SANFORD – A year ago, job creation was the focus here as Mainers debated whether an Indian resort and casino should be allowed to be built in this town.

Maine residents soundly rejected the casino plan in a November referendum. But with Sanford’s unemployment rate at 7.8 percent – far above the statewide average and nearly double that of some other York County towns – job creation is still a top priority.

Town officials and business leaders, however, see signs of better times. With new businesses moving to town, and the hiring of the town’s first economic development director, some say the time is right for an economic rebound.

Even though the casino plan was rejected, the issue still put Sanford on the economic map, said interim Town Manager Tom Ursia.

“We were receiving calls from all over the nation from speculators who wanted to examine Sanford,” he said.

A retail expansion along Route 109 and interest in Sanford’s empty mill space and the town’s newest industrial park are signs of better times, say some in the business community and in town hall.

Richard Stanley, president of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, said it is promising that several new companies have moved to town or plan to do so.

Whatman Inc., a British lab filtration equipment maker, last winter moved its U.S. headquarters from Scarborough to Route 109 in Sanford. It now employs 125.

Tom’s of Maine, a toothpaste and personal-care products company, is moving its toothpaste manufacturing and some warehouse operations from Kennebunk to Sanford. Holo-Dek, a startup video game systems manufacturer, and Net2Press printing company are seeking state grants that would allow them to open at Sanford sites.

Still, there are plenty of challenges ahead.

Stanley said Sanford needs to be concerned with work force training so it has the highly skilled labor many companies demand. Ursia said the town needs to develop an economic vision, build on successes such as the move by Tom’s of Maine, and create a diversified economic base.

“Sanford can be in the front seat instead of the back seat. What an incredibly opportune time,” he said.

For the first time, the town has an economic development director. Leslie Stevens, who has spent 25 years in economic development, including as economic development director in Brewer.