FARMINGTON – In Western Maine, outdoor recreation isn’t just a pastime. It helps define the character of the region and fuels the local economy. To support that continued growth, Franklin Savings Bank has donated $30,000 to the University of Maine at Farmington’s Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence, a program dedicated to developing the next generation of outdoor recreation professionals.
The Hub of Excellence connects students with outdoor-industry employers through internships, hands-on learning and business-focused coursework. By pairing academic preparation with real-world experience, the program strengthens the workforce pipeline for recreation-based businesses across the region.
For Franklin Savings Bank, the partnership aligns with a long-standing commitment to supporting outdoor recreation and the communities that depend on it.
“Supporting outdoor initiatives has always been a meaningful part of who we are as a community bank,” said Tim Thompson, president & CEO of Franklin Savings Bank and member of UMF’s Board of Visitors. “From Titcomb Mountain to local trail groups, we’ve invested in projects that help people enjoy this region and build their lives here. Partnering with UMF’s Hub of Excellence is a natural step forward. It strengthens the workforce, supports local businesses and helps keep Western Maine a place where people want to live, work and explore.”
Franklin Savings Bank’s contribution will support internship opportunities, business partnerships and program expansion as the Hub continues building connections throughout Maine’s outdoor industry.
UMF leaders see the impact reaching far beyond campus.
“We’re grateful for Franklin Savings Bank’s continued support of UMF and Western Maine,” said Joseph W. McDonnell, UMF president.
“This partnership between UMF and Franklin Savings Bank helps our students build strong connections with the outdoor recreation employers in Western Maine and helps the recreation industry secure the qualified employees they need to succeed. It’s a win-win relationship,” said McDonnell.
As the program grows, the focus remains on meaningful workforce development and community engagement.
“Outdoor recreation is central to the identity and economic future of Western Maine,” said Austin French, director of career pathways & employer engagement and project director for UMF’s Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence. “Support from Franklin Savings Bank allows us to expand opportunities for students and deepen our partnerships with businesses across the region, all while supporting the state’s goals of elevating Maine’s outdoor recreation economy as a critical and thriving pillar of its economy.”
The Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence aims to position the region as a leader in outdoor career development, helping students gain the skills and experiences needed to build fulfilling careers in the industry. Together, UMF and Franklin Savings Bank are investing in the people, landscapes and opportunities that make Western Maine unique.
Franklin Savings Bank is a community bank, with eight branches across Western and Downeast Maine. The bank is headquartered in Farmington and is committed to supporting local businesses, families and initiatives that strengthen the economic and social health of the region.
The University of Maine at Farmington’s Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence partners with outdoor-industry employers to deliver hands-on learning, internships and real-world experience to students preparing for careers in the outdoor recreation economy.
