Aroostook Day at the Legislature returned on March 4, marking the first such gathering in three years as regional business leaders and economic development officials spent the day at the Statehouse meeting with lawmakers and briefing legislators on issues facing northern Maine.
The event is a signature initiative of the Aroostook Partnership, held in Augusta as an opportunity to speak directly with legislators and state policymakers. Previously staged as a dinner reception at the Senator Inn every other year, this year’s Aroostook Day took a more substantive form, with a small delegation engaging throughout the day at the Statehouse.
Sen. Trey Stewart and Rep. Tim Guerrette facilitated the legislative briefing.
The Aroostook Partnership, a nonpartisan economic development organization, focused its advocacy on three areas it considers core economic and workforce infrastructure: childcare access, attainable housing and affordable energy. The delegation also met with Gov. Janet Mills and her staff.
“When workers can find childcare, access attainable housing and rely on affordable energy, our businesses can grow and our communities can thrive,” said Kiersten Purington, president and CEO of the Aroostook Partnership. “These issues are deeply connected to Maine’s long-term economic future.”
Purington said the visit was aimed at ensuring the realities facing rural employers and families are part of the statewide policy conversation, adding that policy decisions made now will shape whether Aroostook County and rural Maine can remain competitive and economically resilient.
Johanna Johnston, a Partnership board member and executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation, said The County’s contributions to the state’s economy underscore the urgency of the issues.
“Aroostook County plays a vital role in Maine’s economy, from agriculture and forestry to manufacturing and healthcare,” said Johnston. “Addressing workforce housing, childcare access and energy affordability will help ensure our businesses can grow and our communities remain strong.”
Matt Nightingale, CFO of Katahdin Trust Company and a partnership board member, said the visit underscored the private sector’s stake in state policy.
“Our elected officials play a significant role in shaping the initiatives that are vital to Aroostook County’s economic future,” Nightingale said. “It was a pleasure to visit Augusta and highlight the critical areas we believe must be addressed.”
The day’s effort reflects ongoing collaboration among regional partners, including the Aroostook Partnership, the Northern Maine Development Commission and the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation, to advance solutions strengthening the county’s economic foundation and workforce pipeline.
The Aroostook Partnership is a private/public consortium of more than 65 businesses, the Northern Maine Development Commission, County higher education institutions and regional nonprofits. Its mission is to drive the economic growth and resilience of Aroostook County by leveraging regional private and public sector leadership, talents and resources.
For information, contact Purington at kpurington@aroostookpartnership.org.
