Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

world-class education opportunities, and a working waterfront.“We still have a lot of fishermen operating out of Camp Ellis which is our coastal community fishing area.Additionally we offer many recreational opportunities, such as, fishing, hiking, and biking. We have a great trail network and beautiful parks. We believe that Saco has plenty to offer residents, visitors, and businesses,” Roy says. GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Director, Tracey Desjardins, emphasizes Saco’s strategic positioning for growth, citing a collaborative 2020 market analysis with Camoin Associates. The findings underscore key industries, including Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail, Educational Services, and Manufacturing, indicating the city’s diverse economic landscape. Maine Molecular Quality Controls is a major employer in the community, specializing in research and testing, and assisting in FDA approvals to bring innovations to market. Furthermore, the city’s economic growth is evident in the recent establishment of a Frito Lay distribution center, and expansion at Maine Needham Company, a manufacturer of the beloved chocolate- covered potato and coconut treat. “Maine Needham Company is owned by a husband- and-wife team. An interesting initiative they championed was to introduce a Maine Needham Day through the state legislature so that it could be recognized in partnership with the potato industry as well as the candy manufacturers,” says Roy. “And of course, the potatoes come right here from Maine,” continues Desjardins. Saco is home to both a business park and an industrial park, housing a multi-faceted range of enterprises. Desjardins highlights the presence of dress designer Ashley Lauren, who operates in the business park. “People fly in from Paris, California, and from all over the world just to buy her dresses,” she says. “She had a shop in New York. Her dad has buildings in our business park, and she wanted to be back home to operate her world-renowned dress design business in her hometown of Saco.” Ashley also founded National Dress Day, which takes place annually on March 6. 109 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02 SACO, MAINE