Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) invites business leaders, educators, nonprofit professionals, and community members to its 2025 Economic Summit on November 14, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cobscook Institute in Trescott.
The title of this year’s summit is: “Jobs and Prosperity in Washington County: Workforce Attraction, Retention and Development Strategies that Work Here.” Participants will examine critical issues facing the regional economy, including workforce development, housing solutions, youth engagement, and workplace culture, featuring insights from leaders working to strengthen economic vitality across Downeast Maine.
Keynote Address
Jason Parent, Executive Director and CEO of the Aroostook Community Action Program (ACAP), will deliver the morning keynote address titled “Building a Three County Community Action Agency to Better Support the Economic Vitality of our Region.” Parent leads community action initiatives across Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties and has positioned ACAP as a national leader in the Whole Family/Two-Generation Approach to economic and social mobility.
Parent holds a Master of Science in Business from Husson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He is a Certified Community Action Professional and serves on numerous boards, including as President of the Board of Aroostook Home Health Services/Valley Home Health Services and Vice President of the New England Community Action Partnership Board.
Afternoon Plenary
Matt Dana II, Working Communities Partnership Director, will lead the afternoon session on “Responsive HR: Making Policies That Matter,” addressing how organizations can develop human resources policies that support both workforce retention and employee wellbeing.
Interactive Breakout Sessions
Attendees will participate in two rounds of breakout sessions covering diverse topics:
Morning Sessions (10:15-11:00 a.m.):
- Working Together Downeast: 2Gen at 10
- Self Employment: Navigating Challenges & Opportunities
- Workplace Culture for Workforce Retention
- Growing Our Own: STEM Education for a Homegrown Workforce
Midday Sessions (11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.):
- Housing Solutions for Small Communities
- Beyond the Bell: Investing in Local Solutions for Working Families
- The Next Workforce: Engaging Youth Through Leadership and Entrepreneurship
- Passamaquoddy Promise Neighborhood
Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.
Registration
Registration is now open. Click here to learn more and register today.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Cobscook Institute
- Cost: $35