Dispatches from Western Maine
Franklin County, Maine News and Greater Franklin Updates
Food Industry Marketing Meetup
The Greater Franklin Food Industry Marketing Meetup was a fruitful conversation among farmers, graphic designers, restaurant owners, marketing professionals, coffee slingers, writers, store managers, tree tappers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The conclusion of the night was that the most enjoyable, effective way to grow our local economy is to bring people together in person, support each other, and inspire each other. And that Morrison Hill Orchard makes really good pizza!
Maine Marketing Meetups: Join the Conversation
Marketing Meetups are casual conversations about what works, and doesn’t work, when doing business in Western Maine. We talk about websites, Google, social media, AI, writing, pricing, packaging, hiring help, finding customers, finding time, and the universal challenge of making money doing the things we actually like doing.
Farmington Food Co-op Receives $15,000 Community Investment Fund Grant
The Farmington Food Co-op is growing its bulk food offerings with help from a $15,000 grant from Greater Franklin’s new Community Investment Fund. The co-op’s bulk food bins are a pilot project for the grant program, which opens on January 15, 2027.
Franklin County, Maine Projects Secure $2.37 Million for Recreation, Housing, and Trail Improvements
A community ski mountain, a multi-use trail that connects towns, and housing that supports an outdoor recreation workforce have secured more than $2.3 million in funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Spring 2026 Catalyst Program. The awards reflect the work being done by local organizations, municipalities, and regional partners to identify opportunities, develop competitive projects, and attract investment that strengthens Franklin County communities and supports long-term economic growth.
Skiing in Maine: Titcomb, Spruce Mountain, Saddleback & Sugarloaf
From the town-owned ski hills to the big mountain resorts – Titcomb, Spruce Mountain, Saddleback & Sugarloaf – are our winter community centers, and they represent the best things about skiing and riding in the east! Greater Franklin’s ski areas all offer a place to play outside in the snow and meet up with friends in a cozy lodge by the fire. Our ski hills are where friends gather, where kids hone their skills, and where we network on chairlifts. The Spruce Mountain + Maine Cabin Masters connection happened at Sugarloaf. Skiers and boarders are one big, outdoor loving community around here!
In Maine For The Trails
Trails are the economic foundation of our towns in Maine’s High Peaks, and at the heart of why we live here. Whether snowmobiling, riding an ATV, pedaling a bike, or walking dogs, everyone uses our local trails. Trails get us outdoors. Trails keep us physically and mentally healthy. Trails are where we meet friends and colleagues. Continued investment in trails will continue to produce huge returns for Mainers.