In my role at the Maine Motor Transport Association, I have the privilege of meeting with business owners and operators across Maine. Many people may not realize what a positive impact Maine’s trucking industry has on the economy and work force, and how fortunate we are as a state to have so many responsible employers here.

I would like to share my thoughts about one such employer, Poland Spring, who is interested in establishing a spring source in the town of Rumford.

I could think of no better partner for that community than Poland Spring and encourage residents to welcome Poland Spring to their town.

I know first-hand that Poland Spring has high standards, especially in the context of highway safety. They are a growing Maine company that cares for the state’s natural resources, the local communities it operates in and the people whom it employs. The company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and giving back is at the core of everything Poland Spring does. These values are passed along to Poland Spring’s employees, no matter where they work or what they do — whether it is on the line at a bottling facility or behind the wheel of a tanker truck.

Communities should rally around new business opportunities like this because they don’t come around all that often. I truly believe Rumford would benefit from having a company like Poland Spring in its backyard, and I hope the Rumford Water District moves forward with Poland Spring’s proposal.

Brian Parke, president and CEO, Maine Motor Transport Association, Augusta