Category: Success Stories

BDN Community, Bangor Daily News LINCOLN — PK Floats of Lincoln has been named the Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s Business of the Year for 2022. The honor was presented to...

Lori Valigra, Bangor Daily News Stephen Buckley, who installs solar panels for Synergy Solar, is the type of unconventional worker the state of Maine is targeting to fill its workforce...

Carly D’Eon, News Center Maine Click here to view the video of this news piece. BANGOR, Maine — The fight to close the gender pay gap is a nation-wide effort....

BDN Community, Bangor Daily News BANGOR – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding Eastern Maine Development Corporation $1.5 million for assessing and funding cleanup activities at brownfield sites. This...

BDN Community, Bangor Daily News BANGOR – Eastern Maine Development Corporation was awarded $600,000 to provide workforce development services to young people and businesses in Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and...

Susan Farley, Fox Bangor STATEWIDE — This week is National Entrepreneurship Week, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is investing more than $1 million in loan and...

Evan Houk, Morning Sentinel Rangeley-based Big Lake Development LLC is among the groups moving to relaunch ski operations on Big Moose Mountain as part of a project that backers say...

US News SACO, Maine (AP) — A charitable foundation in Maine is giving out a series of grants to help with transportation for older residents of the state. Maine has...

Bangor Daily News BANGOR – At Eastern Maine Development Corporation ’s annual board meeting, EMDC announced its 2021 awards recipients. Two honorees were recognized for each of the three award...

Bangor Daily News Since November 2020, the Town of Island Falls partnered with Eastern Maine Development Corporation to help develop its comprehensive plan. The plan was recently approved by the...

Bangor Daily News WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Maine Development Corporation, based in Bangor, has received a 2021 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations for the...

By Peter Van Allen Northern Maine’s long-term economic viability has always had a vulnerable side, with the ever-changing situation with logging and paper mills, but it took on new importance...

When it comes to starting a business, Maine gets strong marks in a state ranking released Tuesday by personal finance website WalletHub. Maine came in at No. 13 in the...

PORTLAND — Facing an aging population and a labor shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Maine business, faith, education, civic and immigrant leaders held a virtual forum to urge U.S....

On July 1, 2021, the Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) released their new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), 2021-2025. It identifies goals and objectives for the Eastern Maine region that guide economic growth and...

Eastern Maine Development Corporation updates its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy every five years using U.S. Economic Development Administration guidelines. The CEDS identifies goals and objectives to guide economic growth and regional resiliency in...

The four counties overseen by the Eastern Maine Development Corp. have many avenues of opportunity to stengthen their economy in the next five years, but also have some big challenges...

Facing an aging population and a labor shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on Friday, June 18, 2021, Maine business, faith, education, civic and immigrant leaders held a virtual forum...

T he federal government has awarded $10.6 million to seven community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, around Maine. The money, from the U.S. Treasury Department’s CDFI Rapid Response Program, is...

BANGOR — The Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is working to keep young adults in Maine. The group’s Young Mainer’s Workforce Academy connects people ages 16 to 24 to paid...

EAST MILLINOCKET — Eastern Maine Community College will be holding a nursing program information session at the Katahdin Higher Education Center on Tuesday, June 1 from 3–5 p.m. Anyone who...

Ever since the Maine craft beer boom began in earnest about a decade ago, the majority of the more than 100 new breweries that have opened since then have been...

Eastern Maine Development Corporation welcomes new Senior Accountant Lisandro Jimenez. Jimenez has seven years of experience working in accounting. He holds an MBA from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville,...

BANGOR — The Bangor Art Society is hosting its 2021 Open Juried Show at the Eastern Maine Development Cooperation. Teddi-Jann Covell, president of the Bangor Art Society, said this is...

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Works from artists throughout the community are on display in a bit of an unconventional but beautiful way. The Bangor Art Society is holding its second...

     “We want to honor the history of this property while making good use of it as an economic engine for the region,” says Kathryn Toppan, one half of the...

GREENVILLE/BANGOR — The Finance Authority of Maine has approved $135 million in bonds to develop a ski resort in the Moosehead Lake area. The President and CEO of Eastern Maine...

AUBURN — The Androscoggin County Commission received a presentation Wednesday from Susan Cerini, the director of workforce services for Eastern Maine Development Corp. Cerini spelled out the services her organization...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine announced that the Economic Development Administration is investing $280,000 to support existing small businesses, attract new ones, and...

GO Lab had spent three years putting together a plan to produce wood fiber insulation at the former Madison paper mill. All that was left was to finalize financing for...

Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s Maine PTAC Program Director Ken Bloch received national recognition from the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. Bloch was awarded the 2021 Betty McDonald Outstanding Member...

Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s Maine PTAC Program Director Ken Bloch received national recognition from the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. Bloch was awarded the 2021 Betty McDonald Outstanding Member...

Maine – Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s (EMDC) Maine PTAC Program Director, Ken Bloch, received national recognition from the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC). Bloch was awarded the 2021...

Gallatin, TN April 1, 2021 – The Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) is pleased to announce that Ken Bloch, Program Manager of the Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center...

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Development of a ski resort with year-round attractions on 1,700 acres overlooking Moosehead Lake in the unorganized territory outside of Greenville could include tax increment financing, in which...

GO Lab Inc., the startup planning to manufacture wood fiber insulation products in the former Madison paper plant, will receive $85 million in bonds the company sought through the Finance...

Eastern Maine Development Corp. in Bangor hired Thatien Munyaneza as director of finance. Munyaneza has 20 years of experience in accounting, financial management and administration for international nonprofit and educational...

BANGOR —Eastern Maine Development Corporation has hired Thatien Munyaneza to lead their finance team as director of finance. He has 20 years of experience working in accounting, financial management and...

Maine Business and Higher Education Leaders Announce New Compact on Immigration Eighty-two chambers of commerce, trade associations, businesses and institutions of higher education unite around the need for sensible immigration...

PISCATAQUIS — A Greenville ski resort is getting a new look and investors said the new resort will be an economic driver for the region. Developers plan to spend $75...

Piscataquis County commissioners on Tuesday formally backed the development of a year-round resort with new ski lifts, a hotel, marina, condominiums and more at the site of a longtime ski...

Bucksport’s transformation from a dying mill town to a magnet for new businesses, residents and visitors is a tale of planning and partnerships. That was the message from the town’s manager,...

KATAHDIN REGION — It’s tough to get a comprehensive plan approved by one town. What happens when three towns try to develop one together? The towns of East Millinocket, Medway,...

Maine’s Connecting with Opportunities Initiative has been developed in response to the ongoing opioid crisis, which has severely impacted all areas of our state. The federal government estimates well over...

The communities of East Millinocket, Medway and Millinocket have collaborated on one of the  State of Maine’s first multi-jurisdictional comprehensive plans. Eastern Maine Development Corporation provided consulting services on the...

As the New Year unfolds, many are wondering what the future holds for Maine’s business community. President/CEO of Eastern Maine Development Corporation lee Umphrey said the general health of Maine’s...

BREWER, Maine (WABI) – Members of our community in recovery are working hard every single day to prove themselves in the wake of their past. Getting a job can be...

BREWER, Maine (WABI) – Active addiction is a crisis in our communities. But, from countless stories of destruction are remarkable stories of redemption. Now, a new grant is helping workforce...

A proposed $75 million ski resort overlooking Moosehead Lake could bring development and numerous visitors to Piscataquis County. And even though Maine already has a number of ski resorts, ski...

By Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News Staff A Knox County developer and Louisiana nonprofit are proposing to build a year-round resort with new ski lifts, a hotel, marina, condominiums and...

Friday, January 8th from 11:30-12:30 PM EST, was the 5th installment of Governor Mills Opioid Response Seminar Series and focused on Maine’s Connecting with Opportunities initiative funded by the US...

BANGOR – The Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is helping those struggling with opioid use disorder get opportunities. “I’ve struggled on and off my whole life, and now with EMDC...

The Guilford company was recognized for ramping up its nasal swab production to meet testing needs during the pandemic. A century-old Maine company that has been named Inc. magazine’s 2020...

Presenting Inc.’s Company of the Year: A medical supplier in remote Maine executed a lightning-fast expansion to meet an historic challenge. The alarm sounded twice on Saturday, March 14. First...

GUILFORD, Maine (WABI) – Puritan Medical Products – based in Guilford – has been named Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Company of the Year for their efforts during the pandemic. The company...

Governor Mills and the Maine Dept. of Labor congratulate the company for their national recognition. AUGUSTA, Maine — Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor Laura...

The third phase of federal CARES Act funding will go to qualified retail, tourism, hospitality, and other businesses as they prepare for upcoming challenges BANGOR, Maine — Even though we...

BANGOR — An iconic local building — which had been on the market for 15 years — has finally been sold. Norumbega Hall, which was previously owned by Eastern Maine Development...

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) -A large building in downtown Bangor has been purchased by a developer. Known as Norumbega Hall, the building at 40 Harlow Street houses the Zillman Art Museum,...

A Bangor property development company has purchased 40 Harlow St., a prominent downtown Bangor building better known as Norumbega Hall, from economic development nonprofit Eastern Maine Development Corporation. Canuck Investments,...

