Madawaska area (fit in, house, employment)

[linleo]

We're thinking about moving to the Madawaska area - we have never been there, so anything we can learn about it would be great and much appreciated.

[Bydand]

Very nice area, but highly suggest a long visit before a move. That applies for anyplace not just Madtown.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

If you bring your income with you. it's a beautiful area and you can cross country ski on a world class course. The paper mill is slowly phasing back and employment numbers are declining. The mill is the heart of the economy. Most mill towns are in similar situations. You'll get along fine on English only, but you will fit in better if you speak a little French also.

[linleo]

Oh! Does it look like that mill will be closing?

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Not soon, but the number of jobs is in a long term decline. These folks were born and raised there. That limits job opportunities for newcomers.

[mfisher1966]

I spent some time last year researching that mill, trying to assess its economic health. Fraser Papers has in fact made substantial upgrades to the Madawaska and Edmundston plants in recent years. Millions of dollars invested, which they wouldn't have done if closure were a near-term option.

Papermaking is a fiercely competitive industry, where economies of scale drive the business model. Fraser Papers has taken some shrewd steps over the years to stay ahead of the curve in bringing out specialty paper products at the Madawaska mill. However, economic pressure drives them (as all manufacturers) to maximize not only the volume of output per worker, but also the value of output.

Older paper machines producing less-profitable products have been taken offline, which means layoffs. That causes real pain, and the economic impact ripples outward. But it shouldn't be taken as a sign that the Madawaska paper mill or the pulp mill across the river in Edmundston will close any time soon.

If you were looking to find work at that mill, there might be some technical jobs requiring specialized education or experience that can't be filled locally. If your concern was more for the general health of the local economy, it's probably fair to say that times are hard throughout Aroostook county, which is true in rural communities across the country.

It can always get worse, no matter where you live, and there are few places so beautiful or friendly as northern Maine. Visit if you can.

[dmyankee]

I know of two chemists in the paper industry who are out of work.

[cyr]

Originally Posted by linleo

We're thinking about moving to the Madawaska area - we have never been there, so anything we can learn about it would be great and much appreciated.

Do not move to madawaska, They will not accept you. I use to live there.
You will Thank me.

[Valley Living]

Why does this last post not even remotely make any sense! Northern Maine people accept people from yonder very well. We love to have fresh ideas, and great people involved in our community. Individuals are expected to be respectable, outgoing, friendly, and willing to be self-sufficient. Do not invade Northern Maine peoples boundaries as this is something we hold dearly and do not try to rehab us to other ways of thinking. We do not like to ask others for help and we do accept help if offered. We will also help you without you asking. Nothern Maine people are committed to friends, our sense of community, and hillbilly habits. Most of us love family, friends, hunting, fishing, camping, atving, gardening, farming, biking, cooking, landscaping, and working around the house in general. Some of us enjoy working with our tractors, and most of us do not define ourselves and our beings with earthly belongings. Most of us do not own a lexus and for most a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge will do just fine. We love to read, and many Northern Mainers are well educated and maintain professional careers. Our love for Northern Maine is often considered unconditional and believe this or not, some of us do not like to travel even if we have the money! Northern Maine is simple, cheap, and most of all slow. We awaken with a great deal of appreciation for life every day and thank our God for the wonderful gifts he has provided us. Give it a try, do not buy a house right away and find a stable job that you enjoy. You will not regret Northern Maine!

[cyr]

Yes, you do have friendly people in Madawasks.but if your a new comer
they will not give their place, if your looking for a job.
1- 80% of the stores are closed
2- The paper mill has been laying off people
3- The population use to be 5,280 now 3,267
4- I was there in July,2008 the place looks like a ghost town !
5- I was born and raise there, I when to the military and came
back. They told me I'm not part of madawaska any more, all
I had was DIRTY JOBS.For a year.
6- I then left and now making over $ 80,000.00 per yr.
7- Be honest about the place. And done try to suger coat it.