Greater East Grand Economic Council
Founded in 2021, the Greater East Grand Economic Council (GEGEC), serves to be the primary coordinator and facilitator of all economic and community development work in the region.
Our vision is to create a sustainable, collaborative organization to guide and coordinate economic and community development by supporting workforce development, affordable housing, and recreational outdoor tourism.
Current leadership includes:
Board of Directors
Daniel Daggett, President
Jon Bridgan, Vice-President
Charlie McAlpin, Treasurer
Dwayne Young, Secretary
David Apgar
Angela Cowger
Felicia Cowger
Peter Chase
Scott Hanington
Jill Plummer
Fiscal Sponsor
Charles Rudelitch, Sunrise County Economic Council
GEGEC Advisors
Steve Hanington, Hanington Brothers
John Manganello, Baskahegan Company
Sarah Strickland, Strategic Wisdom Partners
Peggy White, East Grand School
Staff
History
The origins of GEGEC, began with a citizen-led effort to support the ongoing funding of the East Grand School, after an economic study determined the serious financial impact if the school were to close.
Building on the momentum of that success, a regional coalition of towns came together to address additional priorities—most notably, expanding high-speed broadband access to support remote work, workforce development, telehealth, and more.
In April 2019, the Greater East Grand Region economic planning initiative was formally established as a citizen-led effort, continuing the community-driven approach from the outset. Since then, GEGEC’s planning and priorities have been supported through foundation grants, municipal contributions, individual donors, and countless volunteer hours.
Capacity Building
Sewall Foundation
CF Adams Charitable Trust
Maine Community Foundation
The Conservation Fund
Machias Savings Bank
Lakeville Shores, Inc.
Baskahegan Company
GEGR Broadband Initiative
Maine Connectivity Authority
ConnectMaine Authority
Maine Community Foundation
Island Institute
Maine Broadband Coalition
Washington County Commission/TIF
Aroostook County UT
Town of Danforth
Town of Weston
Reed Plantation
Youth & Young Adult Initiative
East Grand School
Rural Aspirations
Citizens’ Organization for Rural Education
Maine Community Foundation
David Snow family
John Manganello family
Recreational & Land Stewardship
The Conservation Fund
Stetson Fund
Baskahegan Company