While many parts of America are still painstakingly battling the ongoing economic crisis, Lewiston and Auburn are beating the odds by attracting new businesses, encouraging growth and creating a community of choice. In the past year alone, Lewiston-Auburn has witnessed a resurgence of growth from small, medium and large companies including multiple grand-openings on both sides of the river. Business professionals and entrepreneurs from across the state and the nation showed their faith in the local economy by launching and expanding their businesses here.

L-A, the second largest population center in the state, has transitioned from a traditional manufacturing and textile-based economy to a modern, technology-based industrial economy in just three decades. Nowadays, high-end industries such as health care, precision manufacturing and financial services thrive and fuel the economic development within the Twin Cities.

L-A accomplished this upgrade by effectively leveraging its access to nearly half of Maine’s workforce within a 50-mile radius, its proximity to the Androscoggin River, two turnpike exits, growing municipal airport, and two railroads with international connections to deep sea ports. There are ample reasons to believe that the strategic location enjoyed by the Twin Cities will continue to benefit the economy for years to come.

Excluding oil deliveries and if measured by the sheer volume of cargo containers, the Port of Auburn, an inland facility boasting a double-stack rail-to-truck intermodal facility, is busier than the Port of Portland and is Maine’s busiest port. Some of the area’s major employers in transportation and logistics include Poland Spring, LePage Bakeries, VIP Parts and Service, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Savage Safe Handling (which alone handles nearly 4,000 railcars and 12,000 truckloads of industrial raw materials per year), Estes Express, Fed-Ex, UPS, and Superior Carriers.

Making it easier for professionals to come and go as they please is critical to attracting a highly-skilled workforce. The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport has completed the expansion and renovation of the terminal building in order to provide additional interior space for future passenger air service and a passenger waiting area. Along with room for security screening, the project doubled the size of the facility to 7,000 square feet, including updated office and meeting room space for airport staff and also expanded the airport restaurant.

In fact, the airport celebrated the grand opening of their renovated restaurant in April. Located at 80 Airport Drive in Auburn, The Landing Strip Cafe features home cooked food and fresh baked goods with some of the best views and story tellers around. Overlooking the 5,000 plus foot runway, The Landing Strip Cafe provides the opportunity for citizens, passengers and aviation enthusiasts to enjoy quality food for breakfast and lunch as well as providing services to handle the approximately 68,000 aircraft operations that occur at the airport every year.

In 2010, Congressman Michael Michaud announced that federal funding had been approved to build a new Veterans Administration health care clinic in Lewiston. Located at 15 Challenger Drive off the Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, the $8 million, 29,000 square-feet community-based outpatient clinic for military veterans opened in March and offers a variety of health care services. Once at full staff, the clinic will employ 30 to 40 professionals and serve at least 13,000 area veterans.

Health care is the single largest sector of the L-A economy, with more than 25 percent of the jobs in the area in the industry. Over the last several years both hospitals expanded their emergency rooms. CMMC expanded their lab space, and St. Mary’s added a surgical wing. This January, Bedard injected new vitality to the health care industry by expanding their operations into Auburn. The 60,000 square-foot, $4.3 million facility now houses the corporate offices, Bedard Senior Care, Bedard Medical, a new pharmacy and employs approximately 45 to 50 employees. A true local success story, Bedard continues to be family owned and operated.

Foreign-Trade Zone #263 continues to attract nation-wide attention. Currently encompassing 760 acres in Auburn, the FTZ benefits qualifying companies that conduct international trade by eliminating, reducing, or deferring the payment of tariffs or duties on products or raw materials. Administered by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Foreign-Trade Zone services are available to companies within a 60 mile radius or 90 minute drive of the site.

Home to numerous clients like Bisson Transportation and NEPW Logistics, a fully-integrated warehousing and transportation service provider, the Auburn Industrial Park has strategically been located within this zone. Recently, the federal Economic Development Administration awarded a $1.7 million matching grant to the City of Auburn and the Auburn Business Development Corporation (ABDC) to help pay for the construction of the access road and associated utility work in order to develop the 100 acre park.

New investment continues to funnel into the downtowns on both sides of the river. Recently, the commercial corridors in both downtowns have seen a resurgence of new businesses taking advantage of historic store fronts and high visibility. Lisbon Street, in particular, has seen a remarkable renaissance, with seven new businesses opening or preparing to do so.

Kimball Street Studios, a specialty frame and museum preparation facility, celebrated their grand opening in February. With three full time employees, the studio also provides gallery space, showcasing local artists and hosting events. Originally located in Richmond, the owners of Kimball Street Studios made the decision to relocate their business to the downtown due to the blossoming arts scene in Lewiston-Auburn.

Captive Elements Art House moved in to their new location within the renovated and historic Le Messager building at 223 Lisbon Street, joining Lewiston Auburn Magazine at that address. Contributing to the arts scene in Lewiston-Auburn and beyond, the new space contains an art gallery and meeting space that has consistently been utilized as a gathering place for downtown events including the Lewiston Auburn Art Walk, Festival of Arts and Lights and more.

