By LARRY GRARD
Staff Writer Wednesday, February 21, 2007

There is a high reliance on the declining manufacturing sector, slow transportation routes and a lack of turnkey buildings. But Sally Dwyer, Skowhegan branch manager of Franklin Savings Bank, pointed to an intangible that might be even more important.

"There's too much negativity," Dwyer said. "It's 'no' before 'let's see.' I think we need to be more open."

Later, Dwyer said she was not referring to any specific plan. She said Mainers need to embrace people who want to bring business into the state, as long as those ventures do not pollute the environment.

Enlisting help from a consulting group, the Somerset County Economic Development Corp. is working to update an eight year old economic-development strategy for the state's lowest per-capita income area.

It was the first of five area meetings for discussion of strategy and, ultimately, implementation of that strategy.

Consultant Scott Benson presented some dire facts about the county economy: Per-capita income is 16th and last among Maine counties. Growth from 2003 to 2004 was 2.3 percent compared to the state average of 6 percent, and earnings increased by 1.17 percent compared to the 6 percent state average.

There was a net loss of 630 jobs from 2001-2004.

Tom Davis, executive director of Skills, Inc. -- which provides support services for people with disabilities -- picked up where Dwyer left off.

Partnering with the Plum Creek proposal for development around Moosehead Lake, Davis said, represents a tremendous potential for the county.

"When you're looking at economic development, you want to look at some of the big players that exist," Davis said.

Katie Ouilette, who led the effort to designate Skowhegan as a Maine Street Maine community, spoke of other positive aspects.

"There's the quality of life," Ouilette said. "There is the low cost of land, and the labor force is attractive. People from away would appreciate that."

Jim Baumer, business coordinator for the Workforce Investment Board, said the potential exists for "pockets of labor" in a county of great natural resources.

"With some tweaks, I think your labor force here offers some potential, and it could be an area of strength," Baumer said. "The labor force is here."

All agreed that tourism holds great potential. The Kennebec River runs down the county from Jackman to Fairfield, along the Old Canada Scenic Byway. Parts of Moosehead Lake lie in Somerset County, and snowmobilers flock to the upper river valley.

"It all goes back to investment," said Jim Batey, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. "You need investment in the infrastructure, and marketing. It's difficult to do that at the county-based level. You're talking the need for millions of dollars."

The second meeting, focusing on municipal and county government and economic-development groups is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday. The meeting will take place at the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments on Main Street in Fairfield.

Larry Grard -- 474-9534, Ext. 343

lgrard@centralmaine.com