Our Partners
The work we do at Sunrise County Economic Council would not be possible without the help of our partners and supporters.
AMHC
Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) was founded in 1964 as a non-profit community mental health center. The agency has been a provider of behavioral health (BH) and related services to adults and children in rural Maine for nearly 60 years.
(207) 554-2352
https://www.amhc.org
CEI
CEI integrates financing, business and industry expertise, and policy solutions to help grow good jobs, environmentally sustainable enterprises, and shared prosperity in Maine and other rural regions. CEI envisions a world in which communities are economically and environmentally healthy, enabling all people, especially those with low incomes, to reach their full potential.
(207) 504-5900
https://www.ceimaine.org
College of the Atlantic
College of the Atlantic enriches the liberal arts tradition through a distinctive educational philosophy—human ecology. A human ecological perspective integrates knowledge from all academic disciplines and from personal experience to investigate—and ultimately improve—the relationships between human beings and our social and natural communities. The human ecological perspective guides all aspects of education, research, activism, and interactions among the college’s students, faculty, staff, and trustees.
The College of the Atlantic community encourages, prepares, and expects students to gain expertise, breadth, values, and practical experience necessary to achieve individual fulfillment and to help solve problems that challenge communities everywhere.
The faculty, students, trustees, staff, and alumni of College of the Atlantic envision a world where people value creativity, intellectual achievement, and the diversity of nature and human cultures. With respect and compassion, individuals will construct meaningful lives for themselves, gain appreciation for the relationships among all forms of life, and safeguard the heritage of future generations.
(207) 288-5015
https://www.coa.edu/
Cooperative Development Institute
The Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) is a regional 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1994 by co-op leaders in the Northeast. Our mission is to create and sustain democratically owned, cooperative enterprises and networks in the Northeast that grow a prosperous and equitable economy. We envision a world where every person can fulfill their needs and aspirations.
1-877-NE-COOPS
413-665-1271
The Community Caring Collaborative
Their mission is to nurture and sustain collaboration that expands resources and increases hope, health, and well-being for people in Washington County, Maine. The challenges of poverty, trauma, substance abuse, major health issues, the process of aging, or other factors can make people vulnerable. Their focus is on increasing awareness of the impacts of those challenges, removing barriers to well-being that diminish potential and hope, and increasing opportunities to help people reach their dreams.
(207) 214-8434
http://www.cccmaine.org/
C.O.R.E.
The purpose of CORE is to build a partnership between East Grand School and the two-district communities of Danforth and Weston in order to make rural education more relevant, attractive to students and financially sustainable through “learning in the out-of-doors pathways” including project and experience-based curriculum and initiatives. CORE is a small organization, no paid staff, and the work is primarily one of information, coordination and support meeting monthly to continue collaborative efforts with the school. Joint accomplishments with the school include strategic planning, construction of an outdoor classroom on donated land, a garden center, curriculum development, teacher training, off-site middle school outings, the Harlow Trail (a school-community service project), and assistance in developing the natural resources pathway options for aspiring students. This web link provides a brief look at the natural resources pathway that began in the middle school this school year. The Harlow Trail marked a multi-year effort by CORE to develop a community service, recreational and educational trail; a partnership involving East Grand students, the Town of Danforth, the landowner, Baskahegan Company and hundreds of volunteer hours. The Badges of Achievement project, which this grant request is for, is an example of how CORE advances its work aligned with student needs and teacher aspirations.
https://grassrootsfund.org/groups/citizens-organization-for-rural-education-core
Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism
DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism is a collaboration of organizations working together to market and promote the DownEast Acadia region (all of Washington and Hancock Counties, from Bucksport to Danforth) to potential visitors both within and outside of Maine.
Member organizations include non-profits and business associations across Washington and Hancock Counties engaged in tourism, education, and economic and community development. Partners include numerous small businesses and organizations across the region.
(207) 546-3600
(888) 665-3278
https://downeastacadia.com/
Downeast Community Partners
DCP brings community resources together to help people in Washington and Hancock counties to achieve self -sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Machias Office: (207) 259-5015
Bucksport Road Office: (207) 664-2424
Ellsworth Office: (207) 664-2424
Downeast Institute
Improves the quality of life for the people of downeast and coastal Maine through marine research, marine science education, and innovations in wild and cultured fisheries.
(207) 497-5769
http://www.downeastinstitute.org/
Downeast Public Health Council
The Downeast Public Health Council (DEPHC) is a representative, district-wide body authorized in Maine Statutes to engage in collaborative planning and decision-making regarding the delivery of the Ten Essential Public Health Services in Hancock and Washington Counties. DEPHC aims to build collaborative partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public health services at the local level.
