GREENVILLE— The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Committee (MLREDC) is delighted to announce a gift of $25,000 from Central Maine Power (CMP) to fund lighting for the Crafts Landing Park in Greenville. This gift will ensure visitors and locals are able to enjoy the park after the sun sets, which is key to the success of the MLREDC’S downtown revitalization efforts In Greenville. 

Plans for the park also include a paved plaza with an informational kiosk, as well as plantings of native shrubbery and flowers. The lit walking path with strategically placed benches will add to the enjoyment of all who visit. There are also plans to add docking slips for boat traffic, enhancing the experience of visitors and locals alike who prefer traveling by boat to downtown Greenville in the warmer months.

“This park was envisioned in the Downtown Master Plan commissioned by the Town of Greenville”, MLREDC President Steve Levesque said in an interview in May of this year. “It is part of our effort to help revitalize downtown, drawing more folks to the downtown from around the lake to shop, bank, dine, or enjoy musical performances, as well as arts and crafts events, community celebrations, or simply relaxing time at the shorefront.”

GoFundMe page launched for Crafts Landing Park

03/05/21

​We have launched a GoFundMe page to raise money to complete Crafts Landing Park, a public park right in East Cove on Moosehead Lake - and East Cove is right downtown so there are many accessible amenities. The area with contain free parking for watercraft on the to-be-installed waterfront docking and paths will wander through the green space with plantings and benches to sit on. Here is the link: e: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-finish-craft-landing-park?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1 If you are able, please donate, otherwise sharing is a great way to get the word out. Thank you so much!

The new stimulus package offers relief to businesses in the form of paycheck protection, loans, grants, and other programs. Many business owners find it difficult to navigate the options, often questioning which avenue is best, or if more than one option can be utilized. The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council has partnered with MaineStream Finance, the Piscataquis and Katahdin Region Chambers, and Destination Moosehead Lake in the creation of a grant prep packet, and NOW, a ZOOM call on FEB 4th at 3pm to discuss these resources in detail and answer your questions. Joining us on the call will be reps from local SBA lending institutions, including Bangor Savings Bank, Camden National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank. We will also hear details about the Community Development Block Grant, and resources offered through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Please call us or email with any questions! Georgia Underwood or John Shea Executive Director———207-564-3638

As you may have heard, the New Cares Act Package will include a new round of funding through the Paycheck Protection Program and EIDL loans. The Piscataquis County Economic Development Corporation has put together a Prep Packet for upcoming Covid-19 Grant and Loan programs. Grant Prep Package for Upcoming COVID-19 Grant & Loan Programs: PACKET FOR GRANT PREP Though they are still waiting on details, they have put together a GRANT-PREP PACKET with information on exactly what you will need to do NOW to be ready to apply for these and other funding opportunities when they go live, with links that will take you directly to their respective pages. This packet was created through a collaboration of the Piscataquis and Katahdin Chambers of Commerce, MaineStream Finance, and the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council. Please Call PCEDC or email them with any questions or, if you have any problems accessing the link! Georgia Underwood (georgia.underwood@pcedc.org)or John Shea Executive Director (john.shea@pcedc.org) 207-564-3638 Piscataquis County EDC: visit www.pcedc.org

Naomi Kirk-Lawlor, Senior Planner with theLand Use Planning Commission (LUPC) of Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announced they have launched their Moosehead Regional Planning Project website: https://moosehead-lake-region-cgpz-maine.hub.arcgis.com.  This will provide an opportunity for people to sign up for their email list which will be devoted to the project. The Commission will also be putting out a survey for everyone to write about their experiences Moosehead area, how they feel about this rare and beautiful part of the world. LUPC is currently in the beginning stages of this exciting Moosehead Region Planning Project.  According to their website, “The Commission is currently gathering input and comments from stakeholders in order to create several ‘Discussion Maps,’ hypothetical zoning maps that will be used to prompt community discussion during public meetings in the Summer of 2021.” You can stay informed by visiting their website to find out more.

