Entsminger nationally recognized for excellence in community development
Jason Entsminger, a University of Maine faculty member, has been recognized by peers in the National Association for Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) for individual excellence in community development programming. The award was announced on June 11 during NACDEP’s conference in Charleston, West Virginia, and is the highest annual honor given by the professional organization. It recognizes his work in 2024 as part of the team leading the development of a 10-year strategic roadmap for Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.
“I’ve loved being able to spend the last two years collaborating with our partners in government and industry to engage Mainers in building a vision for this critical part of our economy,” said Entsminger, who is the state specialist for small business at UMaine Extension and an assistant professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Maine Business School.
The statewide coalition, which included UMaine, unveiled the 10-year roadmap in January 2025, following a year-long engagement and development process that involved nearly 450 individuals from Maine businesses and community stakeholders in every county. The roadmap sets out four goals to sustainably grow and manage the outdoor recreation economy in the state.
Read the full release from UMaine Extension.