With voter approval, a destination resort can be built in western Maine

Seasoned Sun Journal readers are mindful of the newspaper’s technique of baiting replies from persons they write about, without contacting the subject person, or entity.

In the interest of correcting inaccuracies and salacious speculation that has mounted over the months, Evergreen Mountain Enterprises will “take the bait” this time, at least a little bit.

The Sun Journal apparently sees its job as developing news rather than reporting it. The paper has shown naiveté in business and strategic economic development. Just because the Sun Journal is not privy to strategy and business negotiations does not mean there isn’t a lot going on in that regard.

In a campaign to build, in our area, one of the nation’s top environmental resorts, there is a lot to talk about. But instead of caring about the many positive attributes, the Sun Journal focuses on speculative aspects that will sell more papers. Since the media is uninterested in informing readers about the volumes of information we’ve been talking about, at length, for months, we will have to conduct an informational campaign to educate people about the project.

We will also inevitably have to raise money to pay for television advertising. Since I do not have that kind of money, it is apparent we will need to raise this capital from investors.

Evergreen Mountain has been vetting potential partners and investors for months. The citizens of western Maine and beyond deserve the amount of work we have put in, to ensure the lofty goals for this project are adhered to. Ensuring the resort blends into the landscape and culture, and is designed responsibly with environmental concerns in mind is very important to my fellow Mainers and I. We have been very careful to find the best group(s) that will adhere to these rigid requirements.

Editorials such as the one July 11 surely do not help excite investors that want to invest their money in Maine with a Maine company. The Sun Journal is showing its colors regarding how it feels about economic development in western Maine. Unless it is a certain new L-A shopping center or restaurant that is blessed with its special patriarchal seal of approval, the Sun Journal is not seen as a supporter of economic development but the “town crier” that speaks before they listen.

It has to realize sometimes it is just not appropriate to publicize very private and sensitive matters that are in negotiation. As with any dying business, it is wise to diversify. In this vein, maybe the Sun Journal should consider diversifying by investing in a business that will rely and focus on Maine’s premier asset – its tourist draw – and be sustainable.

With voter approval, we will build Maine’s signature destination resort right here in western Maine, an enterprise that we will be proud of.

The Sun Journal should listen to its readers in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties and beyond who are excited about our project. Lewiston-Auburn has probably enjoyed more successful growth in the last decade than any other area in Maine. Having more reasons to come visit the Western mountain lakes region of our state will be good for all Mainers and increase tourism. A signature resort destination will help bring jobs and economic growth to our area, as well as tourists through an enhanced “corridor of opportunity” along Route 26 and Route 4, right through L-A, bringing more jobs and economic opportunity. A rising tide surely will lift all ships.

Evergreen Mountain invites the Sun Journal to consider “helping,” rather than hurting, the local, regional and state economy.

Stay tuned.

Seth Carey is founder of Evergreen Mountain Enterprises. He lives in Rumford.