As the area’s largest town and the seat of Somerset County, Skowhegan is also the largest employment and shopping center in the area. Classic old industries relating to logging, saw mills and factories are gradually being replaced by 21st Century businesses and services. At the same time, townsfolk are respectful of the community’s roots, and take pride in making use of the valuable and venerable old buildings that were part of the town’s history.

Manufacturing and service industries are the predominant businesses in Skowhegan, employing more than 60 percent of the workforce. Tourism, one of the largest industries in the State of Maine, is also a valuable source of income in the Skowhegan area.

Sappi Fine Paper, the area’s largest employer, is the leading producer of coated woodfree paper in the U.S., manufactures specialty and technical papers. A mainstay of the Maine economy since 1854, Sappi Fine Paper is an active community participant. New Balance Athletic Shoe has reclaimed the former Dexter Shoe factory, and maintains a large distribution center in Skowhegan. Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream, a dairy business dating back four generations, creates more than 800,000 gallons of high quality ice cream each year. Their 100-plus flavors are well known and well appreciated by both residents and visitors alike.

Northgate Industrial Park houses a number of small to mid-size companies, including the Central Maine Power Company. Construction of a second business center, the Southgate Industrial Park is underway, with a number of businesses interested in this new location. Small shops, specialty stores, "Mom and Pop" businesses, professional services and banks are scattered through the town, and provide goods and services to residents and visitors.

In addition to downtown shops and businesses, Skowhegan has four outlying shopping centers (including a Wal-Mart and Hannaford Bros.) that serve as regional centers.

Business investment in the area is encouraged by an active economic development program. Businesses can qualify for a number of loans, credits and grants that help bring improvement to the company and to the area. One of Skowhegan’s greatest strengths is the local workforce, which is known for their strong work ethic and productivity.

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