CARIBOU - A major economic opportunity is coming to the region in about a year and a half and event organizers and economic development officials are working to coordinate efforts and maximize the impact of the 2014 World Acadian Congress (WAC).

   Part of the effort is to engage business leaders. Francine Landry, the WAC economic development coordinator and Jason Parent, the WAC Maine international president, recently addressed the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) board of directors about potential economic initiatives.

   "We want to continue past 2014 and leave the Acadia of the Lands and Forest territory with a lasting economic legacy," Landry said.

Francine Landry, WAC economic development coordinator, and Jason Parent, WAC Maine international president address the APP board of directors at a recent meeting.

   Acadia of the Lands and Forests is the area that encompasses northern Maine, northwestern New Brunswick and southeastern Quebec.  The region was first developed in 2008 to compete against Quebec City and Lafayette, Louisiana to host the 2014 WAC.

   The World Acadian Congress is a major celebration of Acadian culture and history held every five years since 1994. In 2014 from Aug. 8-24 more than 300 activities, including more than 100 family reunions, should attract up to 50,000 visitors to the region. The estimated economic impact is $55-million, but organizers want to make sure the ripple effects last for many years after the congress closes.

   "We see this as more than just a flash in the pan," added Parent.

   The summary of the strategic plan calls for 10 recommendations including: establishing committees; support the creation of a free trade zone between Canada and the U.S; merge the tourist approach of the three regions; promote the businesses and create common promotional tools, identify targeted segments of the economic component; promote the congress to targeted segments; collaboration with educational institutions; initiate pre-congress events; address workforce challenges; and incorporate eco-responsibility within the congress.           

   Alain Ouellette, planning and development division director at Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC), is an active participant in the WAC economic development work group and also attended the APP briefing. 

   "Our region is proof positive that for any economic development initiative to flourish, we must find ways to expand opportunities by creating a more open and collaborative environment with our neighbors in New Brunswick and Quebec," he said.

   NMDC is prepping for the 2014 event by working

   "We want to have a legacy as a result of the WAC that will promote cross-border trade, business to business events, conferences on mutually important topics/issues, joint tourism development and promotion such as a '2 nation vacation' concept, build continuing relations with businesses and organizations in New Brunswick, Maine and Quebec, joint transportation planning projects and educational opportunities," said Bob Clark, executive director NMDC.  

   Landry also mentioned she will continue getting business people from both sides of the border together to explore the economic benefits of the much anticipated event. 

   Even though the festivities are more than 18 months away Parent said the excitement is already building.

   "We are already seeing bookings in this area," he added.

    More information on the World Acadian Congress can be found online at www.cma2014.com.