Senator Collins was impressed by what she saw here

As the always gregarious Doug Sanford looks on (right), U.S. Senator Susan Collins talks with the owner of Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a manufacturer of ultralight Cuben fiber outdoor gear and equipment.

In case you missed the news reports, U.S. Senator Susan Collins toured the North Dam Mill and Pepperell Mill Campus recently, listening carefully as her constituents explained issues surrounding the redevelopment of this vibrant downtown community. In particular, detailed discussions of tax credit programs and the future of MERC captured the Senator’s close attention.

Doug Sanford briefed Senator Collins on the entire project, and then escorted her on a thorough walking tour of the complex, stopping here and there to greet various business owners, including Hyperlite Mountain Gear, the Saco River Auction Company, and the Maine Marine Trades Association. After a Q & A session in the community function room with business folks and area residents, we capped the visit with a tasty lunch at Union House Pub & Pizza.

We were impressed that Senator Collins took so much time to really listen to the details of the project. She clearly grasped the mill’s role in the economic recovery of the region. As always, your comments are welcome!

-Scott Joslin