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 The County's Labor Force -- People Working Together
In Aroostook, good people are a natural resource. And
like all natural resources, the people of Aroostook have been molded
over the centuries by their environment. Tempered by the diverse cultures
that have drawn to this place, they have created a rich heritage that
is distinctly Northern Maine in character.
That character of Aroostook County continues its evolution
today, shaped by the forces of the modern business environment. The
result is a people for whom work is more than a job. People whose
dedication extends to the workplace. People who can impact a company's
bottom line like no other factor can.
And, when you decide to call upon the people of Aroostook,
they will be ready. The County has an abundant, enthusiastic and available
labor force with an absentee rate of less than two percent. And, almost
75% of the area's population is age 45 and under. For any business,
such availability and stability are key to gaining a competitive edge.
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Top 20 Employers of Aroostook County by Employment Size:
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Company
|
Employment Range
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Nexfor Fraser Papers Inc.
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1,000 +
|
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The Aroostook Medical Center
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500-999
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Burrelle's Press Clipping Service
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500-999
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McCain Foods Inc.
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500-999
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Wal Mart Associates Inc.
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500-999
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City of Caribou
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250-499
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Northern Maine Medical Center
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250-499
|
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MSAD #1
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250-499
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Houlton Regional Hospital
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250-499
|
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Paradis Inc. Louis J
|
250-499
|
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Caribou School Department
|
250-499
|
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Sitel Corporation
|
250-499
|
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Caribou Nursing Home
|
250-499
|
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Department of Defense
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250-499
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Levesque & Sons Inc. J Paul
|
250-499
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Aroostook Mental Health Services
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100-249
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SAD 29
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100-249
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Community Living Association
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100-249
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MBNA Marketing Systems, Inc.
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100-249
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MSAD #27
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100-249
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Source: Maine Department of Labor
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Employment by industry:
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INDUSTRY
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|
|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and
mining |
2,023 |
6.2 |
| Construction |
1,612 |
5.0 |
| Manufacturing |
4,074 |
12.6 |
| Wholesale trade |
867 |
2.7 |
| Retail trade |
4,416 |
13.6 |
| Transportation and warehousing, and utilities |
2,075 |
6.4 |
| Information |
525 |
1.6 |
| Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and
leasing |
1,021 |
3.1 |
| Professional, scientific, management,
administrative, and waste management services |
2,085 |
6.4 |
| Educational, health and social services |
8,745 |
26.9 |
| Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and
food services |
1,699 |
5.2 |
| Other services (except public administration) |
1,709 |
5.3 |
| Public administration |
1,610 |
5.0 |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau |
The Cost of Doing Business in The County
The hard-earned value of a dollar is intrinsic to the
people and businesses of Aroostook. That outlook has developed an
ideal setting for business growth -- a high quality workforce paired
with a low cost of doing business. Wage rates are significantly lower
than other New England states. The price of land, both commercial
and industrial, is also among the lowest in all of New England. So
is the cost of building in Aroostook.
Wage Rates:
- Wage rates for Aroostook County are competitive related
to Maine and other New England states. The County's weekly average
wage is:
- 14% below Maine
- 30% below Massachusetts
- 33% below Connecticut
- Maine workers' compensation rates are presently about
25% below the national average.
Utilities:
- Electric rates for Aroostook are 25% lower than the
rest of New England.
- The majority of the energy in Aroostook is provided
by Maine Public Service Company,
which has a diversified mix of power generation sources.
- The company also offers discounted economic development
energy rates to new and expanding businesses.
- However, there are a number of other companies that
provide power to Northern Maine communities.
- Central Maine Power provides power for a portion
of southern Aroostook.
- Wheelabrator-Sherman (Stacyville) and Aroostook
Valley Electric (Fort Fairfield) and Houlton Water & Power
provide energy in localized areas.
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