Past Events
25Apr
2024
2024
Building Welcoming and Inclusive Businesses and Public Spaces on Main Street
Location: Zoom
Presented in Partnership with OUT Maine, this training will focus on creating welcoming Main Streets for LGBTQ+ youth.
24Apr
2024
2024
Leadership in Action Breakfast: Mental Health in the Workplace – Evolving Best Practices in the Hybrid World
Location: Bangor Savings Bank, 5 Senator Way Building 1, Augusta, ME 04330
7:30 - 10 a.m.
Come in your comfy clothes and join us for a morning of re-energizing and peer support. A panel of mental health experts will share no- and low-cost approaches and best practices for self care and employee support as we continue to navigate the hybrid work world, uncertainty, and new opportunities that the seismic shifts of the last three years present. We will then do workshop-style breakout sessions in smaller groups to see how we each can apply these best practices and approaches in our own organizations and communities.
12Apr
2024
2024
ICL 30th Anniversary Elephant Class Graduation
Location: The Woodlands Club, 39 Woods Road Falmouth, ME 04105
Gather with classmates, colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate our 30th Anniversary Eagle Class graduation.
03Apr
2024
2024
2024 MDC Board Roles and Responsibilities
Location: Virtual
A strong board of directors is built upon clear understanding of basic roles and responsibilities. This session will provide an overview of a board’s primary legal duties, important responsibilities and essential roles in governing the organization and stewarding its mission.
Participants will:
-Understand why we join boards
-Clarify the roles of the board and its responsibilities
-Discuss strategies for building and sustaining an effective board
28Feb
2024
2024
Leadership in Action Breakfast: Measures of Growth – Putting Data into Action
Location: Pierce Atwood, Merrill's Wharf, 254 Commercial Street Portland
7:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Utilizing the 2023 Measures of Growth Report as a framework and tool we will hear how businesses, organizations, and communities are putting data into action to address economic challenges and opportunities. We will then do workshop-style breakout sessions in smaller groups to see how we each can apply these best practices and approaches in our own organizations and communities.
25Jan
2024
2024
MDC Affiliate & Municipal Community Jamboree
This event is open to all MDC Affiliate and Municipal communities.
17Jan
2024
2024
2024 New Affiliate & Municipal Community Information Session
Join us for the 2024 MDC Affiliate Application Information Session on January 17, 2024 from 4:00-5:00PM. This session will be an overview of the affiliate program structure, benefits of being an affiliate, and how to apply to be an affiliate program.
07Dec
2023
2023
2023 Light Up Leadership Alumni Holiday Gathering
Location: Flight Deck Brewing, 11 Atlantic Ave, Brunswick | 5-7 PM
Time for some laughter and good cheer! Join your fellow ICL and Leadership Maine alums for an evening of joy, laughter, and connection as we celebrate the 30th Anniversaries of both programs and all the ways you have led - big and small - over the past year. Reconnect with ICL & Leadership Maine classmates, other alums, and make new acquaintances who share your love of Maine and your passion for leading. We've begun recruiting for the next classes, so please bring your leadership-curious friends and colleagues too!
We'll order some pizza for all to enjoy. The event will be outside under a semi-enclosed heated pavilion, so please dress accordingly!
17Nov
2023
2023
2023 Realize Maine Network Annual Showcase
Location: The Brunswick Hotel, 4 Noble St, Brunswick
Join us in person for the 2023 Annual Showcase! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the community-building work of Maine’s young professionals and hear from our guest speaker, Nate Wildes, about his vision and success in building community and a sense of place in Brunswick and throughout the state. The event is free and open to the public.
17Nov
2023
2023
Mobilizing Across Sectors: Centering Health and Prosperity in Maine’s Economy
Location: MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta, ME
Join the Maine Alliance for Health and Prosperity for a working conference focused on cross-sector collaboration to advance health and prosperity for all Mainers. Keynote speaker Robin Hacke, Executive Director and cofounder of the Center for Community Investment, will start the day, followed by discussions, panels, and facilitated small group sessions. Invited speakers will share lessons learned from their work and best practices for mobilizing across sectors to maximize impact. By the end of the day, our goal is for participants to have made new connections and gained insight into increasing the effectiveness of your cross-sector work.
09Nov
2023
2023
Experiential Downtowns webinar
Location: Zoom
Join MDC for this webinar featuring Executive Director of Augusta Downtown Alliance, Michael Hall, and owner of the Table Bar (Gardiner), Billy Rosser, as we discuss the experiential business model as an approach for downtown organizations and businesses to promote and develop.
27Oct
2023
2023
30th Anniversary Leadership Alumni Reunion & Summit
Location: Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center
Open to all Leadership Maine & ICL Alumni! Join us for a day of reuniting, re-energizing, and renewing leadership skills to help us all continue to meet the moment. We will reconnect through Outward-Bound style activities and facilitated conversations & workshops aimed at processing all we have been through during the last few turbulent years, re-energizing those ICL & Leadership Maine skills, and honing new ones. By the close of day, we hope you feel well equipped to lead in this brave new world.
25Oct
2023
2023
Board Training: The Four Point Approach
This is the second of two Board Trainings offered annually by the Maine Downtown Center.
