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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 JA N UA R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S E C O N O M I C F O R E C A S T facility in Skowhegan, forcing the plant to shut down for months. is led to the company working with out-of-state manufacturers to produce ice cream. At the same time, Gifford's made the nec- essary repairs to the building. In 2024, the company suffered another loss. e ice cream stand in Farmington was damaged by flooding, which led to the stand's permanent closure. "Looking ahead to 2025, there's a lot to celebrate at Gifford's," says Skilling. "In the early spring, we will unveil a brand-new flavor that embodies the heart and soul of New England. "We are also on track to unveil our rebuilt production facility and offices in Skowhegan, a major step forward after the devastating fire in 2023," she continues. "is milestone reflects both resilience and growth as we continue to invest in the future of Gifford's." T OW N D E V E L O P M E N T Skowhegan ready for new development in 2025 B y A l e x i s W e l l s W hen asked, "What is happen- ing in Skowhegan?" Sam Hight, dealer principal of Hight Family Dealerships, an economic developer and an active community member of Somerset County, enthusiastically replied, "What isn't?" From new development and the completion of old projects, the town has been busy and will continue to see more growth in the new year. New Balance is finishing its $75 million new facility, bringing 200 jobs to Skowhegan. SAPPI is undergoing a $425 mil- lion upgrade to a paper machine to stay on the cutting edge of wood products in North America. e Spinning Mill, the former Solon Manufacturing building on the island, is finishing its first phase. e project was delayed due to the December 2023 storms. e Skowhegan, a 20-room hotel that will be part of the Spinning Mill, D a m a r i s c o t t a S h o w r o o m H A M M O N D L U M B E R . C O M | 1 - 8 0 0 - H A M M O N D L o o k i n g t o s t a r t a w i n d o w s & d o o r s p r o j e c t ? W e ' d l o v e t o h e l p ! V i s i t o n e o f o u r s t o r e s t o g e t s t a r t e d ! 22 LOCATIONS ACROSS MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE SHOWROOMS Inclusion Maine CONFERENCE Feb 11th - 13th | Portland REGISTER NOW INCLUSIONMAINE.ORG/CONFERENCE 2025 Conference Tracks: Organizational DEI Strategies Hire & Promote Diverse Talent Inclusive Workplace Culture Community Partnerships for Inclusion SHRM and HRCI Professional Development Credits! grant funding options, potentially covering up to 50% of the Training Fee C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » We will focus on education, housing, the economy, our businesses and our people to help the rising tide to lift all boats. — Sam Hight Hight Family Dealerships Sam Hight, dealer principal of Hight Family Dealerships, is also a real estate developer and an advocate for Skowhegan. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F S A M H I G H T