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!

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.”

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!

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:

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

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