Development (DECD) today named the Town of Poland - as Maine's newest "Certified Business-Friendly" community.
Poland joins 24 other Maine cities and towns that have earned "Certified Business-Friendly" status. Earning this distinction requires a multiplicity of high-quality traits, from customer-service and business collaboration, to licensing, permitting - and public input.
"Congratulations to the Town of Poland on their well-deserved achievement," said Governor LePage. "I hope this inspires other municipalities to consider their on-going practices - and ask whether they are being as proactive as possible in making Maine a more business-friendly state. The Town of Poland is yet another example of a community that understands what it takes to be more competitive."
The "Certified-Business Friendly" program, administered by DECD, encourages all Maine communities to embrace policies that attract new private sector investment and lead to job creation. The Town of Poland received the award based on some of these specific factors:
• Significant infrastructure improvements • Strong collaboration with Oxford County Chamber of Commerce and the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce • Letter from Poland Spring regarding the Town's quick and efficient assistance • Quick turn around on licenses and permits • The Poland Economic Development Committee represents a positive utilization of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to support businesses as well as long-term community growth
"It's impressive to see so many communities going through the self-examination process required in order to be recognized as ‘Certified Business-Friendly'", said DECD Commissioner George Gervais. "We hope every community statewide works to improve their local business climate so that all of Maine can benefit."
"I am pleased the Town has received this well-deserved business-friendly recognition," said Stephen Robinson, Chairman of the Poland Board of Selectmen. "Our goal is to continue Poland's growth and development for many years to come."
The "Certified Business-Friendly" community program started in 2012. Since then, Maine's list of "Certified Business-Friendly" communities has grown to include: Auburn, Augusta, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Brewer, Bucksport, Caribou, Cumberland, Ellsworth, Fairfield, Guilford, Hermon, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Lincoln, Pittsfield, Poland, Presque Isle, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, South Portland, Topsham, and Westbrook.
Each community is awarded a certificate of achievement, two MaineDOT road signs, and becomes a key part of Maine's business attraction strategy.
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