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Kindred Connector
A newsletter connecting the Maine family business community
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Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
~ John F. Kennedy ~
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IFOB Upcoming Events - Quick Look
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Check Out Who "Mingled & Jingled" with Us! | |
Renew Before February 15 and You Could Win a Free Business After Hours Spotlight! | |
All family business members that renew before February 15, 2024 will be entered into a drawing to be "Spotlighted" (for free) as one of this year's Business After Hours! | |
2024 Programming: Peer & Affinity Groups | |
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Next Generation
Executive I, II, III
A facilitated roundtable discussion with Next Generation members working at the top management levels within their company.
Executive Blend
A facilitated roundtable discussion group for those who have worked in the family business for a while, moving towards or into an executive role.
Open to Family Business Members only. Not open to Associate Partners. Space is limited. Reservation required.
Kick Off Meeting
Wed, Feb 7
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Those considering participation are welcome to attend.
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Women's Leadership Forum
A facilitated roundtable discussion with fellow women in leadership roles in the family business. Our goals for this forum include support, encouragement, inspiration, and information.
Open to Family Business Members only. Not open to Associate Partners. Space is limited. Reservation required.
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EOS Think Tank
A facilitated round-table discussion that will continue the concepts from the February 15, IFOB “How-To”: Get a Grip on Your Business: Clarify, Simplify + Achieve Your Vision program.
Open to Members only (all levels). Reservation required.
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Working Parents Peer Advisory Group
A dynamic working parents group that's committed to supporting each other and addressing the unique challenges faced by parents in the workplace.
Open to Members only (all levels). Reservation required.
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THIS WEEK! Next Gen Speed Networking Kick-Off
Wednesday, February 7 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
BerryDunn, 2211 Congress St, Portland or Zoom
All Next Gen Group Members and all prospects are invited.
Facilitator: Priscilla Hansen Mahoney, Blazing Trails Coaching
Participation in Peer Groups includes 2 open meetings and 5 individual meetings per group for a total of 7 meetings.
Event Free for Everyone
Peer Groups $500 per person
Questions? Email catherine@fambusiness.org
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"How to" - Get a Grip on Your Business: Clarify, Simplify + Achieve Your Vision
Thursday, February 15
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. In Person | BerryDunn Portland
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Zoom
Are you a business owner or a senior level manager that wants to see your business consistently run better and grow faster? Maybe you struggle with some of these challenges:
- Lack of control over time, markets or your company.
- People who don’t listen, understand or follow through.
- Profit that’s inconsistent and/or there’s not enough.
- Growth is happening, but you can’t break through to the next level.
- Quick fixes that come-and-go, bringing little change with continued frustrations.
Don’t let your business run you! Get a grip on your business.
Join us for an interactive style and experience-based real-world insight this is an actionable session for open-minded, growth-oriented business leaders with Laura McDowell, a Professional EOS Implementer, facilitator and coach.
In Person $35, Zoom $15
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"How-To's": Your Family Business' Resiliency Depends on its Structure
Thursday, March 21
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. In Person | BerryDunn Portland
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Zoom
Your family business’s resiliency depends on its structure strategies for whether your business is solely owned, sibling controlled, or diffusely owned. To truly understand the issues that impact a family business, you must see them for what they are: Family businesses are not a monolithic block, but rather a “species” with various sub-species, and any advice given to them should be tailored to fit that specific sub-species. At this workshop, we’ll identify the three types of family business, their structures and how to best develop a strategy to improve our opportunities for resilience and longevity.
In Person $35, Zoom $15
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2024 Annual Employment Law Update
Tuesday, February 13 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Holiday Inn By The Bay
Attendees will get insights into hot topics for employers, an update on labor and employment laws and regulations, and a look into best practices for the workplace.
Topics will include:
- Year in Review
- Paid Family Medical Leave
- Workers’ Compensation: A Look Back and a View Forward
- Responding to Remote Work Challenges
- Wage and Hour – Top 5 Mistakes and Class Action Implications
- National Labor Relations Board Updates
- Employee Benefits: SECURE 2.0 and ERISA Fiduciary Breach Litigation Trends
- Managing Mental Health: Employer Responsibilities and Best Practices
- Mock Human Resource Scenarios
Registration is $175 each.
