Presque Isle Now Certified as Business Friendly

Congratulations Presque Isle, you're now "business-friendly".

According to The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Presque Isle's application for "business-friendly" certification passed.  The LePage administration set out to start a program back in March of 2012 that would allow Maine communities to apply for a business-friendly status. So far, 20 communities have made the cut. Multiple areas of criteria are considered, including customer service, business involvement and collaboration, input from the public, and licensing and permitting.

Here are some bullet points that helped Presque Isle achieve certification:

• The city's steps to stabilize and reduce its tax rate.
• Its authorization of the planning committee to guide and encourage community and economic development.
• Presque Isle's recognition that "time is money" through its Site Design Review Process.
• The city's focus on revitalizing its downtown through the "Get Down to Business in Downtown Presque Isle" initiative.

A team of public and private economic development experts reviews each application.

Now that Presque Isle is business friendly the city receives a certificate, two new MaineDOT road signs and can claim a seat as a key part of Maine's business attraction strategy.

As part of this whole deal, Presque Isle is having a Downtown Recognition Celebration on May 30th, 2013 from 5-7pm at the Northeastland Hotel, Red Room. Sponsored by the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee.

To find out more information about becoming certified as business-friendly check out http://www.maine.gov/decd/cbfc/