Heads of Maine retail and food trade groups launch association-management firm

Photo / Courtesy PCD Collective From left, Christine Cummings, Curtis Picard and Amy Downing started PCD Collective.

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The heads of the Retail Association of Maine and the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association have launched a company that leverages their association management expertise for the broader industry.

Curtis Picard, Christine Cummings and Amy Downing opened PCD Collective to offer association management services.

Picard and Downing are Retail Association of Maine’s president and CEO and executive director, respectively. Cummings is executive director of the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association.

They are all remaining with their associations, while rolling out PCD in the offices of Retail Association of Maine at 45 Melville St. in Augusta.

The company brings together decades of experience in nonprofit and trade association leadership, strategic planning, event production and government affairs, managing organizations of varying sizes across diverse industries, according to a news release.

“As founders with deep roots in New England and widespread management skills, we’re thrilled to launch a company built to meet organizations where they are — whether that means comprehensive association management or delivering on a singular project,” said Picard.

Picard has decades of experience in association management, strategic planning and advocacy. He has guided organizations through the development and implementation of strategic plans.

Cummings is an association and chamber professional and a registered lobbyist with a background in retail, business development and pharmacy issues.

Downing is experienced in event management, membership, sponsorship and program development.

The firm’s services include association management, strategic planning, event management and government relations, plus speaking services tailored for industry leaders, boards and emerging professionals.

Other associations — such as Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association and the Maine Pharmacy Association — have been coming under the Retail Association of Maine’s umbrella for years, looking for assistance to manage their services, Picard told Mainebiz. When that umbrella expanded to New Hampshire associations, the decision was made to formalize services as an association management company.

PCD is an independent company and the Retail Association of Maine, Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association and others are now clients.

“In Maine we’re a little unique, I think,” says Picard. “There are not a lot of association management companies in Maine. And that’s what we’ve been doing for a number of years.”