GrowSmart Maine Elects New Board Members at Annual Meeting
BRUNSWICK – GrowSmart Maine hosted their Annual Meeting this Tuesday, December 11th at the Inn at Brunswick Station in Brunswick. After guided tours of the newly redeveloped Brunswick Station, most recent addition to the Amtrak Downeaster line, GrowSmart Maine members voted unanimously to approve a slate of nine new Board Members and two returning members. The meeting continued with a celebration of the accomplishments of 2012 including the release of Charting Maine’s Future: Making Headway and Summit 2012, as well as a look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Nancy E. Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine spoke to the crowd of over 100 attendees from York to Millinocket, “GrowSmart Maine’s goal, as outlined in our recently completed strategic plan, is to make smart growth concepts relevant to Mainers as they make both major and day to day decisions. It is about having viable choices. The Principles of Smart Growth address such issues as transportation choices, creating distinctive and attractive communities with a strong sense of place, preserving open space, creating a range of housing options, and making development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective. This results in sustainable prosperity; a healthy intersection of Maine’s economy, environment, community. As we plan for the next few years, GrowSmart Maine is energized and committed to continuing our work, empowering Mainers through advocacy, education, and connecting them with others working toward the same goals.”
Kevin Bunker, Chair of the GrowSmart Maine Board of Directors, took a moment to recognize Frank Miles, a retiring long time Board Member and thanked him for his service.
Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, the public transportation authority created in 1995 by the Maine State Legislature to develop and provide passenger rail service between Maine and Boston and points within Maine, spoke briefly to the success of passenger rail in Maine. “Since the Downeaster began operating in December 2001, approximately 4 million riders have been transported the equivalent of 325 million passenger miles and has generated over $56 million in ticket revenues. Downeaster ridership has demonstrated significant growth. In FY2012, the Downeaster transported 528,292 riders which represents a 111% increase from FY2005”.Also highlighted in the event, the short film Charting Maine’s Future: Success Stories and a holiday reception featuring local foods crafted by the Inn at Brunswick Station.
Newly elected GrowSmart Maine Board Members are Judy East of Calais, Jane Lafleur of Camden, Mike Lyne of Brunswick, Chris Robinson of Kennebunk, Matt Teare of Yarmouth, Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic, David Webster of Freeport, Sen. Dick Woodbury of Yarmouth and Robin Zinchuk of Bethel. Re-elected Board Members are Fred Heimann of North Yarmouth and Anna Marie Thron of Portland.
GrowSmart Maine thanks Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Developers Collaborative, the Brunswick Explorer and JHR Development for their generous sponsorship of the event.
For more information visit www.growsmartmaine.org
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