Sunrise County Economic Council

06/04/2026

Congratulations to the local students that participated in the Money Maker Business Competition, and to our team of business mentors at MaineStreet Business Building, who worked with the students during each stage of their business plan development.

This year long partnership was made possible by Machias Savings Bank, Junior Achievement of Maine, JMG, MaineStreet Business Building and Washington County Community College (WCCC).

We’re proud to celebrate the inaugural year of the Money Maker Showdown and the incredible journey it’s been! 🎉

Over the past year, Machias Savings Bank partnered with Junior Achievement of Maine, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG), MaineStreet Business Building, and Washington County Community College (WCCC) to pilot a cohort-based program designed to help guide students in business planning, entrepreneurial skill-building, and research for their unique business ideas.

Through monthly lessons and mentorship, these students worked hard to develop their business ideas leading up to a final pitch competition right here in Machias on May 20.

The creativity, dedication, and innovation we saw from these young leaders was truly remarkable. We’re honored to help create opportunities that empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in our communities.

👏 Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to our partners for making this vision a reality!

06/01/2026

📣 What heritage stories, places, and traditions matter most to your community?

The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area Steering Committee invites you to join a conversation about community priorities for heritage preservation.

Learn about the National Heritage Area program, Downeast Maine's designation, and planning efforts to date. Then share your ideas and help shape an implementation plan that reflects your community's priorities.

🗓 Community Conversations | 5:30–7:00 PM

📍 June 8 – Sullivan Rec Center, Sullivan
📍 June 15 – St. Croix No. 1 Fire House, Calais
📍 June 16 – Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
📍 June 25 – Machias Savings Bank Custom House & Post Office, Machias

Refreshments will be served.

Questions? [email protected]
Learn more: downeastmainenha.org

We hope to see you there!

05/28/2026

Strong communities are built through partnership, leadership, collaboration, and people willing to step forward in service of something bigger than themselves.

SCEC’s work would not be possible without the guidance and support of our Board of Directors and the many partners who work alongside us across Washington County every day. We are grateful to the businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, tribal governments, community organizations, funders, educators, and regional leaders who continue to collaborate with us in meaningful ways.

Together, we are creating opportunities, addressing challenges, strengthening communities, and helping move Downeast Maine forward.

To our Board of Directors: thank you for your leadership, vision, encouragement, and commitment to this work. Your dedication helps shape and strengthen SCEC’s mission and impact throughout the region. Our board members bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and connections to this work, while sharing a common belief in Washington County's future and the importance of investing in our communities.

Learn more about our board and partners on our website: https://sunrisecounty.org

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Sunrise County Economic Council offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday.

05/23/2026

Behind every program at SCEC is a team of people who care deeply about Washington County and the communities we call home.

Our annual report covers our projects and numbers, but the work behind it runs on relationships, trust, and a shared belief in the future of this region.

To our staff: thank you for what you bring to this work and for your dedication to Washington County.

Meet the SCEC team at https://sunrisecounty.org/our-staff/

05/20/2026

The nationally important story of the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area (NHA) focuses on our Natural Heritage, and how the forces of nature have and continue to shape us as people.

A snapshot of 2025:

☀️ The NHA Planning Team prioritized three project categories developed through 2024 public input: interactive heritage experiences, community building and civic engagement, and outdoor recreation
☀️ A new independent website launched at downeastmainenha.org to keep community members and partners informed
☀️ The Downeast Maine NHA program received full FY2026 funding after extended uncertainty since 2024
☀️ The NHA program continued to receive technical assistance from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Parks Conservation Assistance team

SCEC provides staff to coordinate program implementation. Learn more at downeastmainenha.org.

05/19/2026

The Washington County Housing Summit is fast approaching! Join us this Thursday, May 21, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at the University of Maine at Machias campus. The summit will bring together practitioners from across sectors to chart a path toward more stable, attainable housing for residents.

The day will feature a keynote address by SCEC Executive Director, Charles Rudelitch: "Current & Future Housing Needs In Washington County: How Washington County’s Housing Needs Are Evolving & Why It Matters Now"

There's still time to register! 👉 https://loom.ly/Urrb9Eg

$15 registration includes lunch. Contact Elaine Abbott at [email protected] for a complimentary ticket if cost is a barrier.

05/15/2026

SCEC is hiring an Administrative Director for Maqeyhik. Maqeyhik was started by a group of Passamaquoddy elders, community members, and non-native partners interested in continuing relations of care with the Picture Rocks petroglyph site in Machiasport, including the associated house.

The administrative director will be overall responsible for the care and oversight of the Picture Rocks Property in Machiasport. Requirements include: a strong understanding of Passamaquoddy culture, traditions, and community needs; experience in program development, community engagement, and organizational leadership; and experience with budget and grant management. Full requirements and instructions on how to apply can be found on our website: sunrisecounty.org/employment

Formal degree not required, especially for candidates with strong cultural knowledge and capacity to be dedicated to the Picture Rocks house, site, and committee. However, experience in this area may strengthen applications.

Priority deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026. The search will remain open until a qualified candidate is hired.

SCEC is a recovery friendly and equal opportunity employer.

05/14/2026

Tourism is one of Washington County's major economic engines, and DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism (DART) is helping more visitors discover what makes this region special.

In 2025, DART:
☀️ Printed 35,000 copies of the DownEast Acadia Region Guide and 20,000 copies of the Region Map, distributed across the region, the state, and New England
☀️ Promoted seven distinct travel regions, from Way DownEast to Grand Lakes to Mount Desert Island
☀️ Partnered with more than a dozen local content creators, photographers, guides, and small business owners to keep marketing dollars in the region
☀️ Continued to manage social media, website, and ad placements that drive visitation and support businesses across Hancock and Washington Counties

SCEC serves as the fiscal agent for DART and provides finance and communications support. Learn more at downeastacadia.com, follow DownEast Acadia and read the full 2025 Annual Report at sunrisecounty.org/about/reports/

05/08/2026

Through Family Futures Downeast (FFD), Start Up Downeast, and the Working Communities Challenge, SCEC and its partners help parents earn degrees, launch businesses, and build futures alongside their children.

Here are a few highlights showcasing the determination of parents and students in Washington County.

☀️ 50 Washington County families were enrolled in Family Futures Downeast in 2025
☀️ Children from the first 2016 FFD cohort graduated high school in 2025, with five enrolling at Washington County Community College and the University of Maine at Machias
☀️ Since 2016, FFD parents have earned 9 bachelor's degrees, 26 associate degrees, 37 professional licenses and certifications, and 109 certificates of value
☀️ $31,000 in student loan reimbursement was awarded to Gracie Fund recipients, helping recent Washington County graduates put down roots at home
☀️ $3,145 in Sunrise Scholarships was awarded to local residents working in healthcare, construction, outdoor recreation, hospitality, and the trades

When parents thrive, families and communities thrive! Learn more at https://sunrisecounty.org/reports