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V O L . X X I N O. X I J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 5 28 By the start of the new millen- nium, Guimond's plant consisted of several buildings totaling 18,000 square feet. In 2002, the facility was destroyed by fi re. Guimond bought two adjoining buildings, totaling 9,000 square feet, in the nearby city of Miramichi, where his crew rebuilt the boat molds while the Escuminac plant was rebuilt. "It was a temporary fi x," he says. "But after the molds were completed, there was such a demand that we were able to occupy both facilities." Guimond moved away from the family name to Millennium around, well, the turn of the millennium. "It was a marketing strategy," he says. " e Guimond name isn't known in other parts of the world, whereas 'Millennium' is catchy and memorable. Our Millennium designs are now our main product." In 2010, he expanded his lineup with the purchase of the 43-foot and 35-foot molds from New Brunswick-based Donelle Boat Yard, now defunct. At its peak, Millennium Marine produced about 20 boats a year, with around 30 employees. From 2007-09, demand for boats plummeted and Guimond downsized his staff to 10. As the recession eased, work picked up. Guimond began to think about moving his operation to the United States. ere were many upsides. e states represented about 75% of Millennium's market for fi sh- ing boats. ere was potential for expansion into passenger and cargo boats, which were otherwise restricted by the Jones Act, which prohibits foreign-built vessels from engaging in coastal trade in U.S. waters. Guimond searched as far as the Carolinas for the move, but settled on Eastport, one of three deep-water ports in Maine. Unlike northern New Brunswick, Eastport's extreme tides and slightly warmer weather prevent the harbor from icing over in the winter, making those months available for boat launches. Most importantly, the city was eager to have a tenant to make use of a grant awarded to renovate a historic mill building for industrial use. e U.S. Economic Development Administration originally awarded the $1.42 million to Washington County and the city of Eastport to renovate the 60,000-square foot Guilford Mill for use as a marine renewable energy manufacturing facility, which was expected to create dozens of jobs. at deal fell through. Guimond picked up on the opportunity, invested an The Boulos Company W i t h S p e c i a l T h a n k s To O u r P r i n c i p a l S p o n s o r s P r e m i e r L e a d e r S h i P m e d i a The Art + Science of Food an afternoon with Chef rob evans Saturday, June 13 • 2:30–4:30 P.M. auditorium-Kitchen at The Patrick dempsey Center for Cancer hope & healing, Lewiston, maine at this cooking demo and discussion, rob evans, James Beard award winner and owner of renowned restaurant dUCKFaT, will combine artistry and inquiry as he explores the themes of Salt, Knives, Temperature and air through the history of food innovation. Space is limited! Tickets are $35. Sponsorships available. Contact Cynthia@maineCenterForCreativity.org, or call: 207-730-0199. P r e S e n T S 2015 Creative Toolbox Art+Science Series a 3-part series on how art and science complement each other to foster innovation in business NOMINATIONS CLOSE July 2 Mainebiz is seeking nominations for women business owners, CEOs, presidents, and top executives who have a proven track record of success and who have been trailblazers and mentors to be our 2015 Women to Watch. Do you know a Woman to Watch? Submit your nominations today! Mainebiz will select honorees and profile them in our special Women to Watch issue on August 10, and celebrate with them during a special reception on September 15 at The Westin Portland Harborview. For more information and to submit nominations, visit mainebiz.biz/ mainebiz.biz/ mainebiz.biz womentowatch /womentowatch / PRESEN T ING SP ONSORS S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

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