Greetings,

Thank you for your interest in the Institute. For the past two

decades, The Institute for Family-Owned Business has supported,

strengthened and empowered family-owned businesses throughout

the state of Maine. Founded by business leaders who sought local

resources to help with succession planning and other challenges

unique to family-owned businesses, the Institute has become a

comprehensive resource for first-generation and multi-generation

businesses of all sizes, offering continuing education programs,

networking opportunities and consulting services.

In addition to providing dozens of education and networking events

each year, the Institute has expanded to include several affinity

groups, including Women in Family Business, Women’s Leadership

Forum, Next Generation, and CEO Central, to broaden our impact.

The Institute also recognizes best practices in family-owned business

leadership and community service each year through its prestigious

Maine Family Business Awards.

We are able to fulfill our mission through the generous support

of corporate partners and over 65 member companies that

professionally and financially commit to the ongoing advancement

of family enterprise.

To learn more about the Institute and its programs please visit our

website at www.fambusiness.org or contact me today.

Best,

Catherine Wygant Fossett

Executive Director

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About the Institute for Family-Owned Business

The Institute for Family-Owned Business is a non-

profit organization committed to supporting,

strengthening and empowering family-owned

businesses throughout the state of Maine. The

Institute serves family business owners, executives

and employees through a wide range of continuing

education programs, networking opportunities and

consulting services. The Institute is a comprehensive

resource for family-owned business.

The Institute was formed in the early 1990s by

prominent Portland business owner, Shep Lee,

who was beginning to think about a leadership

transition in his third-generation auto dealership,

which he anticipated occurring within the next

decade. Discovering that the closest resource was in

New Hampshire, Lee approached the University of

Southern Maine about creating an organization to

support Maine family businesses. Lee, his daughter,

Cathy and key USM leaders appointed a director and

launched the Institute as a part of the University,

with 20 member businesses.

Since its first public program in September 1995,

the Institute has grown in its mission of providing

support, networking, guidance and forums to help

family business operators better understand and

appropriately face their exceptional challenges. Over

the next decade, the organization realigned itself to

ensure that a majority of the board members were

family business people; since 2008, the Institute

has operated as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization with the generous support of its

founding sponsors: Verrill Dana LLP, BerryDunn,

MEMIC, TD Bank, R.M. Davis Inc, and many other

generous sponsors.

In addition to offering a variety of education

programs and events to address the complex and

varied concerns of family-owned businesses, the

Institute recognizes outstanding Maine businesses

through its annual Maine Family Business Awards gala, which attracts more than 300 attendees each

year.

Our Mission:

To provide the unique information, resources

and networking opportunities to enable Maine’s

business-owning families to prosper and achieve

their fullest potential.

To be the:

premier resource for family-run

businesses in Maine,

predominant source of outreach

programs for family-owned businesses

recognized expert in and networking

resource for inimitable family-business

issues.

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Programs & Services The Institute for Family-Owned Business provides

programs and services around topics that can benefit

every member of your family and your business,

including:

Business succession planning and governanceTeam buildingConflict resolutionCommunications Intergenerational, sibling, and gender issuesLeadership developmentCompensation and performance measurementStrategic planning for family firmsInnovation and change management

Educational Programs and WorkshopsPrograms offered by the Institute provide valuable

information on topics of interest to family business

owners. Educational programs run from two hours to a

full day, and include ample time for networking. For a

current calendar of upcoming programs, visit

www.fambusiness.org.

Services

Consulting and Resource Searching

Family Meeting FacilitatorWhen an objective third party would enhance discussion

of particular issues at your firm, we can help you to

identify an appropriate facilitator.

Referrals and InformationThe Institute is a comprehensive resource for family

businesses. If you have a need for information, support

or guidance, we can help. Contact us at 207.798.2667 or

email catherine@fambusiness.org.

Affinity Groups These groups meet several times for networking and

discussion on issues of interest to members. Space is

limited and advance reservation is required for many of

these groups; call or email us to learn more. Our affinity

groups include:

CEO Central - A facilitated roundtable discussion

designed exclusively for family business CEOs.

Women’s Leadership Forum - A facilitated roundtable

discussion with fellow women in leadership roles in

family business. Our goals for this forum include support,

encouragement, inspiration and information.

