Comment on Waterville eager to attract new breed of worker

WATERVILLE — A forum held Monday at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce explored the possibility of establishing office space in Waterville for a mix of individuals and entrepreneurs. The concept – called a co-location workplace – allows people who might otherwise be working from home the amenities of an office. Benefits could include high-speed Internet, a quiet environment, conference space and a place to meet clients – as well as the chance to socialize and collaborate with others. Attendees at the forum included Waterville city officials, leaders of local colleges, and real estate developers and legislators, including Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond, D-Portland. “Creativity and innovation are the hallmarks of the kind of change people want to see in Waterville right now,” said Nate Rudy, executive director of Waterville Creates!, a nonprofit group that has focused on collaborative relationships among the city’s arts groups. “I think the great things about a project like this is that it provides just that,” Rudy said.