The word "champions" won't describe just the Red Sox & the Patriots here in Maine after September 23, 2005.

On that date, the Maine Development Foundation (MDF) will bestow the honor of "Champions for Economic Development" to the Twin Cities of Lewiston & Auburn and the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council (LAEGC). The presentation will be made at MDF's 27 Annual Meeting at the Augusta Civic Center.

The MDF developed the award to recognize the outstanding contribution of individual businesses and public/non-profit entities to Maine's economic growth and vitality.

City Administrator James A. Bennett reports that since January of 2000, over $500 million in new investment has been either in the ground or under construction within Lewiston & Auburn, adding "'It's Happening Here' isn't just a marketing slogan; it's a fact!"

Laurie G. Lachance, MDF President & CEO, notes, "The Cities of Auburn and Lewiston and their partnership with the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council have a longstanding history of collaboration that has led to tremendous benefits for their residents and businesses in improved services, reduced costs, and economic vibrancy and creativity."

She added that LA & LAEGC have "truly set the standard for regional cooperation and serve as a role model to communities across the state that are currently working towards creating partnerships within their regions to better serve Maine people."

Mayor Lionel C. Guay, Jr., of Lewiston stated, "We are very appreciative of MDF's recognition of all that is happening within our community. We're a community that is 'open for business,' and we're a community that has also been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the top 100 places to do business. Our Twin Cities' elected officials, staff, and community partners indeed champion the effort of continued growth and development."

"With nearly 25 collaborative agreements and numerous joint agencies in the Twin Cities, the Lewiston-Auburn community is truly a pioneer and a national model for intergovernmental cooperation," adds Lucien Gosselin, President of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. "It is an honor to be recognized by MDF. Our hope is that more communities can see the wisdom of collaboration and combine their strengths and talents in an effort to leverage Maine's limited resources."

Mayor Normand W. Guay, of Auburn, added "It is indeed an honor to be recognized for the exciting work that is being done in both cities. By continuing to work collaboratively, our citizens can be assured of continued growth and that this is only the beginning of a very exciting future."

The Maine Development Foundation is the oldest and one of the most successful statewide public-private partnerships in the nation. MDF was created by the Governor and Legislature in 1978 as a private, non-profit corporation with a broad mandate to promote Maine's economy. In an effort to drive sustainable, long-term economic growth for Maine, MDF stimulates new ideas, develops leaders, and provides common ground for solving problems and advancing issues.
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FOR MORE INFO on any Press Releases contact:
Dot Perham-Whittier - Community Relations Coordinator
Lewiston City Hall
784-2951 - Extension 110
dottie@ci.lewiston.me.us