The event will be held virtually via Zoom.
12Oct
2023
2023
Increasing Inclusivity & Accessibility in Downtowns Webinar
Join us from 12:00-12:45PM for this webinar where we have an amazing line up of guests talking about physical inclusivity and accessibility. You will leave with examples of event check-lists and how you can do a thorough job of making your events more inclusive; community case studies of different groups working on making their community more inviting; and state and federal programs that can improve ADA access and other downtown features presented by Maine Department of Transportation.
28Sep
2023
2023
Working Waterfront, Downtown, and Entrepreneurship
Location: Belfast Library, 106 High St, Belfast, ME 04915
This working waterfront panel is being co-hosted by Maine Coast Fishermen's Association and Maine Downtown Center. Maine’s working waterfronts and downtowns are both essential to the culture and economy of the state and they are both rife with opportunities for expanding businesses and starting new ventures. The panel will focus on what downtowns and working waterfronts communities mean to Maine, how one depends on the other, and where opportunities exist.
27Sep
2023
2023
MDF’s 45th Annual Meeting & Champion Awards Celebration | “Aspire: Unlocking the Potential of Maine to Thrive and Prosper”
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 250 Haskell Rd, Bangor, ME 04401
How are individual Mainers, businesses, and communities working to ensure each of us can achieve what we aspire to?
15Sep
2023
2023
2023 Downtown Institute: All Things Downtown Planning
Location: Life Community Church, 46 Church St, Gardiner, ME 04345
Join us for our first in-person Downtown Institute since 2020!
Please join us for our Maine Downtown Institute, an in-person deep dive learning opportunity, on September 15, 2023, in Gardiner from 8:30-11:30am. We will cover all aspects of downtown planning: why, who, the process, implementation, and potential funding. We will be joined by guest speakers: Kate Burch, North Star Planning; Melissa Lindley, City of Gardiner, Economic Development Director; Tamara Whitmore, Gardiner Main Street Director; and Terry Ann Holden, Development Program Manager, Office of Community Development, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
13Jul
2023
2023
DEI & Welcomability in Downtowns
Location: Zoom
Join Delilah Poupore and Megan Hageney from Heart of Biddeford to explore diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in your downtown. Whether your Main Street organization is just getting behind the DEI wheel or you’re further along on your DEI journey, this webinar will keep you moving forward. Why is DEI relevant to downtown work? Learn how to operationalize DEI values into all aspects of your organization with examples of engagement, training, assessment, and planning processes. We will share our Main Street organization’s first DEI Plan, lessons learned along the way, and potential equity detours to avoid.
18May
2023
2023
Downtown Preservation: Opportunities on Main Street
In honor of May as Preservation Month, join MDC for an educational presentation and conversation about low/no-cost ways that you as downtown leaders, property owners, business owners and other downtown stakeholders can engage in historic preservation.
05May
2023
2023
2023 Leadership Maine Graduation
Location: 30 Migis Lodge, South Casco, Maine
Gather with classmates, colleagues, friends, and family for this year’s Leadership Maine Damariscotta Class graduation. Enjoy making new connections and re-kindling old ones as we celebrate leadership in Maine. 11:30am-2pm.
26Apr
2023
2023
2023 MDC Annual Awards Celebration
Location: Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, ME
Come celebrate the achievements of our downtown communities in 2022. Join us at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick from 2:00-4:00PM. Awards will be given for the Downtown Hero, Project, and Innovation of the year. This year's event will feature guest speakers, Sarah Hansen (Executive Director, Greater Portland Landmarks) and Cary Tyson (Executive Director, Portland Downtown), as well as an optional tour post-ceremony of the Lemont Block.
26Apr
2023
2023
Spring Into Leadership
Location: Flight Deck Brewing, 11 Atlantic Ave., Brunswick, Maine
Calling all Alumni! Help us attract the next cohort of leaders to participate in our 2023-2024 30th Anniversary Classes of both ICL & Leadership Maine. Bring a colleague or friend who you think would benefit from participating on these legacy leadership development programs. Plus network with other Alums and share how the skills you honed during your time in these programs are serving you today.
14Apr
2023
2023
ICL Doubletop Class Graduation Luncheon
Location: Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, 11 Inn Rd., Hallowell, Maine 04347
Gather with classmates, colleagues, friends, and family for this year’s ICL Doubletop Class graduation. Enjoy making new connections and re-kindling old ones as we celebrate leadership in Maine.
12Apr
2023
2023
Spring Into Leadership (cancelled)
Location: Orono Brewing, 61 Margin St., Orono Maine
(Cancelled)
Calling all Alumni! Help us attract the next cohort of leaders to participate in our 2023-2024 30th Anniversary Classes of both ICL & Leadership Maine. Bring a colleague or friend who you think would benefit from participating on these legacy leadership development programs. Plus network with other Alums and share how the skills you honed during your time in these programs are serving you today.
