Momentum Aroostook is part of a statewide initiative called REALIZE!Maine, which aims to help strengthen the network of young people in our professions and workplaces and to help entice more young professionals to locate in the state.  Momentum Aroostook is one of more than a dozen regional groups that has formed throughout the State of Maine as part of the REALIZE network.

Momentum Aroostook marked its earliest beginnings in late 2006, when local businessmen Nate Berry and Jay Trainer had a conversation about how important professional and social networking opportunities are for young people in the Aroostook County area.

It was while considering several ideas about how to create more networking opportunities for young people in the region that the two learned about Fusion Bangor, a networking group based in Penobscot County. The two realized that Aroostook County could benefit in many different ways from a similar organization.

In March 2007, the idea of a networking group for younger professionals was discussed at a LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development board meeting. After taking root there, an initial organizing meeting was held in May 2007; 10 interested individuals attended.

To learn more about organizational models, the group met with Fusion Bangor officials and came away with some excellent ideas for moving forward. They also learned about the REALIZE!Maine network and joined forces with Sarah Fischer, a local businesswoman who was working at the state level with the REALIZE network on the creation of a networking group for the northern Maine region.

Throughout 2007 and 2008, the group worked to establish a permanent steering committee and to secure sponsorship funding. Ultimately, four Major Sponsors were named: Katahdin Trust Company, MMG Insurance, Northern Maine Development Commission and the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

In June 2008, Momentum Aroostook became a REALIZE!Maine network affiliate. Since then, it has organized dozens of social, professional and recreational-themed networking events and has grown its membership to more than 200 members.

The group hopes to create more opportunities for young people in Aroostook County to get together and help to shape the region’s future. To get involved, contact momentumaroostook@gmail.com.