Contact:
Derek Volk
CEO
Volk Packaging Corporation

CFO Forum
Phone: (207) 571-5511
Email: ceo@volkboxes.com

Volk Packaging is hosting a CFO Forum: A Unique Opportunity for Financial Leaders to Share Best Practices and Strategies

Biddeford, Maine – May 18-20 - The Manufacturing CFO Forum is set to take place on May 19 and 20 at Volk Packaging Corporation, Biddeford, Maine. This forum is designed specifically for Chief Financial Officers and financial leaders in manufacturing companies to come together, share insights, and collaborate on best practices that drive profitability and innovation in their organizations.

As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, CFOs face unique challenges and opportunities. The CFO Forum aims to create a collaborative environment where financial executives can exchange knowledge, discuss trends, and explore innovative solutions to common challenges. No specific company financial information will be shared outside of big picture data such as annual sales, employee counts, etc.

Key Highlights of the CFO Forum:

- Engage with industry thought leaders and seasoned CFOs as they discuss the latest trends, regulatory changes, and financial strategies pertinent to the manufacturing sector

- Peer Networking: Build valuable connections with fellow CFOs, fostering collaboration and support among industry peers.

- Interactive Problem Solving Sessions: Participate in discussions to dive deeper into specific topics or challenges brought up by the attendees such as cost management, sustainability practices, and leveraging technology in financial operations.

According to Derek Volk, CEO of Volk Packaging, “We recognize the immense pressure CFOs are under to not only manage their organizations’ finances but also to drive strategic growth. This event is an invaluable opportunity for CFOs to connect, share best practices, and learn from one another in a supportive environment.”

Registration Information:

CFOs and financial leaders in the manufacturing space are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. For more information and to register, please contact Derek Volk at ceo@volkboxes.com or 207-571-5511.

Join us for this unique opportunity to enhance your financial acumen and contribute to the advancement of manufacturing in Maine. Together, we can shape the future of financial leadership.

Starting or growing your small business? Understanding business entities is essential. This webinar, presented by Maine SBDC and Opticliff Law, will focus on LLCs and other entities to help you make informed decisions.

While Maine SBDC does not provide legal advice, this session will cover key considerations for small businesses, including the differences between LLCs, sole proprietorships, and other structures; steps to form and maintain an LLC; and contract tips. Join us to gain clarity on what entity best fits your business needs!

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact mainesbdc@maine.edu

Do you wish you had an HR department to turn to for guidance?

Join us for a 1.5-hour session where we’ll help you build confidence and gain clarity on effectively conducting Performance Improvement Plans (PIP).

Knowing how to address performance issues proactively is essential when managing a team. In this session, Jodi Cordes will explain why PIPs are a crucial tool for business owners and walk through the best practices for implementing them with your team.

Following with presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in an interactive forum where you can ask your burning HR-related questions and learn from fellow business owners who have faced similar challenges.

Bring your questions about PIPs, handling employee performance, or any other HR concerns!

This peer-to-peer learning environment offers a safe, confidential space for business owners to share experiences, solve problems together, and walk away with practical insights.

While we may not have time to cover every question, we’ll make sure you leave with valuable resources to help you move forward.

Please note that while Jodi Cordes is an experienced HR professional, she is unable to provide legal advice.

Register Today!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.

Grants often sound like “free money,” but what’s the real story? Are they just for nonprofits—or can for-profit businesses benefit too? In this workshop, we’ll demystify the world of grants and help you understand whether pursuing grant funding is the right move for your business or organization.

You’ll learn:
The different types of grants available (federal, state, local, private)
Who qualifies and what funders are really looking for
The pros and cons of using grants to fund your work
What the application process actually involves
Common myths and red flags to watch out for

This session is perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders who want a no-nonsense look at how grants work—and how to determine if they’re worth your time.

Are you ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? This workshop is designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the early stages of launching a business with confidence. Whether you're refining an idea or just getting started, you'll gain insight into the foundational elements of starting your own business.

This session explores the realities of entrepreneurship and the building blocks of business success—like defining your value proposition, choosing the right structure, securing funding, understanding your customer, and crafting a business plan that evolves with your goals. You’ll also receive guidance on how to tap into trusted networks like SCORE for mentorship and support.

What You’ll Learn:

How to evaluate your readiness and resources for business ownership
The components of a strong business plan and why it's essential
How to identify your customers and test your value proposition
What business structure might be right for you
Sources of funding, including grants, loans, and bootstrapping strategies
The importance of professional advisors and regulatory compliance

Ready to turn your dream into a business?

Join us for this free workshop and start building a foundation for success!

In today's competitive business landscape, effective marketing is essential for success, but it can be challenging, especially when you're working with a limited budget. Join us for a webinar presented by Dan Reed, an experienced marketing professional, as he shares valuable insights on how to make the most of your marketing efforts without breaking the bank.

During this webinar, you will gain a basic understanding of marketing principles and learn how to identify and target your ideal customers. Dan will also explore various advertising options and take questions about what makes sense for your specific business.

The webinar will cover essential topics, including:

Understanding the fundamentals of marketing and its role in reaching different audiences.
Identifying and defining your ideal customers and understanding their behaviors.
Practical dos and don’ts based on market research.
Exploring advertising options that align with your budget constraints.

