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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:
  1.    22.4% below Maine
  2.    43% below Massachusetts
  3.    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.

     

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Contact Us

PO Box 783
Houlton, ME 04730
(207) 521-0157
FAX(207) 521-0176
jon@sadcaroostook.org

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Recent Articles

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  • About Us
  • Area Info
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  • Entrepreneur Challenge
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  • History
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  • Our Team
  • Testimonials

Recent Posts

  • Houlton is THE IT Location to Work Remotely in New England!
  • Three Winners Selected For The 2017 Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge
  • Ignite the Spark Video
  • Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge To Be Held Again Prize Package Increased To $40,000
  • Volumes Book Store Selected as Winner of Inaugural Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge

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