The Katahdin Collaborative, a regional platform for municipalities, dozens of community groups, businesses, clubs and organizations, is launching a regional visioning process called “Katahdin Gazetteer: a roadmap to the future.”
The process kicks off in February 2018 and will take approximately 12 months to complete, according to a press release issued Friday. The Katahdin Collaborative was founded in 2015 as a network to facilitate communication, leverage resources and foster collaboration among volunteer groups, businesses, non-profit institutions and municipalities working toward the revitalization of the Katahdin Region. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Katahdin-Collaborative-2059770070935244/
Future iQ, a global consulting firm specializing in future and strategic planning, has been hired to facilitate the process.
The Katahdin region, including Mt. Chase, Sherman, Patten, Stacyville, East Millinocket, Millinocket, and Medway, has been transformed by population loss and unemployment due to collapse of the paper industry and other factors.
There are presently many initiatives underway to revitalize the region and this collaboration will serve to amplify ongoing efforts. Many businesses, foundations, and government programs look for collaboration and clear direction when investing in an area and this work will help position the region for outside investment.
The Katahdin Gazetteer is the first region-wide initiative to create a long-term vision and action plan for the future.
“I am truly excited about the entire Katahdin region working together. We have an amazing place to live and we need to work together to outline a vision for generations to come. I believe this initiative with Future iQ gives us a unique opportunity,” said Jon Ellis, owner of the Ellis Family Market grocery stores located in East Millinocket and Patten.
The 12-month Katahdin Gazetteer process includes personal interviews, community events, surveys, and workshop sessions throughout the Katahdin region.
Future iQ will work with a steering committee to translate the input into an action plan for local implementation across the region. Future iQ, a management consulting firm specializing in future and strategic planning, is a market leader in the development and application of scenario planning; network analysis, industry and regional analysis, and community engagement and capacity building.
Future iQ specializes in applying innovative tools and approaches to assist organizations, regions and industries shape their economic and community futures. With over a decade of business experience, the company has grown to have a global clientele spanning three continents. Learn more: http://future-iq.com/
The final regional Katahdin Gazetteer plan will be ready for distribution in the winter of 2019.
“The regional visioning process is key to redeveloping a region that was once dependent on a paper manufacturing facility for a majority of its economic resource. When completed, the plan will provide insight on what direction we should pursue in restructuring the Katahdin Region. I am excited it’s happening and I encourage the public to get involved in the community events designed to give everyone an opportunity to have their voice heard,” said Steve Stanley, State Representative, D-Medway.
Katahdin Gazetteer: a roadmap to the future, is funded by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and Jane’s Trust.
