The only problem is that Dexter Shoe Co. officials haven't yet released any information to local officials about which of their properties will be available to market, according to Town Manager Robert Simpson.

Federal representatives told town officials last Friday that they are willing to assist the town with its economic development efforts but need information about the buildings first.

"Our problem is we have a very small window of opportunity here," Simpson said Monday.

Several state and federal representatives met with town officials Friday to discuss the loss of 475 jobs that will result from the company's announcement last month to close its manufacturing operations, and the need to market the facilities.

As a result of that meeting, the Town Council will convene a special meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 in the council chambers to discuss the formulation of a local economic development strategy.

Roger Brawn, council chairman, said the town needs to be ready in any event. "Regardless of what they do, we've got to be prepared," Brawn said Monday.

Because Dexter Shoe Co. is an international business, Brawn said, there is some question whether the local company officials know what's going to occur with the buildings, and therefore may be hesitant to make any predictions.

The town needs space for development and ideally it would be all of Dexter Shoe Co.'s facilities, but if that is not possible, then the town needs to take another approach, Brawn said.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Tuesday, October 02, 2001 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission."