Dear Editor:

The RISE program presented five options for the Boothbay peninsula.

 Option One, looking at our region’s broader economy was not among those chosen to move forward, so using AirTable, I created a database form for individuals, small businesses and organizations in Boothbay peninsula and surrounding region.

I published a sign-up form online so that any individual or business can enter their information themselves. Participating in the self-entry process indicates interest in creating an economic development portrait of the region that goes beyond tourism to include a wider vision of the local economy.

As I am in the hand-crafted industry, that was my initial idea and the concept grew beyond it so the form gives special attention to handcrafted artisan production.

I have a niche interest in accounting for the craftspeople, and small manufacturers on the peninsula and in the surrounding area, so I hope they will participate in this research project.

Any business or organization can add itself in a couple of minutes. It is the beginning of something that can evolve over time, as a collaborative project. From my perspective I am interested in which towns and regions actually support handmade production, in zoning, in funding, and in recognition. Others have their own niche focuses, so I welcome suggestions on how to improve the database or form.

If you own or run a small business, craft studio, farm, nonprofit, or organization anywhere on the peninsula, I’d welcome you adding yourself here: Enter your information in the Individual data base.

MacKenzie Andersen

Andersen Design  

Boothbay Harbor