methods to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, including support for businesses that need to make changes, encouraging climate-friendly devel- opment and more. Workforce and education: Develop, retain and attract talent. at includes increas- ing collaboration between educational institutions and business, improving digital literacy for businesses and individuals, and promoting and increasing regional assets to attract more workers. In May, EMDC named Peter Jamieson as its Katahdin Region eco- nomic development director, replac- ing Michael Elliott, who stepped down in February. Jamieson, who has been direc- tor of the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce for the past year and a half, will work on programs and development that catalyze economic growth in the eight towns that make up the EMDC's Katahdin Region, collaborating with local, state and federal partners. e position comes under the EMDC, but is part of a multiyear partnership funded and supported by the Penobscot County Commissioners. e role is overseen by the Katahdin Region Development Board, which was cre- ated for that purpose. e 5-year plan was the result of EMDC's collaboration with regional stakeholders, municipalities, counties, state departments and congressional and federal entities. ree months of public meetings, research and plan- ning contributed to the creation of this plan, which the organization says will serve as a roadmap for regional economic development. It's heavy on collaboration. "e key to moving forward is to be prepared for anything and always work together. In eastern and northern Maine it's even more important to collaborate with like-minded community stake- holders and local entities. Establishing public private partnerships will bolster the best long-term economic recovery," says Umphrey. He cites the pending influx of pandemic-related federal relief funds, which "makes this kind of effort espe- cially important." Umphrey says EMDC sees its role as "a community partner and convener" to help business, people and communities understand and get access to resources. A good example of collaboration is in the Katahdin Region with the Penobscot County Commissioners funding an EMDC position for seven years to bring people and resources together under the auspices of the Katahdin Region Development Board, he says. P e t e r Va n A l l e n , M a i n e b i z e d i to r, c a n be r e a ch e d a t p vanal l e n @ mainebiz.biz and @ MainebizEditor WE MADE IT! J O I N U S AT T H E M A M E A N N U A L M F G S U M M I T & G A L A Be a part of the 2021 Manufacturers Association of Maine's Summit & Annual Gala on October 28. This will be a new combined event making it bigger and better than ever! These two events will bring together approximately 450 companies, through-out the day, from across all manufacturing sectors to discuss the latest trends, innovation, news, and growth opportunities for the future. We will also be recognizing Maine manufacturers who have been making PPE and will be presenting awards to our honorees. You don't want to miss this year's pivotal time in Manufacturing! Sponsored by: Networking Sponsor: Presented by: Dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing manufacturing in Maine! TODAY R E G I S T E R | S P O N S O R | E X H I B I T TINYURL.COM/MAMESUMGALA2021 O C T O B E R 2 8 / 1 : 0 0 P M – 8 : 0 0 P M / P O R T L A N D E L K S C L U B Congratulations to Derek Volk and Ed Kearney (posthumous) — 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees ANNOUNCED AT THE EVENT 2021 Manufacturer of the Year 2021 Innovator of the Year » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

• Cover