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27 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 E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T " W hy should I bring my business to eastern Washington County?" is a question that 's often asked of Julie Jordan, director for Downeast Economic Development. Jordan will quickly point out that if you are looking to grow your business, then Downeast Washington County is strategically located to offer manufacturers access to Canada, Europe and Asia via road, rail, air or shipping. She sug- gests that prospective employers take a look at St. Croix Tissue to get a good picture of how the area's local governments, agencies and other businesses will all work together to create a smooth and successful expansion or relocation. For example, Washington County Community College, located in Calais, worked side by side with St. Croix Tissue, located in Baileyville, to develop a curriculum to train new employees in the operation of its state- of-the-art tissue-making equipment. "Collaborative efforts such as this are typical of how we do business," says Jordan. Downeast Economic Development was formed in 2015 as a joint venture between the municipalities of Calais (pronounced "Cal-is") and Baileyville. Overall goals are to attract businesses that are looking to expand, support the growth of the area's ex- isting businesses and encourage start-up businesses to consider Downeast Washington County for their base of operations. Specifically, the group is currently looking to leverage some of the St. Croix Valley's natural assets—a water bottling plant for its aquifer, which can produce 3,000 gallons of water per min- ute; packaging plants that can be used to incorporate cranberries and wild blueberries into other products (skin care and beauty products, food, juices, etc.); and furniture as well as other wood- related product manufacturers. "For those companies that are looking to streamline operations, we are an ideal location for the packaging and transportation of goods to market," says Jordan. e St. Croix Valley's way of life—a welcoming and relaxed environment that is a step back from the hustle and bustle of urban living—is one of its biggest draws. e region's excellent infrastructure, dedicated and available workforce and median home price (between $60,000 and $70,000) work together to create a strong business climate for employers and a great living environment for employees and their families—all in a setting that is unparalleled for its natural beauty. Calais serves as the retail and service hub for Washington County as well as for its international neighbor, St. Stephen, New Brunswick. In 2015, 1,227,000 passengers crossed the Canadian/U.S. border. e City has three bridges that cross into Canada and works closely with Canadian business leaders and government officials to foster the ever-growing tourism industry. Calais and St. Stephen co-host an annual International Festival that show- cases communities on both sides of the border. Baileyville, which is located seven miles north of Calais and is situated along U.S. Routes 1 and 9, serves as the manufacturing center for the area. Woodland Pulp LLC, St. Croix Tissue, Xpress Natural Gas, Fulghum Fibres and Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline all produce their goods in Baileyville. In addition, "Baileyville is home to a commercial park that is permitted, surveyed and ready to go," says Jordan. Route 9, the first leg of the east/west highway, connects to Interstate 95 in Brewer. Both municipalities enjoy a robust transportation infrastructure. Air service, via the Princeton Municipal Airport is nearby (just north of Baileyvillle) and can handle small jets, clear customs and refuel planes. e City of Eastport (just south of Calais) is a major transportation hub for goods being shipped to Europe and Asia and is one of eight natural deep-water ports on the East Coast. Rail service to Canada and Eastport is available in conjunction with Woodland Pulp LLC. Main Street in Calais is home to several historic buildings. And local merchants, along with City officials, have worked hard to bring back the "old-fashioned Main Street" through its revi- talization efforts. Jordan is currently looking for retro retailers to open stores such as a five and dime, complete with soda fountain. DEDC works to pair new and established businesses with the resources they need to grow and succeed. Tax incentives, financing packages, commercial real estate and business assis- tance programs are all offered through Baileyville and Calais, and DEDC is on hand to provide any needed assistance. As Jordan explains, "For those businesses that like to have an edge on their competition, then they should try the edge—Downeast Washington County—the next new hot spot." l Top: Main Street in Calais is home to several historic buildings and local merchants. Bottom: Woodland Pulp LLC is one of a number of companies that make Baileyville a vibrant center of manufacturing. P H O T O B Y K E R R Y M I C H A E L S P H O T O B Y K E R R Y M I C H A E L S Your bridge to global markets Downeast Economic Development 11 Church Street, Calais/63 Broadway, Baileyville Julie Jordan, Director www.downeasteconomicdevelopment.com Downeast Economic Development

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