Women in Family Business - Women focusing on

education that is important and useful to them.

Next Generation - All generations working in a family

business benefit from the information provided in these

meetings. Participants learn: communications, transitions,

generational management styles, balancing family and

family business, and more!

Signature Events: Maine Family Business Awards which for over 15 years

each May has recognized 61 businesses for various

categories of excellence.

Summerfest which is our annual fundraiser held in

August at Yankee Marina to celebrate family business.

Holiday Social which is our annual fundraiser held in

December sponsored by our founding sponsors: Verrill

Dana LLP, BerryDunn, MEMIC, TD Bank and R.M. Davis, Inc.

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Maine Family Business Awards Each year since 2000, the Institute for Family-Owned Business recognizes family-owned, Maine-based businesses through

its Maine Family Business Awards program. Presented at a gala event each May that attracts over 300 attendees, the awards

celebrate the accomplishments of small and large businesses that exemplify the following criteria:

•Businesssuccess

•Positivebusinessandfamilylinkages

•Contributionstothecommunityandindustry

•Familyparticipation

•Workenvironment

•Communication

•Innovativebusinesspracticesorstrategies

Awards are presented in seven categories:•MaddyCorsonSmallBusinessAward(fewerthan

25 employees)

•LargeBusinessAward(25ormoreemployees)

•ShepLeeCommunityServiceAward

•TheWolakGroupCustomerServiceAward

•FirstGenerationAward

•Innovation/TechnologyAward

•GreenEnvironmentAward

2014 Maine Family Business Award Winners:

Maddy Corson Small Business Award--Messer Truck Equipment, WestbrookAgren Large Business Award—Lamey Wellehan, Lewiston

Shep Lee Community Service Award——Will’s Shop ‘n Save, Dover-FoxcroftThe Wolak Group Customer Service Award—Chalmers Insurance Group, Bridgton

First Generation Award—Chebeague Island Inn, Chebeague IslandInnovation Award—The Meadowmere Resort, Ogunquit

Technology Award—eco-kids, Portland

Businesses may be nominated by individuals outside or inside the company. For more information, to view a list of prior winners or to nominate a company, visit www.fambusiness.org or call 207.798.2667.

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Family-Owned Business Staff Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director

Prior to joining the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) as its Executive Director, Catherine was the executive director of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce where she oversaw the 50th Anniversary of Windjammer

Days, developed the Claw Down lobster bite competition, and annually produced the region’s definitive travel guide.

Catherine’s prior experience includes 20 years in the travel industry, at Hewins Travel, as director of marketing, and Hurley Travel Experts, as director of sales. A graduate of Bates College, she has served on dozens of boards including the Advertising Club of Maine, the World Affairs Council of Maine, MidCoast Chamber Council, Mobilize MidCoast Maine leadership committee, Maine Sports Commission, and Rotary. She currently serves on the committee for Boothbay Treasures #Giving Tuesday and the Advisory Board for the Boothbay Sea and Science Center. She lives with her husband in the MidCoast, is an avid boater and outdoor enthusiast with a love of great food and local crafts.

Board Of DirectorsJohn Isaacson, Lee Auto Malls, Chair

John A. Isaacson, chair of the board of directors of IFOB, is the CEO, an equity partner and a board member of Lee Auto Malls. He started with the company as a salesperson in 1983 and held various management positions within

the company before obtaining his current position in 1996.

John has held a variety of leadership roles, including board chair and chair of numerous key committees, for St. Mary’s Health System in Lewiston. He also serves on the boards of directors of Community Clinical Services; Covenant Health Systems (board chair); Greater Atlantic Insurance Company; Key Royal Insurance; Covenant Health Systems Insurance Limited and is a founding trustee of the Maine Auto Dealers Health Insurance Trust.

John grew up in Lewiston, Maine, where his family has lived for over 115 years. He is a 1980 graduate of Lewiston High School and a 1984 graduate of Dartmouth College (cum laude). He lives in Cumberland, Maine with his wife and 2 children.

