In East Millinocket, Maine, Governor Janet Mills convened with civic and business leaders from Medway, Millinocket, and East Millinocket to explore pathways for economic advancement in the Katahdin Region. The discussion centered on regional development, workforce challenges, and strategies to expand opportunity across rural communities. n nThe Katahdin area, known for landmarks such as Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and the Penobscot River’s East and West Branches, continues to serve as a vital hub for tourism and local enterprise. Governor Mills emphasized the importance of community-driven progress, highlighting the dedication of local leaders in fostering resilience and economic vitality. n nDebora J. Rountree, Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives at Eastern Maine Community College and the University of Maine at Augusta, praised the Governor’s engagement. She noted that Mills’ visit reaffirms the value of supporting rural innovation through targeted investments in workforce training and childcare infrastructure. According to Rountree, such initiatives are essential for long-term growth and demonstrate that rural regions like Katahdin are not only enduring but full of potential when given adequate support. n nMike Michaud, East Millinocket Selectman and former U.S. Congressman, welcomed the Governor’s return, underscoring her administration’s sustained focus on rural economic development. Mike Duguay, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the region’s rich assets—especially its people—as foundational to future success. n nEarlier that day, Mills toured Global Secure Shipping in Old Town, a company specializing in secure transport containers developed in partnership with the University of Maine and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The firm received a $210,000 grant under the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, aimed at stimulating job creation and business expansion. n nState Representative Jim Dill, representing Old Town, highlighted how such funding strengthens local industry competitiveness and supports high-quality employment. Senator Mike Tipping from Orono added that sustaining manufacturing in Maine requires ongoing investment in workforce skills, particularly in the face of economic pressures like factory closures and rising tariff expenses. n nThe Governor also visited Old Town Canoe, a manufacturer with over 125 years of history producing canoes and kayaks along the Penobscot River. The company stands as a symbol of enduring craftsmanship and adaptive enterprise in a changing economy. n nEJ Roach, Old Town’s Director of Economic and Community Development, commended the Governor for recognizing the synergy between legacy industries and emerging ventures. He noted that both Old Town Canoe and Global Secure Shipping exemplify how tradition and innovation can coexist to fuel job growth and community stability. n— news from Maine.gov
— News Original —
Governor Mills Discusses Economic Issues and Opportunities with Katahdin Region Leadership
In Old Town, Governor also visits Old Town Canoe and Global Shipping Solutions n nEast Millinocket, MAINE — Governor Mills today met with community leaders from Medway, Millinocket, and East Millinocket to discuss economic development, challenges, and opportunities in the Katahdin Region. n n”From Baxter State Park, to Katahdin Woods and Waters, to the East and West Branches of the Penobscot River, and so many businesses and amazing communities, the Katahdin region has always been an extraordinary place to visit and to live in Maine,” said Governor Mills. “It was great to hear from civic and business leaders from across the Katahdin region who are working hard every day to strengthen their communities and create economic opportunity for our citizens.” n n”We were honored to welcome Governor Janet Mills to the Katahdin region today. Her visit underscores the importance of investing in rural communities and supporting the people and projects that are shaping Maine ‘s future. From workforce development to childcare expansion, the Governor ‘s commitment to listening and collaborating with local leaders is a powerful reminder that rural Maine matters,” said Debora J. Rountree, Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives for Eastern Maine Community College and the University of Maine at Augusta. “We are grateful for her leadership and for the opportunity to showcase the innovation and resilience of our region. Strategic investments in workforce development and community infrastructure are driving long-term economic growth. The Governor ‘s leadership reinforces that rural Maine is not only resilient but ripe with opportunity–and that with the right support, our communities can thrive.” n n”It was great to welcome Governor Mills back to East Millinocket and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing us here in the Katahdin Region” said East Millinocket Selectman and former U.S. Congressman Mike Michaud. “I appreciate the Mills Administration ‘s deep commitment to rural Maine.” n n”The Katahdin Region is fortunate to have so many incredible resources – most importantly, the wonderful people that call it home,” said Mike Duguay, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development.”It was great to join Governor Mills to meet with local leaders to discuss the opportunities ahead of this proud community.” n nEarlier in the day, the Governor visited Global Secure Shipping in Old Town, a manufacturer of secure shipping containers developed by the University of Maine and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The company was a beneficiary of a $210,000 PRIME grant awarded through the Governor ‘s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. n n”It was great to join Governor Mills today here in Old Town to hear from local businesses and talk about her administration ‘s work to create good-paying jobs in our community,” said Rep. Jim Dill, D-Old Town. “Investments in businesses like Global Secure Shipping are making Maine more competitive and building a stronger, more resilient economy.” n n”It was great to have Governor Mills in Old Town to see both the long history and promising future of manufacturing in our area, exemplified by these two companies. Maine must continue to invest in our people, building the knowledge and skills that will help our communities thrive and overcome headwinds like mill closures and high tariff costs,” said Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono. n nWhile in Old Town, the Governor also toured Old Town Canoe, a historic manufacturer of canoes and kayaks that has been producing small watercraft along the Penobscot River since 1898. n n”Old Town has a proud history of innovation and manufacturing, and companies like Global Secure Shipping and Old Town Canoe are a testament to Old Town ‘s enduring spirit of craftsmanship, innovation, and business friendly environment,” said EJ Roach, Old Town ‘s Director of Economic and Community Development. “We were pleased Governor Mills saw how these businesses are thriving in a modern economy, creating good-paying jobs, and carrying on a legacy of excellence that is uniquely Old Town.”