I’d like to offer a different perspective than Wells resident Linda Dumey about Poland Spring (April 19).

Here in Androscoggin County, Poland Spring Bottling Company has a stellar reputation as a good Maine company and responsible corporate citizen. The plant in Poland Spring is located next to the original source, where spring water bottling first began in 1845. Today, Poland Spring is a major local employer, with 350 full-time and seasonal employees.

In fact, the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce recently presented Poland Spring with the Poland Business of the Year Award to recognize the company for its significant economic contributions, its commitment to community through financial support of events, charitable organizations, and its sustainable use of water resources and land.

Poland Spring donates funds to the Winter Wellness Fund, gives scholarships to Poland Regional High School, and makes it possible for every sixth-grader in Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls to attend Ferry Beach Ecology School for three days each spring.

These contributions are above and beyond the countless cases of free water donated to public works and safety departments, and the free technical advice given to Poland on water issues.

I find no evidence to suggest that Ms. Dumey is correct in her assertion that host communities of this company see no benefits. In fact, I see just the opposite.  I’d like to invite her to visit us here in Androscoggin County so that we can show her first-hand how much Poland Spring means to this community.

Art Boulay, chairman

Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Lewiston