FROM THE CROWE'S NEST

Plotting Their Futures

Developing new and larger markets for processed Maine lobster has been talked about for so long and by so many you might think it must have been done already . It hasn’t.

If new products and expanded markets are to be made it will not be done by a market analyst, a government task force, or think tank.

All this, is what has been done already. There are industry people out there with money and experience to invest in the processing plant the industry needs. All but one has come forward.

Building a lobster processing operation today in Maine, an operation that can continuously develop products, market them worldwide, and compete with the consolidated Canadian industry requires big money, plans, abilities, ambition, and vision. That narrows considerably the field of candidates.

The world has changed since the lobster marketing conversation began a couple of decades ago. Huge Asian markets have evolved. American and European seafood choices are changing. Air freighting live lobster is commonplace. The seafood trade deficit in America is something the Department of Commerce will be made to deal with.

Lobster processors in Maine seem inevitable. The questions are where will they locate, and will the relationship with the town and lobstermen be mutually beneficial, as it needs to be.

Since public Community Development money is involved in the current events in Gouldsboro the town is positioned to see that they are at least not harmed by funding the project. They are faced with the need to replace 100 plus jobs and the responsibility of avoiding a processor deal that goes belly up. This would be tough going for any small town where select boards are not staffed by investment analysts.

Fortunately, Gouldsboro selectmen are businessmen who can understand a business plan. Unfortunately, the processor has not produced one, and selectmen are under a gag order regarding his financial documents.

The governor’s office urging the town to move the deal forward is compounding the pressure. While the governor is doing what he said he would for the industry and the Stinson’s plant, if haste proves to have made waste three years out, others will live amid the wreckage.

The process and what comes out of it in Gouldsboromay serve as a blueprint for other towns who choose to wisely, and confidently plot their futures.