Forage Market, a grocery store, cafe and bakery featuring local fresh produce and meals, opened in April on Lisbon Street, near the library. After an extensive renovation, the owners were able to open up the space using salvaged wood while preserving many of the architectural elements. Their bagels, breads, sandwiches and soups are already winning a loyal following and the business is another positive step in the redevelopment of Lisbon Street.

Also earning a loyal following is The Vault, a specialty wine and beer shop that opened at 84 Lisbon Street, across from the District Court. Shoppers will find a wide variety of wines and beers for every budget, with handpicked offerings from California and the Northwest, Italy, France, other European countries, and the Southern Hemisphere throughout the beautifully elegant store. The Vault also frequently hosts wine tastings and other social events.

The Healy Asylum, originally a boys orphanage, had $8 million invested converting the building into 32 units of affordable senior housing, now known as Healey Terrace. The financing for the project included utilization of state and federal historic preservation tax credits, and resulted in a stunning redevelopment and repurposing of the building, incorporating many historic elements in its execution.

Momentum continues to grow on Lisbon Street. Rainbow Bicycle & Fitness, long a fixture on outer Center Street in Auburn, was drawn to the energy, growing retail presence and visibility of Lisbon Street. They purchased 95 Lisbon Street and are in the process of renovating the building to relocate the bike shop to, expanding their space approximately 50 percent, and also adding a café/coffee bar. The new location is closer to many of the shops customers, and will serve as a great base for the many club rides the shop organizes.

Community Concepts built a new building and moved their corporate offices into it late last year. Located at 240 Bates Street, it is on the site long occupied by St. Dominic’s Regional High School. After demolition of the former school building, Community Concepts began redevelopment of the site with construction of a 30-unit senior housing project in 2007, followed by the 18,000 square-foot office building in 2011.

Quiet and abandoned for nearly 36 years, restoration of the historic Grand Trunk Depot began in early September. Negotiations are being finalized with a tenant looking to open a restaurant in the building. Built in 1874 and listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, the Depot has had $370,000 in historic preservation approved renovations funded by the Lewiston and Auburn Railroad Company, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant, and a City of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant. Private funding will be used on the tenant fit out of the space.

Last year we reported that Luke Livingston, local entrepreneur and owner of Baxter Brewing Company, was in the process of doubling production. Thanks to new equipment and heavy demand, the brewery increased their annual capacity to nearly 8,500 barrels and are currently in the planning stages for another expansion in their $1.4 million, 5,000 square-foot facility within the Bates Mill Complex. Voted the “2011 New Brewery of the Year” by BevNET Magazine, Forbes Magazine also recently named Luke Livingston to their “30 Under 30” list for food and beverage entrepreneurs in the nation. In addition to accolades, Baxter Brewing has increased their lineup with their fourth production, Celsius Summer Ale, now available in stores and watering holes throughout Maine.

Not all investment happens in the downtown or from within. Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of their Lewiston branch at 802 Sabattus Street in December, their first within the Twin Cities. Providing new jobs and new financial opportunities, the branch will anchor the banks investment into the community.

With a staff of 15, Sea 40 opened their doors in February at the Lewiston Mall. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, the Japanese restaurant features a culinary mix of hibachi and sushi specialties. After a nearly six month renovation, the new restaurant has found a large and loyal following

Smaller businesses are also sprouting and thriving. EllieAnna Purse Company opened up their retail store and boutique at 866 Main Street in Lewiston. Showcased at the 32nd Annual News & Documentary Emmy’s in New York, EllieAnna Purse Company has been flooded with new orders and continues to sell their products worldwide.

Across from the Sarah Jeanne’s Family Hair Care Tanning and Day Spa in Lewiston, S&J Tuxedo and Limo Rentals celebrated their grand opening in December. With four new jobs created to staff the tuxedo and limo rental store, the Sarah Jeanne’s family of businesses continues to expand in Lewiston.

Also on Main Street, Moody’s Collision Center celebrated their grand opening in early December. A Maine business since 1977, the company expects to create 16 to 18 new jobs.

A new gas station and convenience store called the South Avenue & Lisbon Street Variety has broken ground at 990 Lisbon Street. The project consists of rehabbing the former Getty Quick-Mart.

Contributing perhaps the largest creation of jobs to L-A in the last few years, Carbonite moved their customer support division from India to Lewiston. Specializing in online data backup, representatives recently reported over 180 people had been hired full time with expectations to reach 250 by the end of 2012. With wages, including benefits, starting at $35,000, Carbonite has been a welcomed addition to L/A.

The widely anticipated Hampton Inn has received Planning Board approval for a four-story 93 room business class hotel in the heart of downtown Lewiston. With meeting room space for up to 70 people, total investment is expected to be approximately $9.9 million with construction anticipated to begin in late 2012.

Museum L-A continues to move forward as well with the renovation and rehab of the former Camden Yarns Mill Building located at 1 Beech Street. Consisting of 50,000± square feet of rehabilitation during Phase 1, remediation and demolition work is currently under way.

