HOULTON – About 70 business and community leaders gathered Sept. 10 to discuss economic and community development in the southern Aroostook region.

The forum was a collaboration between the town and the Southern Aroostook Development Corp. for the completion of a regional economic development and strategic marketing plan.

Participants were introduced to the project by Town Manager Peggy Daigle and later joined in an exercise to identify community assets.

The list will be used to develop strategies to create leverage for future economic development.

Participants also were given an overview of local and regional economic indicators, and took part in creating a “wish list” for Houlton’s development.

The session was the first of four leadership forums. Information from the forums will be included in analyses being conducted by the project consulting team, which is led by James Damicis Associates of Scarborough.

The process is expected to result in strategic work plans for economic growth and development in southern Aroostook that can be implemented by business and community leaders, Houlton and surrounding communities.

Completion of the project is scheduled for December.

Other forums will be held 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, Oct. 15 and Oct. 18 at the Shiretown Atrium Restaurant in Houlton.