Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546328
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 30 E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N Where Business Gets Done Located in the heart of northern Aroostook County, Caribou is a community where collaboration drives economic growth. rough strong partnerships with businesses, developers, and regional orga- nizations, the city is creating opportunities that strengthen the local economy while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. We are connected — through major highways, general avia- tion, high speed broadband, and City managed, professionally groomed 125 mile network of recreational trails. Working with our partners at Maine & Co., Caribou welcomed Amazon's Northern Maine delivery station in 2025, demonstrating the community's ability to attract new investment. We are committed — working alongside businesses to make projects, events, and development happen. at commitment is reflected in long-standing partnerships with local employers and organizations. We are building for the future — through strategic investments in housing, riverfront redevelopment, commercial sites, and public-private partnerships. City Initiatives Driving Growth include: Riverfront Master Plan made possible by a Northern Border Regional Commission grant, the city has acquired two riverfront properties and is complet- ing a Riverfront Master Plan that will guide the transformation of the Aroostook River corridor into a destination for recreation, events, business, and private investment. A robust development program that uses the latest available technology and data, Caribou works with commercial property owners to market and prepare one-page site selection information to attract additional development to the city. Recognizing that housing is essential to economic growth, the city recently completed a Housing Plan in Spring 2026 and is advancing projects — including on city-owned property — to create the "missing middle" housing needed to support local employers and attract new residents. At the same time, Caribou continues to market commercial properties using modern site-selection tools while reinvesting in infrastructure through four Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. Whether supporting an established employer, welcoming a new investment, revitalizing key properties, or creating community events that draw thousands of visitors, Caribou is committed to building a vibrant future through partnership, innovation, and opportunity. It's why businesses don't just locate here — they grow here. Key assets include being located on the Aroostook River; central to Loring Commerce Centre and the St. John Valley; accessible by U.S. Route 1 and regional highways with I-95 just 60 miles away; General Aviation airport KCAR in Caribou was established in 1929 and just a short drive to PQI airport; robust broadband access; an award-winning and municipally-owned hospital; and several municipal parks and multi-use trails. Businesses also benefit from resources provided through the Caribou Economic Growth Council, including economic devel- opment assistance and low-interest gap financing. ese efforts are strengthened through collaborative partner- ships for progress including the Aroostook Partnership, Eltueg Development Corporation, Maine and Co., and Northern Maine Development Commission. Together, these collaborations provide businesses with planning assistance, technical expertise, financ- ing resources, and regional connections that help move projects from concept to completion. l City of Caribou Partners: Caribou The Nation's Most Northeastern City City of Caribou 25 High St., Caribou, ME 04736 Penny Thompson, City Manager, pthompson@cariboumaine.org; Eric Sanderson, Economic & Community Development Specialist, esanderson@cariboumaine.org (207) 493- 3324 / www.cariboumaine.org/business P H O T O B Y P A U L C Y R P H O T O B Y P A U L C Y R " e City of Caribou's leadership has consistently demonstrated a willingness to partner with the business community to promote the city, enhance quality of life, and create events that attract residents and visitors alike. " — Sam Collins, owner of S.W. Collins Co. " e City of Caribou was a truly responsive and collaborative partner in helping make our 2026 Snow Bowl event a success. eir support helped us create a great experience for over 3,000 visitors, which brought an estimated $187,000 in business activity to the local economy. " — Troy Haney and Jim Gamage, owners of Spud Speedway