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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 C entral Maine's Kennebec Region is the sweet spot in Maine to locate your business. It offers a competitive price point for both land and labor; and it's far enough north to avoid Boston rents and Boston wages, yet far enough south to be close to markets and people. Within a 60-mile radius lives a population of three-quarters of a million, over half of Maine's workforce, who are able to com- mute freely on uncongested highways. In the center is FirstPark, a 285-acre campus of pre-permitted, shovel-ready sites, with protective covenants and a low-density, campus-like setting that features innovative technology and reliable three-phase power. e Park is home to one of T-Mobile's most suc- cessful call centers that has for the past 11 years employed 700 people known for exceptional performance, reliability and low turnover. FirstPark is also home to many smaller ventures that have taken advantage of the good opportunities for lease, lease-purchase or sale. Because lots are pre-permitted, a business may move quickly to meet its needs for relocation, expansion or growth. Investments by the region's hospitals and colleges have created an unparalleled quality of life. Colby College, the city of Waterville and the state have together leveraged over $100 million in private investment to revitalize the city's downtown. e Alfond Foundation and three local colleges have created a new partnership between academia and industry to offer workforce training for the emerging innovation economy. Just an hour to the south is the Atlantic Ocean, with the best coastal sailing one can ask for. An hour north is New England's finest skiing. Central Maine itself is a land of lakes and rivers, where many local resi- dents enjoy year-round living in affordable shorefront homes. FirstPark is immediately adjacent to the state's central multi-modal transportation corridor. e entrance to FirstPark is 400 yards from access to I-95. Five airports—two of them international, one regional and two municipal—are all within an hour's drive. Central Maine is connected via commuter shuttle to Boston air and Amtrak service. FirstPark is only four hours from Quebec and the Maritimes and five hours from Montreal. Yet it is conveniently within reach of New England's urban centers. FirstPark contains 24 lots, of which six have been fully developed with 15 businesses on site. 18 lots are available for development. Eight of these are ready-to-build with paved streets and utilities including water, sewer, storm water detention ponds and fiber conduit. Electricity is supplied by 3-phase, 440-volt underground cable from duplicate feeds. Verizon and Fairpoint have provided the developed areas of the park with underground high-bandwidth fiber for optical data, voice and ancillary services. ese sophisticated features and the extraordinary service- mentality of Maine's willing workers are what first attracted T-Mobile to build a 78,000-square-foot call center in FirstPark. FirstPark is owned by the Kennebec Regional Development Authority (KRDA) whose 24 member towns invite developers to join the "Virtual Speculation Building Program." While site plans are under development, KRDA staff will seek permit approval. When the lead work is done, developers and investors may focus on ordering materials rather than dealing with permits. With a minimal investment, large dividends are possible. All of the lots are pre-permitted by state, federal and municipal regulators. Because the Park is a Pine Tree Zone, a new developer may receive major state concessions on sales and income taxes and on workforce training expenses. Six of the lots are visible from I-95. Because of the Park's access to the Interstate, it is an easy commute for a large population able and willing to work. KRDA is the most significant – and the most successful – pub- licly supported business development enterprise ever undertaken in central Maine. Contact the KRDA development office today at 207-859-9716 to discuss your business needs. With a full-service concierge approach, FirstPark is a one-stop shop for public and private business development. l In Central Maine, we offer streamlined business development with assistance every step of the way. Bring your business to FirstPark today. FirstPark/Kennebec Regional Development Authority 46 First Park Dr, Oakland, ME Economic Development Founded in 1998 www.firstpark.com/krda FirstPark/Kennebec Regional Development Authority • All utilities in place and underground • Abundant 3-phase power • All permitting complete • Redundant fiber optic cabling with transmission facilities in close proximity • Fast, flexible build-to-suit or purchase options • Low-density, campus-like setting with professional landscaping • 285 total acres, 150 buildable • Low cost with incentives • Close to local business organizations and support services FirstPark's Fully Serviced Building Sites include: FirstPark is the place to be. Business is moving here.

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