Community Commitment > What's Happening Around Here
What’s Happening Around Here!
The Kennebec River is a common thread that brings together two counties and a number of assets. In the last few years there have been significant efforts all along this historic river to bring businesses and business support services to the area. Each city or town has created their own unique presence and appeal. FirstPark is pleased to be part of these endeavors
Downtowns!
There are many downtown areas in the region, each with its own unique appeal. The Gardiner waterfront and downtown areas have been revitalized with boat launches (the Kennebec will take you straight to the Atlantic), parks, specialty shops and rail trails. The same is true in Hallowell, known for its antique shops and unique dining options. Augusta has an annual summer event along the Kennebec, showing off local talent and topped off with a “whatever” race down the river. Waterville is developing its downtown with a new Head of Falls plaza housing specialty shops and restaurants and also connecting to local walking trails. Part of the development includes the 2-penny bridge that is a walkway over the Kennebec from Waterville to Winslow. Also in Waterville is the Hathaway Creative Center. Once a manufacturing center for the world famous Hathaway shirts, the complex has been turned into high-end apartments, shops and office space. It, too, sits right on the Kennebec. The Skowhegan downtown centers around the Kennebec River. The Skowhegan area has a rich history and is currently in a new stage of downtown revitalization.
Growing our Own
The newly developed Kennebec Valley Entrepreneurial Network focuses specifically on entrepreneurs. It is for entrepreneurs and managed by entrepreneurs. There are support organizations involved to ensure that this Network is connected to the resources it needs to fully develop the members of the group and provide every possible opportunity to achieve success.
This group is well connected to local educational institutions, especially Colby College who has taken a very active role. Colby has created the Colby Entrepreneurial Alliance that will educate and mentor Colby students on the principles of entrepreneurship. Both the Network and Colby will work closely together to enhance the students’ experience. This link will help students connect with the resources necessary to support their entrepreneurial development. The Alliance will award start-up capital to the most outstanding business prospectus.
Colby is leading the way for other educational institutions, including Thomas College and the University of Maine, in creating entrepreneurial programs of their own or to collaborate on the creation of programs. There will also be an effort to introduce “entrepreneurial” programs in the regions K-12 programs.
Business leaders and support organizations are excited about the possibilities of economic growth that can result from “growing your own” local businesses. We view this Network of entrepreneurs as a very important and attractive local asset for businesses considering a relocation or expansion in Central Maine.
Regional Marketing
The local economic development forum is organizing an effort to market the entire region. We feel that the entire two-county area is truly rich with many assets that should appeal to businesses looking to relocate or expand. Our plan and related campaigns will strongly support one another and provide companies looking for a place to settle a menu of options so they don’t have to, well, settle! Whether its FirstPark or any of the other business parks in the area, this group is committed to work together to make sure a business transition to our area is efficient.