Smart growth is a common-sense concept that helps communities welcome — and manage — growth while still maintaining their historic feel and natural beauty. GrowSmart Maine’s third annual Smart Growth Awards not only recognizes the diverse activities that contribute to smart growth but serve as real-life illustrations of the benefits it can bring. This year’s winners showcase bold yet practical solutions to such challenges as the need for affordable housing, rebuilding downtowns, reducing sprawl and conserving land for public use. They also showcase two Mainers who have contributed both regionally and statewide to building a better Maine. The 2020 winners include the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation for “Demonstrable Commitment to Smart Growth.” The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with a broad range of public and private community stakeholders, designed and implemented a plan for the region; a regional master plan, strategic regional action plans. The plan embodies the principles of Smart Growth and have already led to many tangible accomplishments: wayfinding infrastructure, free downtown Wi-Fi hot spots, a visiting artists’ colony, a summer music series and broad-scale village beautification projects. In the region’s village centers, these changes have already begun to catalyze increases in the number and variety of unique shops, restaurants and businesses operating on ground floors, with residents living on upper floors. Most recently, the organization acquired a major, in-town, waterfront property with a vision to form strategic partnerships and develop this property consistent with the Greenville Downtown Plan. Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation’s many accomplishments serve as a model of how smart growth and community vitality can be achieved in rural Maine communities.    This year’s judges were Maureen Drouin, executive director of Maine Conservation Voters; Chuck Lawton, retired economist; Paul Schumacher, executive director of the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission; and Gwen Hilton, commissioner of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission. GrowSmart Maine is an independent statewide non-profit, funded by member contributions and private and public charitable grants. Launched in 2018, GrowSmart’s Smart Growth Awards are designed to recognize all the diverse activities that contribute to smart growth and to serve as real-life illustrations of the benefits it can bring. The awards showcase the kind of projects, plans, and policies that support smart growth in all its diversity, whether it’s a plan for a walkable and inclusive village center, a development that is affordable and sustainably built, a successful new transit endeavor, or a community-supported adaptation to climate change that safeguards the built or natural environment. Thanks to Ethan Boxer-Macomber and GrowSmart Maine for this Press Release.  

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) has been awarded $2.8 million in federal funding to leverage private investment and generate capital for businesses in Hancock, Knox, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington counties. The funding is awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration’s Revolving Loan Fund, as part of the CARES Act Recovery Assistance to respond to the pandemic.

GREENVILLE— This past June, the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC) spearheaded the establishment of a waterfront park in downtown Greenville. The property, located on Lakeview Street with beautiful views of East Cove is now named Crafts Landing and Park, with a nod toward the Crafts family, whose history has been indelibly intertwined with the town of Greenville for well over a century. None of this would have been possible without the cooperation of previous landowner Earl (EJ) Richardson, Jr and MLREDC’s partnership with the Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Forest Society of Maine, the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council as well as more than 100 interested individuals, businesses and foundations who helped to make this park a reality. walking path with strategically placed benches will add to the enjoyment of those that visit. When funding is complete, there are also plans for a dock system, which will enable both motorized and non-motorized watercraft and seaplanes to have access directly to downtown.

Plans for the park include a paved plaza with an informational kiosk, as well as plantings of native shrubbery and flowers. A

 Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and other considerations, the plans for landscaping have been put on hold until next spring. “We were not able to do the plantings as we had originally thought,” said Margarita Contreni, Vice President of the MLREDC. “After meeting with Steve Doe, (Landscape Architect, Senior Project Manager at Sebago Technics, Inc.) a few weeks ago and discussing the finalization of plans and details to provide to contractors, we found realistically we had run out of time for this season.” she said. “We will be announcing a request for bids from contractors later this month.”   As it turns out, the town of Greenville has plans of its own to work on Lakeview Street, plans which probably will include tearing up the pavement, grading and resurfacing the road. This could potentially create a better solution for getting electric to the property and possibly allow a contractor to run wiring under the road instead of from the pole across the street. As things unfold next year, the MLREDC will continue to keep citizens of Greenville and interested parties undated on the exciting progress at Crafts Landing and Park.

The Small Business Virtual Forum |Aug 18 & 19 A two-day virtual forum for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Mainebiz brings together Maine’s best professionals to share their expertise, insight, knowledge, and experience on a variety of topics that business owners and managers need to know. This year we will be hosting a two-day virtual forum for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.  A portion of ticket sales will be donated to: Small Business Recovery & Relaunch Initiative  Day 1 ~ August 18, 2020  

• 2:00 PM | Webcast

The CEO/Business Owner Panel | Five Things You Need to Know Mainebiz has invited five CEOs from the Maine small business community to share their experience on “Five things you need to know to start up or run a small business”  Each panelist will discuss one thing you need to know to be successful.   Day 2 ~August 19, 2020  

• 10:00 AM | Webcast

Finding the funding to fuel your startup or small business ~ Hear from our panel of experts as they discuss what resources there are for grants, loans, investments, and other financing. Learn about what kinds of loans and funding you should consider and how to talk to your lender.    

• Noon | Keynote Interview

Senator Angus King Interviewed by Peter Van Allen, Editor of Mainebiz Grab your lunch and join Senator Angus King, as he talks to Mainebiz editor Peter Van Allen on the economic landscape for startup and small businesses in Maine, and what the state and federal government offers for resources and support. 

• 2:00 PM | Webcast

Commercial real estate 101 ~ Panel of experts will help you understand how to lease or buy commercial real estate.  Do you understand zoning options, types of lease terms, is leasing or buying a better option for you, and how to negotiate with landlords, developers?  How can the economic development offices help you? What are the top key things you need to know before investing or growing your business? For more information, visit them online at https://www.mainebiz.biz/mainebiz-events/2020-small-business-forum    

There is a new grant program available in Maine for small businesses that may be helpful for those in the Moosehead Lake Region. The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in partnership with the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) will provide grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees, with an owner whose income is in the low to moderate range as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eligibility criteria include: · Must be a Maine business · Must demonstrate a revenue loss as a direct consequence of COVID-19. Funds cannot duplicate those received from other federal, state or local programs (including other CDBG funds). · Must have five or fewer employees including the owner(s) · Must have a DUNS Number, which can be obtained here. · Owner's household income must be low/moderate as defined by HUD as verified by 2019 tax return. More details here. How to Apply?