Colleen McCracken, Planet Dog, Vice Chair

Colleen McCracken has over 28 years of experience in finance, operations and senior leadership throughout her career with large multi-national companies including WR Grace and G.H. Bass. Prior to joining Planet Dog, a designer and retailer of

premium dog products, as its Co-CEO in 2013, Colleen was the CEO of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers, Inc. Colleen is the Vice Chair of the Board for IFOB and is involved in numerous leadership roles in support of the Institute’s efforts, including Women’s Leadership Forum, Women in Family Owned Business and judging for the Institute’s Family Business of the Year awards. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Bentley University and recently received an Executive MBA with High Honors distinction from Boston University.

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Francis J. O’Shea, BerryDunn, Treasurer, Founding Sponsor

FrancisJ.O’Shea,CPA/ABV,CVA is a tax principal with the accounting and business consulting firm of BerryDunn. Over his 35 year career, Frank has counseled many closely-held and family business clients on the technical and non-technical

issues related to income and estate tax planning, as well as business succession and valuation. Formerly a Principal with Cloudhawk Management Consultants, LLC and a tax partner with Coopers & Lybrand, LLP, he brings a broad perspective to assisting his clients in successfully developing and implementing tax savings strategies and plans for the transition of their business enterprises.

Catherine T. Duranceau, MEMIC, Founding Sponsor

Catherine joined MEMIC in 2001, following her work as an underwriting consultant during MEMIC’s inception in the early 1990’s. Catherine’s leadership and guidance as an Executive Underwriter has helped the MEMIC Group achieve its growth

and profitably goals. Prior to MEMIC, Catherine worked with Guard Insurance, Acadia Insurance and The Hanover Insurance Company.

Catherine has continued her education through her Masters In Business Administration from the University of Southern New Hampshire and The Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter insurance designation. She is a licensed agent and is a member of the Institute for Civic Leadership Rho Class.

Geoff Alexander, R.M. Davis, Inc., Founding Sponsor

Geoffrey K. Alexander is President of R.M. Davis, Inc., a company he joined in 1997 as Vice President and Portfolio Manager. Previously, Geoff was Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Key Asset Management, and Senior

Financial Analyst for the General Dynamics’ Marine Services Division, Bath Iron Works.

Shauna Miller, TD Bank, Founding Sponsor

Shauna Miller is a Commercial Lender at TD Bank in Portland, Maine. Shauna’s expertise in small business and commercial financing is in line with the Institute’s mission of serving our growing community. Shauna provides exceptional service

with proven business development, while focusing on what her customer wants and needs. Shauna lives in South Portland with her husband and two boys.

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Alan D. MacEwan, Verrill Dana LLP, Founding Sponsor

Alan is Chairman of Verrill Dana’s Business & Corporate Group and was recognized in Best Lawyers in America© as the 2015 Portland, Maine Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Lawyer of the Year. Although he has handled

many sizable and complex merger transactions during his career, Alan shuns the term “M&A lawyer,” as he strongly believes the term tends to depersonalize his practice. Instead, Alan likes to think his strength is working with individual owners who are, first and foremost, people.

Catherine Buffum, Androscoggin Bank

Cathy Buffum has been working in banking for over 14 years and is currently a commercial loan officer with Androscoggin Bank in Scarborough and Portland. Her background before banking was in real estate sales and management, and she was also

a small business owner. Raised in Maine, Cathy has a strong connection to the people and businesses that she works with. Cathy earned her BS in business administration at USM and her MBA in finance from the University of Saint Mary. In addition to serving on the IFOB board, Cathy serves as treasurer on the board of Community Dental. Cathy and her family live in Biddeford, where her two daughters attend Biddeford Middle School. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, and fun family travels.

John LeMieux, Anton/LeMieux Financial Group

John LeMieux, principal and cofounder of Anton LeMieux Financial Group, has more than 20 years’ experience guiding clients through the complex world of financial planning and investing. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

professional, a Certified Investment Management Analyst™, and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™. John’s experiences as an entrepreneur, a financial planner, and investment advisor, as well as a college basketball coach, have combined to give him insight into the needs of the individuals, families, family-owned businesses, and nonprofit organizations that he serves.

Lindsay Gifford-Skilling, Gifford’s Ice Cream

Lindsay Gifford-Skilling is a fifth-generation ice cream maker and general manager of Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream. With a staff of 35 year-round employees and sales of 1.7 million gallons of ice cream a year, Lindsay’s role includes oversight of

operations, staff, five seasonal ice cream stands, and a thriving ice cream factory, which produces more than 100 flavors and distributes to hundreds of large and small retail locations from Maine to Virginia. Lindsay was born in 1983 in Waterville and received a business degree from Bryant University. She is a wife and mother of a young daughter.

