Main Street Skowhegan Seeks Community Input to Bolster Food and Beverage Hub Initiatives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2024
Skowhegan, Maine—Main Street Skowhegan is seeking responses to a series of surveys aimed at shaping the development of initiatives pivotal to the region’s economic growth as an agricultural food hub.
The surveys, open to all area residents, businesses, organizations, and stakeholders, focus on three key areas: the utilization of surplus farm products, enhancing workforce training within the food industry, and the establishment of an incubator kitchen—The Kitchen at 185—in downtown Skowhegan.
“We’re on a mission to invigorate Skowhegan’s food and agricultural ecosystem, and community input is absolutely essential to this endeavor,” said Kristina Cannon, President and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan. “The insights gathered through these surveys will not only shape the direction of our initiatives but also ensure that they resonate with and effectively serve our region.”
Main Street Skowhegan was recently named one of 22 finalists in the nation for a $50 million Distressed Community Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 Implementation grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Input from these surveys will be incorporated into the final grant application, due in April, which can provide full funding for these projects.
The Surplus Farm Products survey aims to assess the perspectives of local farmers and producers who may have surplus agricultural products that remain unharvested or unsold. Main Street Skowhegan seeks insights from these key stakeholders regarding strategies to utilize surplus produce, dairy, and other agricultural goods.
The Workforce Training survey is dedicated to understanding the demand for workforce training within the food industry. Whether it’s culinary skills development, food safety certification, or business management training, Main Street Skowhegan is eager to tailor its programming to meet the needs of local residents and businesses alike.
Finally, the Incubator Kitchen survey focuses on gauging interest and gathering feedback on The Kitchen at 185, a shared-use commercial kitchen incubator. Designed to support entrepreneurs, aspiring chefs, and food artisans, The Kitchen at 185 will provide affordable access to state-of-the-art facilities, fostering innovation and collaboration within the region’s culinary community.
“We envision The Kitchen at 185 as a catalyst for culinary creativity, entrepreneurship, and the strengthening of our local food economy for all. We want to ensure that it reflects the needs and aspirations of our community,” said Patric Moore, Director of Entrepreneurship at Main Street Skowhegan.
All potential stakeholders are encouraged to participate and share their valuable insights by completing the surveys at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SkowTown
About Main Street Skowhegan
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 is now driven by three full-time staff members, a passionate and engaged board of directors, and more than a hundred volunteers. 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.
Main Street Skowhegan seeks Entrepreneurs for Spring 2024 Business Lab & Pitch Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2024
Skowhegan, Maine—Main Street Skowhegan is now accepting applications for its Spring 2024 Business Lab & Pitch Competition.
Business Lab is a free, fast-paced, interactive program that features eight classes held over eight weeks, culminating with a pitch contest in which participants compete for $5,000 to start or grow their business. The program is designed for both aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners, with weekly classes covering essentials of business strategy, finance and profitability, marketing and sales, business planning, and project implementation. At the end of the program, entrepreneurs will submit a business plan and pitch their ideas to a team of judges for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize or $1,000 runner up award.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be launching our fourth Business Lab cohort,” said Patric Moore, Main Street Skowhegan’s Director of Entrepreneurship. “With each cohort we continue to refine our process and adjust our curriculum to meet the needs of both current and aspiring entrepreneurs in Maine. Witnessing the growth and success of our past cohorts has been inspiring, and I can’t wait to work with the next group of individuals looking to start or grow their business!”
Main Street Skowhegan has hosted three Business Lab & Pitch Competitions since the program’s inception. The Fall 2023 cohort, sponsored by Maine Technology Institute featured five entrepreneurs, with Lyn Govoni’s nonprofit Lights Up Productions walking away with the $5,000 grand prize, and Bytesum Technologies taking home $1,000 as the runner-up. Nine entrepreneurs from the Spring 2023 Business Lab cohort, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank, competed for $5,000, with Morgan Camp Care winning the prize. Matt Quinn of Quinn’s Tree Farm won the inaugural competition in the Fall of 2022 and went on to compete in Maine Center for Entrepreneurship’s Top Gun Program in Waterville.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 8, and can be found at SkowheganEntrepreneurship.com. The Spring 2024 Business Lab Cohort will meet weekly on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting on April 10, with the pitch competition scheduled for June 5.
In addition to the spring 2024 Business Lab & Pitch Competition, Main Street Skowhegan will add a youth entrepreneur challenge that will coincide with the June pitch, and a weekend bootcamp this fall.
For more information, please contact Patric Moore, Director of Entrepreneurship at patric@mainstreetskowhegan.org or 717-348-8449.
About Main Street Skowhegan
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 is now driven by three full-time staff members, a passionate and engaged board of directors, and more than a hundred volunteers. 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.
Main Street Skowhegan opens gear lending library
SKOWHEGAN, Maine — Main Street Skowhegan has officially opened its Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp. The newly renovated space, located riverside at 65 Water Street, is home to a more-than-200-item gear library that offers free lending to Somerset County residents.
