Dates:
Session 1: Tuesday, September 10th, 2024
Session 2: Tuesday, October 1st, 2024
Session 3: Thursday, November 7, 2024

As a continuation of the transformation sparked in our Foundations of Racial Equity program, this three part series supports you in moving from understanding what's been built in our society to what’s been built in you and your many identities. You’ll explore the impacts of racial identity in U.S. society and reflect on your own racial narrative. You’ll understand where your own racial history fits into the systemic racism story of our country. You’ll share your story with others to enhance reflection, build authentic, deeper relationships with others, while evolving our collective skills and comfort talking about race and racism.

The ideal prerequisite to this series is the Foundations of Racial Equity Series offered in the Spring 2024, however all are welcome to join and we’ll provide some pre-learning.

This program is for individuals but can also be offered for your team. If you are interested, contact us.

Conscious Revolution offers transformative coaching, consulting, and community experiences that invite leaders to tune into their hearts to share their authenticity and coherence with the world.
Learn more at https://www.consciousrevolution.com/

Welcome to The Mainebiz Women to Watch Reception! Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration at Halo at the Point. This in-person event will honor outstanding women making a difference in Maine's business community. Network with fellow professionals, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and be inspired by the stories of our Women to Watch honorees. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with influential leaders and celebrate the achievements of women in business. Get ready for a night to remember!

The Maine Climate Council, part of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, is updating the State's climate action plan, Maine Won't Wait, and we want to hear what's important to you. Families welcome!

Register using our link to attend this in-person meeting. Light refreshments will be available, and carpooling is encouraged. Learn more about options in your area at GoMaine.org

Accommodations and interpretation services are available on request. (ASL, Somali, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Khmer, Russian, Vietnamese, Portuguese)

We know that people do their best work when we create a workplace where they feel appreciated for their unique perspectives and experience a sense of belonging. So, what can we do to create a workplace where people thrive?

Each individual plays a role in creating and sustaining an inclusive and welcoming workplace. This day of reflection and learning will equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to actively contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Participants will:
-Discuss the impact of implicit biases on decision-making within organizational settings and develop strategies to identify and mitigate the influence of negative implicit biases.
-Describe different ways that we can serve as allies to others and explore the integral connection between our privileges and allyship.
-Explore culture’s visible and invisible components and how our own cultural lenses impact how we navigate the world.
-Create commitments for fostering a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture.

Intended Audience
Anyone curious to explore their role and strengthen their skills in creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces.

About the Presenter
Mandy Levine created Mandy Levine Consulting in 2020 to help organizations create more welcoming and inclusive work environments. Mandy facilitates a number of highly interactive classes that provide staff guidance and practical skills to identify and challenge both personal and organizational biases and embrace the myriad benefits of working collaboratively with folks across a range of differences. Mandy is licensed as a Professional Investigator in Maine and as an attorney in Massachusetts and regularly conducts workplace and higher education investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, and serious employee misconduct.

Mandy is a graduate of Middlebury College and Boston College Law School and practiced employment law for several years in Boston and Burlington, Vermont before transitioning to the Assistant Director of Civil Rights at the Boston office of the Anti-Defamation League. Mandy most recently spearheaded diversity, equity, and inclusion-related initiatives for the staff of the City of Portland before she began her consulting business.

Mandy is the 2019 recipient of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine's Distinguished Service Award, the 2020 recipient of the JCA’s D. Aronson Young Leadership Award, and one of ten 2022 honorees of Greenlight Maine's Elevating Voices. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine.

The Maine Climate Council, part of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, is updating the State's climate action plan, Maine Won't Wait, and we want to hear what's important to you. Families welcome!

Register using our link to attend this in-person meeting. Light refreshments will be available, and carpooling is encouraged. Learn more about options in your area at GoMaine.org

Accommodations and interpretation services are available on request. (ASL, Somali, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Khmer, Russian, Vietnamese, Portuguese)

The pandemic changed how we did many things, including how we amplify our work to the world. In our next session, we’ll hear from the Maine Public Relations Council and other nonprofits about how organizations have had to adapt their external communications since March 2020, and explore what’s working and what’s not as nonprofits engage with and inspire their communities.

