Mainebiz

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 28 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 I n 2009, Pete Roberts founded Origin USA to re-engineer and manufacture a new brand of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle Gear. Where did Roberts choose to start and grow his company? In Franklin County, where he was raised. "We find that entrepreneurs are here because they want to live here," says Greater Franklin Development Council Executive Director Alison Hagerstrom. "Not all entrepreneurs want to be in Portland, Bangor or Boston. ey want to be where they have personal connections. People think that, to be an entrepreneur, you have to be close to the city for the market and workforce. at's not necessarily true." GFDC has been instrumental in helping Roberts—connect- ing him with resources to locate space and grow his workforce. Starting with just two or three people, he now employs more than a dozen—and counting. Earlier this year, he was keynote speaker at Entrepreneurs Connect, a biannual event founded in 2015 by GFDC, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Business Center at CEI, and designed for local entrepreneurs to be inspired, think big and challenge themselves to take their business to the next level. at includes people like Andrew Marble of Marble Family Farms, who is expanding his family's offerings with new products such as pocket food called e Hottie, using locally sourced ingredients. When they needed resources and connections as they navigate their way through growth mode, Matthew Swan of Tumbledown Brewing and Meghan Allen of Richards' Florist also turned to GFDC. Entrepreneurs Connect is just the latest GFDC initiative to create and retain quality employment opportunities in Franklin County by attracting new businesses, assisting local employers and encouraging entrepreneurship. For businesses of all sizes, GFDC is a connector and facilitator, focused on business attraction, retention and growth, and helping companies realize their potential in a setting that is both aesthetically spectacular and economically vibrant. Established in 1998 by a group of local business people in an effort to strengthen economic development in the area, GFDC is a nonprofit organization that has forged strategic partnerships with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Coastal Enterprises Inc., Maine & Co., Maine Small Business Development Centers, and the Maine Department of Labor's Career Centers. "Business in Franklin County is in growth mode, and we're here to support them," says Hagerstrom. Collaboration is key to the organization's success. "No one agency or person can do it all." As it happens, Franklin County has it all, and GFDC helps businesses tap into the resources they need to be successful. As western Maine's economic hub, Franklin County is the gateway to U.S. and Canadian markets. Just off the beaten path, it's one of the most beautiful places in New England, with numerous lifestyle and recreational opportunities for local residents and a thriving tourism sector. Like the rest of Maine, Franklin County enjoys one of the nation's most advanced and reliable telecom- munication networks. e Auburn Foreign Trade Zone is only 45 miles from Franklin County's center, allowing companies to save money and compete internationally. Transportation facilities are excellent: e greater Franklin County area is within two hours of two major airports and is served by multiple local airports, state highways, freight rail, and deepwater seaports. GFDC's programs ensure businesses receive the support they need to tap into these advantages. GFDC has drawn or aided successful enterprises in industries such as wood products, manu- facturing, natural resources, tourism, information technology, and health care. For example, GFDC worked with TransCanada, an independent power producer based in Alberta, Canada, which in 2010 completed construction of New England's largest wind project, the Kibby Wind Power Project, near Eustis. Poland Spring, the nation's leading bottler of natural spring water, opened a plant in Kingfield in 2009 with 40 employees, and has since nearly doubled its workforce. Barclaycard US, headquartered in Wilmington, Del., opened a branch in Wilton and now employs nearly 380 workers. NotifyMD, providing healthcare communication solutions, opened in Farmington in 2007; now part of Stericycyle Communication Solutions, the company has more than 75 employees. "When it comes to prosperity in this area, we have a hand in it, particularly with our partners," says Hagerstrom. "Together, we can make it happen." l Top: Origin USA owner Pete Roberts, Governor's Account Manager Diane M. Jackson, Greater Franklin Development Council Executive Director Alison Hagerstrom, Ben Tucker from the office of Senator Angus King, Samantha Warren from the office of Congressman Bruce Poliquin and Carlene Tremblay from the office of Senator Susan Collins stand with one of the looms used in Roberts' business. Bottom: Greater Franklin Development Council Executive Assistant Morgan Spencer, left, and Executive Director Alison Hagerstrom. P H O T O C O U R T E S Y G R E A T E R F R A N K L I N D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L P H O T O C O U R T E S Y G R E A T E R F R A N K L I N D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L Greater Franklin Development Council 165 Front St., Farmington, ME Economic Development Alison Hagerstrom, Executive Director Founded in 1998 www.greaterfranklin.com Greater Franklin Development Council Connecting business with resources

• Cover