OCTOBER 7, 2025

Listen to or watch the latest episode of Chit Chat with Derek and Cat featuring Eddie Woodin, a dynamic family business owner, passionate philanthropist and newly published author of ‘Overflowing Abundance’.

25th Annual MFBA Tastings SNEAK PEAK!



Wednesday, October 8 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Thompson's Point & Virtual

Join over 450 people with great food, tastings, networking and more. Limited tickets available.

Rob Tod, the founder of Allagash Brewing, winner of the 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Beer, or Spirits professional will be in attendance with his special brews – 2025 Maine Family Business Award Finalist

Mary Allen Lindemann, owner, founder and chief creative director, Coffee By Design, 2025 James Beard Semifinalist Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, will be in attendance featuring coffee with Nielsen-Massey vanilla – 2002 Maddy Corson Maine Small Business Award Winner

Chef Brant Dadaleares from Gross Confection Bar, 2025 James Beard Semifinalist, Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker will do a cooking demo with Nielsen-Massey vanilla specialties

SMCC Culinary Arts students and their educator, Chef Parker will do a crème brulee delight!

Building a Legacy: Succession & Family Business Success



Thursday, October 9 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

BerryDunn, Portland & Zoom

Through real-life stories and expert insights, this session will reveal what it takes to align family values with business goals, ensure leadership continuity, and build a shared vision for the future.

We’ll have a front row seat for an intimate discussion with our MFBA Guest Speaker Matt Nielson, Strategic Advisor Corporate Development & 3^rd Generation Owner, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. and Tammy Buss, Founder & Family Business Advisor at BlueRoots.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Mainebiz 2025 Annual Giving Guide Features IFOB

We're excited to be featured in the Mainebiz 2025 Annual Giving Guide. This annual publication gives nonprofits the opportunity to capture the attention of the Mainebiz audience of business decision-makers.

Explore the full guide here and view our profile!

Special Offers from our Members

• Regatta Custom Merch Solutions | 10-18% Off Cold Weather Apparel and Holiday Gifts
• Transworld Business Advisors of Maine | Free Estimation of Value Reports
• Bar Harbor Bank & Trust | Special Equipment Financing
• Horch Roofing | $500 off $8500

Connect with Brooke to learn about this additional member benefit and how you can promote your own special offer!

• MAME | October is Manufacturing Month: Celebrate with Facility Tours and Networking Events All Month Long
• Maine Community Bank | Congratulations to the 2025 LaunchPad Finalists

• Oct 10 | FEUSA & EY | Pass-throughs vs. Corporations: Tax Trade-offs for Family Entreprises
• Oct 17 | Conscious Revolution | The Creative Leader: Exploring the Creative Process as a Path to Change
• Oct 21 | Maine Community Bank | LaunchPad 2025
• Oct 21 | MAME | Tariff Strategies for Maine Manufacturers
• Oct 22 | Conscious Revolution | Just Money: An Introduction to Monetary Critique and Reform
• Oct 23 | METLN | Open Door with Heather Paquette, CEO of Good Shepherd Food Bank
• Oct 23 | Conscious Revolution | Under the October New Moon: Sound Bath & Community Meal
• Oct 23 & 24 | Insightful Workplace Solutions | Amplify Impact: Women's Leadership in the Modern Workplace
• Oct 27-29 | Conscious Revolution | Disrupting the Stories That Shape Us: Transforming Leadership by Confronting Race, Power, and the Narratives We Carry
• Oct 29 | MAME Annual Meeting

• Chalmers Insurance | Commercial Lines Account Manager
• Chalmers Insurance | Controller

Do You Want to Chit Chat with Derek & Cat? Highlight Your Business With Our Storytelling Series

Chit Chat with Derek and Cat is your backstage pass into the world of family businesses—the challenges, the triumphs, and the real stories behind the storefronts. Each episode, Derek and Cat sit down with entrepreneurs and leaders from family-owned companies and service providers to talk shop, swap stories, and dig into what makes these businesses thrive across generations.

IFOB Members: Promote Your Company News With Us

For more information on how to submit your news, view our video or download this cheat sheet. If you need assistance please contact Brooke.

Hiring? You can also add job postings.

Member news, events, and jobs you submit in the member portal are always included in the Kindred Connector.

Catherine Wygant Fossett

Executive Director

catherine@fambusiness.org

207.798.2667

Brooke Stewart

Director of Communications

brooke@fambusiness.org

207.281.2414