Independent for Governor Eliot Cutler was given a Common Good Spotlight on Eastport Award this weekend, as part of the 10th Year anniversary celebration of Eastport business The Commons.

Cutler brought attention to Eastport when he connected The Atlantic magazine writers James and Deborah Fallows with the community.  The Fallows are working on a project called The American Futures Project, selecting one community in each of the states that is that state's example of community resiliency and reinvention. To date, Eastport has been the focus of online Blogs, radio and TV interviews and a feature article published earlier this year in The Atlantic "The Little Town that Might," published January 2014.

"When Eliot was asked about a city in Maine that was an example of resiliency and reinvention, Eliot answered ‘no question, Eastport,’” said partner in The Commons Linda Godfrey. “For his recognition of our community and his ability to make positive connections for Maine — we present this award to Eliot Cutler." 

"The value of this connection is beyond measure, we have had calls from people around the country and the world asking, ‘How is Eastport doing this?’ The positive attention Eliot has brought to our community speaks highly of his ability to lead and his relationships across the country and around the world,” Godfrey said.

"Eastport is an example of how a strong sense of community and a clear vision for the future can turn around a town or a city — or a state,” Cutler said in accepting the award. "Don't congratulate me for this award. Congratulate each other. You found the key to Eastport's future right here among yourselves and your neighbors, and you should be proud of everything that you have accomplished."