PCEDC Monthly News & Updates

May 2025

Welcome to the First Edition of the PCEDC Newsletter!

We’re excited to introduce the very first issue of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) Newsletter — your new source for updates, insights, and opportunities shaping the economic future of our region.

Each month, we’ll highlight local business developments, community projects, grant opportunities, events, and the innovative people working to strengthen our county. Whether you're a business owner, resident, investor, or simply passionate about the growth of Piscataquis County, this newsletter is for you.

At PCEDC, we believe in building a vibrant, resilient economy rooted in collaboration, creativity, and community pride. Through this newsletter, we hope to keep you informed, inspired, and engaged in the ongoing work of making Piscataquis County a place where people and businesses thrive.

Thank you for reading — and welcome aboard!

Penquis and MaineStream Finance offer Small Business and Personal Finance Classes

Now offering a series of classes and workshops both in-person and by Zoom. Business 101 and Turn Your Hobby Into A Business are offered on a regular basis. For more information or to register please click the link below.

Maine Highlands Broadband Coalition is coming back!

PCEDC is excited to announce that the Maine Highlands Broadband Coalition (MHBC) is returning to Piscataquis County. The Maine Connectivity Authority selected PCEDC as the Regional Wabanaki Broadband Partner, overseeing digital literacy training and support activities in Piscataquis County. PCEDC is partnering with the Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative (PVAEC) to deliver specialized training to assist all residents of Piscataquis County to close the digital divide.

In the coming weeks, you will see Maine Highlands Broadband Coalition-branded training offered by PVAEC. Training Centers will be located throughout towns in Piscataquis County, such as Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville, Guilford, and Milo. The digital literacy training is available to all residents of Piscataquis County at no cost to the participant.

Workforce Development

PCEDC and the Maine Business Education Partnership have partnered to support our workforce needs in Piscataquis County. Over the course of this calendar year, PCEDC will focus on several workforce development issues affecting businesses, employees, and the broader community. Key priorities include addressing childcare challenges, creating a training directory to help businesses and employees increase productivity, exploring strategies to attract new residents, and supporting workforce housing—an urgent issue as many locals struggle to find affordable places to live.

As part of this work, we need to hear from you! If you're a business owner or employer in Piscataquis County, please take 5 minutes to complete our short survey. Your input will help guide real solutions to support your business, employees, and the broader community.

Please take the survey now and help us build a stronger workforce for Piscataquis County.

Thank you for your time and insight!

Take the Survey!

Why People Move to Maine

The state is actively working to stimulate and sustain the net in migration of workers and households. In support of this effort–and other employers and organizations in the state engaging in workforce attraction and recruitment–this report provides foundational data and insights into the characteristics and motivations of people who move to and establish residency in Maine.

ChatGPT for Curious Beginners

Lunch & Learn with us on May 21 from 12-1:30! This is a 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 opportunity to learn 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧 with skilled expert, Cary Weston. We do ask that you register as your lunch is included!

Discover how ChatGPT can be more than just a tool—it can be a practical partner in making your daily work simpler and more efficient. This workshop is built for those who are new to ChatGPT and want practical, no-nonsense guidance to get started immediately.

In Tourism News...

PCEDC Now Manages The Maine Highlands

Recreation based tourism is a huge part of our local economy. As such, we felt it was important to help support the marketing of these activities and are excited to be managing the grant and marketing plan for The Maine Highlands. The Maine Highlands is a regional destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting the natural beauty and diverse experiences of central and northern Maine. The organization is funded through a grant from the Maine Office of Tourism. Encompassing Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, the organization highlights attractions such as Mount Katahdin, Moosehead Lake, and the Penobscot River. With a focus on outdoor adventures, cultural heritage, and small-town charm, The Maine Highlands encourages visitors to explore hiking trails, waterways, and local festivals. The organization also offers a free Exploration Guide to assist in planning trips.

View the Digital Guide

Statewide Tourism by the Numbers

Outdoor recreation made up 3.7% of Maine's economy, making Maine one of the top 10 states in the value that outdoor recreation contributed to statewide GDP.

How did The Maine Highlands do in 2024?

Break it all Down!

To take a deeper dive into all of the tourism statistics for The Maine Highlands, refer to the full FY24 Visitor Tracking Report.

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