Building STEM Pathways in Washington County: From Classroom to Career
Featured contributors: Jason Judd, Executive Director, Educate Maine ; Melissa Mitchell, Principal, Shead High School, James Roberts, Director, Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology; Deven Thapaliya, Maine Service Fellow In rural Washington County, the...
Upper Machias Bay Master Plan to Present Recommendations for Public Feedback
The Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) invite all community members to a public meeting on Monday, February 23, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, to provide feedback on draft recommendations for the four...
Maine’s BEAD Final Proposal Approved
Maine’s BEAD Final Proposal to connect 22,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Passamaquoddy Promise Neighborhood: Building Communities of Opportunity
The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township has been selected as one of 37 recipients of Promise Neighborhood federal funding aimed at transforming communities through educational and support services.
Challenges and Opportunities for Climate Action in Rural Maine
This project sought to engage with rural Maine residents, particularly those experiencing poverty, aging in place, participating in municipal government, or operating small businesses to inform the Maine Climate Plan of 2025.
Sunrise County Economic Council Names New Leaders to Strengthen Support for Local Businesses
Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) is pleased to announce strategic leadership appointments within its Small Business and Entrepreneurship Division, strengthening its capacity to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across Washington County.
The Next Workforce: Engaging Youth Through Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Washington County’s future depends on cultivating the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders who choose to stay and thrive locally. Success depends on listening to youth, making them feel “heard and valued,” and tailoring efforts based on their actual needs rather than assumptions.
Tackling Rural Housing Challenges Through Partnership
Housing shortages continue to challenge Washington and Hancock County communities, affecting everything from workforce recruitment to economic growth. Recently, regional partners explored how municipalities, land trusts, conservation groups, and research institutions are working together to create innovative housing solutions tailored to rural needs.
Building Strong Workplace Culture in Washington County
In Washington County, workplace culture has emerged as a critical aspect of attracting and retaining talent. At the 2025 SCEC Economic Summit, local business and nonprofit leaders shared strategies for creating workplaces where people feel valued, empowered, and connected to something meaningful.
Public Invited to December 10 Meeting on Downtown Machias Flooding and Water Quality
The Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) invite all community members to a public meeting on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, to learn about the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan and to...










