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V O L . X X X I I N O. X V I I I A U G U S T 2 4 , 2 0 2 6 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 R Cubed, established in 2004, works in advanced avionics and unmanned aircraft systems technology. Much of the work focuses on miniaturizing existing systems. With 12 employees plus consul- tants, the firm's role early in the innova- tion pipeline includes testing, system integration, certification, schedules and program management. e Bangor facility will be the com- pany's first new division and an expan- sion of its capabilities in light manufac- turing, rapid prototyping and federal contract support. e expansion was needed to accommodate demand. "is expansion reflects our contin- ued commitment to delivering minia- turized, high-impact engineering solu- tions that enhance operational effective- ness and safety," says Contarino. "Bangor offers the infrastructure, talent potential and strategic access necessary to support our federal customers while contribut- ing to the region's advanced prototype manufacturing and high-tech economy." Welcome center Until recently, the Downtown Bangor Partnership operated in a warren of offices up a steep, narrow stairway — not exactly noticeable to passersby. After a year of planning, the organi- zation this year relocated to a prominent downtown, street-level location at 33 State St., a landmark dating back to 1912. e Downtown Bangor Welcome Center hosts the partnership's operation, which promotes downtown activi- ties oversees a Hospitality and Safety Ambassadors program, along with radio broadcasters WKIT (100.3 FM) and Mix Maine Media, each with street-level studios, and the potential for a gallery or a pop-up small business incubator. e location provides improved visibility, space to better serve down- town businesses and capacity to expand visitor services. e layout is still being worked out, but visitors are already coming in, says Betsy Lundy, the partnership's executive director. e goal is to officially open next spring or summer. With two staffers, the partnership is seeking funding to hire for at least another half-time position to help run the center. "e building is amazingly beauti- ful and really well-suited to the pur- pose," she says. e partnership recently subscribed to data reporting agencies to learn more about who visits downtown Bangor. Says Lundy, "We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Bangor is the second most visited destination in the state after Portland, and that down- town Bangor, our one little square mile, is the fourth most visited desti- nation in the state." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E H H DOVER-FOXCROFT CORINTH H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H BELFAST ROCHESTER GORHAM PORTLAND LIVERMORE FALLS MEXICO BRUNSWICK AUBURN BOOTHBAY HARBOR DAMARISCOTTA ROCKLAND CAMDEN BUCKSPORT BLUE HILL ELLSWORTH BAR HARBOR CHERRYFIELD MACHIAS CALAIS BELGRADE FAIRFIELD FARMINGTON SKOWHEGAN BANGOR GREENVILLE WATERVILLE WEST ENFIELD OLD TOWN KINGFIELD PALMYRA MADISON MADISON H H H 34 LOCATIONS ACROSS MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE YOUR BUILDING PROJECT PARTNER HAMMONDLUMBER.COM FOURTH GENERATION | FAMILY-OWNED | SINCE 1953 1,200+ EMPLOYEES & GROWING P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F D OW N T OW N B A N G O R PA R T N E R S H I P After a year of planning, Downtown Bangor Partnership relocated to a prominent downtown location at 33 State St. Radio broadcast studios are part of the set-up at the Downtown Bangor Welcome Center. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Bangor is the second most visited destination in the state after Portland. — Betsy Lundy Downtown Bangor Partnership

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