KINGFIELD – The Franklin County Network of Networks recently completed the final installment of a three-year, $30,000 grant, awarded by the H. King and Jean Cummings Charitable Trust of the Maine Community Foundation that brought local groups, organizations and businesses together with the overall goal of improving the economic health of the region.
The network, made up of volunteer representatives from education, healthcare, tourism and the arts from across Franklin County, worked together to complete asset mapping, create a brand identity by naming the region Maine High Peaks and designing its logo. Additionally, a strategic plan and organizational structure were both developed to help ensure long-term sustainability of networking initiatives.
Organizers during the branding sessions held earlier this year, noted the creation of the Maine High Peaks brand for the region gives immediate recognition by defining what the area has to offer to tourists, businesses, would-be residents and visitors of every sort.
Now that the three-year proposal completed, the Network hopes to complete the branding initiative by implementing the plan developed and create a website as a gateway for Maine High Peaks. Also planned is the creation of an interactive asset map.
Cynthia Orcutt, an organizer of the networks group said at a session held in April, that a signs and map program was the next step after the High Peaks Cultural Council received a grant. Signs tied to Maine High Peaks direct a tour from Kingfield to Carrabassett Valley, Stratton, Rangeley, Phillips and back to Kingfield with guideposts of cultural sites and businesses along the way.
Guiding the network group’s sessions was Jim Cox, a specialist in destination branding. At one session this spring, he advised, “Start with a small voice and then get louder. Connectivity will evolve.”
Participation in the Network of Networks group and its process has been open to any person, organization or business in the region, without cost or membership fees.
The Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
