Regional Economic Development Council
Doing Business in Maine
Doing Business in Maine
Doing Business in Maine

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About:

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The Knox/Waldo Regional Economic Development (KWRED) Council was formed in 2006. KWRED focuses exclusively on the regional economic development strategies for Knox County and Waldo County.   Knox and Waldo Counties make up the unique business and cultural “Coastal Community” commonly referred to as “Midcoast Maine.”

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The KWRED Office was established to serve the unique economic development needs of this coastal area. Because this Midcoast Region shares many common demographic, economic and cultural characteristics, the KWRED Council was form to establish and implement the Mission, Strategies & Principles, and Vision set out below:

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Our Mission:

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The mission of the Knox/Waldo Regional Economic Development Council is to stimulate long-term, robust economic growth for the Knox & Waldo County region through Job Creation & Retention, Advocacy, and Regional Collaboration.

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Our Key Strategies and Principles:

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To effectively accomplish this mission of robust economic growth, the Council must become the recognized leader of a coordinated regional effort, by:

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  • providing timely and effective assistance to existing businesses
  • aggressively recruiting new businesses for our region
  • developing shared regional goals that are clear and achievable
  • leveraging resources throughout the region
  • building a sustainable, year-round employment base
  • and always focusing on results-oriented, quantifiable outcomes

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Our Vision for the Future:

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The Knox/Waldo region will become one of the most robust business regions of Maine and New England as evidenced by:

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New Jobs --- An annual new job growth rate that exceeds the State of Maine average job growth rate each year.

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Income Levels --- A Median Household Income level that meets or exceeds the U.S. average and eventually meets or exceeds the Northern New England average (NH, VT, ME)

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The KWRED Council and Advisors

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The KWRED Council is made up of some of the most knowledgeable and influential business, community and political leaders throughout the Coastal Knox/Waldo Region. It is their vision for and dedication to the successful and effective economic growth of this beautiful coastal regional that they love, which drives every effort of the KWRED organization.

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The KWRED Council:

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  • Jim Patterson - Acting CHAIR
  • Jill Goodwin -  Monroe-Goodwin Construction - SECRETARY
  • John Bird - TREASURER
  • Jack Williams – Camden National Bank
  • Chris Rector – State Senator, District 22
  • Bob Hirsch
  • Joe Slocum – City Mgr Belfast
  • Roberta Smith -  Town Mgr – Camden
  • Rosemary Kulow – City Mgr Rockland
  • George Terrien
  • Jayne Crosby Giles  - State Senator, District -
  • Mark Biscone - CEO Waldo County General Hospital
  • Roger Moody - Knox County Commissioner
  • Kieran O'Dwyer - FMC Biopolymer

KWRED Special Advisors:

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  • Shari Closter, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Dan Bookham, Exec Dir. Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce
  • Janet Dutson, Exec Dir. Belfast Chamber of Commerce
  • Andy Hart , Knox County Administrator
  • Sue McCullough - Director, Univ of Maine - Hutchinson Ctr
  • Maine DECD – Commissioner and Regional Reps.
  • Representatives from municipally-based Econ Dev Committees

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KWRED Staff:

Alan Hinsey, Executive Director  - 691-3227 --- alan@kwred.org