We look forward to hearing from:

Sarah Delage, University of New England
Maureen Duggan Emery, Maine Historical Society
Danielle Smaha, Preble Street

MANP Connects 2024 are sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Eaton Peabody.

We’re excited to host you to an important webinar that will help you navigate the new Maine Paid Family Medical Leave law, which is set to impact nearly all businesses in Maine. We will be joined by a member of the State to talk about the details of this program.

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 17th
⏰ Time: 2 PM
🖥️ Platform: Online

As a small business owner or HR manager, staying informed about legislative changes is vital for your business's success and compliance. This webinar is designed to provide you with all the essential details about the new Paid Family Medical Leave law, including how it will affect your operations and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance.


Why You Should Attend:
Understand the Law: Get a comprehensive overview of Maine’s Paid Family Medical Leave program and its implications for your business.
Expert Insights: Hear directly from a state representative who will explain the rules and answer your specific questions.
Practical Guidance: Learn how to integrate the new requirements into your existing HR practices smoothly.
Prepare for Change: Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to adapt to these new regulations and avoid potential pitfalls.

What You Will Gain:
Clarity: Clear explanations of the law’s requirements and how they apply to your business.
Compliance: Practical advice on ensuring your business stays compliant with the new regulations.
Networking: Connect with other Maine business owners and HR professionals facing the same challenges.
We understand that adapting to new regulations can be challenging, but this webinar is here to make the transition as smooth as possible. Your participation will ensure that you’re fully prepared for the changes ahead and can continue to focus on what you do best.

The Maine Climate Council, part of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, is updating the State's climate action plan, Maine Won't Wait, and we want to hear what's important to you. Families welcome!

Register using our link to attend this in-person meeting. Light refreshments will be available, and carpooling is encouraged. Learn more about options in your area at GoMaine.org

Accommodations and interpretation services are available on request. (ASL, Somali, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Khmer, Russian, Vietnamese, Portuguese)

The Maine Climate Council, part of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, is updating the State's climate action plan, Maine Won't Wait, and we want to hear what's important to you. Families welcome!

Register using our link to attend this in-person meeting. Light refreshments will be available, and carpooling is encouraged. Learn more about options in your area at GoMaine.org

Accommodations and interpretation services are available on request. (ASL, Somali, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Khmer, Russian, Vietnamese, Portuguese)

Gain the financial knowledge and tax insights you need to accelerate your business's growth, all while networking with fellow clean tech entrepreneurs and enjoying a complimentary breakfast.

Why Attend?

Expert-Led Sessions: Gain valuable knowledge from BerryDunn's business valuation and tax experts specializing in the clean tech industry.

Interactive Workshops: Apply what you learn through hands-on workshops and case studies.

Networking Opportunities: Connect and exchange ideas with fellow clean tech entrepreneurs.

Confidence and Inspiration: Feel confident in your ability to secure funding and plan for the future, and get inspired to accelerate your growth.

Speakers and Presenters:
Erik Olson, Senior Manager, Transaction Advisory Services
Bob Leonard, Principal, Commercial Practice Group
Scott Davis, Tax Principal, Commercial Practice Group
Matthew Furtsch, Business Valuation Analyst, Valuation Practice Group

Who Should Attend?
This event is tailored for owners and founders of clean tech startups. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this bootcamp will provide you with the essential tools and insights you need to succeed.

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!

Make plans to join us on September 19th at our first event back after the summer hiatus as we kick off our Morning Menu Breakfast Series with Mayor of Portland, Mark Dion, as our special guest.

MEREDA is honored and excited to invite its membership to “Breakfast with the Mayor of Portland, Mark Dion”. A welcomed opportunity to engage in a discussion about the role of this leadership position within our community. MEREDA’s incoming president, Shannon Richards of Hay Runner will sit down with Mayor Dion for this interview-style discussion.

