Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 2 5 L E W I S T O N / A U B U R N / W E S T E R N M A I N E Gangi was recently preparing to submit plans to the town for "glamping" structures to add to the camp- ground's collection of rustic and high-end campers. e campground brings customers from throughout Maine and New England and beyond. Guest demographics vary. In the winter, it's almost all snow-related — skiers, snowboarders, snowmo- bilers. Summertime brings nature lovers and hikers. Folks often enjoy a day of activity, then hit the area's breweries. e wedding and events market is big. Last year, a classic car club rented out the entire inn. e campground attracts family reunions, where a family might rent a couple dozen sites. Demand is also connected to development at Sunday River, which has included expanded trails and year-rounded events. And the town does well on its own. Gangi recounts traveling to the area numerous times over the past winter and finding the eateries were packed. But there's room for continued investment, as Bethel's renown grows, he says. "I think the development boom is very, very new," he says. "e town is on the up and up." River collaborations In 2023, Julie Sloan bought land on the Androscoggin River in Bethel and, with Amy Welch, started Maine River Runners, offering canoe, kayak, paddleboard rentals and lessons at 66 Mayville Road. Sloan has over 20 years of experience teaching kaya- king and stand-up paddling around New England. Originally from southern Maine, she and Welch live in Vermont, where they teach. As a child, Sloan spent summers in Bryant Pond, a village eight miles east of Bethel, spending a lot of time on the Androscoggin River. As an adult, she's worked in outdoor programs in Vermont and upstate New York. With summers free, she still enjoys heading to Bethel. e idea of starting an outdoor company came together when, alongside the river, 11 acres with trails and a barn came on the market. e company's specialty is standup paddleboard- ing. e boards have retractable fins, so if they hit river bottom, paddlers won't get launched off. Also offered are kayaks, tubes and canoes. "I'm also well aware of the environmental piece a business can have on the river," she says. "So we work with the local Mahoosuc Land Trust and with the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, doing environmental education with them on the river." She likes to collaborate with other businesses. "We like to support local guides in the area," she Find a Qualified Partner today and learn about Efficiency Maine's Commercial and Industrial offers at efficiencymaine.com/at-work. Save money, now and later, with efficiency upgrades. Efficiency Maine incentives for qualifying efficiency projects can help you reduce operating costs. These incentives reduce the cost of facility upgrades, saving you money in the near-term and long-term while making your facilities more comfortable and energy efficient. Efficiency Maine can also help you find a Qualified Partner, a certified expert who knows how to leverage our incentives for your unique efficiency solution. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y M A I N E R I V E R R U N N E R S L L C F O C U S Julie Sloan and Amy Welch's Maine River Runners is busy on weekends and diversifying to run children adventure camps and retreats.

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