Pittsfield gets second chance at business-friendly award

  AUGUSTA – The applications are in and the work is underway to determine the next round of cities and towns earning business-friendly status, according to the Maine Department of Economic Development (DECD).

  There are many communities across Maine promoting job creation, reducing red tape and being open for business. In an effort to acknowledge each for their continued commitment to becoming business-friendly, Gov. Paul LePage is recognizing those cities and towns.

  “The goal of the program is to encourage a business-friendly climate in municipalities throughout the State and better position Maine for economic prosperity,” said LePage.

  Seven cities and towns will be considered in the second round of the Certified Business-Friendly Community Program: Auburn, Cumberland, Ellsworth, Lewiston, Pittsfield, Richmond and Westbrook.

  Cumberland and Pittsfield did not meet certification in the first round but have since worked with the Maine Department of Community Development and are once again seeking certification.

  “Our Department will work with any Maine community that wants to earn this designation; we want every Maine city and town to be business friendly, “said DECD Commissioner George Gervais.

  A review team will soon begin looking at each community's application to determine if that community is eligible to be recognized as business-friendly. Multiple areas of criteria will be considered including customer service, business involvement and collaboration; input from the public and licensing and permitting. Each community will be evaluated on an individual basis.

  Communities deemed business-friendly will be presented with a certificate, DOT road sign and become a key part of Maine's business attraction strategy.

  “These communities should be congratulated that they are taking a proactive approach to being considered business-friendly,” said Gervais.