September 21, 2023

Welcome to our Newest Team Member!

We’re thrilled to announce our new addition to the team, Marlena M., who has joined our team as a part-time Sales & Marketing Coordinator.

About Marlena



Prior to joining the IFOB, Marlena spent several years as a social worker in the mental health field focused on community mental health. In this role she worked with individuals of all ages providing counseling services. Most of her social work career was spent at nonprofit agencies, which developed her deep appreciation for the nonprofit sector. 

As Marlena’s knowledge and passion for nonprofit work expanded, she later transitioned to nonprofit development/fundraising in Gift Planning for an international charitable organization. Marlena gained experience in donor relations, planned giving vehicles, and sales and marketing techniques through this role.

Marlena also comes from a family of local business owners, and has an affinity for supporting the success and longevity of small/family-owned businesses because of it. Her professional experiences have complimented her interest in supporting, contributing to the local community, and fostering the health of family-owned businesses at large. 

Aside from her professional history, Marlena enjoys spending time outdoors in the woods or on the water, exploring new towns/cities, and seeing live bands and music!

We’re so excited that she will bring her impressive background to our team - please join us in welcoming her to the IFOB community!

Contact Marlena

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 207-358-8090

WHEN: October 18, 2023

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: L.L.Bean Headquarters

15 Casco Street, Freeport, 04032 and Virtual

LAST CALL FOR SPONSORSHIPS

1. Table Sponsorship -Reserve your table for 10 and receive a half-page color ad in the program! Just $1,500 ...Or buy individual tickets today!
2. Circle of Friends Sponsorship We have a special sponsorship for family businesses called "Circle of Friends". Receive a 1/4 page ad, 4 tickets, and special recognition for $1,000.
3. Or contact Catherine to discuss other sponsorship options.

Our 2023 Guest Speakers

Chase Morrill, Ashely Morrill and Ryan Eldridge, creators of the Kennebec Cabin Company, LLC of Manchester who achieved worldwide fame via the “Maine Cabin Masters” reality show, will be the guest speakers at the 2023 Maine Family Business Awards.

Last year the Kennebec Cabin Company won the First Generation Award. Along with the company’s popular reality show they run a retail and online store featuring products by Maine artisans and craftspeople, as well as a bar, eatery and live music and event venue called The Woodshed. 

Click here to read a recent article on peoples.com.

Don't Miss the Maine Family Business Event of the Year!

The gala evening begins with networking and ends with awards presented to Maine firms that demonstrate excellence in family involvement, business success, and commitment to employees, customers and community. 

Click here to view the 2023 finalists (who are in the running for an award), and semi-finalists, learn more about the awards criteria, or view the past winners.

IFOB Members: Promote Your Events

Did you know that one of the perks of being an IFOB member is promoting your public events on our website?

Plus, any events posted to our calendar are also guaranteed promotion here in Kindred Connector which is read by hundreds of family business community members!

It’s quick and simple to get your event published - simply log into the Member Portal to get started. Once your event is submitted, our team will review it within 2 business days and you’ll receive an email notification once it’s live.

For more information on how to submit an event, view our video or download this cheat sheet. If you need assistance please contact Brooke Stewart at 207.281.2414 or [email protected].

Energize and Awaken Tour with Raj Sisodia and Dr. Neha Sangwan

Join Conscious Revolution and The Bertha Crosley Ball Center for Compassion in welcoming Raj Sisodia and Dr. Neha Sangwan to Portland as they launch their newest books and embark on their Energize & Awaken Tour together!

Learn more

Six-Point’s Fall-Forward Virtual Masterclasses, Free Webinar Series

Get unstuck this stick season with Six-Point Creative’s Fall Forward Virtual Masterclasses - a series of free, high-impact webinars with case study examples on how to beat the competition, leverage AI for efficient brand growth, and more.



Learn more

Mastering AI-Driven Brand Voice

Struggling to adapt AI to your brand? Learn how to train AI to speak in YOUR unique brand voice and ensure that your message stands out. Six-Point Creative strategist Marnie Kittelson shares jump-start prompts and case study examples of the ways family businesses can use AI to scale their brand more efficiently than ever before. 



Learn more

Elevate Your Game: The 3 Winning Moves Your Brand Needs to Make Now

Are competitors with weaker offerings outperforming your brand? Do you see opportunities for growth but lack the confidence to know exactly where and how to invest time and resources? Ony C. Mgbeahurike tells the story of one brand in that same spot and will show you the tools and methods they used to gain a winning edge in a competitive market. A Six-Point Creative event.



Learn more

The Maine Cabin Masters Are Using Their TV Fame to Help Lift Up Their Hometown (PEOPLE Exclusive)

Fans of the hit show Maine Cabin Masters have been arriving from around the world to visit the Kennebec Cabin Company headquarters, retail store, and adjoining bar and music venue, The Woodshed, set in their hometown of Manchester.

Thanks to their popularity, the town and surrounding area are seeing a boon to the local economy, which has brought about a sort of "renaissance" to the area.

Learn more

Back Cove Financial named as 2023 Charitable Champion by Invest In Others

The Charitable Champion list recognizes financial advisory firms nationwide that give back to their communities and successfully promote a culture of philanthropy within their organizations.

Learn more

Public Listening Sessions Scheduled for State Economic Plans & Workforce Strategy

The State Workforce Board (SWB) and the Dept. of Economic & Community Development (DECD) will be hosting listening sessions to gather public input on two important plans that were released in 2019: the Governor’s 10-Year Economic Development Plan and the SWB’s Comprehensive Workforce & Talent Strategy. They will update participants on the progress made and gather input on what needs to happen moving forward.

Below are the details for both in-person forums in our region: 



• Sept. 21 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Scarborough Town Council Chambers, Scarborough Municipal Building, 259 U.S. Route 1
• Oct. 3 - 10:00 am – Noon, Central Lincoln County YMCA’s multi-generational room, 525 Main St (or Route 1 Business/Bypass), Damariscotta

RSVP here

Member Job Listings

Below is the latest job opening posted on our Job Listings page. Members can submit their own listings when logged into the Member Portal. Once a job is filled, be sure to let us know so we can remove it from the site.

DownEast Magazine - Controller

Opus Consulting - Consultant

Opus Consulting - Analyst

Catherine Wygant Fossett

Executive Director

[email protected]

207.798.2667

Brooke Stewart

Director of Communications

[email protected]

207.281.2414

Marlena M.

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

[email protected]

207.358.8090