Downeast Salmon Federation
Downeast Salmon Federation’s mission is to conserve wild Atlantic salmon, other sea-run fish and their habitats, restore a viable recreational salmon fishery, and protect other important river, scenic, recreational, and ecological resources in eastern Maine.
(207) 483-4336
https://mainesalmonrivers.org/
Eastern Maine Development Corporation
Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is a non-profit organization that provides three much-needed services to the Region. Business Services, Community Services, and Workforce Services all come together to create a team of staff who make a difference in the community every day.
(207) 942-6389
https://www.emdc.org/
Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative
Eastern Maine Electric Co-op is a nonprofit utility built by and belonging to the communities it serves in Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties, on Maine’s Eastern Border with Canada. The primary goal of a rural electric cooperative is to deliver reliable, safe electricity at the lowest cost consistent with sound management.
(207) 454-7555
(800) 696-7444
https://emec.com/
Greater East Grand Economic Council
Launched in April 2019, the Greater East Grand Region (GEGR) economic planning initiative was designed from the beginning to be a citizen-led effort. The GEGR Economic Council (GEGEC), founded in 2021, promotes actions to unify people, communities and organizations in order to support each other’s needs, efforts and successes across the region. The Board of Director’s vision is to create a sustainable, collaborative and trustworthy intermediary organization to guide and coordinate economic development by supporting entrepreneurship, business succession, workforce development, and recreational stewardship.
207 952-4648
https://www.eastgrandregion.org/
GrowSmart Maine
GrowSmart Maine works to revitalize historic neighborhoods and vibrant communities suited for residents of all ages, to foster entrepreneurs and creative thinkers, and to provide a safe and inclusive place to raise children.
They advocate for policies and projects that advance Maine’s business and economic growth and development in balance with the conservation and enrichment of our greatest assets; the beautiful and productive built and natural environments that are the bedrock of our cultural and economic heritage.
They support the continuation of traditional livelihoods like fishing, farming and forestry; keeping Maine families working their heritage and making it possible for their children to do the same.
They provide leadership by convening a broad range of voices in meaningful conversations on how to arrive at common-sense solutions as united Mainers.
(207) 250-0220
https://growsmartmaine.org/
Healthy Acadia
Healthy Acadia works on a broad range of community health initiatives that help Hancock and Washington Counties to thrive. Since 2001, they have convened and facilitated numerous collaborative community efforts with shared leadership from many sectors.
(207) 255-3741
https://healthyacadia.org/
Hancock County Planning Commission
HCPC has been providing planning and related government-support assistance to Hancock County municipalities since 1970. Our services now include special projects such as support for healthy communities, housing and community development planning and hazardous waste planning. Explore these developments along with our ongoing work in land use, transportation, economic development, solid waste and recycling:
(207) 667-7131
https://www.hcpcme.org/
Island Institute
Island Institute works alongside Maine’s island and coastal leaders to build community sustainability in island and coastal communities and share solutions for addressing our coast’s most critical issues.
While our work remains rooted in Maine, it has also expanded beyond our state through partnerships with coastal communities across the country and the world. With more than 150,000 year-round islanders in the U.S. alone, we see an opportunity to build a vast network through which we can exchange ideas and solutions to help address the challenges we all share.
The critical needs of our coast are priorities that require coordinated resources and leadership over the coming decade and beyond. Island Institute is well prepared to influence the greatest needs of our communities as we help propel the coast’s toughest conversations forward around economic, climate, and social resilience.
(207) 594-9209
https://www.islandinstitute.org/
Machias Savings Bank
Machias Savings Bank has been fostering long lasting customer relationships throughout Maine since 1869. As one of the oldest and most firmly established community banks in Maine, Machias Savings Bank is successful because we are experienced professionals, committed to providing exceptional customer service while staying true to our small town roots. The truth is all banks offer similar products and services. What sets Machias Savings Bank apart is our dedicated staff of professionals and the exceptional level of customer service we provide, and that you deserve!
We are Machias Savings Bank…Experienced people. Exceptional service.
1-800-339-3347
https://www.machiassavings.bank/
Maine APEX Accelerator
Maine APEX Accelerator (formerly Maine PTAC) program is hosted by Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC). Our professional government procurement technical assistance services are provided by EMDC and our sub-recipient, Northern Maine Development Commission.
APEX trained counselors work from offices located throughout the state. If you are interested in making selling to the government part of your company’s overall business portfolio, our professional staff will give you the technical assistance that you need.
Maine APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement from the Department of Defense (DOD) through a program that is administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The content of any written materials or verbal communications of the APEX Accelerator does not necessarily reflect the official views of or imply endorsement by DOD or DLA.
