Contributed photo
SUPPORT — Recognizing the importance of a good post-secondary trained workforce — and the work of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) — Katahdin Trust Co. recently committed to a five-year $50,000 investment to AAI. Pictured are, from left: Matt Nightingale, senior vice president at Katahdin Trust; Jon Prescott, bank president; Sandy Gauvin, president and co-founder of AAI; and April Flagg, AAI’s executive director.
PRESQUE ISLE — Another major County company is stepping forward to support Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI).
Katahdin Trust Co., a bank that has ties in almost every community in Aroostook, recently committed to a five-year $50,000 investment.
Katahdin Trust’s President Jon Prescott sees the investment as one in his own company’s future, as well as the future of Aroostook County.
“This contribution to the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is an investment in our youth, our local economy, and our company’s future. Katahdin Trust relies heavily on a well-educated workforce to be successful,” he said. “We employ slightly over 200 people, with over 180 employees in our Aroostook County offices alone — and very few of these positions are considered entry-level.
“When students graduate from colleges in Aroostook County, we hope that they are aware of the array of positions at Katahdin Trust, and see the career opportunities available at the bank as a reason to remain in The County,” said Prescott. “We are also proud to support the colleges and universities in Aroostook County, and by partnering with the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, we are able to demonstrate to these Gauvin Scholars that their gifts and talents are valued and can be put to use right here at home.”
Sandy Gauvin, president of AAI, expressed the gratitude of the organization for the show of support from the business community and is very excited to work with Katahdin Trust.
“Katahdin Trust is yet again stepping up to the plate to help ensure a solid future for Aroostook County. We appreciate Katahdin Trust’s investment in our part of the equation, which is to address the roots of the economic and social issues here in The County,” she said. “Improving the college degree attainment rate and stemming the outmigration of our young people is not a Band-Aid — it is a cure. We are proud of what we are doing, and we are proud to have Katahdin Trust as a partner in this endeavor.”
April Flagg, AAI’s executive director, said this kind of support is vital for the organization.
“We know the power of education. We know that students make an average of $1 million more in their lifetime with a college degree. We also know that fewer Aroostook students are finishing a degree program,” she said. “The local universities and colleges are working hard to retain students, to assure that they finish with workforce skills, and internships are moving into our culture more and more, but the work we do requires the support of our communities, other non-profits, and most importantly, our business community.
“Katahdin Trust has strong roots in this county, has shown their support for many organizations throughout the years, and we are so thrilled to have the chance to work with them,” said Flagg.
For more information about AAI, to make a donation or to become a volunteer, call 760-0558 or visit www.gauvinfund.org.
