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Call us:
1-800-123-4567

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(207) 874-0801
info@mereda.org
6 City Center, 3rd Floor, Portland, ME

February 26, 2024 at 8:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Unhoused Population and Impacts on Commercial Real Estate in Bangor

MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Unhoused Population and Impacts on Commercial Real Estate in Bangor

April 9, 2024 – 8:00 – 9:30 AM
Buffet Breakfast: 8:00-8:30 am
Program: 8:30-9:30 am

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

LOCATION
Bangor Savings Bank
11 Hamlin Way, Bangor, ME

About the Event:

Bangor is facing a pressing challenge – addressing the impact of substance use disorder and the unhoused population on commercial real estate. Our goal is to bring together a diverse range of perspectives to foster open and honest dialogue, compassion, and innovative solutions.

Please join MEREDA for an engaging breakfast discussion on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Bangor Savings Bank located at 11 Hamlin Way, Bangor.

Parking is available in the 11 Hamlin Way garage.  Please use entrance on Summer Street.

Our presenters include:

Bob Montgomery-Rice, President, Bangor Savings Bank who will speak to the challenges of lack of workforce housing and business in this area

Cara Pelletier, current council chair, will provide valuable insights into the city’s standpoint on the issue.

Housing Developer, Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative will share experiences and potential solutions from a housing development perspective.

Jon Pottle, attorney at Eaton Peabody, is the City of Brewer and other municipalities’ attorney, bringing legal insights to the discussion.

Bev Uhlenhake, Managing Broker at Maine Commercial Realty will moderate the day’s discussion.

Our aim is to create a platform for meaningful discussion, focusing on the intersection of government, real estate, and solutions. By collaborating and learning from various perspectives, we hope to identify viable solutions to address the challenges posed by substance use disorder and the unhoused population in Bangor.

Secure your spot at this important event. We look forward to your participation and contribution to this vital conversation.

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by April 2. 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 April 2.

Ticket Prices:
Members: $25 each | Non-Members: $35 each
Prices increase by $10 after April 2.

This event is Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, City of Bangor, and Haley Ward.

February 13, 2024 at 6:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA Leaps into 2024 with an Updated Forecast Conference

MEREDA Leaps into 2024 with an Updated Forecast Conference

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, leaders from across Maine’s real estate industry will gather for the Maine Real Estate & Development Association’s (MEREDA’s) Forecast Conference and Member Showcase. This annual event will take place at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. This year, the conference has a new afternoon format to go beyond just reporting the numbers and instead provide a forum for dynamic discussions on Maine’s economy and the responsible development opportunities in the state. As always, MEREDA’s Forecast Conference brings together some of the best minds in the state to talk about trends, predictions, and solutions for some of our most pressing problems.

“MEREDA’s Forecast Conference provides an opportunity to connect with people and ideas,” says MEREDA President Craig Young. “It’s a day where we get to see colleagues from around the state and across various industries and also learn about the innovative ways people are pursuing responsible development. I’m looking forward to our new afternoon format which I think will help facilitate deeper conversations among our members.”

MEREDA’s Annual Forecast Conference is geared towards builders, developers, brokers, attorneys, architects, engineers, municipal leaders, bankers, and accountants, to name a few. Continuing Education credits will be available. Along with presentations from real estate leaders across various sectors and remarks on Innovating Maine’s Future with Dr. Habib Dagher, Executive Director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, the conference will also include a member showcase with exhibitions from over 60 local businesses. MEREDA’s mission is to promote responsible development in the state of Maine and is committed to providing opportunities for people to learn and connect with other industry professionals.

MEREDA’s Forecast Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn By the Bay on February 29 from 8am to 5pm, with the program beginning at 10am. Registration is available at MEREDA.org. Event sponsors include, TD Bank, Landry/French Construction, Mainebiz, The Downs managed by Maine Properties LLC, Ready Capital, Perkins Thompson, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Belfor Property Restoration, City of Bangor, Pierce Atwood, Sebago Technics, St.Germain, and United Insurance.

February 6, 2024 at 10:00 am · · Comments Off on Listen Up! The February 2024 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

Listen Up! The February 2024 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

A Thoughtful Conversation with Rebecca Hatfield, President & CEO of Avesta Housing, and Ed Gardner, Broker/Owner of Gardner Real Estate Group

Rebecca Hatfield, President & CEO of Avesta Housing, and Ed Gardner Broker/Owner of Gardner Real Estate Group, sit down with MEREDA President Craig Young and MEREDA Vice President Shannon Richards for the fourteenth episode of MEREDA Matters – the podcast that puts you in the room with the people who are driving responsible development in Maine.

