1st Annual Fishing Family Forum
A gathering for Downeast fishing families to connect, share, and talk about what matters most.
October 16, 2025 | Ellsworth
Building a Brighter Future for Washington County, Maine since 1993.
SCEC’s mission is to initiate and facilitate the creation of jobs and prosperity in Washington County, Maine, by working with a consortium of community-minded businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and citizens.
SCEC Happenings
Bluff Erosion Challenges Downeast Maine
While bluff erosion is natural, for the landowners, it can be devastating. However, strategies which harness natural forces can slow bluff erosion. Using them, landowners can create healthy, natural shorelines responsive to rising sea levels and intense storms.
Forum to Address Issues Facing Local Fishing Families
The First Annual Downeast Fishing Family Forum, will take place Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodlawn Event Center in Ellsworth. This inaugural gathering is designed specifically for fishing families along Maine's...
“Power to the People” Winner Announced
We’re happy to announce that Piper Burgess of Cherryfield had the winning design in Sunrise County Economic Council’s “Power to the People” art contest! Piper’s creative and safety-minded artwork captured one of the safety messages in the Buzz the...
Exciting Things are Happening on Main Street
MaineStreet Business Building is a vibrant hub of networking for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Washington County and beyond!
Private Offices • Co-working Membership • Courses • Advising
Events & Opportunities at SCEC
Building a brighter future
Number of families that have participated in Family Futures Downeast. 83% of parents feel more hopeful about their children's futures.
Number of households across 21 communities that SCEC supported to bring fiber broadband connectivity.
Number of individuals reached by MSBB's accredited Entrepreneurship Pathways program since 2020, for college credit or career advancement.
SCEC originated loans in the amount of $210,000 to assist fishermen and a construction company in Washington County.
SCEC Focus Areas
Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Resilient Communities
SCEC helps Washington county towns to plan for the future, secure federal funds, and build the public infrastructure our future depends on.
Natural Resource Economies
Through the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, we work with communities to strengthen the natural resources economy.
SCEC is a partner in Downeast Fisheries Partnership, which works to collaboratively to grow the fisheries economy.
Natural Resource Economies
Through the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, we work with communities to strengthen the natural resources economy.
SCEC is a partner in Downeast Fisheries Partnership, which works to collaboratively to grow the fisheries economy.
Heritage Promotion & Preservation
SCEC coordinates the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program and supports the sustainable tourism initiatives of DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – programs which strengthen community by connecting people with place.
A Growing Workforce
Through funding and free workforce trainings, SCEC works to strengthen the workforce.
Students & Families
SCEC is a partner in Family Futures Downeast, which helps parents enroll in college.
- Learn about the 2-Gen approach, including high quality early education for children.
- Interested in FFD? Have a referral? Let us know.
Heritage Promotion & Preservation
SCEC coordinates the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program and supports the sustainable tourism initiatives of DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – programs which strengthen community by connecting people with place.
PARTNERSHIPS
SCEC partners with organizations, businesses, municipalities and citizens to launch, support, and promote programs and initiatives in Washington County.