[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUNRISE COUNTY ECONOMIC COUNCIL

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the Sunrise 
County Economic Council of Washington County as they celebrate their 
25th anniversary. Founded using funds left over from the Quoddy Job 
Opportunity Zone, an initiative from then-Governor John McKernan, SCEC 
has used a grassroots approach to economic development in Washington 
County. They have worked tirelessly across political, economic, and 
municipal boundaries to promote development in one of the least 
populated counties in the State.
  SCEC was founded in 1993 by a group of businesses and community 
leaders to promote economic and community development. SCEC brings 
together community-focused businesses, not-for-profit organizations, 
municipalities, and citizens to all work together to create jobs and 
promote prosperity in Washington County. During my time as Governor, we 
created the Investing in Washington County initiative, which was a 
partnership between SCEC and State agencies working through the cabinet 
subcommittee on economic development. Since then, SCEC has been 
dedicated to job creation and development and continues to play a vital 
role in Maine's economic prosperity.
  Today SCEC has several programs and initiatives to achieve their 
goals to improve their community and promote development. One of these 
programs is Family Futures Downeast. This program aims to break the 
cycle of poverty by providing children with a safe, secure environment, 
high-quality education, and supporting parents through postsecondary 
education and career development. Parents enroll at the University of 
Maine Machias or Washington County Community College and their children 
are enrolled in early-education programs right on campus. Families 
receive support from a variety of partners, including college 
preparatory and tutoring services, workforce training, career 
counseling, and financial support. This program is life-changing for 
parents and children. Thanks to the program, children are thriving in 
high-quality childcare, parents can pursue opportunities without 
worrying about their children's care, and parents are on path to long-
term, higher-paying jobs right in Washington County.
  Another SCEC program is the Washington County Leadership Institute. 
Founded in 1997, the institute provides Washington County citizens with 
the skills, insight, and professional network to be more effective 
leaders in their communities. Participants come from all sectors, 
including small business, finance, education, tourism, healthcare, 
nonprofit, and municipal government. Institute graduates have gone on 
to serve on planning boards, school boards, filled a variety of 
volunteer positions, and served in the legislature.
  I am honored to join all of the communities of Washington County and 
the entire State of Maine in congratulating Sunrise County Economic 
Council for 25 years of incredible work. I look forward to their 
continued growth and service to the State, and I thank them for their 
dedication to making Maine such a special place to call home.

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