Building production networks for increased efficiency and impact.

On this page:

• Vision and Strategy
• Desired Outcomes
• MWC Tourism Committee
  
• Feature Project: Northern Border Regional Commission Funded
  

Given that our regional economy is characterized by many small scale enterprises, we must develop approaches that link these enterprises into more effective systems to increase production efficiencies and to expand market reach. We see opportunities for new or stronger production networks in tourism, wood product manufacturing, agriculture, and handcraft, among other asset-based sectors.

• Diverse and thriving asset-based businesses operating as part of efficient production systems resulting in more middle class jobs
• Stronger local markets for local goods
• Increase in exportation of local goods
  
• Economic opportunity for Maine Woods individuals and families meets or exceeds Maine average

The MWC Tourism Committee is working to combine the local knowledge of its members with a regional perspective to reduce redundancy, leverage synergies, and advance the principles of Rural Destination Tourism and a triple bottom line approach (economy, community, environment) among tourism initiatives in the Maine Woods. The committee is charged with:

• Continuing to work with the Betterment Fund to guide direct strategic tourism investment to initiatives with the potential to create living wage jobs,
• Coordinating efforts to advance the principles of Rural Destination Tourism,
• Monitoring and guiding the implementation of the Maine Woods Tourism Training Initiative.
  

• Katahdin “Made by Hand” Maine Woods Discovery Package
  Developing a multi-dimensional tourism package to introduce visitors to the rich variety of craft traditions and artisans in the Maine Woods. Sponsored by the Maine Craft Association, partnering with the New England Outdoor Center.
  
• Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Center Website
  Creating a high quality interactive website as an immediate sales outlet for tribal artists and craftspeople. Also serving as part of Four Directions Development Corporation's planning process for development of a Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Center.  
  
• Maine Woods Tourism Training Initiative
  Description below, click here to read more.
  

• Franklin County Tourism Network
  A county level prototype intended to create opportunities for business growth and product development, focusing on Franklin County's four season destination offerings. FCTN is currently focused on participating as a prototype county for the Maine Woods Tourism Training Initiative and the on the updating of the Franklin Heritage Loop Map.
  
• Maine Woods Discovery
  A regional prototype that includes large scale businesses and small scale service providers teaming up to offer visitors high quality opportunities to experience the region’s natural destinations, authentic cultural traditions, and distinctive local products. This group is currently working on developing winter packages. To view packages, visit www.mainewoodsdiscovery.com.

President Obama signed the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act into law which includes $1.5 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). Congressman Mike Michaud from Maine's Second Congressional District authored the legislation. The NBRC is charged with investing in the economic development of the most economically distressed areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and parts of Upstate New York. Maine Woods counties included are: Aroostook, Franklin, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington.

Approximately 40% of funding will be used to develop transportation, public, and telecommunications infrastructure. Half of the funding will be used for "distressed" counties and "isolated areas of distress". 

The NBRC’s approach to regional economic development is based on the highly successful Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) model. “This effective public–private partnership model has enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support because it works and because it has been a good investment for the American taxpayer. For example, in Fiscal Year 2005, each dollar of ARC funding leveraged $2.57 in other public funding and $8.46 in private funding. This represents a tremendous return on investment.”