Trade mission to Aroostook County Sept. 14 2018
Trade mission to Aroostook County Sept. 14 2018
We had the wonderful opportunity to visit some amazing businesses in Aroostook County with Maine Legislator Trey Stewart.
Take a look at what we learned…
Smith’s Farm is a six-generation broccoli farm located in Westfield, ME that has been growing a variety of produce for not only people in Maine, but others across the country. Some of the produce that Smith’s Farm grows includes broccoli, Maine lettuce, Nappa cabbage, bok choy, and cauliflower. At Smith’s Farm, they grow, pack, and ship their products all from its own facilities. In recent years, between 2010 and 2015, Smith Packing began production in other areas outside of Maine to keep up with demand and to supplement during Maines cold, winter months. Smith Packing is also located in California and Florida so produce can be grown year round. In a recent article in the Portland Press Herald, they attribute their success to family and their commitment to the success of the business including ” Smith’s manages between 10,000 and 15,000 acres, operating on a three-year rotation that reflects the farm’s commitment to sound environmental practices “to produce the purest, healthiest crops for our customers, and remain ever-faithful to promoting and preserving our precious natural resources.” as well as a long-term partnership with Hannaford.
Katahdin Cedar Log Homes was founded in Aroostook County Maine nearly 50 years ago. Starting as a small businesses in Maine, they had the opportunity to become one of the “leading manufacturers of log homes worldwide”. They are committed to only using the best materials for all parts of the homes. Katahdin Cedar Log Homes only uses Northern White Cedar generally from Maine and some parts of Canada. Katahdin also allows its customers to choose from provide home plans or the customers can custom design their home to their specific liking. Another aspect of this company that sets themselves apart from its competitors. Whether you are living in a small town in the State of Maine, or across the country, Katahdin Cedar Log Homes can help build you your dream home. See for yourself on their site how simple it can be to start your new home today.
ACME Monaco opened in the late 1940’s, and opened a manufacturing plant in Presque Isle, Maine in the 80’s. ACME Monaco focuses on designing and producing medical guide wires, orthodontic components, and custom assembly components. ACME is FDA registered while focusing on quality and precision 100 percent of the time. They take value and pride in their work on all of their components for its clients.
ReEnergy is located in Fort Fairfield, Maine and supplies energy to more than 34,000 homes both in and outside of Maine. This biomass plant is extremely important for the environment. The materials that are used are turned into electricity, rather than going into a landfill in and around the State of Maine. “Biomass power facilities enhance forest health, mitigate climate change, support jobs in the forest products industry, contribute to fuel diversity, and represent reasonably priced forms of renewable base-load energy” (ReEnergy).
Unfortunately, the decision was recently made to tear down the ReEnergy facility in Fort Fairfield and sell the property to another company. Learn more in the article from the Bangor Daily News Article.
MMG Insurance is located in Presque Isle, Maine and has been insuring residents of Maine for over 120 years. MMG Insurance is both a great place to do business with and a great place to work. Over the past few years they have received many awards as an industry leader. Some of the awards they have won were “Business Ruled Excellence Award” in 2018, “Named One of the Best Places to Work in Maine” in 2017, and “Company of the Year” in 2016.
