Kineo Coffee Shop patrons learn what is brewing in the Moosehead Lake region

GREENVILLE — Customers stopping by the Kineo Coffee Shop for a drink and a bite to eat had the opportunity to learn more about the efforts of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation and the Brand Leadership Team through a “Coffee Shop Talk” on the morning of July 8.

The corporation has a mission of growing and sustaining local business, attracting and creating new jobs, and enhancing the economy of the Moosehead Lake region, with a vision that the area will enjoy a robust, diversified, and sustainable economy that leverages the region’s unique character, heritage, and spectacular natural resources.

Brand Leadership Team Public Speaking Committee Chair Matthew St. Laurent, who was joined at the Kineo Coffee Shop by Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation Secretary Steve Levesque, said the goals are to create an eight- to 10-month sustainable economy, grow the population of the region by 25 percent with a strong emphasis on younger residents, and maintain the natural and cultural charter of the area. He said the region being worked on falls under an approximate 25-mile radius with Greenville at the center.

“Our critical goal now is to brand the region as ‘America’s Crown Jewel,’” St. Laurent said, as the distinction will help with future efforts and has played a role in what has already been achieved.

“Obviously we are utilizing the lake,” Levesque said. He said visitors could come to the area for Moosehead Lake and perhaps enjoy themselves enough to move to the region and bring their business with them. “That’s why we are emphasizing broadband,” he said, as high-speed internet can helps eliminate previous geographic limitations.

“If we are going to attract people we need to give them all something to do,” St. Laurent said. “We realize we need to have something for everyone.”

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation and the Brand Leadership Team has completed a regional branding and marketing plan (known as The Branding Initiative) with tourism firm Roger Brooks International to help the region appeal to visitors and potential residents with varying interests. The organization has also contracted for the development of a professional website promoting recreational and business opportunities.

St. Laurent and Levesque said the the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation and the Brand Leadership Team are looking to get more input from seasonal residents and visitors. “That’s one of the reasons we are here today,” Levesque said as a steady stream of customers — a mix of residents and visitors — came into the Kineo Coffee Shop on the Saturday morning.

“It is not just one time, it is on-going outreach to all the stakeholders,” Levesque said, mentioning a event similar to the “Coffee Shop Talk” may be held next month.

Those looking to get involved or for more information on the the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation and the Brand Leadership Team can contact INFO@mooseheadlakeedc.com or go to http://www.mooseheadlakeedc.com.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
DISCUSSING THE MOOSEHEAD LAKE REGION OVER COFFEE — Brand Leadership Team Public Speaking Committee Chair Matthew St. Laurent, left, and Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation Secretary Steve Levesque were at the Kineo Coffee Shop in Greenville on July 8 to discuss the organization’s efforts in the area with establishment patrons.