Meet the Board

02/16/20

​President, Steve Levesque Steve Levesque is the current president of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation. He has been involved with the MLREDC since its inception in 2013. Steve has been a part-time resident of Greenville for nearly ten years and plans to make it his permanent home in two years, upon his retirement. Steve was born and brought up in Maine and is passionate about the state. He has devoted the past 30 years of his career to helping grow Maine’s economy and to creating vital sustainable communities.

Expansion of Public Wi-Fi System

12/01/19

Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation has expanded the public Wi-Fi system in Downtown Greenville and extended it to Greenville Junction.

Information Kiosk near the Katahdin in Downtown GreenvilleThe Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation has kicked off Phase 2 of our Wayfinding Initiative. Four Information Kiosks have been installed to help visitors locate the major outdoor public attractions in the Moosehead Lake Region. Three pedestal signs of Bonita Doughty’s Regional Business Directory Map have also been installed. The MLREDC gives special thanks to our Kiosk sponsors: Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Natural Resource Education Center at Moosehead, Somerset County, and Weyerhaeuser.

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi St. Jean, owner of St. Jean Social Media, as its new Administrator.

The Moosehead Lake EDC is aggressively implementing several action plans focused on enhancing the region as a premier tourist destination in the State of Maine and have made some significant investments in our infrastructure and visitor experiences. One of the key initiatives this year, involves working on an effort to encourage the development of a mid-priced destination hotel and conferencing facility in the Greenville area – working with existing businesses or attracting new investment.

​As Reported in the Bangor Daily News TOWNSHIP 1, RANGE 12, Maine — Standing on a wooded hill above Second Roach Pond, deep in the Maine wilderness, the new Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins opened to the public on July 1, offering its guests comfortable beds, hot showers, home-cooked meals, and a beautiful basecamp for outdoor adventures.

As Reported in the Bangor Daily News BIG MOOSE TOWNSHIP, Maine — For the better part of an hour, Brandon Prescott peered toward shore, watched a sporadically feeding trout sip at a passing caddis fly, and tried to make the perfect cast. “You’ve got to get it right in there,” guide Dan Legere said. “Six inches off the shore. That’s where he lives.”

​As Reported in the Bangor Daily News Abby Freethy plunked herself down at a long, wooden table painted a bright, cheerful shade of aquamarine, in the dining room at headquarters for Northwoods Gourmet Girl in Greenville. She heaved a sigh — a satisfied sigh, not a weary one.

Reported in the Piscataquis Observer Downtown Monson is undergoing a transformation thanks to the Portland-based Libra Foundation as the non-profit organization has purchased several buildings and is in the process of replacing these structures as part of its mission of making significant contributions to worthy causes across Maine.

Reported in the Piscataquis Observer The Forest Society of Maine (FSM), a land trust serving Maine’s North Woods, holds nearly 1 million acres of forestland in conservation easements. A good portion of the conservation easements we hold surround the Moosehead Lake region and extend to the north, west and east including many mountains, lakes and rivers. The conservation easements typically allow for continued sustainable forest management and the landowners, who still own the land, continue to pay taxes on the land. The public benefits from the permanently assured public access and the conservation of wildlife habitat, special natural areas, recreational assets, and scenic beauty the easements ensure.

Reported in the Bangor Daily News GREENVILLE, Maine — Faced with a declining and aging population and a stagnant economy, many stakeholders in the Moosehead Lake region are taking action to reverse these trends. Making changes to secure a better future over the next decade-plus was the subject of the Moosehead Lake Regional Master Plan Future Think Tank held Thursday and Friday at the Bartley Facility.

Reported in the Eastern Gazette BREWER – Premium Choice Broadband (PCB) of Brewer announced last week that it has completed its acquisition of Moosehead Enterprise of Greenville in a private sale.

By Jim Chasse, Superintendent of Greenville Consolidated School. As a recent Maine Focus article, “Wilderness and a way forward,” points out, population losses have fueled efforts by the Moosehead Lake ...

As reported in MaineBiz Magazine. The Leapfrog Group announced this week that eight Maine hospitals have been named to its 2016 top hospital list, which honors the highest performers on the group’s survey. Our own Charles A. Dean was one of the eight!

AMC taps Moosehead region contractors to build new Medawisla Lodge - MaineBiz

11/29/16

Reported in MaineBiz Magazine, by James McCarthy AMC taps Moosehead region contractors to build new Medawisla Lodge ... AMC ‘s spending in the Moosehead Lake and 100-Mile Wilderness ...