CARIBOU — “Without the involvement of the private and public sectors, there would be no Aroostook Partnership for Progress,” said Bob Dorsey, APP president.
Dorsey made that statement when offering thanks to the new and former executive committee for APP.
In June, the APP board of directors elected its officers for the next year. Larry Shaw, president of MMG Insurance, is the new APP board chair. Jon Prescott, CEO of Katahdin Trust Co., will serve as vice chair. Bob Clark, executive director of Northern Maine Development Commission, also serves as a vice chair representing the public sector. Kris Doody, CEO of Cary Medical Center, and Chris Anderson, president and CEO of FA Peabody, will serve as secretary and treasurer,
respectively.
Doody served as chair last year. Sylvia Getman, CEO of TAMC was vice chair, Cal Deschene of United Insurance Group was secretary and Shaw was treasurer.
“These executives are extremely busy and for them to take time from their businesses and personal lives shows their commitment, the importance they place on economic development in Aroostook, and I can’t thank them enough,” added Dorsey.
Dorsey also thanked the board of directors, who meet regularly to discuss APP goals and objectives.
“Their involvement is critical,” said Dorsey. “Their inputs provide direction and help us focus the Mobilize Northern Maine process and the resulting objectives.”
One area of great interest to the board is increasing the number of younger workers in Aroostook. Dorsey recalled a board meeting when Getman suggested that more input was needed from younger folks who have chosen to live in Aroostook County. The board agreed with the general sentiment being that we need to understand their perspective and their priorities if we hope to retain or attract more of their generation to the area.
From that suggestion, APP has established an informal network with outreach activities being held in central, southern and northern Aroostook County to test concepts and get their ideas and perspectives.
Another benefit of getting the board together according to Dorsey is, “These are some of the most successful and influential business leaders in the region. They share their insights from the various parts of the economy they are involved with — health care, banking, insurance, manufacturing, retail and more. And when action is needed, they instantly know who to approach or network with to get results.”
The board of directors meets approximately nine times a year and the travel commitment alone is also to be applauded. “Some investors, like Kim Wadleigh of Emera Maine, travel from the Bangor area to attend APP meetings,” said Dorsey.
APP is a public/private partnership of more than 25 investors, approximately 150 LEAD members, NMDC and the four area colleges dedicated to aggressive and effective results-oriented economic development actions that leverage the financial commitments and talents of the private sector in close partnership with the public sector.
