LEAD volunteers work, in partnership with the Maine State Chamber, to ensure the success of legislation that enables businesses to operate more efficiently in the County.  We are also diligent in opposing legislation that will weaken Maine's ability to compete in a global and regional marketplace.

Do you have an issue with particular laws, rules or politics that you can't solve on your own?
LEAD might be able to help. We want to hear from you!  Our public policy work is made possible by our committee volunteers who track legislation on your behalf.

LEAD/APP Annual Meeting 2011
June 10, 2011--PRESQUE ISLE — Members of LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development and Aroostook Partnership for Progress held their annual joint meeting May 31 at the Edmunds Conference Center at the Northern Maine Community College.
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Northern Maine Rail Makes Inaugural Run
June 10, 2011--Northern Maine Rail makes inaugural run--James D. Irving, president of J.D. Irving Limited, served as guest speaker at the joint annual meeting of LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development and Aroostook Partnership for Progress, held June 10 at the Edmunds Conference Center at the Northern Maine Community College. Irving provided insight into his company's plans for the newly purchased rail line and what's in store for the newly-established Northern Maine Rail.
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Entrepreneur of the Year 2011
May 26, 2011--Scott Galbiati and Jessica Jewell, of Houlton and creators of Twenty 2 Distilled Vodka, were named the 2011 Entrepreneurs of the Year at the May 26 wine tasting and dinner hosted by LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development and Momentum Aroostook and held at the Edmunds Conference Center at the Northern Maine Community College.
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Eastern Maine Rail to take over line
April 6, 2011--The rail line formerly operated by Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA) is under new ownership, according to Maine Department of Transportation officials.
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Call for Nominations - Aroostook’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook are pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted from across the County for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur - 2011 Award. The goal is to recognize business owners, operators, or those in partnerships within Aroostook County who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement. Please fill out the nomination form located HERE.
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Aroostook Day at the Legislature 2011
Several people from Aroostook County traveled to Augusta for the annual Aroostook Day at the Legislature.
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State buys northern Maine rail line for $20.1 million
The state has purchased 233 miles of northern Maine freight rail tracks deemed vital to Maine’s economy from owner Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway for $20.1 million.
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Michaud Accepts Award for Work on Truck Weights
On September 1, 2010, Congressman Mike Michaud accepted an award that was presented to him by Virginia Joles, President of Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD), recognizing Michaud for his leadership and work on addressing Maine’s truck weight problem.
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St. John Valley Ports of Entry to be Replaced
FORT KENT, Maine — In the post-9-11 world, three ports of entry in the St. John Valley do not meet the security, structural or commercial needs for cross-border traffic, according to federal and state officials.
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Senator Introduces Michaud Bill to Allow Permanent Truck Weight Changes
The bill would allow Maine and other states to increase the weight of trucks allowed on the Interstate System within state borders.  The current patchwork of differing weight requirements harms safety by forcing trucks onto roads not designed for their use and hurts the economy by reducing the efficiency of freight networks.
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Entrepreneur of the Year 2010
This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Troy Haney — owner of Haney Building Specialties of Caribou — has made building a better future for his customers, family and staff a top priority. His dedication and determination were recognized at the second annual Entrepreneur of the Year Wine Tasting and Dinner, held May 27 at Northern Maine Community College.
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LEAD Annual Meeting 2010
Economic development that results in growth and prosperity is "a process not a project" was the message June 11 during a joint meeting of the Aroostook Partnership for Progress and Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development.
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LEAD Business Hall of Fame
Twelve businesses have been selected by the LEAD Board for the Business Hall of Fame, recognizing that they contribute significantly to the economic progress of northern Maine.
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LEAD is involved in and regularly tracks transportation issues in Aroostook.
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LEAD is actively involved in the rail issue in Aroostook.
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