Union River Center for Innovation Takes Step Toward Enhanced Local Business Support and New Business Attraction
- Tracy Scheckel
- Jan 17, 2025
- 2 min read
ELLSWORTH, ME: January 14, 2025
The Union River Center for Innovation (URCI) and the City of Ellsworth, looking toward the implementation of some of the City’s Business Attraction Plan, have contracted with TS2 Consulting in Ellsworth to continue URCI’s initiative to develop a series of Entrepreneurial Exploration workshops tailored to the needs of area entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs. The workshop series is being developed based on feedback from a business brainstorming forum held in November of last year.
The vision statement for the Business Attraction Plan states: Ellsworth is the engine that drives economic growth and prosperity in Downeast Maine. Ellsworth leverages its location, authentic character, and unparalleled livability to attract, grow, and retain high-quality companies that produce sustainable employment opportunities.
The plan cites four targeted business clusters that will support the city’s vision statement:
Specialty Food & Beverage Manufacturing & Sales
Design, Construction & Maintenance
Healthcare Services / Medical Manufacturing / Life Sciences
Visitor Economy & Hospitality
TS2 will be focusing on the first two: Specialty Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Sales, and Design, Construction, and Maintenance. “I could not be more excited to be working on these projects,” commented Tracy Scheckel, TS2 owner. “I helped facilitate and promote the business brainstorming event in November and am glad to be able to see the project through.”
With the departure of Janna Richards, the City’s Economic Development Director, Matt Williams, the City Planner, is stepping in as the City’s liaison to URCI. “It’s great to see Tracy’s enthusiasm for this project,” said Williams. “She’s a perfect fit. Aside from her marketing expertise, she is a self-proclaimed foodie, and her marketing roots are in the construction and architecture industries.”
In the coming weeks, Scheckel will be reconvening the brainstorming group to finalize the workshop topics and will also be conducting some community outreach for input on the Business Attraction Plan's targeted business clusters.
Anyone who would like additional information about the URCI initiatives or to provide input is encouraged to contact Tracy directly at tracy@ts2consulting.me.
