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Updated: May 26, 2025

Ellsworth is looking to add to downtown business mix

A town street is lined with buildings. Photo / Courtesy Heart of Ellsworth The city is looking to fill vacant storefronts as a next step to build on recent economic development activity.

Two Ellsworth boosters are looking to attract more businesses to the city’s downtown neighborhood.

The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and Heart of Ellsworth said five locations are currently are available for lease to businesses looking to establish a presence in Ellsworth: 108 Main St., 112 Main St., 192 Main St., 59 Franklin St. and 6 State St. 

“Our city is committed to fostering a vibrant downtown through initiatives like our Tourism Marketing and Development Plan and yearly beautification efforts such as the Franklin Street Parklet to design a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors,” said Cara Romano, Heart of Ellsworth’s executive director.

The city’s recent economic development activities include designation as a Main Street America community. Resources and networking opportunities to help businesses succeed in the district are available through the chamber and Heart of Ellsworth. Earlier this year, the city launched a survey to develop a business attraction plan in two categories, specialty food and beverage manufacturing and sales design and construction and maintenance.

The city appointed Twila Fisher as the new economic development director, effective June 9. Fisher brings over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, with a track record in designing and implementing economic and community development strategies. She most recently served as director of community and economic development at the Hill School in Pottstown, Penn., where she also led the Hobart’s Run Neighborhood District as executive director. Her areas of expertise include municipal and historic preservation planning, workforce development and training, sustainability and climate action planning, and federal and state grant implementation.

According to a market analysis, Ellsworth is the county’s primary employment center and economic engine and an important contributor to the region’s visitor-driven businesses, with prospects for growth in areas like specialty food and beverage manufacturing and sales; commercial and housing development; health care services, medical manufacturing and life sciences; and the visitor economy and hospitality.

"Our city is committed to building on our recent achievements," said PJ Keenan, the chamber’s executive director. "With strategic plans like the Business Attraction and Comprehensive Plan firmly in place, alongside dedicated small business support systems, Ellsworth is the ideal destination for businesses aiming to make a downtown location their home."

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