03Apr
2023
2023
2023-2024 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Recruitment for the 2023-2024 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career and life enhancing. Alumni of both programs are strongly encouraged to join us and bring a friend or colleague whom you would like to nominate. No cost to attend. (via Zoom)
01Mar
2023
2023
2023-2024 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Recruitment for the 2023-2024 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career and life enhancing. Alumni of both programs are strongly encouraged to join us and bring a friend or colleague whom you would like to nominate. No cost to attend. (via Zoom)
24Jan
2023
2023
MDC Affiliate Program Application Information Session
Location: Zoom
Join us for the 2023 MDC Affiliate Application Information Session on January 24, 2023 from 4:00-5:00PM. This session will be an overview of the affiliate program structure, benefits of being an affiliate, and how to apply to be an affiliate program.
18Nov
2022
2022
2022 Realize Maine Network Annual Showcase
Location: Thomas College, 180 West River Rd., Waterville, ME 04901
This year we’re back to an in-person Showcase and couldn’t be more excited! Greg Marley, Senior Clinical Director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine, will kick off the event as our guest speaker, sharing tips and coping strategies for navigating this complex, fast-paced and demanding world, even in Maine.
23Sep
2022
2022
Strength in Community: MDF’s 44th Annual Meeting & Champion Awards Celebration
Location: Innovation Hall, University of New England Portland Campus, 772 Stevens Ave, Portland
Join us for a celebration of leaders, businesses, and communities who's efforts have benefited entire commnuities, inspired economic resilience, and furthered progress toward equity and inclusion.
28Jul
2022
2022
2021-2022 AmeriCorps Main Street Fellow Showcase
During this free, live event the Main Street Fellows, AmeriCorps members serving in Westbrook and Biddeford, will give live TED-like talks followed by a brief panel discussion. This is an opportunity to celebrate and hear the impact of a year of service through the eyes of the Main Street Fellows as they share their stories.
Event speakers: Dr. Kaylyn O’Brien, Global Talent Planning and Processes Manager at WEX and Main Street Fellows Program Committee Chair
13May
2022
2022
2022 Leadership Maine Graduation
Location: 30 Migis Lodge, South Casco, Maine
Gather with classmates, colleagues, friends, and family for this year’s LM Casco Class graduation. Enjoy making new connections and re-kindling old ones as we celebrate leadership in Maine.
27Apr
2022
2022
2022 Leadership in Action Symposium
Location: Ramada, Lewiston
Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Through Systemic Change in Communities & Across Sectors
What can leaders do to prompt, foster, and advance systemic change in communities and across economic sectors that advance JEDI?
In person Ramada, Lewiston, 9-10:30am.
26Apr
2022
2022
2022-2023 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Recruitment for the 2022-2023 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career and life enhancing. Alumni of both programs are strongly encouraged to join us and bring a friend or colleague whom you would like to nominate. No cost to attend. (via Zoom)
14Apr
2022
2022
2022-2023 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Recruitment for the 2022-2023 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career and life enhancing. Alumni of both programs are strongly encouraged to join us and bring a friend or colleague whom you would like to nominate. No cost to attend. (via Zoom)
08Apr
2022
2022
ICL Cadillac Class Graduation Luncheon
Location: The Woodlands Club, 39 Woods Road, Falmouth, Maine
Gather with classmates, colleagues, friends, and family for this year’s ICL Cadillac Class graduation. Enjoy making new connections and re-kindling old ones as we celebrate leadership in Maine.
30Mar
2022
2022
2022 Leadership in Action Symposium
Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion as Teams, Organizations & Businesses.
What can leaders do to begin, maintain, and advance efforts toward JEDI with their teams, in their organizations and in their businesses?
Event time is 12-1:30pm (via Zoom).
02Mar
2022
2022
2022 Leadership in Action Symposium
Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion as an Individual.
What can individuals do to begin, maintain, and further efforts toward JEDI? How can leaders support individuals on their path toward educating themselves, and finding ways to participate in JEDI efforts?
Event time is 12-1:30pm (via Zoom)
02Mar
2022
2022
MDC Board Roles + Responsibilities Virtual Workshop
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role of the board and its responsibilities, and discuss strategies for building and sustaining an effective board.
27Jan
2022
2022
MDC Annual Awards Celebration
This event will be held virtually via Zoom.
15Dec
2021
2021
MDC Webinar – Municipal Partners: How to Work with Staff and Elected Officials
Location: Zoom Webinar
In this session we will be sharing how downtown organizations can work most effectively with municipal staff and elected officials.
15Dec
2021
2021
Light Up Leadership: An Alumni Holiday Celebration
Location: Flight Deck Brewing, 11 Atlantic Ave., Brunswick
Time for some laughter and good cheer! Join your fellow ICL and Leadership Maine alums for a Holiday Celebration.
19Nov
2021
2021
Realize Maine Network Annual Showcase 2021
Don't miss this opportunity to meet with other regional groups and community members, share your work, and learn from others. The event is free and open to the public, and will be presented via Zoom.
17Nov
2021
2021
MDC Webinar – Youth Engagement: What are the Possibilities?
Location: Zoom Webinar
In this session Rockland Main Street Director David Gogel and Main Street Fellow Maggie Hirshland will speak about their recent youth engagement journey, and Dori Lam, Co-Vice President of Discover Downtown Westbrook, will share her experience with having youth positions on the DDW board.