You will also discover the power of data in making strategic marketing decisions. Dan will explain how to leverage demographic and psychographic information to understand your customers better, refine your marketing messaging, and select the most effective platforms to reach them.

Additionally, the webinar will provide practical resources and tools to assist you in conducting market research. Dan will introduce the assistance available from the local library, highlighting valuable databases and services accessible through them.

Join WBC Business Advisor, Jodi Cordes, for an informal networking meeting with new, existing, or aspiring female entrepreneurs from Greater Franklin County!

We meet on the first Tuesday each month for great conversation among business owners, at any stage.

Come together to connect, share expertise, and learn from each other about running a business.

Location: Wears and Wares at 413 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration in advance is highly encouraged.

Agenda:

7:30 am-8:00 am - Facilitated conversation/educational presentation.

8:00am - 9:00am Meet, Share, & Connect - stay and chat, depart when you need to.

Register Today!

Join us on the first Tuesday in July too – click the link to register for our next meet up!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.

A key growth strategy for many businesses is getting certified as woman-owned. But what exactly is the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Certification? What are the benefits to a small business owner?

In this 1-hour info session, Meghan Cunningham, WBENC New England Certification Manager at Center for Women & Enterprise will review the WBENC certification in addition to the application process and benefits for small business owners.

You'll be connected with resources and people who can help you scale to the point of being ready for certification, help you with the application process and help you utilize the certification once you have it.

There will be a Q+A after the presentation.

Register Today!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.

Join MEREDA on June 5 at Hollywood Casino in Bangor for a MEREDA breakfast focused on the general economic outlook for the Greater Bangor region. This engaging panel discussion will cover key trends in housing, construction, commercial real estate, and development, featuring insights from industry professionals.

Panelists will discuss current market conditions, opportunities, and future growth plans shaping the region. Moderated by Julie Williams, this event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, gain expert perspectives, and stay informed on what’s ahead for Bangor’s economic landscape.

Don’t miss this chance to network and learn from top professionals—mark your calendar and join us at Hollywood Casino!

Developing Authentic Leadership from the Inside Out is a two-day leadership retreat designed for nonprofit staff and volunteers, regardless of title, who what to strengthen their ability to inspire meaningful connections and engagement.

This immersive experience offers a quiet, supportive space to deepen self-awareness, build trust, and practice authentic communication. Participants will leave with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to lead with greater clarity and purpose.

June 5 - 6, 2025, from 9am - 3pm

What does it take to be a skilled business owner? All of the attributes that can be labeled “soft skills” are often the key difference between successful and challenged businesses.

These skills are now recognized as ESSENTIAL qualities for anyone to be professionally effective.

Skills like Creative Thinking, Conflict Resolution, Networking, Time Management are just a few examples of those qualities.

How do these skills show up in your life and business?

Bring your coffee or tea and join us to listen, share, and learn from one another in curious conversation. Biz Fit is an informal, confidential, and supportive gathering where we exchange ideas and share insights!

Register Today!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.

Join us for the first annual Maine Center awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in business, law, policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This special event will honor outstanding alumni from the Maine Center's core partners — Maine Graduate School of Business, University of Maine School of Law, and the Muskie School of Public Service — as well community leaders driving economic growth through innovation and leadership.

We hope you can join us for an evening of inspiration, recognition, and community as we celebrate the people and programs shaping Maine’s future. Register now at bit.ly/MCAwards2025

Instagram is an always-evolving, powerful social marketing tool to stay connected to your target audience.

In this interactive 1-hour virtual workshop, WBC Social Media Consultant, Katie Kelley, will discuss how to optimize your Instagram profile for brand visibility.

We’ll cover the best practices for growing your following organically, what posting frequency makes the most sense for your brand, whether or not hashtags are still effective and how to utilize analytics to measure your success.

Register today!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.

🚩 “How to” – Managing Problem Employees & Building Accountability 🧑‍💼

One of the most perplexing situations that managers in leadership positions face is how to deal with a difficult employee. In some cases, a difficult employee may need to be let go. This session will focus on practical solutions for managing this employee while reducing your business’ legal risk.

Accountability is how effective leaders transform individual responsibilities into team results. Learning to reframe accountability into a reciprocal relationship can translate into an empowered and engaged team. This interactive workshop will include collaborative conversation and provide informative tools and practical strategies that can be used to implement a culture of accountability and drive positive results.

We’ll explore:

• The classic traits of the problem employee

• Addressing the employee’s complaints

• Effective performance management and progressive discipline

• Best practices for documentation

• Identifying and addressing red flags

• Key issues when terminating the problem employee

Speakers:

Peter Lowe, Partner, Brann & Isaacson
Teagan Dow, Founder, Mariner HR


Sponsored by: The Breakwater Group at Morgan Stanley

The Maine AI Conference democratizes artificial intelligence for Maine.

Artificial Intelligence, broadly defined, has unleashed the potential for impact on every aspect of our lives, mainly due to advancements in computing speed and software development.
- Is your business ready for the new economy led by AI?
- Are you interested in learning how AI will change the workplace?Do you have exciting developments and ideas to share?
- Do you have exciting developments and ideas to share?

The Maine AI Conference brings together industry, academia, and government experts to explore opportunities and challenges that can transform research, teaching, and business processes.

The annual event is hosted by the University of Maine Artificial Intelligence Initiative, a part of the Office of the Vice President for Research, with support from the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine Portland Gateway.