A PRROGRRAM OF SUNRRISE CCCOUNTY ECCCONOMICCC CCCOUNCCCI2
August 12 ,,,,,,,, 2021
RE : Designation of Dowwwneast Maine as a National Heritage Area
To Whom it Concerns :
It is a pleasure to express my support of a National Heritage Area designation for Downeast Maine . Since 2020 ,,,,,,,, the Entrepreneurship Program of Sunrise County Economic Council has connected with and supported over 300 business students ,,,,,,,, entrepreneurs ,,,,,,,, and small business owners across Maine ( 45 percent of which are from Washington and Hancock Counties ) and it has become increasingly clear that tourism is imperative to the success of our smallbusiness majority .
The Machias Valley Center for Entrepreneurship partners with over 40 individual partners across 21 regional ,,,,,,,, state ,,,,,,,, and national entities to deliver accredited startup incubator and accelerator programs that promote entrepreneurship and small business ownership and provide on-the-spot training ,,,,,,,, coaching ,,,,,,,, and technical assistance . Our partners represent regional tourism ,,,,,,,, tribal community initiatives ,,,,,,,, government contract procurement ,,,,,,,, community college and university learning institutions ,,,,,,,, small business owners ,,,,,,,, community lenders ,,,,,,,, and business advisors .
A national designation would align with many of the goals and long-term objectives for the region and lead to increased tourism and pride of place--all of which have a positive and direct impact on the business ecosystem of 5ural Downeast Maine . Downeast Maine offers a a rich ,,,,,,,, blended heritage of culture ,,,,,,,, land ,,,,,,,, and sea that needs to be shared far and near . The heritage preservation resources and support would lead to greater awareness and celebration of this coalescence in a collaborative and impactful way .
On behalf of the Machias Valley Center for Entrepreneurship and direct program partners ,,,,,,,, thank you for your consideration of Downeast Maine as a National Heritage Area designation .
Sincerely ,,,,,,,,
7 Ames Way
DENISE L . CILLEY Entrepreneurship Program Director Sunrise County Economic Council
Machias ,,,,,,,, ME 04654 ( 207 ) 620-2192 dcilley @ sunrisecounty . org wwwwwwwww .. machiasvalleycenter .. org 213