Marketing "How-To", Member Insights, and More!

AUGUST 7, 2025

Congratulations to the team at IRC Industrial Roofing Company on celebrating 80 years!

photo courtesy of facebook.com/IRCIndustrialRoofingCompany

Chit Chat with Derek and Cat | Episode 5 Now Available

Catherine and Derek Volk, CEO of Volk Packaging Corporation sit down with Larry Grondin, 3rd-generation (now 4th!) leader of RJ Grondin & Sons, a Maine-based powerhouse in heavy civil construction.

From dairy farming roots to multimillion-dollar site development projects, Larry shares how the business has evolved across generations — with strong family values, intentional succession planning, and strategic growth.

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Special Offers from our Members

Take advantage of special offers from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Horch Roofing and Regatta Custom Merch Solutions.

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

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"How-To" | Marketing & Protecting Your Family Business

Wednesday, September 18

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. BerryDunn, Portland

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Zoom

Learn how to promote and protect your family business by planting a solid brand strategy and growing your reputation through the power of positive PR. We'll explore how calling out your ‘family-owned’ status helps you thrive in the buy local movement!

Speakers:

Paula Stanton, Broadreach Public Relations
David Farmer, Bernstein Shur
Keith Turley, Turley Publications
Tom Estabrook, Estabrook’s

Thank you to our sponsors:

Learn More and Register

25th Annual Maine Family Business Awards

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

Thompson's Point & Virtual

Now in its 25th year, join us for a business showcase, networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and the awards show announcing winners LIVE - like the Oscars!

Featuring Guest Speaker Matt Nielsen, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc., and Host Amanda Hill, Weeknight Anchor, NEWS CENTER Maine.

Exciting sponsorship opportunities still available including showcase space during networking. Contact Catherine to learn more.

Learn More and Register

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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, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Nielson-Massey Vanillas and Tammy Buss, Founder & Family Business Advisor at BlueRoots.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Learn More and Register

Baker Newman Noyes promotes 10 to senior leadership roles

EY Parthenon | US Economic Outlook July 2025

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.

Schedule Your Interview Now

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