AUGUSTA – Local movers and shakers took center stage at a statewide gathering Friday to honor Maine’s economic success and the people who spur it.
And in a fitting display of the attribute that earned one of the recognitions, the mayors of both cities shared the spotlight.
“Lewiston-Auburn takes collaboration so seriously, the two mayors chose the same mother,” joked Laurie Lachance, president of the Maine Development Foundation, which presented the awards during its annual meeting.
Lewiston and Auburn were honored as Champions for Economic Development for their historic and successful cooperation to attract economic development. Mayors Normand and Lionel Guay and Lucien Gosselin, president of the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, represented the many public and private economic development groups that have worked cooperatively to bring investment to the Twin Cities.
“When it comes to regional cooperation, Lewiston and Auburn are without peer,” Lachance said.
She noted the 10 formal intermunicipal bodies and the 25 informal organizations that work collaboratively to deliver services and invite development. The lack of turf battles “offers a blueprint for progress,” Lachance said.
“There’s been a tremendous benefit in improving services, reducing costs and bringing economic vibrancy to the community,” she said.
Also honored was Ed Cormier, president of Auburn’s Harriman Associates architectural firm. He was awarded the Ken Curtis Leadership Award, which is given annually to a graduate of the MDF Leadership Institute.
Cormier was presented the honor by former Gov. Angus King, a classmate in the inaugural class of the Leadership Institute. King, who rarely uses notes in public speaking, said he had to refer to a paper listing Cormier’s many service commitments – ranging from Maine & Co., Maine Rural Development Authority and Maine Downtown Center on the state level, to positions with Central Maine Community College, the Auburn Library and Boy Scouts of America at the local level – to remember them all.
“When I was a kid, my dad used the term pillar of the community,'” said King. “Ed Cormier is a pillar of Maine and the Lewiston-Auburn community.
“He is a leader and has made an enormous difference in this state and in his community,” King said. “One of the real heroes in Maine is Ed Cormier.”
The remarks drew a standing ovation from the audience and a warm embrace between Cormier and King.
The awards were given before hundreds of people attending the MDF’s annual meeting at the Augusta Civic Center. The MDF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation trying to champion sustainable economic growth within the state.
Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell was the keynote speaker. He took the opportunity to promote the importance of higher education and the pride he takes in the Mitchell Institute and the scholarships it awards to Maine students.
“Beyond my family, it is the most meaningful thing in my life,” said Mitchell. Now the father of two young children, Mitchell took some gentle ribbing from attorney Severin Beliveau during his introduction.
But it’s his young family that precludes Mitchell from considering a run for the presidency, he said, despite a plea from King during a question-and-answer session after Mitchell’s remarks. The request drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
“That’s nice, Angus, but half the people in this room think that was a setup,” quipped Mitchell.
The MDF also honored L.L. Bean as an economic champion from the private sector and Bill King Jr. of Bath for his commitment to downtown revitalization. A special presentation was made to Henry Bourgeois for his 21 years at the helm of MDF.
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