20Oct
2021
2021
MDC Webinar – Project Canopy: Greening Your Downtown
Location: Zoom Webinar
We know that shade and greening your downtowns are good for the planet and provide comfort for your visitors. Join Jan Santerre, Project Canopy Coordinator at the Maine Forest Service, to learn about the value of trees downtown and a funding opportunity to support greening efforts.
24Sep
2021
2021
Maine Rising: MDF Annual Meeting & Champion Awards Celebration
Join us for a celebration of leaders, businesses, and communities who are driving Maine's economic recovery and the systemic changes necessary for equity and inclusion.
The event is virtual via Livestream.
Event time is 8:45am - 11:00 a.m.
22Sep
2021
2021
MDC Webinar – Annual Appeal: It’s That Time Again!
Location: Zoom Webinar
An annual appeal should be part of your fundraising plan every year. Join us to see how some of our downtown programs approach their annual appeals, and what they yield for results.
14Jul
2021
2021
Building Maine’s Future Workforce
Join the Realize Maine Network as we host David Pease for a 1-hour virtual discussion about “Building Maine’s Future Workforce.” Event time is 5-6pm (via zoom). This event is open to all.
18Jun
2021
2021
Innovating for Growth – Creating a Healthy Maine
Spotlight on Healthcare Innovation, Technology, and Delivery.
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
17Jun
2021
2021
Women Transforming Leadership
From Inequity to Inclusion: The Path to Truth-telling Through the Transparency of History.
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom). This event is open to all.
11Jun
2021
2021
Innovating for Growth – Growing Talent in Maine
Spotlight on Workforce Trends, Educational Opportunities, and Innovative Approaches to Solving Workforce Challenges. Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
27May
2021
2021
Innovating for Growth – Supporting Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
20May
2021
2021
Women Transforming Leadership
The City of Vancouver, Canada has been ranked as one of the greenest cities in the world, a youthful city, and a city of Reconciliation that has adopted the UN Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People. Women have played a pivotal role in governing and transforming Vancouver by fostering collaborative action, educating and holding space for youth voices and action and redefining what it means to be a city on unceded indigenous land. In this interactive session on Women Transforming Leadership, we will meet some of the women who have transformed the City of Vancouver and the founder of Women Transforming Cities and learn how they are building enduring change by advancing intersectionality, equity, justice and civic resilience.
Event time is 1pm-4pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
14May
2021
2021
Innovating for Growth – Defining the Big Opportunities
Spotlight on Natural Resources - Food (Agriculture & Aquaculture) & Forest Products.
Learn more about the themes and the people that are shaping Maine’s strategies for the future.
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
22Apr
2021
2021
2021-2022 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Recruitment for the 2021-2022 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing. No cost to attend.
15Apr
2021
2021
Women Transforming Leadership: Tara Jenkins & Elizabeth Ross Holmstrom
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom)
Conscious Capitalism and the Benefit Economy have been growing over the past 10 years, accelerated substantially by what happened in our world in 2020. These movements have dramatically changed the definition of business success and women are uniquely positioned to lead in these unprecedented times. Join us to learn about how the Benefit Economy, Conscious Capitalism and feminine leadership are combining to elevate humanity through business. This event is open to all.
09Apr
2021
2021
Innovating for Growth – Defining the Big Opportunities
Spotlight on Manufacturing, Technical Services and Clean Energy.
Learn more about the themes and the people that are shaping Maine’s strategies for growth.
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
05Apr
2021
2021
2021-2022 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Recruitment for the 2021-2022 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing. No cost to attend.
26Mar
2021
2021
Innovating for Growth: Setting the Stage for Seeing the Future
Featured Speaker: Dr. Todd Gabe will discuss the keys to economic development, where Maine stands according to these important metrics, and how the state can enhance its ability to innovate for economic growth. Dr. Gabe is a Professor of Economics at the University of Maine, where he teaches and conducts research on a broad range of topics related to state and local economic development.
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom).
This event is open to all.
24Mar
2021
2021
Maine Downtown Center Board and Committee Training
Please join us for our first of two trainings being offered in 2021 for Main Street and Affiliate boards and committee members.
18Mar
2021
2021
Women Transforming Leadership: Tribal Health and Leadership
Healing to Live and to Lead.
Join us for a workshop with Lisa Sockabasin of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness.
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom). This event is open to all.
11Mar
2021
2021
Professional Self-Promotion through Social Media
Event time is 4:30pm-6:00pm (via zoom).
Please join the Realize Maine Network as we host Corey Belcher for a 1.5-hour virtual seminar to discuss Professional Self Promotion through Social Media. Corey is a VP at Bangor Savings Bank and an expert in maximizing the impact of professional social media use.
This event is free and open to all.
11Feb
2021
2021
Women Transforming Leadership: Carrie Arnold
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom)
This presentation covers the phenomenon of silencing while highlighting original research findings; it also reviews strategies people have used to recover and lead with voice currency. This event is open to all.
05Feb
2021
2021
Policy Leaders Academy: Maine’s Future Economy – Innovation
The Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee has developed specific policy recommendations to stabilize the state’s economy and lay the foundation for future economic growth. Session 3 will focus on Innovation.
