October 6, 2023

Kindred Connector
A newsletter connecting the Maine family business community!


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we're curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

-Walt Disney


Countdown to the 2023 MFBA!

As of today, we are just 13 days away from our

23rd annual Maine Family Business Awards (MFBA)!


Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors, and we cannot wait to see everybody on October 18th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the

L.L.Bean Headquarters. 


Still need tickets? Click below to get started!

Register


Now in our 23rd year of recognizing family businesses with awards, we present them in partnership with MEMIC. Since its inception, more than 100 businesses have been recognized for various categories of excellence.


Businesses are nominated and submit an in-depth application for one or more of our seven categories of awards. Judges then score them to see if they make it from nominee to semi-finalist, finalist or possibly a winner.

The winners will be announced LIVE – like the Oscars – at the awards! 

 

One comment may best capture the essence of the awards, and in many ways describes the value of the Institute: “While applying for the awards, we discovered a lot about ourselves…and that alone made the effort worthwhile.” 

 

See you all soon!

Meet Our Host

Amanda Hill, Weeknight Anchor, NEWS CENTER Maine

The award-winning journalist grew up in Maine and works hard to share the stories of Maine people. 


She studied Broadcast Television from both ends of the camera at Northern Vermont University, where she developed a background as a photographer, reporter, and anchor.


Unable to sit still for too long, Amanda also works in real estate, helping friends and family sell and buy their dream homes. She enjoys coffee, craft beer, dogs, and Vacationland. 


Don't Miss the Maine Family Business Event of the Year!


The gala evening begins with networking and ends with awards presented to Maine firms that demonstrate excellence in family involvement, business success, and commitment to employees, customers and community. 


Click here to view the 2023 finalists (who are in the running for an award), and semi-finalists, learn more about the awards criteria, or view the past winners.

Register Today

2023 Maine Family Business Awards Sponsor

Upcoming Event


How To’s: Exploring Family Business Structure

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. In-person, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Zoom

BerryDunn – 2211 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102 and Zoom


The resiliency of family businesses depends on structure strategies for whether your business is solely owned, sibling-controlled, or diffusely owned. At this workshop participants will hear from panelists about the three types of family business, their structures, and how to best develop a strategy to improve our opportunities for resilience and longevity.


Free for members and guests, $35 for future (non) members (in-person), and $15 for future (non) members (Zoom).


Learn more 

IFOB Members: Promote Your News

Promote your company news with the IFOB community!


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.

Member Events

Succession SOS: Moving from Chaos to Clarity in Your Family's Transition


Join us at the upcoming Family Business Executive Forum™, led by Certified Family Business Advisor, Chris Yonker, and Family Wellbeing Coach, Fionn Wright. This event is designed for families feeling stuck in a current succession, those avoiding the subject altogether, fully aware it exists in their future, and any advisor involved in helping a family navigate through this transition. 



Learn more

Member News

Introducing the Mainebiz 2023 Next Up: 40 Under 40 Honorees


The Mainebiz Next List, presented annually since 2013, was designed to celebrate individuals who were changing the future of Maine’s economy. Now in its second year, the Mainebiz NextUp: 40 Under 40 specifically recognizes Maine leaders who share their bright energy and vision as they rise in their careers.


Among the honorees this year are IFOB members Christina Livada, President, ChappyWrap, and Andrew Cook, Senior Vice President, Mascoma Bank. Congratulations to these and all the honorees!


Please join Mainebiz in honoring this year's 40 Under 40 at a reception Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 5-7 p.m. The venue will be Brick South at Thompson's Point in Portland. Click here for more information.


Learn more

Member Resources

Can the Next Generation Successfully Run Your Business?



Most family business owners look forward to transferring the business to the next generation. Despite some heirs apparent growing up in the business, there is still a lot to consider for keeping the business in the family, or preparing those on the inside. Read on for information from Albin, Randall and Bennett about how to map out strategies that position you to transfer the business to your chosen insider while achieving financial independence. 


Learn more

Member Fun

5 Special Things About October


This month is more than just about Halloween (although that's definitely one reason to love it!) The Farmer's Almanac shares what else to look forward to the weeks ahead, from the Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse to the Full Hunter's Moon.


Learn more

Good To Know

Webinar: What's Economics Got To Do With It?


Join this webinar on October 6th at 12 p.m. at to hear from FAME’s Financial Education Programs Specialist and economist, Steve Kautz, who will share key economic principles that can impact your budget and support lifelong financial stability.


Learn more

Webinar: What to Know about the MERIT Program


Beth Bordowitz, Executive Director of Maine's retirement program - MERIT - will cover the latest updates about the program, the PILOT program, and how your business can stay compliant. The webinar takes place October 24, 2023 from 2:00 - 3:00 p,m,


Learn more

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.


Great Falls Construction - Maintenance Technician


DownEast - Controller




Are you an IFOB member who wants to highlight news or an upcoming event you are hosting?

Submit them to us through the link below and we will add it in our next newsletter.
Submit member news/programs here

Learn more about the IFOB family!

Catherine Wygant Fossett

Executive Director

catherine@fambusiness.org

207.798.2667

Brooke Stewart

Director of Communications

brooke@fambusiness.org

207.281.2414

Marlena M.

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

marlena@fambusiness.org

207.358.8090

THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDING SPONSORS
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