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V O L . X X I N O. X I V 10 FA C T BO O K / D O I N G B U S I N E S S I N M A I N E Q UA L I T Y O F L I F E Brunswick Brunswick is family friendly, historically rich and economically robust, balancing urban sophistication and coastal charm. It is the gateway to midcoast Maine, while retaining strategic access to trans- portation hubs of southern Maine. It is home to Bowdoin College. Brunswick is a service center and provides auxiliary locations to global businesses such as L.L.Bean and General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works. ere's also room for growth. e redevelopment of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, now Brunswick Landing, yielded a technol- ogy business park featuring 3,200 acres, 2 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, an aviation complex, the TechPlace business accelerator, work- force training options and a high-speed fiber optic and data center. "We support the Landing in every way we can," says the town's business development manager, Linda Smith. As with Brunswick Landing, the town works closely with the Brunswick Downtown Association to foster a vibrant downtown for pedestrian-friendly access while promoting economic growth. "e Brunswick Downtown Association puts on a tremendous num- ber of events to bring people in," Smith says. "Our town planning staffers are proposing what they're calling an 'arti- san industry use' category — businesses offering retail upfront and production in the back at their downtown locations. In a couple of locations, you can go in the store and watch their production activities. It's very inventive." Lewiston/Auburn Neighbors Lewiston and Auburn share services and cultural identity, often call- ing themselves as Lewiston-Auburn or L/A. About two-thirds of Maine's population lives within 30 miles of L/A. Lewiston is a historic mill town rein- venting itself while preserving its heritage. It is home to Bates College. Once home to a thriving shoe industry, in recent years L/A has seen an influx of Somali refugees, representing diversity that's been formally recognized in the city's "Legacy Lewiston" comprehensive plan. Many see the two cities as offering fresh energy and entrepreneurial potential. "ere's a lot of interest in ongoing investment and revitalizing existing buildings, both mill buildings and build- ings in our downtown corridor," says city planner David Hediger. "It's exciting. We're the second-biggest urban area in the state. At the same time, there are a lot of single-family and rural neighbor- hoods, in both Lewiston and Auburn, so you get the best of both worlds." Lewiston is pursuing greater invest- ment in its physical assets, growth in new creative sectors, and economic diversity and capacity. Mill space, green space, underground fiber optic cable and demographics draw employers and em- ployees, says Hediger. In fostering busi- ness development, the city completed its Riverfront Master Plan, which includes green and recreational improvements. Evolving implementation is expected to make the riverfront an important asset within the decade, says Hediger. "People see there's something on the verge of popping down there, and they want to be in the front door when that happens," he says. "e Hampton Inn opened last fall along the riverfront in Lewiston and the Hilton Garden Inn, in Auburn, has been there several years. ey're a quarter-mile from each other, so it's a testament to both communi- ties — that people desire to be along the riverfront. ere's a ton of potential." Westbrook Linked for more than a century to the Maine paper and wood pulp indus- try, Westbrook is today capitalizing on its natural and geographic assets, says Westbrook's city planner, Molly Just. rough the 1990s, the city began to realize a new economic identity, focusing on technology-based industry and maxi- mizing proximity to Maine Turnpike interchanges. Increased focus has turned on the historic downtown's brick mill buildings lining the Presumpscot River and filled with residential condomini- ums and thriving local businesses. A recent arrival is Black Dinah Chocolatiers, whose operations had been based on Isle au Haut. Says co- owner Steve Shaffer: "e city was helpful and easy to work with. When I did a pop-up, a bunch of people from the city showed up, and the lo- cals stopped by, and that made me feel like it was a good decision." Bangor Bangor is a growing city experienc- ing a resurgence in the last five years, says city Director of Community and Economic Development Tanya Emery. "We have a highly diversified econ- omy and serve as a service sector for all of northern and eastern Maine," Emery says. e city offers businesses look- ing for a new or additional location an affordable environment, supportive busi- ness community, easy access to resources, and an enthusiastic and engaged com- munity. "Our market share is incredible for a city of just 33,000 people," she says. "We are the largest generator of sales tax revenue in the state, and are a service, shopping and business destination for hundreds of thousands of people." In recent years, Bangor has focused on downtown revitalization, neigh- borhood stabilization and housing rehabilitation. "By making Bangor an all-around great, livable city, we attract more energy and excitement and more great On the verge Small metro areas power up for business B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r M aine's metropolitan areas are in the midst of a renaissance, as they reshape existing resources and characteristics to create a vibrant eco- nomic climate that enhances business opportunities. Metro areas are leveraging Maine's twin characteristics of the past — as a rural refuge for visitors and as the factory for products reaped from iconic resources such as the sea and woods. Metro inventories include historical buildings and properties ripe for repurposing, proximity to countryside and coastal areas, the community feeling more readily accessible in small urban areas than in large cities and identi- ties distinctive to history and location. Recognizing these as a great foundation for expanding and diversifying the commercial sector, towns are building a sophisticated picture that includes up-to- date infrastructure, attractive housing and education options, cultural attractions and excellent municipal services aimed to facilitate business growth. Here's a rundown of some metropolitan areas bursting into prominence as vibrant centers of work and lifestyle: Shelby and Nels Omdal, owners of the Frosty's Donuts in Brunswick. After purchasing the iconic 50-year-old doughnut shop in 2011, the Omdals have expanded their brand by moving into wholesale and retail sales both in Maine and in other states. Steve and Kate Shaffer of Black Dinah Chocolatiers in their new space in Westbrook. In business since 2007, their hand-crafted truffles and gourmet confections have earned a raft of national awards for their flavor and artistry, as well as their socially responsible sourcing. Mary Budd at The Penobscot Theater in Bangor. A long-time venue incorporated in 1983, it is the only year-round, professional theater in northern Maine, drawing audiences from throughout Maine and eastern Canada for live entertainment and educational programs. Thomas Moser signing a chair in the company's Auburn plant. He began making fine furniture by hand in the 1970s and now oversees a company with more than $20 million in sales, 135 employees and six showrooms extending from Maine to San Francisco. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / A M B E R WAT E R M A N P H O T O / R U S S D I L L I N G H A M

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