With the addition of the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp in downtown Skowhegan, the community now boasts an easily accessible and visible outdoor recreation hub for gear lending, outdoor clinics, skill workshops, and fee-for-service bike repair and ski waxing. Available outdoor equipment includes cross-country skis, snowshoes, bikes, SUPs, camping gear, and more. Main Street Skowhegan is also laying the foundation or the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp to serve as a third space for local youth, having hired a high school intern and implemented targeted youth programming.
“We are thrilled to finally open the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp after several years of collecting gear and planning,” said Kristina Cannon, Main Street Skowhegan President & CEO. “The basecamp will provide walk-in gear lending and a home base for outdoor recreation in Somerset County, complementing our free guided programming. Through our Skowhegan Outdoors initiative, we are reducing barriers for all Somerset County residents and helping people get outside on their own to realize the benefits of outdoor activity and connection with nature.”
The Skowhegan Outdoors initiative is one element of a comprehensive outdoor recreation-focused community and economic development strategy. With infrastructure development in the works—including construction on the anticipated Skowhegan River Park expected to start this summer and a newly finalized Skowhegan Trail Master Plan—free programming, trainings, and gear lending opportunities will help local residents take advantage of current and future outdoor recreation facilities.
Non-Somerset County residents may borrow gear too, with the purchase of a one-year membership, which is $50 for individuals and $75 for families.
Basecamp is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sign up to become a Basecamp member, request gear, and view the Skowhegan Outdoors program calendar online at https://skowheganoutdoors.com/.
For more information, please contact Kristina Cannon at 207-614-4078 or kristina@mainstreetskowhegan.org.
About Main Street Skowhegan
One of Maine’s 10 nationally accredited Main Street programs, 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 is now driven by three full-time staff members, five AmeriCorps members, a passionate and engaged board of directors, and more than a hundred volunteers. 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.
Skowhegan/Waterville partners awarded funding for regional destination development, branding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2023
Skowhegan, Maine—Nonprofit Main Street Skowhegan, in partnership with the Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded $484,500 from the Maine Office of Tourism to create a shared regional destination development vision and master plan, brand strategy, and marketing campaign.
This regional initiative is expected to bolster tourism via increased awareness and enhanced visitor experience; competitively attract new businesses, entrepreneurs, and workforce talent; and drive long-term economic prosperity for the Skowhegan/Waterville region. Partners will use grant funding to hire and work with a firm to develop a shared vision, plan, and brand strategy.
“Our region embodies the authentic Maine brand—with a thriving local food scene, world-class arts facilities, and a growing outdoor recreation movement,” said Kristina Cannon, President & CEO of Main Street Skowhegan. “Working together will ensure strategic development, continued momentum, and brand cohesion, positioning the Skowhegan/Waterville region to become a strong contender for tourist, business, and resident attraction.”
With Waterville’s renaissance fully underway, and investment in Skowhegan at an all-time high at more than $650 million, a shared vision for regional development is the next step toward continued growth. A brand strategy with cohesive positioning, messaging, and graphic identity will tell the region’s story while highlighting individual community characteristics and strengths and serving as the basis for a future regional marketing campaign.
“We firmly believe that successful placemaking strategies, in conjunction with our robust tourism and outdoor recreation resources and potential, serve as foundational pillars of our region’s prosperity,” states Garvan Donegan, CMGC Director of Planning, Innovation, & Economic Development. “Through a unified regional branding strategy, our goal is to unlock the region’s full potential, encompassing both the hubs of Waterville and Skowhegan, as well as the communities between and along the Kennebec River. This strategy aims to elevate the charm, appeal, and marketing prowess, benefiting not only our residents but also those seeking to explore the natural splendor of Maine. This branding initiative will be pivotal in reaffirming our regional initiatives, amplifying our distinctive assets, and extending both local and global invitations to experience the countless treasures our region offers, with a particular emphasis on enhancing our tourism potential and the vibrant downtown districts that necklace the Kennebec River.”
“This grant provides a vital piece to the Mid-Maine Chamber’s ongoing efforts to showcase the area and grow our regional economy, with the primary goal of attracting tourists, the midterm goal of developing entrepreneurs, and the long-term goal of attracting those who visit and fall in love with our region and relocate here, bringing their families and their dreams,” said Kimberly Lindlof, President & CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the key partners representing more than 20 communities in the region, several other stakeholders have committed to the initiative, including other economic development organizations and municipalities, educational institutions, and businesses.
The Skowhegan/Waterville initiative is one of five grants awarded by the Maine Office of Tourism through their Tourism Marketing & Development Recovery Program, with all projects totaling more than $1.7 million. These sub-awards are funded through the US Economic Development Administration American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation State Grant.
The Skowhegan/Waterville destination development process will tap into current municipal strategic and comprehensive plans and ensure alignment with the Maine Office of Tourism’s recent Destination Master Plan, the refreshed Maine brand, the new five-year strategic plan for 2024-2028, Maine’s Economic Development Strategy 2020-2029, and Maine Won’t Wait, the state’s plan for climate action.
Partners will seek proposals from firms in the coming weeks. Once a firm is hired, the team will engage stakeholders, test and validate, and develop strategies, tactics, and a regional brand identity over the course of the next several months.
