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Q. Are there programs available to businesses
locating on Loring that would help offset business operation costs?
A. Yes, programs offered through the State of Maine are outlined
in the Maine Department
of Economic & Community Development's Pocket
Guide to Maine's Business Resources.
Some of the programs include:
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Pine Tree Zone Program
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Tax credits & Exemptions Programs such as Job & Investment
Tax Credit; Research Expense Credit; Manufacturing Sales Tax Exemption;
High Technology Investment Tax Credit; and more
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Business Machinery and Equipment Tax Reimbursement Program
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Municipal Tax Increment Financing
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Local Financing Programs
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Workforce Training Programs
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Technical Assistance Programs
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Business Services and Information Programs
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Environmental Protection Programs
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Marketing Programs
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Export Finance Program
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State Financing Programs
Loring is included in a Federal Empowerment Zone designation awarded to Aroostook County. The designation makes Federal
financial and non-monetary resources available to business locating
here.
Q. Does the region have a sufficient, skilled workforce?
A. Yes, our low unemployment rate doesn't reflect the fact
that:
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In January 2002, a blind employment ad for skilled laborers to
work in a proposed manufacturing and assembly facility on Loring
received over 230 responses, in addition to over 250 applications
received in responnse to an ad for employees with aviation related
skills.
-
Many people in the area are underemployed and seek employment
that matches their education level, skills and abilities.
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Many part time employees are seeking full time employment.
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Former
residents of the area continue to seek employment opportunities
that will allow them to return to Northern Maine.
- From
July 1, 2001 to November 30, 2001 the services of the local Career
Center were used 3,446 times by job seekers.
Maine
Quality Centers, offered through the Maine Community College System,
provide specialized training for workers in new or expanding businesses
at no cost to qualifying employers. Northern
Maine Community College is located about twenty five miles from
Loring.
Other
Maine Workforce Training Programs include the Governor's Training
Initiative; Maine Apprenticeship Program; and Workplace Safety Education
and Training Program.
In
Aroostook County, an excellent quality of life, skilled workers
and training programs help to facilitate employers' needs for knowledgeable,
dependable employees. Loring's nineteen organizations have found
their employees to be skilled, talented, dependable and very efficient.
Q.
Does Loring's location offer businesses any advantages over other
locations?
A.
With 21st-century technology in place Loring is in touch with the
world. Businesses and citizens in northern Maine employ and enjoy
the benefits of and participate in developing ever-emerging technologies.
- By air or sea, European markets are quickly accessible from
Loring.
- Canada's eastern markets, including Quebec and Montreal are
within an easy driving distance or just a short flight from here.
- Seaports are located to the North, East, and South of Loring
in Maine and Canada.
- Major U.S. markets in the northeast are also easy to reach
from Loring and the cost of living here is lower than in other
New England regions.
- A rural location also means that the sky over our airport is
not congested; the air and lakes are clean; and people are welcoming
and hospitable.
Q. Who can I contact with additional questions or for more
information?
A. The Loring
Development Authority provides businesses with the comprehensive,
professional assistance needed to address concerns and meet the due
diligence and business research, development and operation requirements.
Please call 207-328-7005 or toll free 1888-LORING1, or email lda@loring.org.
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