Penobscot County Commissioner Peter Baldacci, U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud to Discuss Katahdin Region Economic Development Efforts at Press Conference

Eastern Maine – Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is hiring an Economic Development Director to serve the Katahdin Region. The position will be the catalyst to Katahdin region economic development efforts, and will promote, develop, and implement a strategic economic development plan for the region. EMDC and the Katahdin Region Development Board (KRDB) will collaborate to support the new role; the Director will be employed by EMDC and will work directly with the KRDB.

A press conference with Penobscot County Commissioner, Peter Baldacci and former U.S. Representative, Mike Michaud, will be held at Eastern Maine Development Corporation on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.

The role, funded in part by the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, will be based in East Millinocket at the Katahdin Higher Education Center. The Director will serve as the primary link between businesses, industries, community groups, developers, and funders. The service area will include Millinocket, East Millinocket, Medway, Patten, Stacyville, Mt. Chase, Sherman and Island Falls.

“We anticipate hiring a Director that is committed to the region and supports this long term investment,” said former U.S. Representative, Mike Michaud who serves as the Chair of the Katahdin Region Development Board. After some deliberation, the Penobscot County Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the recommendation of funding through a contract with EMDC.

Penobscot County Commissioner Peter Baldacci says, “We were approached by a local group representing the Katahdin region and decided that an initiative from the local community with the support of EMDC was a worthy investment of the new federal funds generated by the Katahdin Woods National Monument.” “This public private partnership will drive opportunity and innovation for the entire region,” said Lee Umphrey, President & CEO of EMDC.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is a non-profit organization that provides services to businesses, communities and individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Waldo Counties. The organization also offers statewide business assistance and lending programs. EMDC encourages collaboration and fosters the creation of a thriving economic climate.