HOULTON - For years, the Aroostook Partnership for Progress has poured money into the local economy by securing grants and loans and marketing the region.

Now, a Houlton-based firm has stepped up with a major monetary donation of its own to support their efforts. Officials with APP recently announced that the F.A. Peabody Co. had recommitted to the organization by pledging $50,000.

The Aroostook Partnership for Progress is a regional public-private initiative that works with its partners to market the region nationally and internationally. The partnership works to enhance northern Maine’s economy by increasing business and investment activity, attracting jobs, reversing out-migration trends and setting its sights on increased economic development accountability and leadership.

Since 2004, the partnership has attracted approximately 1,000 new jobs and $140 million in investment into the region. The nonprofit organization is supported by the financial commitments of more than 20 private businesses.

Christopher B. Anderson, president of FAPCO, said in a written statement he believed it was "crucial" that northern Maine construct an economic development infrastructure "driven by the private sector yet supported by the public sector on a long-term basis."

Anderson said he felt the APP has a solid strategy in place for maximizing regional opportunities and dealing with such economic weaknesses as out-migration.

Larry Shaw, chairman of APP, agreed and stressed the importance of a regional approach to economic development that involves private sector investment.

"We strongly believe that economic development must continue to grow as a collaborative process," he said. "It is important that the APP’s strategy be a regional, countywide process in order to leverage funding, capitalize on innovation, and fully utilize the talents of the people in northern Maine."

He lauded FAPCO, an 81-year-old family owned business, for the pledge. Anderson sits on the organization’s board of directors.

F.A. Peabody Co. provides property-casualty insurance in Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou, Mars Hill, Sherman, Lincoln and Hampden.

It also includes a statewide, third-party administration firm called FAPCO Administration, and a broadband Internet service, Pioneer Wireless Network.