Speaking of mills, more than 80 workers a day are in the process of framing, installing and hanging drywall for a $9.8 million, 48 unit mixed income housing project to be known as The Lofts at Bates Mill. The project faces west overlooking Fountain Plaza. It will bring a new housing style to Lewiston with urban loft style apartments, and modern amenities such as an elevator, fitness center, community room, wi-fi, and separate storage, all included in the rent. Started in January 2012, the project should be complete by late November.

Meanwhile, the Riverfront Island Master Plan continues to gain traction. With more than 100 citizens participating in each of three public sessions dedicated to discussing and shaping the plan, Goody Clancy consultants distilled the public engagement into a master plan, which the Lewiston City Council approved in July. In addition to the Hampton Inn and Lofts at Bates Mill, the plan is already capturing developers interest and the public’s imagination.

Restaurants continue to open their doors in the Twin Cities. In fact, Auburn and Lewiston have seen a surge of new establishments offering high end culinary choices from around the world.

Located at 84 Court Street in downtown Auburn, 84 Court Pizza and Restaurant celebrated their grand opening in February. Featuring artisan pizzas, craft beers, appetizers and a wide selection of lunch and dinner options, the pizzeria and restaurant has already added seven new jobs to the community.

Narals Experience Arabia opened up their new restaurant on the corner of Main and Court Street in downtown Auburn by celebrating their grand opening in February as well. Having already hired 17 employees, the 4,800 square-foot venue adds to the culinary diversity of L-A by serving a multitude of cuisines including Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian and American fares.

The Fire House Grille continues to impress and grow after a massive renovation. Located at the former site of Andy’s Baked Beans and run by both current and retired firefighters, the grille serves lunch and dinner and can accommodate up to 50 people with additional seating at the bar. Already at 20 employees, the Fire House Grille serves comfort foods and drink specials at a reasonable price.

Located at the Auburn Mall, national chain Panera Bread will soon break ground on a roughly 4,000 square foot building with drive-thru access as well. Named to BusinessWeek’s 2010 list of top 25 “Customer Service Champs,” to Fortune Magazine’s 2010 list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies, Panera Bread was also named Casual Dining Brand of the Year in the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend. The project is projected to open in late fall of 2012.

New faces at the Auburn Mall will also include Aspen Dental. The project will consist of a 7,000 square foot building where Aspen Dental will occupy a portion of the building and a yet-to-be-announced national retailer will occupy the remainder of the available space.

In addition to restaurants, Auburn will also welcome a new hotel. The new project consists of an 85 room hotel with common space bearing The Best Western Plus Hotel name. With the potential of a restaurant or pub attached to the building, the second phase could include additional hotel rooms and a potential convention or meeting space further down the line.

Auburn has also seen expansion from existing companies. After serving customers for 14 years at the 120 Center Street plaza, Goldworks Fine Jewelry recently moved into their new location at 33 Center Street in Auburn. A family owned business committed to serving the community, providing excellent customer service and expertise in the selection of quality fine jewelry and jewelry repairs, Goldworks showcases a friendly atmosphere and prides itself in making every customer feel valued and cared for.

Central Maine Credit Union has broken ground on their new 4,000± square foot facility located at 836 Center Street in Auburn. Organized in 1950 in Lewiston, Central Maine Credit Union prides itself on providing quality financial services to their members with their 5 star rating, signifying their credibility as one of the strongest credit unions in the nation.

Auburn has also seen an influx of businesses relocating in from away. Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty moved into their new location at 314 Center Street from the town of Poland with the former 1860’s farm house having been converted into their new base of operations. Serving as a one-stop-shop providing new modular homes, manufactured homes, a real estate office with listing and buyer services, turn-key packages, land development and more, their nine full time and 25 sub contractor employees are a welcomed addition to the community.

In early November, Lumber Liquidators opened their first location in the Twin Cities at the Auburn Plaza. With two employees, the former space has been renovated into a showroom and warehouse showcasing various lumber specials.

Last year we reported on the first ever Launch L-A contest. Drawing media interest and applications from across the country, the contest was geared toward native L-A residents under the age of 30 and living outside of the Twin Cities, but who wanted to move back to L-A and open up their businesses. With nearly $100,000 worth of in-kind donations including cash, advertising and legal services, approximately 2,000 votes were cast and the winner was decided by less than one half of one percent. Revelation Massage, located at 600 Turner Street, recently expanded their staff to 14 employees in order to handle the workload.

The prosperity and growth of L-A are visible and real, and will be sustained and accelerated by the continuous influx of investment in various amounts to different industries.

The pillar industries will maintain the high production and employment level of L-A, and the economic diversity of L-A will help cushion the Twin Cities against the sharp blow of the economic recession. With more than two centuries of history of various economic development under its belt, the Twin Cities continues to go through an economic renaissance. The progress L-A made in 2011-2012 proved again: That in L-A, it is happening here.

Writers contributing to this article: Keith McBride, City of Auburn; Lincoln Jeffers, City of Lewiston; and Calvin Rinck, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council.