The Sun Journal article, “The Art of the Bates Bedspread” (Oct. 2), failed to inform readers of the wonderful economic development in Monmouth — The Maine Heritage Weavers. The Cloutier family took an empty factory space in Monmouth, invested in machines and skilled workers, and has produced exactly the products described in the article.
This business is a perfect example of smart economic development: It is home grown, builds on a tradition of excellence, provides a high quality product, quality jobs and keeps the profit in Maine.
Maine is a state of small businesses and entrepreneurs: People who, when they know they have a good idea, are willing to take the risk to try it. They deserve the public’s full support.
I encourage the Sun Journal to come to Monmouth to interview the people who took the risk and who are continuing the great heritage of the Bates spreads.
Kent Ackley, Monmouth
Editor’s note: The Sun Journal wrote a story with almost a dozen photographs on Maine Heritage Weavers’ Monmouth operation on Oct. 14, 2012, and another story with photos on the operation on Sept. 12, 2015.
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