New Special Offers, Member Events, Podcasts and More!

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

Many thanks to Dottie Chalmers Cutter and Chalmers Insurance Group for highlighting their support of the IFOB and our Golf Scramble in a spot on the latest episode of Maine Life! Watch the highlight above and the full episode here.

Special Offers from our Members

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

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Ask ACE: How do I balance numbers and emotions in my family business?

Catherine recently offered insight in a Mainebiz Ask ACE article by Alex Adler. She said a good consultant “can talk about the elephant in the room and give perspective to both sides of a discussion. They are removed from the past relationship dynamics that carry over into adulthood and they can guide several generations through the often-messy emotional feelings that can affect the success of the business because they don’t have that family tie that can be unraveled.”

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25th Annual Maine Family Business Awards

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

Thompson's Point & Virtual

Tickets are going fast! Contact Brooke with guest names ASAP. And if you haven't purchased tickets yet, now is your chance before we sell out!

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.

Get excited by watching our highlight reel from the 2024 MFBA Awards. Who knows what surprises we'll have in store this year!

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:

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Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty and RE/MAX By The Bay | Former Bette Davis property in Cape Elizabeth sets southern Maine price record **Fun Fact: Bette Davis used to babysit Catherine's grandfather and siblings in Gardiner, MA!**
MAME | October is Manufacturing Month: Celebrate with Facility Tours and Networking Events All Month Long

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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