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DevelopME Lunch & Learn – Staying above Water: Navigating the Impacts of Flooding and Sea Level Rise on Real Estate Development

Dec 6, 2024 | Events

3 pictures of flooding, courtesy of SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

January 15, 2025 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Lunch: 11:30-12:00 pm
Program: 12:00-1:00 pm

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

Location: 
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

About the Event:

Flooding is one of the nation’s most costly natural hazards, but—despite the risks—construction continues to increase in flood-prone areas. Sea level rise and increased precipitation associated with climate change increase the frequency and severity of coastal and riverine flooding. Even buildings far from the waterfront can be subject to local or urban flooding. Careful planning and design can help reduce the risk of flood damage and minimize the business interruption caused by flood events. In this lunch & learn, we will help attendees understand flood hazards and share options for improving building resistance to flood damage to enhance community resilience. We will summarize the various types of flood hazards, discuss strategies for designing flood damage-resistant buildings, and explore various approaches to flood mitigation.

Meet our Presenters:

Matthew Gilbertson | Senior Technical Manager, SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

Matt Gilbertson has diverse experience designing, investigating, and rehabilitating building and non-building structures. He specializes in evaluating flood hazards and designing structures to mitigate flood risk. His projects include designing buildings subject to flooding, evaluating existing facilities for flood risk, designing flood mitigation measures, and consulting on regulatory flood requirements. Matt is a member of Flood Load and Future Conditions subcommittees for ASCE 7-28, “Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” and the committee for ASCE 24-24, “Flood Resistant Design and Construction.”

Casey Stevenson | Project Director, SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

Casey Stevenson has extensive experience in industrial building and non-building structures, rehabilitation of existing structures, construction engineering, and assessment of structures for flood hazards. He excels in managing complex technical projects and leading multi-disciplinary teams, always striving for collaborative solutions. He specializes in the design and behavior of steel and concrete structures, large equipment supports and foundations, and industrial facilities. His leadership fosters cooperation and design integration, leading to innovative outcomes that exceed client expectations. Committed to advancing the field, his expertise and dedication make him a trusted advisor for complex engineering challenges.

Moderating the program is MEREDA Board Member and co-chair of DevelopME, Gwen Hulit is a Mortgage Loan Officer with U.S. Bank, with lending capabilities in all 50 states. She originates residential mortgages on properties ranging from 1-4 units as primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. Gwen is the Co-Chair of MEREDA’s DevelopME committee and is active with the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute. Gwen lives in her hometown of Falmouth with her husband and daughter.

Ticket Prices:
Member: $35 | Non-Member: $45
Prices increase by $10 after January 8.

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 8. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after January 8.

Register HERE!

EVENT PARKING:  Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. You can pre-register for your parking session or do it upon arrival. To avoid a parking citation, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking.  You can also pre-schedule your session.  

Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

By purchasing these tickets, you confirm that you have read and understand the Event Parking information provided by the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center above.

This event in Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

Coming Up Next Month

October

McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

thu15oct8:30 am10:00 amMorning Menu - Understanding Maine’s Economy: Statewide Drivers and Local Impact8:30 am - 10:00 am McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success, 35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Event Details

October 15, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 amBuffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 amProgram: 9:00-10:00 am Location:McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center35

Event Details

October 15, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am

Location:
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

About the Event:

Understanding Maine’s Economy: Statewide Drivers and Local Impact 

Join MEREDA for a data-driven breakfast conversation on Maine’s economic outlook, with a focused lens on the Greater Portland region. This panel will bring together leaders in economic development, finance, healthcare, and higher education to explore the forces shaping Maine’s economy.

The discussion will open with a statewide economic snapshot, highlighting key trends in workforce, population, industry growth, and investment. Panelists will then connect those trends to regional impacts, including business expansion, housing demand, healthcare employment, and commercial development in the Portland area.

A central theme of the conversation will be workforce and talent — from recruitment and retention challenges to education-to-employment pipelines and cross-sector collaboration. Panelists will also examine economic development and investment, including access to capital, and infrastructure readiness.

Attendees will gain insight into how statewide economic conditions intersect with local opportunities, and how collaboration across sectors can support sustainable growth for communities throughout Maine.

Confirmed Speakers:  Peter DelGreco, Maine & Co., Amanda Rector, Maine State Economist, Guy Hudson, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Light Health, Daniel Walsh, President & Chief Executive Officer at Norway Savings Bank, and Jason Harkins, Maine Business School, as the moderator.

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by October 8. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend, or who cancels after October 8. 

Prices increase by $10 after October 8.

Thank you to our Breakfast Series Sponsor:

Norway Savings Bank Transparent Logo 2

Time

October 15, 2026 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Location

McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success

35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Register Here

Price $45.00

How many tickets? -1 +

Total Price $45.00

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Parking

Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. You can pre-register for your parking session or do it upon arrival. Commit your license number to memory!  You’ll need it to complete your parking session.  To avoid a parking citation, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking. 

Parking Instructions (PDF)

Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.
Hollywood Casino500 Main Street, Bangor, ME

wed28oct8:30 am10:00 amMorning Menu: Powering Maine’s Future: Energy, Economic Development & Business Growth8:30 am - 10:00 am Hollywood Casino, 500 Main Street, Bangor, ME

Event Details

October 28, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 am Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am Program: 9:00-10:00 am Location: Hollywood Casino 500 Main Street,

Event Details

October 28, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am

Location:
Hollywood Casino
500 Main Street, Bangor, ME

About the Event:

Maine’s evolving energy landscape has significant implications for businesses, communities, and economic development across the state. From growing energy demands and infrastructure needs to affordability, reliability, and opportunities for future investment, energy will continue to play an important role in Maine’s ability to compete and grow.

Join MEREDA for a timely discussion bringing together leaders from the utility, business, and energy sectors to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead. Panelists will discuss how Maine’s energy needs are changing, what businesses and communities should be preparing for, and how energy policy and infrastructure can support continued economic development.

The conversation will feature Erica Young of Versant Power and Patrick Woodcock of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, with an additional panelist to be announced. Charlie Summers of the Maine Energy Marketers Association will moderate the discussion.

The program will offer perspectives from across Maine’s energy and business community while providing attendees with a better understanding of the issues shaping investment, development, and growth throughout the state.

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by October 21. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend, or who cancels after October 21.  Prices increase by $10 after October 21.

Interested in participating as a sponsor?
Contact us today or view the sponsorship benefits here.

 

102826 Bangor Breakfast Sponsors

Time

October 28, 2026 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Location

Hollywood Casino

500 Main Street, Bangor, ME

Register Here

Price $55.00

How many tickets? -1 +

Total Price $55.00

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Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org

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