Peter Kealy spent eight of the past 10 Christmases behind bars in Massachusetts. This year, Kealy, 42, who goes by the nickname Pat, planned to mark the holiday at a...

  KATAHDIN REGION – Helping businesses navigate a global pandemic wasn’t what Katahdin Region Development Board (KRDB) Director Mike Elliot had in mind when he signed on to the job...

Maine has a challenge in keeping young people here in the state. But as owners and employers, we can do our part to keep them here, or get them to...

** If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, there are local resources available. You can reach out to Ashley Pesek at Opiate Free Island Partnership by...

BANGOR — The second phase of funding from the Maine Economic Recovery Grant program is now available and being distributed to businesses and nonprofits. In partnership with the Maine Development...

EMDC provided technical assistance to 660 businesses and non-profits and distributed a total of $28.4M since Nov. 13 Phase 2 of funding from the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program is...

LEWISTON — A regional effort is underway to help support those who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. During a virtual session Tuesday, officials from Eastern Maine Development Corp....

Phase 2 of funding from the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program is being distributed. In partnership with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Eastern Maine Development Corporation...

“The goal is to connect people – who have been impacted personally or indirectly by the opioid crisis – with education, training and meaningful employment,” says EMDC’s Recovery and Re-Entry...

Eastern Maine Development Corporation and Community Concepts schedule virtual information session 1 p.m. Dec. 15 to share important details BANGOR AND LEWISTON — Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) and Community...

New Initiative to Help Workers in Lewiston and Auburn Displaced by COVID-19 Access Resources and Regain Employment Eastern Maine Development Corporation and Community ConceptsSchedule Virtual Information Session December 15th at...

Applications are Open December 4th from 9:00am-2:00pmTourism, Hospitality & Retail Recovery Grant ProgramUp to $20,000 each for eligible applicants About the Grant Created by Governor Janet T. Mills and Maine...

  KATAHDIN REGION – Since he began his job almost two years ago Katahdin Region Development Board (KRDB) Executive Director Mike Elliott has attended countless meetings, shaken hundreds of hands...

Through a partnership with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), EMDC is distributing $19 million in COVID-19 relief to businesses and nonprofits in Eastern Maine. In their...

BANGOR — During the past few weeks, Eastern Maine Development Corporation officials delivered  $19 million to more than 430 businesses and nonprofit groups in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Waldo counties. It...

Maine’s Economic Recovery Grant Program, funded by the federal CARES Act, announced awards of up to $100,000 to businesses across the state Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Waldo Counties – Through...

BANGOR — Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) has received a 2020 Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the state’s Connecting with Opportunities Initiative. EMDC partnered...

Eastern Maine Development Corp. has announced the addition of Kim Smith as a loan officer. Smith, who has 17 years of experience in the field, most recently served as branch manager...

Connecting with Opportunities Initiative only Project Recognized in New England; New Statewide Workshops to Promote Initiative Begin November 18th WASHINGTON, DC and BANGOR, ME – Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC)...

Instead of an in person auction, it will be broadcast live on their Facebook page. BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The Bangor Art Society’s annual art auction will look a little...

Anna Stockman, community planner, has joined Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s (EMDC) Community & Business Services Team. Stockman is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, and has a bachelors...

Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s (EMDC) lending program is getting a boost from a new loan officer with over 17 years of experience. EMDC is pleased to welcome Kim Smith, who...

USDA Rural Development is investing $295,520 in Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program funds in economic development organizations across Maine to provide training and technical assistance to rural small businesses. The funding...

This Story Map features projects awarded through NADO’s 2020 Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Awards and the Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards. The Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their...

COVID-19 has upended our lives. We’ve been confronted by unpleasant realities and faced with unexpected challenges. In our communities, long-standing social problems have grown worse. Suicides are on the rise....

Best Practices in Resilience Planning to Support Economic Recovery Thursday, October 22, 2020 1:45pm to 3:00pm Many EDDs are currently in the process of spending their EDA CARES Act funding...

A new state program is opening doors to education, training and employment — giving greater stability and added purpose to life. By Lee Umphrey and Doug Dunbar Hope, optimism and...

Congratulations to the 2020 NADO Photo Contest winners and runners-up!  This year, nearly 120 images were submitted from members across the country that demonstrated what makes their regions great places to...

EMDC is providing individualized assistance to those applying for this funding. For help, contact either of the staff people below: Ryan Grindle, Regional Development Coordinator, EMDC: rgrindle@emdc.org • (207) 974-3247...

WASHINGTON — Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission in Saco is one of the organizations receiving funds that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by...