This forum is for legislators only and is free of charge. Time is 8:00-9:30am via Zoom.
29Jan
2021
2021
Policy Leaders Academy: Maine’s Future Economy – Infrastructure
The Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee has developed specific policy recommendations to stabilize the state’s economy and lay the foundation for future economic growth. Session 2 will focus on Infrastructure.
These events are for legislators only and are free of charge.
Time is 8:00-9:30am via Zoom.
28Jan
2021
2021
Maine Downtown Center Annual Awards
Join us in celebrating 2020's best Downtown Project, Downtown Hero, and our new Innovation Award!
Location via Zoom.
22Jan
2021
2021
Policy Leaders Academy: Maine’s Future Economy – Talent
The Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee has developed specific policy recommendations to stabilize the state’s economy and lay the foundation for future economic growth. Session 1 will focus on Talent.
This forum is for legislators only and is free of charge.
Time is 8:00-9:30am via Zoom.
21Jan
2021
2021
Women Transforming Leadership: Mozella Perry Ademiluyi
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom)
Mountains are the perfect metaphor for life, representing the peaks and valleys, the summits and rigors of the journey. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet gave Mozella an EXTREME real-world experience of ‘failure and success’–and taught her how to help her clients tap the power and resources within themselves to overcome challenges and step up to empowered ACTION. As part of MDF’s Women Transforming Leadership, Mozella will introduce her Tackling Challenges model and we will apply it to a big challenge / opportunity for Maine.
This event is open to all.
15Jan
2021
2021
Policy Leaders Academy: Building Budget Consensus in Challenging Times
A three-part presentation on the Maine State Budget.
This forum is for legislators only and is free of charge.
Time is 8:00-9:30am via Zoom.
18Dec
2020
2020
The Maine Economy II – The Road to Recovery
Event time is 8:00-9:30 a.m. (via zoom)
In May 2020, Governor Janet Mills created the Economic Recovery Committee (ERC) to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Maine economy and to “offer recommendations that build a bridge to future prosperity.”
17Dec
2020
2020
Women Transforming Leadership
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom)
Join us for an informative, inspiring journey with Roz Savage, ocean rower, author, and thought leader. Roz invites us to think outside of the box, have courage, be of service and how to lead in unpredictable times. While she has spoken around the world (as well as rowed around it), she too has been challenged by zoom, so much so that she has learned how to shape the zoom experience in ways that will leave us wondering where the time went. This event is open to all.
16Dec
2020
2020
The Maine Economy I – Fundamentals
Event time is 8:00-10:00 a.m. (via zoom)
A nationwide recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic poses a unique challenge to policy makers. Maine people, families, businesses, and state and local budgets have all been affected. And the recession has exacerbated conditions for many Mainers who were already struggling with poverty, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare and meaningful job opportunities.
09Dec
2020
2020
What I Wish I’d Known as a First-Term Legislator
Event time is 8:00-9:30 a.m. (via zoom)
Join us for a panel discussion with veteran legislators sharing insights about their legislative experience and what they wish they had known as first-term legislators.
19Nov
2020
2020
Women Transforming Leadership
Event time is 1-4pm (via zoom)
Kate Ebner, Founding Director, Institute for Transformational Leadership, Georgetown University; CEO, Founder & Coach of The Nebo Company. After more than two decades of working within organizations as a leader, coach and adviser, Kate knows from firsthand experience how to anticipate and lead into the future, even in complex, unprecedented times. She will speak about how to anticipate and lead into the future, even in complex, unprecedented times. Join the conversation.
13Nov
2020
2020
Realize Maine Network Annual Showcase 2020
Join us for a morning of sharing and learning about the important work of Maine’s young professionals groups across the state. Nate Towne, Owner of Christopher Hastings Confections and communications and marketing professional, will be our guest speaker, followed by Q&A. Then groups will present their 2020 accomplishments, adaptations to the challenges of the past year, and 2021 goals.
05Nov
2020
2020
Leadership in Action Symposium: OK Boomer/Back Off Zoomer and Everyone in Between – Best Practices for Leading Across Generations
Location: Zoom
Join us for a panel discussion on grappling with a workforce that spans four generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y (Millennials), and Gen Z. What are the best practices for understanding differing mindsets, work styles, and communication styles of workers born in different eras so your team functions well as a unit? We will hear from leaders doing this work every day, and offer workshop-style training during breakout sessions that you can apply in your organization.
29Oct
2020
2020
FOR/Maine Morning Coffee Virtual Series – Part 3
Join us for three morning, one-hour seminars in October on mill town turnaround strategies and tools.
22Oct
2020
2020
FOR/Maine Morning Coffee Virtual Series – Part 2
Join us for three morning, one-hour seminars in October on mill town turnaround strategies and tools.
21Oct
2020
2020
Maine Downtown Center Virtual Board Trainings
The 60 minute training will cover: the structure of the National Main Street Center Program and how it connects to our local programs here in Maine, the benefits of membership, the concept of a working board, and the 40 year old Four Point Approach. There will be time for Q & A throughout the presentation.
