MILLINOCKET – An economic development program aimed at growing existing area businesses in the tri-town area is being introduced by Bruce McLean, executive director of Millinocket Area Growth and Development Council, with the support of Garret Oswald, manager of the Maine Department of Labor’s Business Visitation Program.

The Business Visitation Program will survey local business people to gather data that will be used later to develop, expand and retain ongoing and future businesses, according to McLean. The program’s primary goal is to aid existing businesses and to draw new companies into the area.

The BVP program manager will help community leaders, who are part of the BVP Task Force, organize volunteer “visitors” from the business community. These volunteers will survey local manufacturers and retailers in the coming weeks. The survey also can be tailored to address local issues. The questionnaire asks about factors affecting a firm’s bottom line, such as technology, state regulations and the future projects of the company or business.

Those interested in helping with the visits or having their business visited should call MAGIC at 764-0024.