ECONOMY

	OUR VISION
	We envision a regional community where citizens benefit from a vibrant and diverse economy with job opportunities and a livable income for all.

GOALS

KEYS individual and household income levels will be adequate to meet the cost of living.
The KEYS region is attractive to businesses.
The KEYS region has excellent infrastructure (water, sewer, gas, electricity, cable, fiberoptic, wireless towers, etc.) in areas designated for commercial/industrial growth.
KEYS workers are highly skilled and educated.
The KEYS Region has a thriving creative economy and outstanding natural areas which attract both residents and tourists.

	NEXT STEPS
	Develop a KEYS regional economic growth council which works to implement KEYS economic development goals, led by the Chamber of Commerce with active participation by KEYS municipal appointees Make the public aware of existing business development resources (i.e. BRIC, SBA, Technology & Innovation Center, etc.), so these are known and used by new and existing KEYS businesses, and the York County Development District resources are used by businesses. Start the process of developing a Dept. of Labor “Career Center” for the KEYS Region Develop and distribute to local citizens & visitors KEYS region resource maps: culinary trail, arts and heritage trail, hiking/biking trails, etc. in support of the creative economy & tourism.

REGIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Saving the Shipyard – more than once!
Chamber expands from one town (York) to all four KEYS towns
Economic Summit (2006)
Several grants from the State Planning Office to our region

Resources

Greater Yorks Region Chamber of Commerce www.gatewaytomaine.org
Small Business Development www.mainesbdc.org
Career Center www.mainecareercenter.com

Regional Visitors Center, York

Town economic development committees (see town websites, under "Government")
More Resources

Community indicators

What "numbers" can we use to measure progress toward our vision and goals? Economic indicators are plentiful, and a few are listed below. For larger images and more information, click here.

Household Income

Census 2000 (Map by www.CommunityData.info)

Livable Wage for KEYS Region

One earner with one child needs to earn $17.37 per hour in the Kittery-Portsmouth area. (Maine Center for Economic Policy http://www.mecep.org/ )

Wage per Industry in KEYS towns

~Maine Department of Labor (data is being researched)

citizens say...

We need to consider all elements of community life in coordination. For example, economic development can be complimentary with environmental conservation.
--Participant comments, Our Future By Design Community Forum, Sept. 29, 2005

Link to all citizen comments about the economy.

It's all connected

Businesses can't thrive without workforce housing, educated workers, transportation resources, childcare, healthcare, etc., and when tourism is a primary business, the natural environment is essential to economic well-being.