HISTORY

Visionary Leadership

In 2003, the founders of the Aroostook Partnership for Progress had the visionary belief that to remain competitive, northern Maine must work together as a region and the business community must become actively involved in a regional economic development program.  Utilizing the recommendations of the 2003 Rural Empowerment Summit, these founders then embarked on a campaign to solicit the support of businesses throughout northern Maine.

Through their shared wisdom and leadership, they brought together a region which retains its diversity while benefiting from the collective clout which is more powerful than its individual parts.

In early 2004, leaders from across northern Maine began to shape a regional approach to economic development. Their ideas were incubated through various efforts coordinated by Maine Public Service and the Northern Maine Development Commission and eventually became a reality with the formal establishment of the Aroostook Partnership for Progress in June 2004 and J. Nicholas Bayne, President and CEO of Maine & Maritimes Corporation, as its first Chairperson.  It's at that point our timeline begins, with a sincere nod of appreciation for the progress forged by leadership during those formidable years.