SANFORD (AP) – A year ago, job creation was the focus here as Mainers debated whether an Indian resort and casino should be allowed to be built in this town.

Maine residents soundly rejected the casino plan in a November referendum. But with Sanford’s unemployment rate at 7.8 percent – far above the statewide average and nearly double that of some other York County towns – job creation is still a top priority.

Town officials and business leaders, however, see signs of better times. With new businesses moving to town, and the hiring of the town’s first economic development director, some say the time is right for an economic rebound.

Even though the casino plan was rejected, the issue still put Sanford on the economic map, said Interim Town Manager Tom Ursia.

“We were receiving calls from all over the nation from speculators who wanted to examine Sanford,” he said.

A retail expansion along Route 109 and interest in Sanford’s empty mill space and the town’s newest industrial park are signs of better times, say some in the business community and in Town Hall.

Richard Stanley, president of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, said it is promising that several new companies have moved to town or plan to do so.

Whatman Inc., a British lab filtration equipment maker, last winter moved its U.S. headquarters from Scarborough to Route 109 in Sanford. It now employs 125.

Tom’s of Maine toothpaste and personal-care products company is moving its toothpaste manufacturing and some warehouse operations from Kennebunk to Sanford. Holo-Dek, a startup video game systems manufacturer, and Net2Press printing company are seeking state grants that would allow them to open at Sanford sites.

Still, there are plenty of challenges ahead.

Stanley said Sanford needs to be concerned with work force training so it has a highly skilled labor many companies demand. Ursia said the town needs to develop an economic vision, build on successes such as the move by Tom’s of Maine, and create a diversified economic base.

“Sanford can be in the front seat instead of the back seat. What an incredibly opportune time,” he said.

For the first time, the town now has an economic development director. Leslie Stevens, who has spent 25 years in economic development and was director of the Maine State Development Office during the Brennan administration, was hired this week.

Stevens, who was hired from a field of 25 candidates, has a long job description. He must apply for economic development grants; develop, cultivate and secure new business; create long- and short-term development plans; market the community; maintain an inventory of available business sites; and track business movement in and out of town.

Stevens said Sanford needs to create momentum by building on its successes. He said one of his first steps after he starts April 26 will be to identify which economic sectors and niches are expanding, determine what Sanford can offer them, and then pursue them.

“Think of it as fishing,” he said. “You’ve got this big ocean and you’ve got some fish in it.”

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