Maine Public Broadcasting Network has embarked on a project worth noting.

Tonight begins the first in a six-part USDA-sponsored series titled “Hometown Economies.” It’s an examination of the economic past, present and future of certain Maine towns that have been crippled by business and base closures and are in the process of re-establishing economic health. In each case, MPBN has found these towns enacted “unique” responses to economic change, responses that may be instructive for towns struggling with their own economic problems.

The first in the series is Wilton, the former home to Bass Shoe. The program includes an historical business profile of the town and showcases local business and community leaders’ work to re-establish a manufacturing base at the former Bass mill. It also showcases the people of Wilton, credited with providing energy to fuel the recovery after an initial period of intense anxiety when Bass shut its doors in 1998.

The Wilton segment will air at 8 tonight on MPBN.

We encourage you to take a look at Wilton’s success. It’s one town in Maine, but it’s a story we all live in our own hometowns as we strive to prosper.