CARIBOU - Challenges and opportunities face the Loring Commerce Centre. That from the organization's President and CEO Carl Flora as he addressed the Aroostook Partnership for Progress board of directors at their monthly meeting Friday, May 9.

    Flora said the loss of 150 jobs at the Maine Military Authority, due to a reduction in military contracts, and the company turning back some of its buildings to the Loring Development Authority (LDA) has created a significant reduction in funding. That is the most pressing challenge to the LDA according to Flora, but he also said there are opportunities on the horizon.

    "We have a Memorandum of Understanding with a company to construct rail cars at Loring," said Flora. "This is by no means a done deal, but we have an agreement to continue discussions. If this happens it could be a game changer for Loring."

    Flora added there is no timetable and job estimates he can release right now, but initial talks have been promising.

    "Loring is a big component of Aroostook County economy," said APP President Bob Dorsey. "With more than 1,000 jobs on the former base it is important APP stay connected with the LDA and offer assistance to redevelopment efforts currently underway.

    Also at the board meeting, Dorsey gave an update on the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership designation application filed by Northern Maine Development Commission and APP in March.

    "That designation, which we should hear about in June or July, may free up some public funds to assist the forest manufacturing industry in the region," he added.

    Dorsey said that being designated a "Manufacturing Community" could prove extremely beneficial for our region as we try to promote forestry, add mills, expand manufacturing, create better paying jobs and grow our 18- to 44-year-old workforce.

    The next APP board of directors meeting will be held in Houlton at the Katahdin Trust Company Operations Center June 13 at 8:30 a.m.

Katahdin Trust cut a red ribbon on May 8, 2014 to symbolize the opening of its 19th branch in Fort Kent. As the red ribbon was cut, the Bank announced a donation of $1,900, which is symbolic of $100 for each of its locations, to the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department. Included in the photo (L-R): Susan Tardie and Norma Landry - Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce; Theresa L'Italien - Katahdin Trust Teller; Stephanie Oliver - Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce President; Louella Soucy - Katahdin Trust Teller; Skyla Hamilton - Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Janet Saucier - Katahdin Trust Head Teller; Connie Ouellette - Katahdin Trust Customer Service Representative; Dave Cambridge - Katahdin Trust Regional Vice President and Commercial Services Officer; Jon Prescott - Katahdin Trust President and CEO; Robert Pelletier - General Contractor; Angela Franck - Katahdin Trust Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager, and Retail Services Officer; Pete St. John - Senior Vice President of Commercial Services; Donald Guimond - Fort Kent Town Manager; and Ann Beaulieu - Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Director.

    FORT KENT - A longtime investor in the Aroostook Partnership for Progress celebrated the opening of its newest branch located at 79 West Main Street in Fort Kent with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, May 8. 

    Jon Prescott, President and CEO of Katahdin Trust welcomed a lobby full of customers, friends, bank staff and business associates to the new Branch. As the red ribbon was cut, the Bank announced a donation of $1,900, which is symbolic of $100 for each of its locations, to the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department. This donation will be designated for the support of the department's youth enrichment programs and CPR training. 

     "It's been great for Katahdin Trust in Fort Kent since we opened for business Monday, May 5," stated Prescott. "We are enjoying the opportunity to welcome new banking relationships each day and this new facility allows us to better serve our customers, especially in the St. John Valley. At the same time, we are fulfilling our mission of service and corporate citizenship by partnering with an outstanding organization such as the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department. Katahdin Trust is here not only to make a difference in the lives of our customers but to also find ways to serve our communities and work to help our friends and neighbors."

    The new office features four teller stations, two private offices, a conference room, comfortable waiting area, a drive up teller lane, and a 24-hour ATM. 

    The office is managed by Angela Franck, Assistant Vice President and Retail Services Officer.