Report of the Eastern Maine Fair Economy Commission

The growth of large-scale retail stores has had a significant impact on the economy, landscape, and character of Eastern Maine.Last fall, PICA convened the Eastern Maine Fair Economy Commission, a group of community leaders from business, labor, and academia to encourage and reflect on public comments related to the role of large-scale retail stores in our region and to suggest ways for communities to gain a greater say in determining their own economic future. The Commission’s members included:

• Cathy Anderson, Dedham. Small business owner (The Briar Patch)
• Kathleen Bell, Orono. Assistant Professor of Resource Economics and Policy, University of Maine
• Michael Boland, Bar Harbor. Small business owner (restaurants and Criterion Theater)
• Valerie Carter, Bangor. Labor Educator, University of Maine
• Ken Cline, Bar Harbor. Professor of Environmental Law and Policy, College of the Atlantic
• Judson Esty-Kendall, Orono. Attorney, Pine Tree Legal Assistance
• Dan Lawson, Bucksport. Labor leader, United Steel Workers
• Davis Taylor, Bar Harbor. Professor of Economics, College of the Atlantic

In September and October the Commission held public forums in Bucksport, Bangor, and Ellsworth. Nearly 150 people from many different walks of life came forward to offer their stories, concerns, and ideas. This report offers an analysis of what we learned with policy recommendations for state and municipal governments. In reaching these recommendations, we drew on both the testimony given at the forums and on a number of published studies of the social, environmental, and economic impacts of large-scale retail development.

Summary Recommendations of the Commission
Read the Full Commission Report (PDF Format, 1.2 Mb)

For a printed copy of the Eastern Maine Fair Trade Commission Report,
contact PICA. (suggested donation - $5)

For links to resources about issues and campaigns concerning Wal-Mart and other big box retailers, go the Fair Trade tools page.