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Thomas Hussey, Hussey Seating Company

Thomas Hussey is the Perma National Sales Manager and part of the sixth generation ownership of Hussey Seating Company, which was founded in 1835 and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of spectator seating. Thomas

came to work at Hussey Seating Company in 1997 after time working in the financial industry and management of sports arenas. In his 17 years at Hussey Seating Company, in several roles, he has gained extensive knowledge of managing a family business and how it differs from other businesses.

Mike Davis, Industrial Roofing Companies

MikeDavisitthevicepresident/owner of Industrial Roofing Companies in Lewiston, and co-founded Solar Roof Systems in 2009. IRC has become Northern New England’s leading commercial roofing services firm with around 100 employees. IRC

won the Customer Service Award in 2012. Mike earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of Maine, an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology, and remains active with the UMaine Pulp & Paper Foundation. In spare time he likes to “chase my kids on the ski hills and try to catch a few fish on Casco Bay.”

Jane Hilburt-Davis, Key Resources, LLC

Jane Hilburt-Davis, ACFBA, is president of Key Resources, LLC, a Boston-based consulting firm. She is president emeritus of the Family Firm Institute and past Academic Director of the Global Education Network. She received the prestigious Richard

Beckard Practice Award in London for her outstanding contributions to family business practice. Jane is the author of many articles and case studies, and has trained, mentored and coached hundreds of family business advisors. She is senior author of the widely acclaimed book, Consulting to Family Businesses and co-author of Family Enterprise: Understanding families in business and families of wealth both published by Wiley. She serves as consultant and advisor to family businesses, throughout the United States, and has taught in the family business field in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Dan Thornton, People’s United Bank

Dan Thornton heads People’s United Bank in Southern Maine. Thornton joined People’s United Bank in 2011 as Senior Vice President, Senior Lender for the Maine market. Prior to that he was Senior Vice President, Senior Lender at TD Bank in Portland,

Maine. He brings close to three decades of experience in commercial lending to Maine businesses and institutions. Thornton is also the president of the board of Ronald McDonald House of Portland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in resource economics from the University of Maine and his M.S. in business from Husson University.

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Maureen Costello Wedge, Sun Media Group

Maureen Costello Wedge is Vice President, Human Resources and part of the fourth generation ownership who manage Sun Media Group, which includes a daily newspaper, 12 weekly newspapers and their websites, a commercial printing division,

real estate holdings and a software development company. Maureen has worked at the Sun Journal since 1988 and has served in leadership positions in a variety of industry and community associations. Maureen has extensive knowledge in all aspects of managing a family business, including human resources, employee relations and benefits and compensation.

Kimberly Garrett, The Wolak Group

Kimberly Garrett is a second generation Franchise Owner at The Wolak Group, helping run an organization of almost 100 Dunkin’ Donuts locations, 1,500 employees and several commercial real estate developments in Maine, New

Hampshire and New York. Kim has expertise in brand development, operations, marketing and sales in both the film and wine industries for several in Boston, Los Angeles, Malibu and Napa, CA. Kim and her husband, John, also own a production company that makes independent feature films, short films and commercials. In addition to her diverse career, she is an active member of the Maine Advertising Committee and Maine Franchise Owner District Advisory Council for Dunkin’ Brands, and serves on the board of directors for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA).

Advisory BoardMaddy Corson, AMG Associates

Maddy Corson is known for actively working to preserve the unique legacies of family-owned businesses. As the Chairman and Publisher of the former Guy Gannett Communications, a Portland-based, family-owned media company, Maddy

successfully translated into business the skills she had gained from her extensive leadership work for Maine non-profits. After fifteen years of service to the Institute board, Maddy is looking forward to being on the Advisory Board.

John Beauregard, Beauregard Equipment

A graduate of Champlain College, John and his brother Carl now run their family business. Beauregard Equipment was founded in 1968 by Bob Beauregard, as a Family Owned and Operated business, providing construction

equipment products and support services. Groomed from childhood and cross-trained in sales and rentals, service and parts, John can answer most questions on the spot. The company has full service locations in Colchester, VT Concord, NH and Bangor & Scarborough, ME.