“We are thrilled to work together on this first-of-its-kind initiative that will ensure resilience and future prosperity,” said Cannon. “Through this work, we’ll unify regional planning, package our story, and share it with the world.”
About Main Street Skowhegan
Main Street Skowhegan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the ongoing revitalization of historic Skowhegan, Maine. 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. Learn more at MainStreetSkowhegan.org.
About the Central Maine Growth Council
Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy. Our belief is that the standard of living and quality of life of our citizens is best served by a vibrant, healthy economy. This is accomplished with a strong successful business community.
About the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce
The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce is dedicated and committed to promoting, educating and advocating for business prosperity and regional economic improvement.
Kristina Cannon named Outdoor Industry Leader of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2023
Skowhegan, Maine—Main Street Skowhegan’s President & CEO Kristina Cannon was named the 2023 Outdoor Industry Leader of the Year by Maine Outdoor Brands, an award that recognizes an individual who’s had an outsized impact on and whose actions have demonstrably strengthened Maine’s outdoor recreation industry. Cannon received the award at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit in Rockland alongside other 2023 Trailblazer Award winners
recognized for outstanding achievements in leadership, innovation, and collaboration within Maine’s thriving outdoor economy.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as the state’s top outdoor industry leader by Maine Outdoor Brands,” said Cannon, who has been at the helm of Main Street Skowhegan for eight years. “It’s particularly humbling because there are so many great people contributing to this industry that has grown 16.5 percent since 2021 and accounts for $3.3 billion towards Maine’s economy—one of the highest percentages in the country.”
Cannon’s work in the outdoor industry includes project management and fundraising for the Skowhegan River Park, an initiative to redevelop the industrial Kennebec River corridor in downtown Skowhegan into an outdoor recreation asset for community members and to attract visitors, businesses, and new residents. The river park will feature three whitewater rapids for paddling and surfing, a natural channel for fish passage and tubing, and improved river access. The project is currently undergoing environmental permitting, and phase 1 construction is planned for July 2024.
Cannon is also spearheading riverfront development efforts to better connect the future river park and Kennebec River Gorge to Skowhegan’s adjacent commercial district by creating a working waterfront—as requested by residents during a three-day, public design charrette. The new riverfront plans include a promenade, green space, trail connectivity, improved river access from downtown, and event amenities, while maintaining parking and vehicular access to businesses. To date, Cannon has raised $7.6 million for the river park and riverfront development projects.
In partnership with the Outdoor Sport Institute, Cannon and her team will soon unveil a trail masterplan for Skowhegan that includes strategies and action steps for new trail development and current trail maintenance that will improve and expand Skowhegan’s trail system to more than 50 miles. Cannon brought together multiple partners and collaborators, from landowners to conservation groups, motorized and non-motorized users, public health advocates, and businesses to develop the plan that focuses on accessible, multi-use trails that will provide year-round recreation opportunities for community members and visitors.
“Adding new recreation infrastructure and enhancing our current assets will benefit our community members while also being a huge boon for Skowhegan’s economy,” said Cannon. “With the river park, riverfront amenities, and an expanded trail system, we’ll be able to host events that draw thousands of people. We also expect these assets to help attract new residents and businesses.”
Cannon and her team are also using outdoor recreation to invest in the health and wellness of residents through the Skowhegan Outdoors AmeriCorps Program, now in its fifth year. Under Cannon’s management, five AmeriCorps members plan and lead free outdoor activities, trainings, and workshops. This summer the team offered free themed day camps for high school students, featuring skills training and guided whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities. AmeriCorps members also manage a 200-item, walk-in gear lending library, the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp, which recently opened at 65 Water Street in downtown Skowhegan and offers regional residents the opportunity to borrow outdoor equipment and gear for free. Through this work and a year of service in the Skowhegan community, AmeriCorps members leave the program as trained outdoor professionals, ready to enter the workforce.
“As we develop outdoor recreation infrastructure for the benefit of the community and the economy, it’s important to us that our residents have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy these great assets that are just outside their doors,” said Cannon. “We are focused on programming that entices people to join us outside, to do something fun and active that they wouldn’t do on their own, like a starlit hike or paddling the Skowhegan Gorge in an inflatable kayak—all led by our trained facilitators. Through this work, we’ve also started to develop outdoor career pathways that we’re looking to enhance and adapt to offer not only to future AmeriCorps members, but also to the youth of Skowhegan.”
About Main Street Skowhegan
One of Maine’s 10 nationally accredited Main Street programs, 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 is now driven by three full-time staff members, five AmeriCorps members, a passionate and engaged board of directors, and more than a hundred volunteers. 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.
About Maine Outdoor Brands
Established in 2017, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) unites and advocates for Maine’s outdoor industry, bolstering the state’s outdoor recreation brand and economy. Committed to the prosperity of Maine-based outdoor products, services, and retail brands, MOB strives to strengthen the industry. To learn more about MOB and the brands involved, visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.
Maine Outdoor Brands Trailblazer Awards showcase the passion, resilience, and dedication of leaders shaping the future of the state’s outdoor industry.
