Economic/Community Development

We have developed this site as a resource of information about the local area, its people, activities and economy, for businesses and visitors.

Acting in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of 2002 approved by the town, and the Pierce Atwood Planning Study and Revitalization Plan, approved by the Board of Selectmen in 2004, LFBG wishes to create an inviting atmosphere in the downtown village area which will draw in new sources of retail and services. In the process, LFBG will help Livermore Falls develop a more diversified economy, while retaining a small-town/village feel. Recently, with Livermore Falls' acceptance into the Square One Program of the Maine Downtown Center, we also have agreed to organize ourselves according to the four-point principles of the Maine Street Maine Program.

1 - 5 $ 40.00

6 – 10 $ 75.00

11 + $100.00

Individual Membership $ 40.00

The Plan

In 2004, the Network published a market study and a strategic plan. The market study suggested that several sectors offered development opportunities (wood products, tourism, handcraft) but that future regional prosperity could not rely on any single sector (no single sector strong enough). Instead of a single sector approach, the strategic plan suggests development in several sectors organized around a single regional brand.

To provide a frame for its sector development and branding activities, the Network's strategic plan adopts the "heritage area" model employed by many other regional development efforts across the United States and the world. In 2006, the Network held a "Rally for the Maine Mountain Heritage Area" in which the basic aspects of the strategic plan were reaffirmed by a wide range of stakeholders.

Structure and Communications

To implement the plan, the Network resolved to operate as a true network, organizing action teams around emerging opportunities and objectives, aligning action across teams through a coordinating committee. Mountain Counties Heritage, Inc. acts as steward of the coordinating committee and provides communications support for the Network as a whole.

The Network publishes an electronic newsletter four times per year. Read Network News online or send an email requesting to receive it.

Programs

Knowledge Power - Building an integrated knowledge and communications system.

Woods and Waters - Supporting multiple, sustainable uses of natural resources.

Village Works - Promoting investment in hub communities.

Mountain Made - Supporting production networks for signature products.

Investment Opportunity Portfolio

The Network is developing a portfolio of "investment opportunities" – local projects that seek capital to move the regional development agenda forward.

For the next two years, we will have access to professional support staff, grant writing expertise and donated consulting services from a network of Maine's most experienced educators, economic and business development experts, community development professional, and staff of federal and state agencies.

Please join us in taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by becoming involved. Attend regular committee meetings 6-8 p.m., the first Wednesday of every month at the Franklin Memorial Building. Volunteer to serve on a focus area team (Heritage & Culture, Youth in Strong's Future, Civic Identity, Economic Development). Respond to the community questionnaire. Sign up with Raylene to receive project updates.

Focus: To provide support and advocacy for the community of Wilton. This support is reflected in The Group's involvement, attracting new businesses to the community and projecting a positive image of the community to the larger region.

The Rural Microenterprise Assistance Partnership Project (RAMP) provides rural Maine businesses and farm owners with information, advice and skills to help them grow and prosper. This program is designed to make enterprise and services more accessible to small rural businesses.

Other programs are:

Women and the Woods Program,

and Kitchen Table Gathering.

Goals

In alignment with its mission, The Alliance focuses on:

leadership and policy development;

advocacy and education;

projects and programs.

The WBC helps women build their business skills by providing access to timely, accurate, tailored information within a setting that respects each woman's experience, management skills and learning style. WBC services can be accessed by any woman who owns or is interested in starting a business in Maine. Opportunities for networking, peer support and mentoring are also available.

The WBC can help with many aspects of your business or business idea including:

 Development of a long-term relationship with a skilled business counselor

 Business plan development

 Improved business skills

 Ongoing support for business growth and expansion tailored to the needs of your business

 Innovative approaches to supporting women's business ownership

 Assistance in new areas of business development, such as telecommunications

 Opportunities for networking with other business owners

 Internet/website counseling

We have developed this site as a resource of information about the local area, its people, activities and economy, for businesses and visitors.