Main Street Skowhegan – Working to revitalize Skowhegan, Maine

About the Organization

Main Street Skowhegan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the ongoing revitalization of historic Skowhegan, Maine. Founded in 2005 by a group of citizens, Main Street relies on hardworking staff, energetic AmeriCorps members, a dedicated Board of Directors, and more than a hundred awesome volunteers to execute major community initiatives and events.

Vision for Skowhegan

A destination for visitors from Maine and beyond, Skowhegan is known for its locally sourced food, beautiful and active riverfront, and vibrant cultural scene. The economy is strong and diverse, and residents are happy and healthy. Skowhegan is a place community members are proud of, youth choose to stay or return to, and visitors never want to leave.

Our Mission

Our mission is to celebrate Skowhegan’s rich heritage while achieving our brightest future as a thriving economic, cultural, and recreational community where residents enjoy a high quality of life.

Our Commitment

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core tenets of thriving communities. Our nation’s collective commitment to these tenets is imperative for the future success of our society and our economy. To that end, we believe Skowhegan is a place for everyone. At the core of our approach to community revitalization is a commitment to shared prosperity, equitable access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. Main Street Skowhegan models and champions this vision through our actions and programs.

Initiatives

Main Street Skowhegan is leading several major community initiatives.

Free Outdoor Activities & Gear

Our Skowhegan Outdoors program provides free outdoor activities and trainings each week, as well as free equipment via our walk-in gear library in downtown Skowhegan.

Skowhegan Outdoors

Supporting Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Via several interconnected projects and partnerships, we are strengthening Skowhegan's entrepreneurial ecosystem to better support current businesses and new entrepreneurs.

Ecosystem Initiative

Skowhegan River Park

In partnership with the municipality, we're leading project management and fundraising efforts for Skowhegan's future river park, that will feature an expanded trail network and enhanced whitewater.

River Park

2023 Impact Report & 2024 Outlook

At Main Street Skowhegan, we go big or go home. We are boldly leading Skowhegan’s revitalization— and we couldn’t be prouder of the growing momentum here in our community.

We are Skowhegan’s economic engine, spurring development, supporting local businesses, and attracting visitors and new residents. We bring people and groups together, forge unique partnerships, and build strong relationships with many. Our initiatives are asset-based and community-centric.

Over the last eight years, our revitalization work has grown out of the pages of Skowhegan’s strategic plan and expanded into a wholistic approach to community and economic development. We recognize that improving the quality of life for all means taking into account the whole community— all of our businesses and our people—and weaving together a variety of approaches to revitalization, including entrepreneurship, placemaking, tourism product development, health and wellness, career pathways, workforce training, and youth engagement. I hope you’ll take some time to learn more about our work on the following pages.

This is The Revitalization of Skowhegan. We think you’ll agree that Skowhegan’s future is bright.

Best,
Kristina Cannon
President & CEO

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Meet our Staff

Main Street Skowhegan is run by six full-time staff members and four AmeriCorps members.

Director of Operations

Meet Tenley Skolfield

Meet our AmeriCorps Members

A team of Outdoor Recreation Facilitators, serving as AmeriCorps members, runs our Skowhegan Outdoors programs and activities.

Nationally Accredited

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Main Street Skowhegan is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

We are evaluated each year by the Maine Downtown Center in order to receive annual accreditation from Main Street America.