Economic Restructuring Committee

Last Updated: March 3,2008

Chair Person: Great committee looking for chair – could it be you?

Economic Restructuring
Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities -- and challenges from outlying development. Our plans call for major improvements in arts, culture, waterfront recreation, tourism, and conference opportunities in the Downtown. It also calls for the addition of new retail, service, and restaurant opportunities in very specific markets (see below) to support the vision of Downtown Gardiner as the place "where originality matters".

Our market research shows huge potential for:
• Restaurants – especially family, steak house, seafood and ethnic
• Home furnishings, paint, wallpaper, flooring and other home improvement stores
• Book stores and news dealers
• Sporting goods
• Clothing Stores – men’s, women’s, children’s, and infants
• Shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, luggage
• Hobby, toys and game stores
• Department stores
• Gift, novelty, and souvenir stores
• Arts dealers
• Office supply
• Doctors, dentists, health professionals
• Banking, financial services, legal services

Current Projects

• Prepare final report for City-wide Business Survey done in conjunction with Maine Department of Labor

• Develop a business attraction package & target recipients

• Provide workshops to help existing businesses in the Downtown strengthen and grow

• Create a Business Retention team of local experts to help existing businesses strengthen their position and expand

• Assist property owners to create unique housing opportunities for people wishing to live downtown

Past Projects

The committee attended an intensive workshop on Market Analysis and then prepared a market analysis for the primary & secondary trade areas including sales leakage. This information has been used in developing a recruitment strategy a well as assisting potential businesses. It has also offered expansion opportunities for existing businesses.

Monthly Updates

Notes and Updates from the recent Meeting Coming Soon.