Complete Report: Skowhegan Industry Market Analysis — Local Food & Outdoor Recreation
In June 2020 we hired economic development consulting firm Camoin Associates to conduct an industry market analysis for Skowhegan. Per community input and findings from the Skowhegan strategic planning process, Camoin focused research and analysis on outdoor recreation and local food sectors in order to identify opportunities for business development and economic growth.
An industry market analysis gives us a data-driven path forward toward a stronger Skowhegan economy. The outdoor recreation and local food sectors continue to show growth across the U.S., and outdoor sport participation and local food purchases increased during the coronavirus quarantine. With several major development projects in the works—Bigelow Brewing’s downtown brewery/restaurant/housing project and the Maine Grains’ development of the former KVI lot—and the future addition of Run of River, a whitewater paddle and surf park in Skowhegan’s downtown river gorge, now is the time for Skowhegan to double-down on outdoor recreation and local food as strategies for economic development and community growth.
Many thanks to the Maine Community Foundation for awarding us grant funding to support this study.