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Building production networks for increased efficiency and impact.
On this page:
 Vision and Strategy
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.
Desired Outcomes
- 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
Each month MWC picks a project to feature that we perceive as moving the Maine Woods towards the desired outcomes outlined above. If
you would like to submit your project for consideration, email
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Northern Border Regional Commission Funded
By Shaunacy Cobb, Mountain Counties Heritage
 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.
“The economic development commission will now
be able to begin working for the people of Maine and the northern border
region,” said Michaud. “If there was ever a time to get this commission off the
ground it is now. This commission will help our most economically distressed
areas by funding projects that will create jobs and promote business
development.”
The Commissions core functions
are:
- to assess the needs and assets of the region,
- develop economic and infrastructure strategies
and provide grants to support development,
- encourage private investment,
- develop priorities in a regional plan with 5-year
goals,
- work with states and locals to develop model
development legislation,
- and encourage interstate cooperation.
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.”
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