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E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 26 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 L ast fall, the town of Bridgton's Department of Economic Development began working with the new owner of the Clipper Merchant Tea House to decide on an optimal location for the business. "We looked at different locations, and I was able to help her hone in on what her needs were and get her interested in Bridgton," says Anne Krieg, Director of Planning and Development. "We talked about the demographics in Bridgton, about some of the other business that have done well here, and about her needs for space and the type of buildings that were available." With Krieg's help, the owner identified the downtown William F. Perry house, a historic landmark with a view of Highland Lake and a Victorian feel that synced well with the British-style teahouse. Krieg helped the owner navigate the town's review and permitting process. Now the teahouse is up and running. "We were competing against some coastal communities, so we're thrilled she picked Bridgton," says Krieg. Personal attention is a hallmark of economic and community development in Bridgton, where services include permitting co- ordination/facilitation, site identification, business networking, workshops on resources/lenders, Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs, and microloans. Partners include the volunteer Bridgton Economic Development Corporation, Bridgton Community Center, Greater Bridgton Region Chamber of Commerce, Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Alliance, U.S. Small Business Administration and Western Maine Economic Development Council. Business attraction and retention is essential to the commu- nity's well-being. "is community cares about business startups," says Krieg. "It can be overwhelming to start a new business. We help new entre- preneurs get organized, support them as they write a business plan, help them understand their market, and get through the process so they can open as quickly as possible. Starting a new business is a risk. We show them how it makes sense as an investment." Small business is often a community foundation. Bridgton takes that charge seriously. "In the last four years, most of our businesses started with one or two people, then slowly grew as the market for their product or service grew," says Krieg. "In some instances, people worked in home occupations and decided to find space in the business district. What sets Maine—and Bridgton—apart from other parts of the country is the proliferation of small businesses. As much as I'd love to bring in 250 jobs in one fell swoop—and as an economic development professional, you always look for large investments, too—the time spent on fostering small businesses is equally important." Infrastructure investment, partially funded by Community Development Block Grants, is key for supporting economic development. Bridgton's recent investments include a half-million- dollar streetscape development—new curbing, streetlights, benches and more—on Depot Street, home to businesses, a community center, and a 67-acre park. "We made that street shine," says Krieg. "I's paid off. Businesses have proliferated and they're succeeding. at's an important investment for the town. We take care of what we own—and the private sector follows." A similar initiative is now underway on Main Street. e town is working on Design Development for sidewalks, lighting, pedestrian circulation and other amenities. "Next year we'll look at construction drawings, work with the Maine Department of Transportation, and look at funding, so we'll be ready to start construction in 2018." Other community development initiatives include capital improvements to the community center and wastewater treatment system, and promotion of community events designed to stimulate downtown activity. "All of these programs blend together," says Krieg. "Part of economic development is making your community a great place to live. at's what attracts business. It's not just about the tax breaks. If you're fostering your community to succeed, you're attracting people who want to live here." l Top: A sign for the new Clipper Merchant Tea House goes up in Bridgton. Bottom: Shorey Park is a downtown respite right off Main Street. P H O T O B Y M E R C E R P H O T O G R A P H Y P H O T O C O U R T E S Y B R I D G T O N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T Town of Bridgton 3 Chase St., Bridgton, ME Anne Krieg: Director of Planning, Economic & Community Development, Liaison to Bridgton Economic Development Corporation www.bridgetonedc.com Creating a great place to work—and live Bridgton Economic Development

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