U.S. Assistant Secretary Cino and Senator Collins Tour
FirstPark in Dedication Ceremony and Tour in Oakland

U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary Maria Cino joined U.S. Senator Susan Collins
today in Oakland Maine, in dedication ceremonies for FirstPark, the State's new premier business and technology center.

FirstPark was funded in part through a $1 million infrastructure grant provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. The business park, the only one of its kind in Maine, is located off Exit 33 of I-95 in Oakland

"FirstPark is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when the public and private sector work together," Cino said. "The significant funding provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce demonstrates our commitment to promoting the growth and development of Maine's technology sector, a catalyst that will spur innovation and create robust opportunities for businesses and workers across the state."

"We're all proud of the advances being made in creating technology-related jobs
for the people of Maine," said Senator Collins. "This state-of-the-art park, and
the businesses that will call it home, will increase job opportunities for thousands
of central Maine residents."

With sophisticated high-tech communications and utilities infrastructure, the park is expected to attract professional offices in sectors such as information technology, financial services, healthcare, and customer service and sales. The park will also be attractive location for conference centers, light manufacturing, and corporate headquarters for national and regional companies.

The 285-acre park provides a low-density, campus-like setting, conducive for business expansion or relocation.