15Oct
2020
2020
FOR/Maine Morning Coffee Virtual Series – Part 1
Join us for three morning, one-hour seminars in October on mill town turnaround strategies and tools.
14Oct
2020
2020
MDC Workshop: Locable’s Step-by-Step Marketing 3-4-5™ Framework
Join us for Locable's step-by-step Marketing 3-4-5™ Framework on October 14th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Zoom. This workshop will transform how you approach marketing and make you more effective through real-world examples and simple step-by-step guidance.
01Oct
2020
2020
Leadership in Action Symposium: Engaging in the Economic Recovery Plan
Location: Zoom
Panel discussion with key members of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee on the Committee’s recommendations, implementation and ways MDF leadership alumni and members can engage in meaningful ways. The discussion will be followed by action-oriented breakout room sessions on how to engage in key sectors including Hospitality, Education & Workforce, Infrastructure, Innovation, Healthcare/Nonprofits/Childcare & Support Services, and Manufacturing & Natural Resource-Based Industries.
23Sep
2020
2020
Small Scale Development Workshop
Location: Online workshop
In this two-day workshop we will take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.
18Sep
2020
2020
2020 Vision: Leading for Change in Maine’s Third Century
Event time is 8:30 - 11am.
Join us for a virtual celebration of all the innovative leaders, businesses and communities who are driving economic improvement amidst the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, and who are leading the necessary systemic change to bring about racial equity.
20Aug
2020
2020
Leadership Alumni Networking Gathering (cancelled)
Location: Waterfront Park, 81 Railroad St., Bangor
13Aug
2020
2020
Leadership Alumni Networking Gathering (cancelled)
Location: Bug Light lawn, Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland
Come connect, network and laugh with your ICL & LM classmates and other alums. Friends and family welcome!
10Aug
2020
2020
Maine Downtown Center Workshop – Fundraising and Finance with Kathy La Plante from the National Main Street Center
Location: Virtual workshop
Maine Downtown Center members are invited to join us and Kathy La Plante from the National Main Street Center for a ZOOM session to discuss their fundraising and finance plans and policies.
30Jul
2020
2020
Leadership in Action Symposium: Projects of Passion During COVID-19, Racial Equity Efforts and Staycations
Location: Zoom
Join MDF member and Alumni businesses and organizations for an action-oriented panel discussion and breakout workshops on how we can band together during the challenges and opportunities of COVID-19, racial equity efforts and this summer of Staycations. We will use the newly developed Project of Passion Resource Guide compiled with input from our more than 1800 Leadership Maine and ICL Alumni as a tool for action and engagement in these efforts.
16Jul
2020
2020
GroundUp, a Web-Based Pro Forma for Real Estate Development – Hosted by MDF and The Governance Project
Location: Webinar
GroundUp simplifies the development process as a low-barrier tool to test the feasibility of potential projects. It is designed for both emerging developers and local municipalities exploring the financial performance of a real estate investment. Please join MDF and The Governance Project to see GroundUp demonstrated.
18Jun
2020
2020
MDC Webinar with Locable: Marketing Main Street Online
Location: Webinar
Please join us on Thursday, June 18 at 1pm for a free webinar to learn more about Locable, and their Marketing 3-4-5™ approach.
10Jun
2020
2020
Mitigating the Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Rural Areas – Hosted by Brookings
On Wednesday, June 10, the Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking at Brookings will host a conversation exploring how hyperlocal rural organizations are working to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the ground.
04Jun
2020
2020
Leadership Alumni Reunion & Summit – Postponed
Location: Wavus Camps
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are postponing the Leadership Alumni Reunion & Summit scheduled for June 4-5. We are working to schedule it in the Fall. Stay tuned for info and registration links!
02Jun
2020
2020
Restaurants in Recovery – Hosted by Main Street America
Location: Free webinar
Join this webinar presented by Streetsense for an in-depth look at the concerns for your district's restaurants - from cash flow to messaging and social distancing guidelines.
25May
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing.
18May
2020
2020
National Main Street Conference 2020 – Canceled
National Main Street Conference, Dallas, Texas.
14May
2020
2020
Design in COVID-19 Response and Recovery – Hosted by Main Street America
Location: Webinar
This free webinar will focus specifically on how design solutions can support small businesses' economic recovery and personal safety for the community-at-large. Plus, we will explore how design incentives, resources, and funds can be expanded, shifted, and messaged in order to best meet the current needs of the district.
08May
2020
2020
Leadership Maine Graduation – Postponed
Location: Migis Lodge, South Casco, ME
Celebrate with the Baskahegan class on Friday, May 8 2020, at Migis Lodge, South Casco, ME.
04May
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing.
01May
2020
2020
COVID-19 MDF Leadership Alumni Listening and Strategy Session
Location: Zoom
We are stronger together! Join us for a Listening and Strategy session to share the challenges you are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, share best practices and adaptations you are employing to weather the crisis, and strategize with other alums about how lead through the recovery once the health crisis has subsided.
27Apr
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing.
24Apr
2020
2020
COVID-19 MDF Member Listening and Strategy Session
Location: Zoom
We are stronger together! Join us for a Listening and Strategy session to share the challenges you are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, share best practices and adaptations you are employing to weather the crisis, and strategize with other members about how we will recover together once the health crisis has subsided.
