SEP 24, 2026

 

Congratulations to Allagash Brewing Company for winning the 2025 MFBA Renys Large Business Award. All 2025 MFBA winners have now been featured in issues of your Kindred Connector.


Join us for the 2026 Maine Family Business Awards on Thursday, November 19.

Learn more!

2026 Best Places to Work in ME | Congrats to IFOB Member Winners!


Small Employer Category (15-49 U.S. employees)

Horch Roofing

Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors

Philbrook and Associates

Spinnaker Trust


Medium Employer Category (50-249 U.S. employees)

Albin, Randall & Bennett

Allagash Brewing Company

Bath Savings Institution

Capozza Floor Covering Center

Great Falls Construction

Hebert Construction

Industrial Roofing Company

Katahdin Trust Company

R.J. Grondin & Sons

Zachau Construction

 

Large Employer Category (250 or more U.S. employees)

Bangor Savings Bank

Hammond Lumber Company

Hussey Seating Company

Machias Savings Bank

R.H. Reny, Inc. (Renys)

Partner with Us for the 2026 Maine Family Business Awards!


Showcase your organization while helping us celebrate Maine’s remarkable family-owned businesses. Sponsorship opportunities offer meaningful visibility, valuable connections with business and community leaders, and the chance to support a legacy that strengthens Maine’s economy for generations.


To learn more, contact Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director at

catherine@fambusiness.org.

"How-To" Communication & Conflict: Handling Hard Conversations Without Breaking What Matters



Wednesday, September 30 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

In-Person & Zoom

Berry Dunn | 2211 Congress St, Portland


Every family business runs into moments where something shifts—a big decision, a change in direction, or pressure from the outside—and tension follows. You may already have a conversation in mind that’s been sitting there longer than you’d like. The challenge isn’t avoiding conflict; it’s knowing how to move through it without damaging relationships or the business itself. This conversation includes different perspectives on how to handle those moments.


Thank you to our sponsors

"Continue the Conversation" Communication & Conflict: Protecting Your Business from Fraud and Internal Risk



Thursday, October 15 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Zoom


Trust is built slowly in a business—and can be shaken quickly when something goes wrong. Continuing our conversation on communication and conflict, this Midday Conversation focuses on practical ways businesses can protect themselves from fraud and internal risk while maintaining a healthy, trusting culture. 


Thank you to our sponsors

"How-To" Growth & Visibility: Getting Clear on Your Story - and What Actually Helps You Grow



Thursday, October 22 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

In-Person & Zoom

Berry Dunn | 2211 Congress St, Portland


For many family businesses, growth doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from getting clearer. Clear on who you are, how you talk about your business, and what’s actually worth your time. You’ll hear from a mix of perspectives, including family business leaders who have lived through changes in how customers find and choose them over time.


The goal isn’t to overhaul your approach, but to help you step back, make sense of what’s working, and move forward with more clarity.


"Continue the Conversation" Sessions


Wednesday, November 4 | Building a Simple AI Assistant to Support Your Marketing


Wednesday, December 2 | How to Advocate for Your Business in a Changing Landscape


Thank you to our sponsors

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

 
 
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube