Maine Commissioner of Economic and Community Development visits Rotary

    HOULTON — John Richardson, Maine’s Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, made his way to Houlton on June 30 to speak at the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting. Richardson is well acquainted with the Shiretown and similar communities facing the challenges of Maine’s changing economic and social landscape.  
Photo courtesy of Mike and Deb Clark
ROTARIANS — Richard Cleary, local attorney and Rotarian; John Richardson, Maine Commissioner of Economic and Community Development; and Houlton Rotary President, Fred Grant.
    While serving as the 97th Speaker of the House and chair of the Business and Economic Development Committee, he confronted the struggles of the State’s smaller towns. He developed legislation to bring about economic improvements and fuel community service and involvement. During his visit, he praised Houlton for its economic rebound stemming from the revitalization of the downtown and a resurgence of community pride. He uses Houlton as an example when speaking to other towns looking for solutions to socioeconomic problems.  
    Though Richardson acknowledges Houlton’s great strides, he assured the audience more obstacles are on the way.  As the “Baby Boom” generation continues to age, Mainers and all Americans will struggle to find an experienced workforce, along with seasoned community leaders to guide the population into the future.
    Despite the inevitable challenges, Richardson remains confident that Maine has the resources to overcome future struggles. He pointed to Maine’s well-educated workforce as the greatest source of promise. This workforce continues to encourage regional and national companies to bring their firms to our state. Richardson highlighted how education matched with a strong work ethic and Yankee ingenuity will bring success.  
    He told Houlton Rotarians that technology is the binder that will pull together all other assets. The technological evolution apparent at the Louisiana Pacific (LP) facility in New Limerick, in Richardson’s opinion, exemplifies how newer systems and methods can promote sustainable profitability. LP serves as an example of Aroostook County’s willingness to embrace the value of technology as the lifeblood of economic improvement. Richardson believes that as long as Maine cultivates prepared citizens who embrace change the futures of our smaller communities remains strong.