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Updated: September 1, 2025 2025 Fact Book: Doing Business in Maine

Downeast Economic Development: Your bridge to global markets

PHOTO courtesy of Capshore Photography Downtown Calais

Washington County – Downeast Maine is known for Cobscook State Park, Acadia National Park, historic towns, vibrant culture and tourism. The natural beauty of the regional lakes for recreation and quality of life makes this area excellent for living opportunities.

The city of Calais, located along the Maine-New Brunswick border, serves as the retail and service hub for eastern Washington County and parts of Charlotte County, Canada. With a population of just over 3,100, Calais supports a regional market of more than 20,000 people. Its location makes it a strategic destination for businesses looking to access both U.S. and Canadian consumers.

Over 628,000 passenger cars crossed the Calais border in 2024, reinforcing its role in international commerce. Three bridges link Calais with its sister city, St. Stephen, fostering trade, tourism, and shared celebrations such as the International Homecoming Festival, a beloved cross-border event.

Calais is committed to downtown revitalization. Historic Main Street features ornate architecture and local merchants, supported by ongoing investment from both public and private sectors. The city is actively seeking new restaurants, breweries and retail businesses to grow its economy and attract residents and visitors alike.

Offering a safe, family-friendly environment, Calais is ideal for young families. Education is a community priority, with Washington County Community College leading local workforce development. The college provides hands-on training in fields like HVAC and nursing and with some of the lowest tuition in New England – $96 per credit hour and free tuition for Maine high school graduates (2023–2025) – higher education is accessible and affordable.

The Bold Coast National Scenic Byway connects Calais to Milbridge, showcasing stunning landscapes, local heritage and access to the East Coast Greenway – a 3,000-mile cycling route stretching to Key West, Fla. The region also offers ATV and hiking trails, lakes, golf and access to the soon-to-be-extended Sunrise Trail, adding 12 more miles into Calais.

A game-changer for the area has been the introduction of high-speed fiber internet, which provides fast, reliable service to both Calais and nearby Baileyville. This community investment has opened remote work options and a relocation opportunity for young families and entrepreneurs. The Downeast Broadband Utility is an open access network that allows for competition between Internet Service Providers.

Just seven miles north, the town of Baileyville has become a manufacturing powerhouse. Home to Woodland Pulp LLC and St. Croix Tissue, the town plays a critical role in regional economic health. It recently added services such as a satellite medical office, wellness center and restaurants, strengthening community support. The Beth C. Wright Center offers vital services like telehealth and cancer counseling, while Octoberfest brings residents together in celebration each fall.

Baileyville also offers business-friendly development opportunities through its 100-acre Baileyville Commercial Park (BCP). With access to Routes 1 and 9, reliable utilities, underground infrastructure, and Foreign Trade Zone status, BCP is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective operations and growth potential.

 

Key business advantages in Baileyville include:

  • Strategic location
  • Public water supply
  • Strong power grid
  • Modern infrastructure
  • Attractive tax incentives
  • Easy highway access
  • Co-location potential with major employers
  • Zoning that supports industrial and commercial growth

Nearby Eastport features a deep-water port attracting cruise ship visits all summer long. In addition, Eastport (KEPM) and Princeton (KPNN) Municipal Airports, both supporting small jets and customs services, deliver numerous logistical benefits for shipping, business and tourist travel.

Together, Calais and Baileyville exemplify the spirit of Downeast Maine – rooted in history, driven by innovation, and full of promise – sharing a commitment to economic development, quality of life, and regional collaboration setting the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future.

Baileyville’s Commercial Park

Downeast Economic Development Corporation

City of Calais, 11 Church Street, Calais

Town of Baileyville, 63 Broadway, Baileyville

Denise Barker, Director

207-214-5926 / ewced@outlook.com

calaismaine.org / baileyville.org

Facebook — Downeast Economic Development