HOULTON, Maine — The Southern Aroostook Development Corp. has created a new video hoping to lure residents from out of the area into the community.
Scott Dionne, an SADC board member and past president, introduced the video to Houlton town councilors Monday night.
Titled “Houlton is THE IT Location to Work Remotely in New England,” the video promotes the town as an ideal place to set up business. “IT” refers to information technology.
SADC is an economic development organization, founded in 1998, to enhance and expand the economic base of southern Aroostook County, according to its website. Business and community leaders from throughout the area work together to help coordinate, promote and guide new business creation.
Dionne told councilors that all of the board members are volunteers and that Jon McLaughlin, the executive director, holds the only paid position. He said the organization works to build southern Aroostook one job at a time and also works to maintain, create and seek out opportunities for people in the region.
That is why the group decided to create the video, which they funded and put together with an all-volunteer force over the past year.
Dionne said that the video is targeted toward any outside employer looking to relocate an employee or multiple employees into Houlton area. Such employees can work remotely from their home for an employer whose home base is in a larger city or community. That would allow the employee the freedom to have the the flexibility to commute to the office on a monthly basis while still making a home in Houlton.
The video is three minutes long and features local homeowners and entrepreneurs talking about their businesses, homes and the first-class internet connectivity. Various shots of the community highlight all four seasons, the award-winning educational system, Midnight Madness and the Fourth of July celebrations, local sports teams and area graduations. Several people who have moved to the area from out of town also extol the virtues of Houlton and the lifestyle available.
The video is available for viewing by visiting the SADC website.
