Katherine Follansbee

Katherine has experience in economics, sustainable development, communication, and agritourism. Prior to joining Camoin Associates, she worked as a National Science Foundation fellow on the Systems Approaches to Understanding and Navigating the New Arctic grant. As the only economist on that project, Katherine wrote proposals, developed, and analyzed qualitative research, conducted interviews, and shared policy suggestions for sustainable development in Southwest Greenland. She looks forward to leveraging her diverse skillset to help clients strategically and creatively achieve their economic development goals.

Real Results

Emerging Industry Cluster Analysis and Action Plan | Region 1 Planning Council | Region 1, Illinois (Boone, McHenry, and Winnebago counties) | As both project manager and a member of the data team on this project, Katherine conducted over 30 stakeholder interviews, facilitated client communication, conducted a workforce and cluster analysis, and led report creation. Through a thorough exploration of the region’s targeted industries, the Camoin Associates team worked closely with Region 1 Planning Council to create a matrix of detailed strategies to advance expansion and attraction efforts and help the Tri-County Region reach its economic potential. 

Transforming Maine’s Future Forest Workforce: Seamless Pathways FOR/ME | Maine Development Foundation | The Forest Products Sector in Maine is facing a rapidly aging workforce, and the pipeline for new workers is not robust enough to replace the workers that are exiting. The Camoin Associates team is working to address these challenges and create opportunities to grow the sector. Katherine has attended events from student workshops to agricultural conferences to explore opportunities for workforce growth and has conducted research and created resources to help employers increase employee attraction and retention, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Food Economy Forum Series Facilitator and Research | FocusMaine | As a project manager, Katherine has presented at networking events, planned virtual forums, led meetings, facilitated client communication, developed marketing material, written a literature review, and conducted a workforce analysis of the Maine Food Economy. The Camoin team is working with FocusMaine to explore the future of food in Maine and help support and accelerate growth in the sector. Through data analysis, literature review, and interviews, the team is identifying unique opportunities and involving members of the Food Sector from across the state through a series of educational forums.  

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Economic Development in Cattaraugus County | Olean Business Development Corporation | Cattaraugus County, NY | The Camoin Associates team is working with Olean Business Development Corporation (OBDC) to prepare Cattaraugus County for the relocation of multiple large companies and subsequent creation of over a thousand new jobs. The county faces an aging workforce and declining population, and OBDC is mindful that new large businesses will put stress on small local businesses. Katherine has conducted in-depth entrepreneurship and workforce analyses and presented her findings to county stakeholders. This information will guide the creation and implementation of strategies for a thriving economic future for businesses old and new.  

Motivations, Challenges, and Opportunities for Agritourism in Greenland, Maine, and Beyond | Innovation South Greenland | Qaqortoq, Greenland | As principal investigator, Katherine designed the research, conducted fieldwork and interviews, analyzed results, communicated with international stakeholders, and wrote an article about the opportunity for agritourism as a source of sustainable economic development in Southwest Greenland.  

Domestic Trade Baseline Study | State of Maine | Katherine assisted in data analysis to determine major players, barriers, data needs, and underserved populations in the domestic trade space.  

Popham Beach State Park Changing Shorelines Survey | University of Maine | Orono, ME | Katherine supported data analysis for a 2016 survey of visitors at Popham Beach, gauging attitudes toward erosion and proposed erosion mitigation efforts.  

Farm Budget Analysis | Dogwood Hills Guest Farm | Harriet, AR | Katherine conducted a deep-dive financial analysis for Dogwood Hills, analyzing every aspect of the business and making suggestions for strategic alternative business methods.