Saco economic development director accepts new position in South Berwick

SACO — Economic Development Director Denise Clavette has accepted a position with the town of South Berwick.

Clavette’s last day with the City of Saco will be on Sept. 6. She has worked for the city since June 2018.

“I have really enjoyed being part of Saco’s economic development growth, zoning ordinance revision and comprehensive plan update,” said Clavette in a letter to the Planning Board and City Council. “Our collaborative efforts to amend 7 TIF districts, develop the new Transit-Oriented TIF District and Ready Seafood Districts have helped propel Saco in a direction to invest in its economic development, Downtown, city infrastructure (most notably, the commitment for over 25 years of support for the WRRD sewer upgrade bond payments of $800,000 annually), capital projects, salaries and operations, business and economic development initiatives, grants, loans, and more. Since I began, the annual TIF budget grew from under $1 million, to over $3.5 million annually. FY23 is slated for a $4.9 million budget.”

Clavette also praised the economic development department’s efforts in bringing new businesses to Saco, including Ready Seafood, Nikel/Precision Manufacturing, Hancock Lumber, A. Duie Pyle, Convenient MD, Ashley Lauren Designs, Everest Recovery, Chase Bank, Quince and Allegiance Trucks, the expansions of several businesses including Maine Molecular, PM Construction, Biddeford Saco Dental, Lunder Manufacturing, Patriot Subaru, Dock & Door, Old Orchard Beach Campground and Aquaboggan, as well as new businesses slated for construction including Pete’s RV, Hale Trailer, Cumberland Farms and Chipotle.

The economic development department staff also guided the sale of several lots in the city’s business parks as well as the former Public Works building, saving the city significant costs in commercial broker fees, said Clavette.

“Denise brought in a lot of business and effort during her time in Saco. It's with great sadness we hear of her leaving and would like to thank her for all she has done over the last few years. She will be missed as she was a valuable asset to our community,” said City Councilor Jodi MacPhail, former City Council liaison to the Planning Board and current City Council liaison to the Economic Development Commission.

The South Berwick Town Council unanimously approved Clavette on Tuesday as the town’s first economic development director.

“I’m super-excited to recommend her to the Council,” said Town Manager Tim Pellerin.

He said Clavette was “a guru of economic development and TIFFS” and would be an asset to the town and will help the town move forward with its vision of economic development, TIFF development and downtown revitalization and updating the Comprehensive Plan.

“I am looking forward to helping the Town of South Berwick with economic and community development, TIFS, grants, resources and helping businesses, citizens, organizations and non-profits. Working collaboratively with their town manager, staff and Council, I am thrilled to be their first director, and look forward to working with a community that is ready for the challenge of ‘moving the needle’ with economic development,” said Clavette in the letter to the planning board and City Council.

Clavette starts her new position in South Berwick on Sept. 12.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.