Representatives of Bangor area municipalities, businesses and economic developers met Wednesday in a regionwide effort to promote and enhance waterfront development.

Held at the Bangor Airport Marriot, the conference drew about 50 people, including representatives from some of the 21 communities served by the Greater Bangor Chamber of Commerce.

Michael Crowley, executive director of the Chamber, said that such a meeting was important because many communities have to deal with waterfront issues — whether related to ponds, lakes or rivers. The seminar served as a starting point from which communities and businesses can work together on property development, as well as learn from other communities.

“We tend to react to situations and this is more of a preventative type of dialogue,” Crowley said. He explained that without such discussions, communities face the potential of duplicating efforts to establish facilities that help improve the local economies or attract tourism.

Presentations Wednesday included discussions on planning waterfront development as well as the permit process and how to obtain financing through such places as the Farmers Home Administration and the Finance Authority of Maine.