WILTON - The team effort used to develop the new Comfort Inn and Suites here was applauded by John Richardson on Tuesday as he spoke at the hotel's grand opening.

People came together as team to bring not only the Comfort Inn but new businesses such as Barclay's, Notify MD and Poland Spring to Franklin County, said Richardson, commissioner of the state's Department of Economic and Community Development.

"You realize this place is on the move," he said as he applauded what he called, "the Maine way ... working together. With this Route 2 corridor to Canada and back into Maine, it makes sense for this company to build here," he added.

It was the first Maine project for the Lafrance Hospitality Company, said President Richard Lafrance. His third-generation family hospitality company owns restaurants and motels mostly in Massachusetts with one in New Hampshire, he said, but expressed how he felt welcomed to Wilton.

A ribbon made of dollar bills taped together was cut and then donated to Western Maine Community Action.

The Lafrance company is looking for opportunities for the business to give back to the community, Lafrance said.

The hotel was opened in June and has been keeping busy, said a hotel employee as people wandered through rooms and suites. A computer room, pool and community meeting room were also toured by visitors.