Sherman Joins Growing List of "Certified Business-Friendly" Communities in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announce that the Town of Sherman in Aroostook County has been designated "Certified Business-Friendly." With the addition of Sherman, a total of 31 Maine communities have been "Certified Business-Friendly."

"I congratulate the Town of Sherman for its commitment to partnering with the private sector and achieving business excellence," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Each of the cities and towns that have been certified are helping Maine become more competitive and open for business."

The "Certified Business-Friendly Community" program, administered by DECD, encourages Maine municipalities to take a critical look at all areas of their business attraction strategy and examine ways the community interacts with businesses to promote new private investment. "This designation reflects the work ethic behind our efforts during the past several years to promote this area of our fine state," said Sherman Town Manager Debra O'Roak. "We will continue to work towards promoting our town in every way possible. It is awesome for a small community to receive such a distinction because our resources are so limited and we all need to focused and pulling in the same direction. Sherman is open for business, so come visit us soon!"

A team of public and private economic development experts reviews each application to determine eligibility in the program. Some of the business-friendly characteristics that earned Sherman its "certified business-friendly" designation include:

Sherman Establishment of a joint TIF policy with Stacyville and Patten Straightforward licensing and permitting policies Creation of a Upper Valley Economic Corporation Revolving Loan Fund Securing grant funding for numerous community projects Many quality of life amenities

The "Certified Business-Friendly Community" program began 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, Fort Kent, Guilford, Hermon, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Lincoln, Madison, Pittsfield, Poland, Presque Isle, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, South Portland, Sherman, Southwest Harbor, Topsham, Van Buren, Wells 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.