TOPSHAM

Topsham has been awarded “business-friendly” designation by the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

The DECD’s Certified Business Friendly Community Program is “designed to recognize Maine communities for their commitment to job creation, reducing red tape and being ‘open for business,’” according to a news release issued when the program began.

“Topsham has proven itself business friendly, not only through its full-time economic and community development director and its own economic development corporation, but also through its proactive use of TIFs to retain and recruit businesses,” DECD Commissioner George Gervais said in a statement.

John Shattuck, Topsham’s economic and community development director, applied on the town’s behalf in the state’s third round of applications.

Town Manager Cornell Knight said a ceremony would be scheduled soon at the State House.

Topsham is now one of 18 communities with the designation,

Knight said. The first nine communities received the certification in June.

Shattuck said today the designation is “certainly something we’ll brag about on our website and let our businesses know when it comes to regulatory programs” and the affirmative actions the town has taken to help businesses. “Topsham has been assessed and certified as a place where it’s easy to do business,” he said.

Part of the application process required at least three supporting letters from businesses, Shattuck said.

In the month the town put together the application, Shattuck said it received eight letters of support. The town was nominated for the designation by the Southern Maine Midcoast Chamber of Commerce.

According to the DECD website, business-friendly certified communities receive recognition on the DECD website, an award presented by Gov. John LePage and an “Open for Business” sign.

“We look forward to announcing the other winners and the details of a recognition event to be held in their honor in the near future,” Gervais said.

dmoore@timesrecord.com