22Apr
2020
2020
Historic Tax Credit Basics for Towns, Building Owners, and Investors
Location: Webinar
Join us at this informative event for a comprehensive review of the use of federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits, including a focus on the Small Projects Rehabilitation Credit as a downtown revitalization tool.
20Apr
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing.
13Apr
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020. Join us for a virtual recruiting briefing to learn why our ICL and Leadership Maine programs are career-and-life enhancing.
08Apr
2020
2020
Leadership in Action Breakfast – Cancelled
Location: Bangor Savings Bank Dirigo Conference Room, 5 Senator Way, Augusta
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are cancelling the Leadership in Action Breakfast scheduled for April 8 on the topic of managing across generations. We know there is a lot of interest in this topic and are working to bring this professional development opportunity to you at a future event. Stay tuned!
03Apr
2020
2020
Institute for Civic Leadership Graduation – Postponed
We are postponing the graduation celebration for the current ICL Bigelow Classthat was scheduled for April 3 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will have information and registration links when we are able to reschedule the lunch. Stay tuned!
30Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
25Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing – Cancelled
Location: Rising Tide, 103 Fox Street, Portland, Maine
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
23Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
18Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing – Cancelled
Location: Bangor Savings Bank, 24 Hamlin Way, Bangor, Maine
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are cancelling the Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing scheduled for March 18 at Bangor Savings Bank in Bangor. Please join us for one of the many virtual Recruiting Briefings we've scheduled through the end of April.
18Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing – Cancelled
Location: LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 415 Lisbon St #100, Lewiston, ME 04240
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are cancelling the Leadership Program Recruiting Briefing scheduled for March 18 at Lewiston-Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Please join us for one of the many virtual Recruiting Briefings we've scheduled through the end of April.
16Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
05Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing
Location: Preti Flaherty, One City Center, Portland Maine
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
04Mar
2020
2020
Maine Downtown Institute
Location: Belfast Free Library, 106 High St, Belfast ME 04915
"The Story Matters: Telling Our Story In A Compelling Way" is a panel discussion curated and moderated by Robin McIntosh, program director of Midcoast Leadership Academy.
The panel discussion will be followed by a branding presentation and exercise led by Robert Dietz, Principal of Pica brand, strategy, and design.
02Mar
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing
Location: Video Conference
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
11Feb
2020
2020
Maine Downtown Center Free Webinar Series
Please join us for our February webinar. Pocket Parks are small downtown parks, usually a ¼ acre or less. They create space for people to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. They can be permanent or temporary. We will present some best practices for approaching the design, building, and programming of pocket parks and lots of Maine examples.
31Jan
2020
2020
Maine Downtown Center Workshop
Location: Augusta City Hall, 16 Cony Street, Augusta, ME
The Facilitator Training workshop will provide people with an introduction to facilitation for public engagement. Participants will be introduced to the role of the facilitator, facilitation techniques and skills, and conduct interactive activities to practice facilitation skills. Practice facilitation includes facilitating small group dialogues and addressing challenging scenarios.
29Jan
2020
2020
2020 Leadership Program Recruitment Briefing
Location: 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, Maine 04769
Recruitment for the 2020-2021 Leadership Programs (ICL and Leadership Maine) is now open. This year's application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2020.
Leadership program recruitment briefings are being held around the state. For more information about the leadership programs, please go to https://www.mdf.org/leadership-development/
28Jan
2020
2020
Maine Downtown Center Webinar
Please join us for our first Maine Downtown Center webinar of 2020. Fundraising events can be successful because they engage new volunteers, are easy to plan and implement, or raise a lot of funds. We will present some best practices for small organization fundraising efforts and share some successful events currently being used by our downtown organizations statewide.
Registration is required and the webinar will be recorded.
11Dec
2019
2019
Leadership in Action Breakfast
Location: Mariner's Church Banquet Center, 368 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
The World Health Organization defines a healthy workplace as one "where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety and well-being of all employees." This includes supports for managing stress, anxiety, depression and other factors that can impact an employees life, career and productivity. We will hear from a panel of experts on best practices.
11Dec
2019
2019
Building Downtown Networks that Foster Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Location: Margaret Chase Smith Library, Skowhegan, Maine
The Maine Community Foundation and Maine Downtown Center have invited the National Main Street Center to present this workshop. Participants will leave the day with: an understanding of the process to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems, having identified assets and partners, and will look at their role in entrepreneurship as it relates to overall downtown and community economic development and transformation. There is no charge for this workshop and it is open to any community or downtown.
04Dec
2019
2019
Maine Downtown Institute: Engaging Communities in Difficult Conversations
Location: Johnson Hall, 280 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine
We will define public engagement, explore the need for engagement (particularly dialogue based interactions in local communities and downtowns), share principles of civility and provide opportunities to practice engaging in difficult conversations.
14Nov
2019
2019
Realize Maine Network Annual Showcase
Location: Bangor Savings Bank, 5 Senator Way, Augusta
Looking to attract and retain young people to your organization and community? Or recruit and engage volunteers to organize and participate in networking/professional development groups for young professionals? This year's Showcase will feature an interactive discussion and regional group presentations of 2019 highlights, lessons learned, and 2020 goals. It's a GREAT opportunity to make new connections and learn from others.
