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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 6 from the region's papermaking past to a more diverse economy that includes tourism as one of its anchors. Investing in a future Matt Polstein founded the New England Outdoor Center in 1982 to provide whitewater rafting on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, then expanded in 1995 with a full-ser- vice adventure resort on Millinocket Lake that includes lodging, a restau- rant and a variety of wildlife tours. He's doubling down on his invest- ment in the region, having purchased a long-vacant building on Penobscot Avenue in a foreclosure auction. "I was the only bidder for a 5,000-square-foot building that I was able to purchase for $5,000," Polstein says. At the time of the purchase, Polstein says he had "no great confi - dence" that a proposal by Elliotsville Plantation Inc. to turn its vast hold- ings into a national park or monument would come to pass. He simply wanted to "make sure something positive hap- pened" to a building that was at risk of becoming permanently derelict. He also wanted to add a venue that would encourage visitors to spend more time in downtown Millinocket. "We know that having an attrac- tive downtown strengthens the quality of the experience we want visitors to have," he says. Polstein fi gures he will spend "a couple hundred thousand dollars" in renovations. When completed, he says, part of the building will become an offi ce for Tom Shaff er's Maine Heritage Timber Co., which is tapping the unique market value of water- logged wood lining the bottom of a nearby lake, a vestige of log drives to the Great Northern Paper mill. Other possibilities include building modular components of tiny houses there and, perhaps, opening a bike shop once he fi nishes building a bike trail system. "It's a statement of our confi dence in the future of Millinocket," he says. " e [national monument] designa- tion brands this region in a way that is going to be a huge jumpstart to eff orts already underway. It puts a new spring to our step, a new confi dence." Newcomers bring fresh energy "We love it, we feel the timing is really good," says Jessica Masse, who with her husband, John Haff ord, purchased the former Wreath Factory building at 135 Penobscot Ave. last year in a strategic decision to relo- cate their graphic design and social media marketing fi rm, designlab, to downtown Millinocket. Built in 1925 as home to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the three-story brick building already shows evidence of fresh investment. Its fi rst-fl oor offi ce and design studio space is bright and inviting. An adjacent meeting room features a distinctive long wooden table that's been put to good use hosting meet- ings of local business groups brain- storming ways to diversify and boost the region's economy. Both are thrilled by the designation of an 87,500-acre national monument along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. "We've been working very hard to get people onboard in seeing the positive side of attracting more tour- ists to this region," says Haff ord. "But I've talked to no one in this region who thinks the only thing we're going to do to rebuild our local economy is tourism." " e Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is not the answer to this region's problems," Masse quickly adds. "But it is part of the solution. It's an important part of the diversifi cation of the local economy that has to happen here." Haff ord and Masse both hail from Aroostook County. With a back- ground in fi ne art and illustration, Haff ord headed several successful business ventures before becoming the director of marketing for ATX Forms Inc., a tax preparation and tax research software fi rm in Caribou that sold for more than $40 million in 2002. After the sale, he created design- lab, which over the last decade has Keeping up with today's business needs. Visit Patrons.com to find an independent Maine agent near you. We've been in business more than 135 years, and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. Insuring Maine Business — Insuring Maine People Employment Practices Liability Insurance, EPLI Equipment and Mechanical Breakdown Business Property and Liability Insurance Products Welcome, James! (207) 532-4277 KatahdinTrust.com James A. Mattila Assistant Vice President Commercial Services Officer Katahdin Trust is pleased to welcome James Mattila to our business banking team as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Services Officer. James will be responsible for business lending and development in the southern Aroostook area serving customers from the Bank's branches in Houlton and Patten. 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C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » N O R T H E R N M A I N E F O C U S The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's Monument is not THE answer to the region's problems. But it is part of the solution. It's an important part of the diversification of the local economy that has to happen here. — Jessica Masse,co-owner of designlab

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