STRONG – U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud and state Rep. Tom Saviello visited the area Tuesday to lend support to the Strong Area Businesses and Civic Alliance, a group dedicated to building a strong business climate and long-term economic and civic leadership within the community.

The stop was part of Michaud’s tour of organizations and businesses in northern Franklin County.

Although Strong has lost many of its larger wood-products industries to foreign competition, there are still 115 businesses, eight civic organizations and three churches within the town, Civic Alliance Director Eileen Miazga said.

She and Deb Burd of Western Mountains Alliance, along with other community leaders and business owners, reviewed plans for the unveiling of the steering committee’s goals and plan of action, which will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Foster Memorial Building.

Michaud and Saviello listened to constituents’ concerns about affordable housing, job development, encouragement of young people to stay in the community, and attracting new businesses.

The Rural Development Council and the Career Center are among those offering guidance to the fledgling alliance, which began in July. Goals include developing a business directory, linking with the Maine Tourism Association, and promoting the benefits of living and working in the community.

Michaud and Saviello met with business leaders at EJ’s Market, then joined community members for lunch at the Rib Restaurant.

Michaud has been working with the Northeast Regional Development Commission to secure a portion of $40 million in federal funds, which Maine would share with several other states that have also been hit hard by job losses and business closings. Franklin County has been designated a target area because of its economic distress and the “out migration” of its work force.

More information about the Strong Area Businesses and Civic Alliance, may be obtained by calling Miazga at 684-3441.