Doing Business
Larger Employers in Southern Aroostook
|
Company |
Industry Sector |
Description |
Location |
|
Tate & Lyle |
Manufacturing |
Starch Producer |
Houlton |
|
Community Living Association |
Health Care |
Assisted Liiving Homes |
Multi |
|
F.A. Peabody Co. |
Service |
Multi-Line Insurance Agency |
Multi |
|
Pioneer Broadband |
Communications |
Internet Provider |
Multi |
|
Houlton Regional Hospital |
Health Care |
Regional Hospital |
Houlton |
|
Katahdin Valley Health Center |
Health Care |
Rural Health Centers |
Multi |
|
Katahdin Forest Products |
Manufacturing |
Producer of Log Homes, Fencing & Cedar Specialties |
Oakfield |
|
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation |
Manufacturing |
Producer of OSB and OSL Lumber Products |
New Limerick |
|
Madigan Health Services |
Health Care |
Multi Level Health Care Provider |
Houlton |
|
RSU #29 |
Education |
Regional School Unit |
Houlton |
|
RSU #70 |
Education |
Regional School Unit |
Hodgdon |
|
MSAD #25 |
Education |
Regional School Unit |
Sherman |
|
CSD #9 |
Education |
Consolidated School District |
Dyer Brook |
|
MSAD #14 |
Education |
Regional School Unit |
Danforth |
|
Gardner Health Services |
Health Care |
Multi Level Health Care Provider |
Houlton |
|
Smith & Wesson, Inc. |
Manufacturing |
Hand Gun Components & Handcuffs |
Houlton |
|
York’s of Houlton |
Service |
Multi-line Auto Dealer & Service Center |
Houlton |
Employment By Industry
|
TOTAL COUNTY EMPLOYMENT |
% CHANGE |
||
|
INDUSTRY |
2001 |
2012 |
2012-2001 |
|
Total All Industries |
23962 |
21725 |
-9.34% |
|
Goods – Producing |
6222 |
4941 |
-20.59% |
|
Natural Resources |
1339 |
1349 |
0.75% |
|
Construction |
781 |
736 |
-5.76% |
|
Manufacturing |
4101 |
2857 |
-30.33% |
|
Service Industry |
17740 |
16784 |
-5.29% |
|
Trade, Transportation & Utilities |
5995 |
5851 |
-2.40% |
|
Financial |
1250 |
987 |
-21.04% |
|
Professional & Business Services |
1509 |
1208 |
-19.95% |
|
Education & Health Services |
5303 |
5731 |
8.22% |
|
Leisure & Hospitality |
1961 |
2023 |
9.23 |
Source: ME Dept. of Labor-Center for Workforce Research
Southern Aroostook’s Labor Force – People Working Together
In southern Aroostook County, good people are a natural resource. And like all natural resources, the people of Aroostook have been molded over the centuries by their environment. Tempered by the diverse cultures that have drawn to this place, they have created a rich heritage that is distinctly Northern Maine in character.
That character of Aroostook County continues its evolution today, shaped by the forces of the modern business environment. The result is a people for whom work is more than a job. People whose dedication extends to the workplace. People who can impact a company’s bottom line like no other factor can. And, when you decide to call upon the people of southern Aroostook, they will be ready.
The area has an abundant, enthusiastic and available labor force with an absentee rate of less than two percent. And, almost 75% of the area’s population is age 45 and under. For any business, such availability and stability are key to gaining a competitive edge.
The Cost of Doing Business in The County
The hard-earned value of a dollar is intrinsic to the people and businesses of southern Aroostook. That outlook has developed an ideal setting for business growth – a high quality workforce paired with a low cost of doing business. Wage rates are significantly lower than other New England states. The price of land, both commercial and industrial, is also among the lowest in all of New England. So is the cost of building in Aroostook.
Wage Rates as of 2014:
- Wage rates for Aroostook County are competitive related to Maine and other New England states. The County’s weekly average wage is:
- 22.4% below Maine
- 43% below Massachusetts
- 41% below Connecticut
- Maine workers’ compensation rates, overall, have experienced a cumulative decrease of 52.7 percent since workers’ compensation reform was passed in 1992, according to the insurance bureau.
Utilities:
- The Houlton LMA area is mainly served by the Houlton Water Company which has the lowest cost power in the state and New England.
RESIDENTIAL RATES/SAVINGS
HOULTON WATER COMPANY VERSUS MAJOR MAINE UTILITIES Electric Utility Typical Residential Monthly KWh Usage Rate/KWh[1] Total Monthly Bill Bangor Hydro 500 $0.161 $80.50 Maine Public Service 500 $0.169 $84.50 Central Maine Power 500 $0.140 $70.00 Houlton Water Company 500 $0.096[2] $48.00 As of April 14, 2014
INDUSTRIAL RATES
HOULTON WATER COMPANY VERSUS MAJOR MAINE UTILITIES Electric Utility Standard Offer Transmission & Distribution Rate Total KWh Rate Maine Public Service $0.084 $0.037 $0.121 Bangor Hydro $0.074 $0.046 $0.120 Central Maine Power $0.072 $0.022 $0.094 U.S. Average $0.098 New England Average $0.145 Massachusetts $0.140 Connecticut $0.161 Houlton Water Company $0.064 $0.021[3] $0.085[2] Sources: Maine Public Utility Commission & U.S. Energy Information Administration. As of April 14. 2014
The Houlton Water Company (HWC) is a 134 year old, Maine corporation, and is wholly owned by the Town of Houlton. It pays an annual dividend to the municipality.
The electric department provides electrical service to approximately 5,100 customers located in Houlton and the surrounding communities. HWC has a 34.5KVA sub-transmission and 8 substations to step the voltage down for use on the distribution system. Distribution voltage varies from 2400 volts to 7400 volts.
[1] Includes both Standard Offer & Transmission and Distribution.
[2] Price guaranteed until March 31, 2015.
[3] Price is not expected to change for the next few years as the HWC is a municipal utility and is non-profit.