(207) 942-6389
https://www.maineapex.com/
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Rebuilding and maintaining Eastern Maine fisheries requires all-hands-on-deck co-management of the marine and river ecosystem, work that will be shared by fishermen, community-based groups, scientists, and tribal, state and federal fisheries managers. The result will be fishing that is able to adapt so well that productivity of the ecosystem is sustained, even as the climate and oceans change. At the same time, the shoreside economy that supports and is supported by fishing will be structured for a diverse, high-value catch and rapid response to changing conditions. Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries will have a key role piloting and facilitating this globally significant co-management system.
(207) 367-2708
https://coastalfisheries.org/
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) conserves and stewards Maine’s coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, ecological value, outdoor recreational opportunities, and contribution to community well-being. MCHT provides statewide conservation leadership through its work with land trusts, coastal communities and other partners.
Main Office: (207) 729-7366
Mount Desert Office: (207) 244-5100
Downeast Office: (207) 259-5040
https://www.mcht.org
Maine Community Foundation
The Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. The community foundation is committed to serve all of Maine; demonstrate respect for people and places; achieve quality and integrity in everything we do and remain nonpartisan.
Ellsworth: (207) 667-9735
Portland: (207) 667-9735
http://www.mainecf.org/
Maine Development Foundation
The Maine Development Foundation (MDF) is a private, non-partisan membership organization that drives sustainable, long-term economic growth for the State of Maine. MDF’s strategic focus is a productive workforce. We believe that a productive worker is one that is educated, healthy, innovative, and engaged in their community and the economy.
MDF stimulates new ideas, develops leaders, and provides common ground for solving problems and advancing issues by:
- Empowering leaders
- Strengthening communities
- Guiding public policy with trusted economic research
Created in statute in 1978, MDF is a unique and trusted non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. MDF works statewide across all sectors.
(207) 622-6345
http://www.mdf.org/
Maine Office of Community Development
The Office of Community Development (OCD) is a division within the Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD). The primary focus of OCD is the administration of the HUD funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program which includes regional technical assistance and training. We work closely with Maine municipalities, regional partnerships and non-profit groups to meet a broad array of economic and community development needs.
https://www.maine.gov/decd/community-development
Maine Seacoast Mission
Since 1905, the Mission has been connecting people to their strengths by offering healthcare, education, food, shelter, and spiritual support.
At our Downeast Campus in Cherryfield, we build community through food security, afterschool programs, youth development, scholarships, housing rehabilitation, and events. For islands miles off the Maine coast, the Sunbeamserves as a floating community center, bringing nurses and telehealth, a chance to gather for meals, and a roster of educational programming and enriching events.
(207) 288-5097
https://seacoastmission.org/
Maine Sea Grant
The University of Maine is a designated Sea Grant College. Since 1971, Sea Grant has been supporting marine science for Maine people. They are one of 33 NOAA Sea Grant programs throughout the coastal and Great Lakes states. The network is a powerful resource for sharing information and solving problems.
They are focused on Maine’s coastal communities. In partnership with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, members of the Marine Extension Team work on issues of concern to Maine’s coastal communities. A 25-member policy advisory committee helps identify stakeholder needs and ensures that our work is relevant to the people of Maine.
They sponsor scientific research that matters to those who depend on Maine’s coastal and marine resources. Learn more about current research projects and funding opportunities.
They develop tomorrow’s marine workforce through formal and informal education programs, fellowships and scholarships.
(207) 581-1435
http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/
Maine Small Business Development Centers
The Maine SBDC program helps build and strengthen small businesses through business advising, training and educational resources. Certified business advisors provide guidance on topics such as business feasibility, business plan development, capital acquisition, financial management, marketing and sales, e-commerce, customer service, personnel management, small business strategic planning and more.
The Maine SBDC is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the University of Southern Maine. Accredited by America’s Small Business Development Centers, the Maine SBDC operates a network of service centers in partnerships with the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, CEI and Northern Maine Development Commission. Our experienced advisors are certified by the New England Professional Development Group (NEPD).
(207) 780-4420
http://www.mainesbdc.org/
Mano en Mano
In the early 1990s, Milbridge experienced a rapid influx of migrant farmworkers who decided to leave the “migrant stream” and settle in Downeast Maine. In response to the needs of the Milbridge community’s newest members, the Milbridge Public Library, Town Office, and schools began to offer educational programs, basic resources, and potlucks open to all. These programs quickly expanded to include language classes and an afterschool program, and, in 2005, Mano en Mano was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization.
Today, Mano en Mano serves the communities of Milbridge and greater Washington County including this residential population of former migrant farmworkers and their families.
(207) 546-3006
https://www.manomaine.org/
Manomet
Manomet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Manomet builds science-based, cooperative solutions to environmental problems. Manomet’s scientists and staff work from our headquarters in Plymouth, MA, and offices located in Maine, Alaska, Delaware, Vermont, Washington, Chile, and Paraguay.