Parking, breakfast, lunch, and networking reception are included.
This event has been approved for 6.5 CLE credits.
SHRM credits pending.
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Webinar: An Update For Employers on New HR and Employment Law Topics
Wednesday, February 14 | 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
Discover the latest employment laws and trends in our next webinar. We'll explore how the Supreme Court's college admissions decision impacts DEI initiatives and the challenges of increasing on-site employee presence.
Plus, get a sneak peek at practical investigation tips, setting the stage for our in-depth half-day investigation training coming this spring.
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Planning and Organizing: 8-Module Course
1 Year Access to Training
Every good leader knows planning and organizing is a critical skill in the workplace, one that aids many other important competencies. But, staying on top of your planning and organizing is not the easiest in today’s constantly changing and fast-paced work world.
Join Dr. Francis Eberle in dissecting the components of planning and organizing through this eight-module course. During this on-demand, virtual learning journey, Dr. Eberle will guide you in understanding your current abilities while sharing tools and tactics to improve your skills. He will also bring in resources from other experts to share different perspectives.
$99 to access
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2024 Annual Family Businesses Survey Now Open
Advocacy for family businesses at a national level is fueled by the insights and concerns of individuals like you. Legislators in Washington, DC need to understand the heartbeat of these businesses—your issues, your triumphs, and your challenges. You are the driving force behind change.
We invite you to be a part of this movement by participating in a quick 5-minute ANONYMOUS survey. This survey is a powerful tool to showcase to legislators that family businesses are not just vital to America, but indispensable to the fabric of our communities. Your input strengthens the foundation for better policies and support.
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First Caucus Meeting in DC on March 12
What are the greatest differentiators/advantages to working in a family business from an employees perspective?
Family Enterprise USA is looking for family members of family businesses to attend the caucus meeting with an employee(or more) to tell their story. They welcome employees willing to attend solo as well.
There will be lawmakers, staff, Caucus members & someone from the administration in attendance.
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SBA (Small Business Administration) and MERIT (Maine Retirement Investment Trust) Webinar
In early 2024, all Maine Employers with 5 or more employees will receive an email from the Program Administrator inviting them to register with the MERIT Program – or to enter their exemption.
MERIT is an added benefit to offer employees and comes at no cost to employers. Employers simply facilitate the program and maintain accurate employee records. MERIT will integrate with internal or external payroll processes. Registration is fast, easy and secure.
A webinar on Wednesday, February 7 at 12:00 p.m. will provide the opportunity for business owners to receive information directly from MERIT staff and the SBA on how to implement the program in their business and what resources can make the process as smooth as possible.
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Family of Valentine's Bandit Passes the Torch with a New Website
Portland Press Herald — For years, Kevin Fahrman literally gave a piece of himself to the city of Portland, anonymously helping post hundreds of simple red hearts throughout the city every Valentine’s Day.
When Fahrman died last year and his family revealed his true identity as the “Valentine’s Day Bandit,” Mainers grieved.
But this year, Fahrman’s heart will still be available to all who want it.
The Fahrman family has created a website where people can download Kevin’s heart artwork and “be a bandit in their own communities.” Kevin photographed our awards for several years so we're happy to pass this along to continue his legacy.
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Book Club with FAME Series
As part of their adult education programming, the Finance Authority of Maine is offering a book club exploring Erin Lowry’s Broke Millennial Takes On Investing. In the bi-weekly meetings, introductory topics related to investing will be explored. Classes are FREE!
To learn about other educational opportunities offered by FAME, check out the events page: Events - FAME Maine
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Member Job Listings
Below are the latest job openings 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.
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IFOB Members: Promote Your News | |
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Promote your company news through the "Resources" section of our website!
One of the many perks of being a member is promoting your latest news and announcements to our Maine family-owned business community. Be sure to share any press releases, articles, podcasts, or other information featuring your business or sharing your unique expertise on a relevant topic or issue.
For more information on how to submit your news, view our video or download this cheat sheet. If you need assistance please contact Brooke Stewart at 207.281.2414 or brooke@fambusiness.org.
Here is a screenshot of our Resources page if you need a visual!
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Learn more about the IFOB family! | |
THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDING SPONSORS | | | | |
