Building production networks for increased efficiency and impact.

On this page:

• Vision/Strategy
• Desired Outcomes
• Context: What are others already doing?
• Consortium Activities: What does/can MWC contribute? Tourism Development, Signature Products

Vision/Strategy
Given that our regional economy is characterized by many small scale enterprises, we must develop approaches that link these enterprises into more effective systems to increase production efficiencies and to expand market reach. We see opportunities for new or stronger production networks in tourism, wood product manufacturing, agriculture, and handcraft, among other asset-based sectors.

• More businesses operating as part of "clusters" (or production networks)
• Thriving creative clusters (arts, tourism, technology)
• Thriving, connected local agriculture (CSAs and farmers markets - more acres in production, increased sales)
• More local ownership of businesses
• More local people buying local

• Nature Based Tourism Task Force. Implementing Fermata recommendations.
• Production networks and service providers matrix compiled by Dina Jackson, AVCOG.
  

Tourism Development
Share Your Heritage Itineraries
In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation conducted a workshop which attracted participants from 10 communities across the Maine Woods. Several itineraries were suggested at that session, and in intervening years, several have been fully implemented. Itineraries to be featured on Maine Woods consumer web site and regional tourism sites.
Related Workgroups: Southern Franklin County Itinerary, Rangeley Itinerary

Rural Destination Tourism
In 2007, MWC representatives began working with others in the Northern Forest to develop a new model for tourism. The model, now called Rural Destination Tourism (RDT), builds production networks of tourism providers to create seamless, theme-based visitor experiences. Maine Woods RDT prototypes: the Franklin County Tourism Network and the Maine Woods Outdoor Recreation Tourism Network.
Related Workgroups: Franklin County Tourism Network, Maine Woods Destination Tourism

Signature Products/Production Networks
Signature Product Press Campaign
Working group identified "signature products," products that were made or grown in the region and were representative or emblematic of the region. Created and distributed press packages promoting awareness of products and their makers.
Related Workgroups: Mountain Made

Production Network Support
Working group is currently identifying production networks in the region, networks of product growers or makers that link together for greater production or marketing efficiencies. Proposing to create a suite of services to support these networks and to stimulate development of others.
Related Workgroups: Mountain Made

Coordinating Team proposals for future Consortium activities

• Better mechanism for measuring economic activity at this scale.
• More support (training, investment) for production networks and for micro businesses. Packaging tourism experiences.
  
• Create better mechanisms for linking producers (networks) to existing and new markets.