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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	November, 2010	Return to newsletter index

Planning: Economic Development Plan

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While three downtown plans developed over the past few decades have had a strong economic development focus, this appears to be the first general economic development plan that the City has developed.

The committee appointed by the Mayor, included himself, Bill Johnson (chair), Lori Irving, Roger Johnson, Will Armitage, Don Lauzier, Ed Hodgdon, Glenn Baker, Craig Pendleton and Rick Michaud. The committee was staffed by Development Director Peter Morelli and Emily Cross, intern in the planning department.

The Committee met seven times from July to October 2010. It reviewed materials from many sources including:

• Charting Maine's Future: An action plan for promoting sustainable prosperity and quality places; The Brookings Institution.
• Introduction to Maine's Investment Imperative II: Unleashing the Potential; Maine Development Foundation.
• Maine's Workforce Development System: A Guide to Education and Training Programs; Maine Development Foundation.
• Report of the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (February 2010)
• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; SMRPC (June 2010)
• Saco Downtown Plan (November 2007)
• Saco Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update, Draft Economy Chapter (2010)
• Maine's Economic Outlook: Implications for Real Estate, MEREDA (January 2010) (powerpoint only)
• Saco Industrial Development 1967-1980 (Huot)

One of the first recommendations by the committee was to develop new marketing materials. The City recently contracted with O'Neil Associates Inc. of Saco to develop professional branding and marketing materials slide. Fred O'Neil, a Saco resident, helped the City develop handsome presentation folders, an attractive and informative brochure showcasing Saco as a ideal community in which to start-up, re-locate or expand businesses. Among the recommendations in the report to the City Council:

• A marketing program of sufficient frequency could help the City create a positive image as a business location. The marketing program could be extended with an advertising budget large enough to allow a frequent continuous presence in selected publications read by business leaders. Pursue possible sources of funding to implement the program.
• The health of the Saco economy is closely tied to the economic health of the entire region. Therefore, the City should continue to work cooperatively with the cities of Biddeford, Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach, with Greater Portland, and with regional economic development organizations such as the BSAEDC and SMRPC and the Chamber of Commerce to foster the economic prosperity of the region.
• UNE has a major and growing presence in the community and is strategically involved with the growing health and medical sectors in the region. In addition, its students are residents of the community and customers for our businesses. The City should cultivate its relationship with UNE continuously, beginning with Saco Spirit participating in the fall student orientation. The City should work with UNE, Saco Spirit, the Chamber of Commerce, and merchants to encourage the adoption of the UNE Nor'easter Dollars cash card program.
• UNE's strength in various medical disciplines, along with the growing presence of Southern Maine Medical Center, Maine Medical Center, VNS, and several orthopedic and physical therapy groups is evident in Saco. Medical uses have been growing generally in the region. The city should include in its efforts a focus on growth in medical and allied fields. Make this the first targeted business group for the visitation program.
• The City is already recognized in the real estate community for its generally efficient permitting and for the delegation of state site law permitting. The permitting process could be enhanced by the publication of a guide to the planning and permitting process, as well as further feedback from users.
• Saco's core is attractive for downtown living. Additional housing in the downtown might assist the city in attracting young residents and would help provide additional customers for downtown businesses. Residential development in the downtown and Saco Island should be encouraged.
• A new pedestrian bridge over the Saco River, from mill district to mill district, should be considered by the two cities and the mills district stakeholders and constructed if warranted.
• The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry has many roles in the community, including an important role in tourism. The Chamber is now working with the state's tourism region program and local tourism-related businesses, including hotels and theme parks, to promote tourism in the region. Collaboration and weekend packages are among the possible areas for improvement. The City should support these Chamber-led efforts.
• There are additional tourism opportunities at Camp Ellis and the beach. Fishing excursions have been identified as one area to be encouraged. Beach use is another.
• The City has developed a green brand in recent years with its environmental innovations and "America's first green Amtrak Station." This green brand has potency and should be used in marketing and promotional efforts.