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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 6 M I D C O A S T / D OW N E A S T R E G I O N F O C U S those island communities face, which is that everything costs more than on the mainland — food, energy, health care, building supplies. An "acute" lack of aff ordable housing, limited employment opportunities and aging populations complicate those challenges. Deese says 74% of Isle au Haut's year- round residents are self-employed. e island has 18 active off shore lobstering licenses, she adds, accounting for almost half the island's year-round population. "For most of the islands along the coast, the local economy is completely dependent on off shore lobstering," she says. "It used to be much more diver- sifi ed 20 years ago. So that's a risk." Since 1990, island populations over- all have increased 5.7% as compared to the state's overall growth of 8.2%. But most of that increase has been in Casco Bay, the report states. Isle au Haut, for example, reported a population of 45 in spring 2014, down 38.36% from the 2010 U.S. Census fi gure of 73. e median age on the 15 year-round islands remains signifi cantly higher than the state as a whole, with Isle au Haut reporting 31% of its house- holds having one or more people over age 65. at's another risk, as Deese writes in her report: " is continuing trend may have implications for the strength of island-based workforces, schools and community diversity." Overall student enrollment for the 15 islands has declined 18% since 2002. Enrollment at Isle au Haut's one-room school currently is fi ve students. "Schools are a central component of a year-round island community," the report states. "Given the small size of many island schools, slight enrollment declines can be cause of concern." But Deese says Maine's islands have a long history of meeting their challenges head-on — citing as exam- ples the end of the great age of sail and the demise of granite-quarrying — and says it's no less true today. " e islands are so determined to keep their community strong," she says. " ey are continually building the economic base they need to sustain themselves well into the future." Top problem? Affordable housing Tall, thin and solidly built, John DeWitt makes his living as a lobster- man. But he's also a carpenter, mason and skilled woodworker who's building with his wife, fi fth-generation islander Kendra Chubbuck, a new home at Head Harbor. He also serves as the town's fi rst selectman, an elected posi- tion that carries with it administrative www.bhbt.com • 888-853-7100 Scott is skilled at coming up with big ideas and making them happen. As a writer and history buff he collaborated with The Ellsworth American on a project getting children to write stories about The Grand, an historic theater. It was a win-win-win. Bring your next big idea to Scott and put his knowledge and creative talents to work for the benefit of your business. You'll find it to be a winning collaboration. Call Scott today at 207-288-2631. Photo by: Chris Pinchbeck Meet Scott Shields, Business Banker and Creative Thinker The newly renovated Bangor International Airport is really something to see. From automated, self check-in kiosks to relaxing, comfortable places to wait. It's a brighter, more spacious passenger services area. All designed to make the first part of your trip easy and enjoyable. Visit flybangor.com or come see the real thing! Comfortable seats. More room. First-class service. All before take-off. BGR_ME_Biz_100616.indd 1 10/6/16 1:24 PM C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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