A GROWING COMMUNITY

It’s not uncommon to drive through Hermon and see a sign advertising a new business coming to town.

In fact, in 2019 alone, 10 new businesses opened their doors for the first time, creating 75-80 jobs in the 6,000-person town, bringing the total number of Hermon-based companies to roughly 400.

“Hermon gives business an edge and that’s not in comparison to everyone else but that’s just what we choose to focus on,” said Scott Perkins, the town’s Economic Development Director.

In 2020, Perkins said there are unofficially 12 more businesses that will either be expanding in place or breaking ground in town. The new companies will be in an array of industries from solar to service-related businesses, industrial manufacturing and transportation.

There’s a myriad of reasons families and businesses are flocking to Hermon and Perkins’ research suggests this growth will continue at a rate of 32 percent until at least year 2032.

Some would credit the sheer geography of being nestled up to Bangor’s town line or Hermon’s proximity to I-95 that makes the community such a desirable place to do business, but the amenities go beyond a convenient location.

Setting up shop in Hermon also means embedding yourself in a relaxed, rural environment where the residents want to get to know each other, something Perkins and his team have found people are seeking when they consider planting roots in Hermon.

“People like that we have a small town staff that works very hard at being responsive,” said Perkins. “They appreciate that convenience. But they also want to be connected. They want to have community parties and events where they can get to know one another.”

Todd and Angie Eaton, who opened Just Down the Road Grille (formerly Hermon Family Restaurant) in late 2018, certainly feel the camaraderie not just from residents but from other local businesses as well.

“I can’t think of a single local business that has not stepped forward and supported what we’re doing here,” said Todd Eaton, noting the entire Town of Hermon staff has, in one way or another, personally reached out to the Eatons to offer assistance, advice or guidance in some form.

“Growing up in this area has provided us with a great insight as to where the town itself is headed,” said Eaton. “It’s growing fast and to be on the ground floor of all of this development is pretty exciting to say the least.”

Of course financially, Hermon is appealing as well. Taxes are significantly less (sometimes more than half) than that of surrounding towns. Also, 80 cents of every tax dollar goes to education, an investment that seems to be paying off.

It’s no coincidence that the emphasis on education along with Hermon’s median age (which is 3-4 years younger when compared to the rest of Maine), have something to do with the increase in new businesses. Last year the Maine Principals’ Association named Hermon High School’s Brian Walsh principal of the year. Not to mention, having graduates staying to work in their hometown aides future workforce development.

Hermon’s growth isn’t just impacting business within the town itself, but the population boom also provides workers for surrounding communities since there are only so many jobs to be had in town. Perkins said the town has gained 100 people per year for the past 10 years, attracting residents with higher incomes and levels of education.

“Hermon probably would’ve grown without a big push,” admitted Perkins, when talking about the forming of the economic development committee in 2015. “But everyone has put their heart into this and we came up with some ideas that really work. The growth of Hermon is probably one of our largest successes, quite frankly.”