Mayor Dion is thrilled to join MEREDA at this early and formative moment in his 4-year term to ensure he hears what matters most to our membership. Join us for an insightful morning of discussion and collaboration with Mayor Mark Dion.

This event is sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

The Maine Climate Council, part of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, is updating the State's climate action plan, Maine Won't Wait, and we want to hear what's important to you. Families welcome!

Register using our link to attend this in-person meeting. Light refreshments will be available, and carpooling is encouraged. Learn more about options in your area at GoMaine.org

Accommodations and interpretation services are available on request. (ASL, Somali, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Khmer, Russian, Vietnamese, Portuguese)

This 9-week cohort provides technical guidance to 10-12 women of color who are either at the pre-start or very early stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

Each session will be facilitated by Grace Mo-Phillips, WBC Business Advisor. Three sessions will be held in-person, the rest of the sessions will be held virtually via Zoom.

Through practical business training and peer discussions, participants help one another define and refine their business ideas, identify where the opportunities and challenges lie, and develop strategies to overcome barriers in starting or growing their business.

Participants will also learn about available resources to help take their business to the next level.

Who should participate: This program is open to women in Maine who are Black, Brown, Indigenous and from other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who want to start or grow their own business. This program will be conducted in English.

Location:  In-person sessions will be held at 75 Park Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. All other sessions will be conducted via Zoom.

Laptop Availability: We have a limited number of laptop computers available to borrow (at no cost) for participants who need a device to attend the virtual sessions. Please email Grace at grace.mo-phillips@ceimaine.org if you are in need of a laptop.

Session Dates:

Attendance: Participants are encouraged and expected to attend all sessions of this cohort to maximize the benefits of this learning experience.

Zoom connection will not be available for in-person sessions, please notify us in advance if you are unable to attend any sessions.

Friday, September 20th: 9:30am-12:00pm In Person at 75 Park Street in Lewiston.

Friday, September 27th:  9:30am-12:00pm (Zoom)

Friday, October 4th:  9:30am-12:00pm (Zoom)

Friday, October 11th: 9:30am-12:00pm (Zoom)

Friday, October 18th: 9:30am-12:00pm In Person at 75 Park Street in Lewiston.

Friday, October 25th: 9:30am-12:00pm (Zoom)

Friday, November 1st: 9:30am-12:00pm (Zoom)

Friday, November 8th: 9:30am - 12:00pm (Zoom)

Friday, November 15th: 9:30am - 12:00pm In Person at 75 Park Street in Lewiston.

Fee:  No Cost

Register Today!

While kelp often dominates the algae conversation, the world of microalgae holds untapped potential, with innovations spanning pharmaceuticals to biomaterials. As part of our Blue Economy Summer Series, we will take a deeper look at Maine's potential to redefine resilience and sustainability in the seafood supply chain, join us as we discuss how Maine can harness this potential and emerge as a leader in the microalgae sector.

Blaine Grimes and our Gulf of Maine Ventures team work with partner organizations and companies that are finding innovative solutions that are addressing GMRI's Global Ocean Challenges, including healthy ocean ecosystems, climate change, and seafood sustainability. Blaine will be joined by Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences to talk about the opportunity for blue economy growth here in the Gulf of Maine and what we can learn from trends in this expanding sector.

Doors will open at 5:30 pm and our program will begin at 6:00 pm. Complimentary refreshments will be available before and afterwards.

This lecture series is part of our Gulf of Maine Ventures strategic initiative, which harnesses the scientific, technical, and solution-oriented expertise of GMRI and our partners to advance innovation in the blue economy.

About the Speakers:

Blaine Grimes, Chief Ventures Officer, GMRI

Center for Algal Innovations

About our Host:

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay, Maine. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet.

This series is supported by funding from the Economic Development Administration, Builders Initative, and Eaton Peabody.