Dear Editor:

I am writing as the proprietor of the unique business assets of Andersen Design to explain how the RISE program has the capability of helping these assets to procure the facilities to train artisans in the STEAM skills of making ceramics and, in particular the Andersen Design Product line, which can help other artisans to establish their own studios with the aid of an ongoing income and access to markets developed by Andersen Design.

Co-Pilot describes the RISE program as:

RISE program Purpose and Goals

The program funds: • Construction, purchase, or equipping of buildings to serve as Innovation Centers

Andersen Design is an obvious candidate for Option 1 of the five options, which is currently not being considered by town selectmen.

(1) Research on existing blue and green economy vocational education programs. This involves identifying local businesses and programs that can be tapped into, and gaps in the educational spectrum.

Andersen Design taught the STEAM skills on the job in 1952.

The keyword missed by the town leaders is “research,” which involves recognizing all the businesses and programs that exist outside the public institutional system and are also educational resources for industrial job training, where that function is traditionally located in a free enterprise system. This could result in a database of businesses that expand the economic development profile of the region beyond tourism.

Option 1 as reinterpreted by the leadership of the selected pilot project:

The other four options were a range of vocational programs related to the “blue-green” economy and how local employers can tap into training programs source.

I am proposing a ceramic development and training center, with a gallery. I cannot do this alone; it requires a team and a supportive community. I  don’t know where that community is, but I am responsible for economic development assets that are capable of being an industrial anchor for a wider makers community.

Susan Mackenzie Andersen

Boothbay Harbor