What's New Archives

> Aroostook EZ Eyes Federal Spending
The lead agency for the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone is hoping that a cache of money set aside for the Aroostook EZ in the fiscal year 2010 agriculture appropriations spending bill will be fully approved for projects in the region.
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> Aroostook County Tourism Announces Development of New Visitor Guide
After reviewing several proposals the Aroostook County Tourism board has chosen TDG Communications, Inc., a Deadwood, SD-based firm to create a new visitor guide for Aroostook County.

> Aroostook Organic Farm Secures Grant for Mail Order Catalogue
Bridgewater, Maine: The struggle to keep a family farm alive sometimes can seem like a lonely effort for small farmers in Maine. Family farmers don’t have the marketing muscle of multinational corporate agribusinesses. The grant which Wood Prairie Farm received came from the Small Manufacturing Industry Effectiveness Program (SMIEP) of the Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC).
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> Governor Baldacci Announces Mobilize Maine Initiative
Governor John E. Baldacci joined officials from FairPoint Communications, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Quality of Place Council and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to announce the Mobilize Maine Initiative. Mobilize Maine is a locally driven initiative that provides regional data and growth forecasting to economic development professionals throughout the State.

Click Here to read more.

> NMDC Success Story

Fifteen years ago, Kevin Simmons came to us with
a vision of reviving a hotel in Caribou that had been foreclosed on. Simmons and NMDC's Business Finance Department put together a package to help finance the purchase. With his family behind him and continued success, he also purchased another large hotel in Presque Isle. Both establishments are popular destinations for people visiting Aroostook or looking for a classy place to dine. Now diagnosed with leukemia, he is still determined to own and operate both facilities and is actively watching what is happening in Aroostook County and very much glad to be part of it. Congratulations on your 15 years of success.

> Governor Directs DOT Action on Aroostook Highway Project
Governor John E. Baldacci announced that he has instructed the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to advance an Aroostook County transportation project so that construction can begin in 2010. The Caribou Connector included in the Aroostook County Transportation Study will become a stand-alone project separate from the Presque Isle Bypass Segment.

Click Here to view the complete press release and a listing of transportation investments in Aroostook 2009.

> Grant for Solid Waste Management Services
A $97,000 grant from USDA Rural Development will allow NMDC to assist communities with their solid waste management needs.

> Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Program
The USDA has awarded $500,000 to NMDC for a revolving loan fund for small businesses affected by the tightening credit crunch.