Together, the brothers share a memory of Beauregard Equipment, maintain its character and values, and are proud to see it flourish in their generation. As they grow, they pass on their knowledge and family values to all employees who in turn, carry the personal Beauregard touch to all of their customers. As a family owned and operated business, they put people before their machines, literally.

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Kal Kotkas, Clark Insurance

Kal Kotkas is a sales executive with Clark Insurance. He focuses on advising closely-held family businesses in the areas of life insurance planning and funding, includingbuy/sellagreements,retirement, and estate planning and employee benefits. He has

served as the past president of the Maine Estate Planning Council and the Society of Financial Services Professionals. He served as chair of the capital campaign committee for the School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology at the University of Southern Maine. He also serves on the Board of the Institute for Family-Owned Business and the Advisory Board of the College of Science, Technology and Health and was the 2013 Recipient of the Dean’s Outstanding Recognition Award. Kal is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Janet Cole Cross, Cole Cross Connections

Janet Cole Cross is a lifelong advocate for family business. As third generation family member of Cole’s Express, she first worked outside, then inside and also consulted to family businesses. She served as a founding board

member for the Institute for Family-Owned Business for 19 years and founding member of the Women’s and Next Generation affinity groups. She has been an active member of family business programs at the Wharton School, UNH, Northeastern University and The Family Firm Institute. As owner of Cole Cross Connections, LLC, Janet coaches the Next Generation, as they develop their own unique career plans.

Theresa Cloutier, DMM, Inc.

Theresa is a twenty-five year veteran in the field of direct marketing communications and is a principal and SVP of marketing and customer experience at DMM, Inc. in Scarborough. She is a second generation sibling partner

with her two brothers in a Family managed company her father founded over thirty years ago. Theresa has a BA in psychology and marketing from the University of Southern Maine and has a Master’s in educational psychology from Boston College. She is also a graduate of USM’s FastTrack Program for entrepreneurs. Theresa serves on the board of the New England Direct Marketing Association and is also a member of the FFI Institute, Print On Demand Initiative and the Printing Industries of New England. She resides in Scarborough with her two children and enjoys the outdoors, photography and her two cats.

John Peters, Eaton Peabody Consulting Group

John Peters has a long and distinguished history in Maine business, including being a key member of the management team for the family-owned Downeast Energy Corporation for 30 years, serving as its President for the last 10 years.

John managed the recent sale of Downeast and stayed for a year after the sale. John has extensive experience in all facets of business including: management consulting, business succession planning, management of family owned businesses, estate planning assistance for small business owners, energy markets and acquisitions.

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Harry Fraser, Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Harry G. Fraser manages Johnny’s Selected Seeds, an employee-owned seed producer and merchant headquartered in Maine. In addition to his leadership role at Johnny’s, Harry is also President of The H.G. Fraser Group, a management consulting firm specializing in helping family businesses move to the next level. Prior to his association with Johnny’s, he was the Chief Executive Officer for Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers and previously served as the manager of Digital Equipment Corporation’s Augusta manufacturing division, an $800M business segment.

Harry holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Husson University, a MBA from the University of Southern Maine and is a Certified Business Valuation Analyst. He has a passion for family owned businesses and is on the Board of Advisors for a number of family owned businesses in Maine and Massachusetts. He is the past chair of the Institute for Family Owned Businesses and speaks regularly at various family business events on succession planning, board of advisor development, and strategic planning for family businesses.

Testimonials

“Working in a family business is unique.

Sharing these experiences through the

institute can help others as they manage

the issues of family and business.”

- Tim Hussey, CEO of Hussey Seating

“Family-owned businesses are one of the

driving factors in the Maine economy.

Having the institute as a resource for

family businesses in Maine helps these

businesses succeed and prosper.”

- Maddy Corson, AMG Associates

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Contact Us

Institute for Family-Owned Business

Catherine Wygant Fossett

Executive Director

P.O. Box 3364

Portland, ME 04104

207.798.2667

catherine@fambusiness.org

Media Inquiries:

Angie Helton

Northeast Media Associates

207.653.0365

nema@maine.rr.com

For more information about programs,

upcoming events, membership, sponsorship

or other opportunities, please contact: