Working the supply chain in eastern Maine. 

A critical component of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s EDA-funded Economic Response and Recovery Plan was a detailed supply chain analysis. The purpose of the analysis was to identify short- and long-term strategies for diversifying and revitalizing the region’s economy in the wake of major job losses resulting from the termination of rail service and closures of several paper mills and other manufacturers.

The supply chain analysis served to detail strategies for shifting the region’s industry base, promoting business startups, expansions, and diversification, and creating employment opportunities for the residents of Eastern Maine.

Included in the study was an analysis of opportunities and challenges within targeted industry clusters—including wood products manufacturing, logging, and related industries—that the region used to develop specific strategies and tactics to support business retention, expansion, and attraction.