HOULTON, Maine — The Southern Aroostook Development Corporation hosted a meet-and-greet event at the Shiretown’s UpOver to welcome its new executive director, Johanna Johnston, on Thursday, May 4.
Nearly 40 guests attended, including board members, investors, community partners and Houlton town council members. In addition to offering guests the opportunity to meet the new Director, SADC committee chairs gave reports on the status of their projects.
SADC Board President Josh McLaughlin began the committee updates by explaining the history and goal of the new program, Future Professionals of Aroostook. The intent of this mentorship program is to provide eighth-grade students with guidance on career options available locally, what training and education are required and life skills necessary to be placed into those jobs.
Jon McLaughlin, past executive director and housing committee chair, detailed the group’s effort to study the local housing crisis, identify possible solutions and incentives for developers and create recommendations that municipal bodies can implement to combat blight.
Reports were also presented by Pete Chase, chair of the airport development and TIF District committees, as well as Chris Anderson, chair of the Attraction Committee, which is planning the festivities for the solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024.
The Southern Aroostook Development Corporation is an economic enhancement organization, founded in 1998, to develop and expand the economic base of southern Aroostook County.