08Oct
2019
2019
Maine Downtown Center Webinar
Downtown Surveys - Data that Drives Decisions
27Sep
2019
2019
Maine-Ovation! MDF’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Champions of Economic Development Awards Celebration
Location: Cross Insurance Center, Bangor
Come be inspired as we celebrate the innovative and enduring work MDF, its partners, members and collaborators are doing to drive economic improvement and enhance the quality of life for all Mainers.
10Sep
2019
2019
Maine Downtown Center Webinar
Join us for a quick learning opportunity to see how two communities used different approaches to do community visioning to inform their downtown work. We will highlight Gorham and Bucksport approaches.
24Jul
2019
2019
Leadership in Action Breakfast
Location: University of Maine, Buchanan Alumni House, 4 Munson Road, Orono, ME 04473
Creating a New Normal in the Workplace:
Solutions and Best Practices in the #Metoo Era
25Jun
2019
2019
2nd Annual Statewide Convening of the MaineSpark Navigator Network
Location: Ramada Inn Convention Center, Lewiston
MaineSpark's Navigator Network will come together for its 2nd Annual statewide convening.
06Jun
2019
2019
Build Maine 2019
Location: Royal Oak Room & Iron Horse Court, 1 Bates Street, Lewiston
05Jun
2019
2019
Build Maine 2019
Location: Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street, Lewiston
Build Maine 2019 Workshops
22May
2019
2019
MaineSpark Summit 2019
Location: Kennebec Valley Community College, Harold Alfond Campus, Hinckley
MaineSpark Coalition leaders from across our state who are diligently working to reach Maine’s workforce goal of 60% by 2025 will come together on May 22nd to discuss MaineSpark’s progress toward the goal thus far, and how to further braid together work being done in a more impactful way. In attendance will be leaders from education, business, philanthropy, nonprofits, and government all invested in this work.
10May
2019
2019
Leadership Maine Graduation
Location: Migis Lodge, 30 Migis Lodge Road, South Casco
Join MDF in celebrating the graduation of the LM Allagash class
22Apr
2019
2019
Maine’s Emerging Leaders: The How & Why of Values-Driven Business
Location: Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME 04101
The 2019 Timothy B. Hussey Leadership Institute for emerging leaders will bring together more than one hundred young professionals from Maine's business, nonprofit, government and academic communities for a day-long conversation on doing well while doing good – the “how and why of values-driven business.”
05Apr
2019
2019
ICL Graduation
Location: Woodlands Club, Falmouth, Maine
They have been to the mountaintop and they have seen the promise of leading the ICL way – with compassion, facilitation and collaboration. Come celebrate with the ICL Mt. Abram class as they graduate and head back into their work and communities with new purpose and skills. Join us Friday, April 5th at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth.
03Apr
2019
2019
Leadership Recruiting Briefing for Leadership Program Classes – Lewiston
Location: LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 415 Lisbon Street, Suite 100, Lewiston, Maine
02Apr
2019
2019
Leadership Recruiting Briefing for Leadership Program Classes – Bethel
Location: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, 8 Station Place, Bethel, Maine
29Mar
2019
2019
Magnetize Maine Summit 2019
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch, 14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn
This Magnetize Maine Summit will highlight how companies and employees alike can increase collaboration, creativity, and connectivity in the workplace to help keep younger employees actively engaged in their industry.
25Mar
2019
2019
National Main Street Now Conference
Location: Seattle, WA
Convened annually, the Main Street Now Conference showcases implementable best practices, time-tested solutions and innovative ideas from our national network of practitioners, as well as those in adjacent fields who share in the goal of creating economic and social prosperity in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
22Mar
2019
2019
Leadership Recruiting Briefing for Leadership Program Classes – Brewer
Location: Beacon Health, 43 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, Maine
Recruitment briefing time 7:30 - 9:00 am; alumni gathering from 9:00 -10:00 am.
20Mar
2019
2019
Hiring Workers From the Justice System: Maine Downtown Institute
Location: University of Maine Augusta Rockland Center; 91 Camden Street - 4th Floor, Rockland, ME
Join us for an informative and inspirational session that will share experience, strategies and opportunities to recruit and train people returning to the workforce.
04Mar
2019
2019
Leadership Recruiting Briefing for Leadership Program Classes
You are a leader ... but are you up for the challenge?
Applications are now being accepted for the 2019-2020 classes of both MDF's Leadership Maine and Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) programs. Leadership Program Recruiting Briefings are being held around the state March 4th, 2019 - April 3rd, 2019. We will gather Alumni together for an hour immediately following each briefing to connect, collect your thoughts on Alumni engagement and share news regarding the year ahead.
31Jan
2019
2019
Leadership in Action Breakfast 2019
Location: Mariner’s Church Banquet Center, Portland, ME 04101
We hope you will join us on Thursday, January 31st, 2019 for our next Leadership in Action Breakfast, “Creating a New Normal in the Workplace: Solutions and Best Practices in the #Metoo Era.”