Manomet was founded in 1969 as the “Manomet Bird Observatory,” and our work in bird conservation remains renowned. Over the past 25 years, we expanded our work into forestry and agriculture to tackle environmental conservation; in the last ten, we added a sustainable economies program to improve the balance between nature and the economy.
Brunswick Office: (207) 721-9040
Headquarters: (508) 224-6521
https://www.manomet.org/
National Digital Equity Center
The National Digital Equity Center provides communities at all levels the expertise needed to mobilize broadband technologies through digital inclusion, literacy efforts, education, resource planning, funding research, infrastructure leveraging and stakeholder engagement.
The National Digital Equity Center team brings years of community, state, national and international stakeholder engagement to action-oriented broadband planning toward digital equity. Working closely with established entities that have laid the groundwork for broadband adoption, the National Digital Equity Center provides turnkey, hands on, action based assistance to communities and stakeholders.
(207) 259-5010
https://digitalequitycenter.org/
Northeastern Workforce Development Board
The Northeastern Workforce Development Board (NWDB) was established to administer and oversee the delivery of WIOA Title 1B, Adult, Dislocated worker, and Youth funded services in Aroostook, Penobscot, Hancock, Washington, and Piscataquis Counties. NWDB’s region is the largest rural area in the state of Maine.
Members are made up of workforce professionals, County officials, and local employers striving to support everyday people in overcoming barriers to employment through the contracted One-Stop Operator system providing them with skills training, work experiences, on the job training programs, and supportive services. Vital to the social and economic wellbeing of our communities, participants not only gain a livable wage but are led into career pathways that help them to fulfill their family’s needs and dreams.
(207) 992-0771
https://www.northeasternwdb.org/
Northern Border Regional Commission
Northern Border Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership for economic and community development within the most distressed counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.
(603) 369-3001
https://www.nbrc.gov/
Northern Forest Center
The Northern Forest Center advocates for the Northern Forest region and helps its communities benefit from forest-based economic and conservation initiatives.
(603) 229-0679
https://northernforest.org/
Northern Maine Development Commission
The Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) is a membership organization comprised of participating communities and counties in the Aroostook Washington Economic Development District.
NMDC provides federal and state services at the regional and local levels. NMDC also provides management and support for Aroostook County Tourism (ACT), Aroostook Municipal Association (AMA), and Aroostook Partnership.
(207) 498-8736
http://www.nmdc.org/
State of Maine
https://www.maine.gov/portal/index.html
University of Maine at Machias
Through their Environmental Liberal Arts core, distinctive baccalaureate programs, and student-centered community, the University of Maine at Machias creates enriching educational opportunities that prepare graduates for professional success and lifelong engagement with the world. UMM embodies an active community of diverse learners who share a commitment to exploration, leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Inspired by our unique coastal location, UMM’s creative energy, applied research, and community engagement enhance the social, cultural, economic, and natural environments of the State of Maine.
(207) 255-1200
https://machias.edu/
Wabanaki Aspirations
Wabanaki Aspirations is an organization that helps tribes, tribal organizations and tribal members achieve their visions and goals to develop economic, educational and social success by building on their own knowledge and needs.
Washington County Adult and Community Education
Washington County Adult and Community Education is a collaborative, innovative and technology-driven organization that advances the life-long educational and professional development of businesses and residents while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of the diverse community.
Phone: 207-255-4917 or 207-370-4139
https://washingtoncounty.maineadulted.org
Email: info@wcadulteducation.com
Washington County Community College
Washington County Community College serves as an educational, community, and economic development resource for Washington County and beyond by providing educational opportunities with individualized attention to all who desire to gain technical skills, develop career specializations, engage in self-improvement, and/or prepare for transfer.
(207) 454-1000
http://www.wccc.me.edu/
Washington County Development Authority
The Washington County Development authority was established by the Second regular Session of the 120th Maine Legislature as Chapter 568 of the Laws of Maine 2001. The authority was established in response to the need to create a state entity that could take title to the former Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in cutler, Maine from the United States Navy. Since that time, the legislation was amended to broaden the scope of the authority’s mission to allow the Authority to provide financial and technical assistance to any governmental entity and nonprofit located within Washington County in support of community and economic development projects. Representation was expanded to include all municipalities in Washington County, including the unorganized territories.
Washington County Government
The Washington County Commission is made up of three commissioners which represent Washington County. Each commissioner is elected to a four year term and serves constituents from one of three districts.
(207) 255-3127
http://washingtoncountymaine.com/
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Machias Office: 7 Ames Way, Machias, ME 04654 | Calais Office: 330 North Street, Suite 1, Calais, ME 04619
207-255-0983 |. Business Hours: M-F, 8:00am – 5:00pm