The group delves into an important topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and discusses what it means to them personally and professionally. Hatfield talks about her goal to lead by example and her efforts to make DEI a fundamental part of the culture at Avesta by meeting people where they are at. She also shares some of the challenges in the affordable housing world, such as Avesta receiving 9,000 applications for 350 available apartments. Gardner discusses his work with the Equality Community Center (ECC) and plans to create 54 affordable housing units for the 55+ community in the same building as ECC, an $18 million project they hope to break ground on this summer. The group goes on to discuss the complexities around financing affordable housing and what diversity looks like in Maine, both in the Greater Portland region and in rural areas. Gardner talks about what it was like for him to come out at age 15 as well as how he bought his first building in Portland at the age of 17. Hatfield also shares some of her personal experiences with discrimination, including when she was called names on the playground at five years old, and how she received hate letters recently after Avesta provided housing for new immigrants. The group goes on to look at some recent positive changes in Maine and what resources exist for people who would like to learn more about DEI.

Where is Rebecca Hatfield and Ed Gardner’s favorite place to grab a bite to eat? Listen to the episode to find out!

https://mereda-matters.simplecast.com/

Catch up on past episodes while you’re there!

 

The MEREDA Matters podcast is sponsored by NBT Bank and Landry French Construction. Additional sponsors include Bangor Savings Bank, Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and The Boulos Company. A new episode will be released each month and each will feature new voices from the real estate and development industry.

January 11, 2024 at 10:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s 2024 Forecast Conference & Member Showcase is on Feb. 29th!

MEREDA’s 2024 Forecast Conference & Member Showcase is on Feb. 29th!

February 29, 2024 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Back at the Holiday Inn By the Bay!
88 Spring Street
Portland, ME

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MEREDA’s Forecast Conference & Member Showcase is on February 29th at the Holiday Inn By the Bay with an Exciting New Format!

MEREDA is excited to bring you its annual Forecast Conference & Member Showcase – Live and In-Person – with a new afternoon format on a new date: February 29, 2024! Held at the refreshed Holiday Inn By the Bay, the 2024 Forecast Conference’s updated afternoon format will allow for attendees to choose between various presentations from industry experts. During registration, you will be asked to select three afternoon sessions. Session capacity will be limited and will vary by the size of each breakout room. We encourage you to register early to secure your preferred session(s).

Click here to view the new format.

About the Event: Each year, MEREDA assembles some of Maine’s top real estate leaders to provide the annual Economic Overview and Outlook on Maine’s economy, along with the popular Market Overview by property type which focuses on both Commercial and Residential Forecasts. This annual conference attracts professionals from Maine’s real estate, construction, finance, architecture, legal, engineering, tourism, and economic development communities. Attendees gain valuable insights on the state of the economy and what lies ahead in the coming months for the real estate industry.

Interested in Exhibiting and/or Sponsoring?

And don’t miss MEREDA’s Twentieth Annual Member Showcase with MEREDA Members exhibiting their products and services in front of the “who’s who” in commercial real estate. For two decades, the exhibition at MEREDA’s Forecast Conference has been an integral part of our annual event, providing a unique opportunity to network with MEREDA’s members. The registration process to secure an exhibition booth is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsoring a MEREDA event provides great exposure and is an excellent opportunity to showcase your company. Sponsorships provide high visibility on press releases, publications, social media mentions, the MEREDA website and signage at the event. You will receive complimentary tickets and be featured prominently in all of our promotional materials. Check out the Exhibiting and Sponsorship opportunities for this event here!

Now is the time to ensure your organization gets maximum exposure to this group of industry leaders. Reserve now to showcase your organization at the 2024 MEREDA Forecast Conference and Member Showcase!

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:
Application has been made for 4 hours by the Maine Real Estate Commission for In-Person Continuing Education Credits for Real Estate Licensees and Appraisers. Approval is pending.

Application has been made to the Maine Board of Overseers for In-Person Continuing Legal Education Credits. Approval is pending.

This course has been approved for 4 hours by AIA Maine for In-Person Continuing Education Credits for Architects.

 

Before you Purchase Your Tickets!  

Are you a MEREDA Cornerstone or Sustainer Level Member? Please remember that as part of your membership benefits, you are entitled to 5 and 2 (respectively) complimentary conference tickets. Please contact the MEREDA office at info@mereda.org to obtain your coupon code(s).

Register Now for Early Bird Pricing!  Prices will increase by $15 after February 22.

REFUND POLICY:  No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers but fails to attend or who cancels after February 22.

Register HERE!

 

This event is sponsored by TD Bank, Landry French Construction, Mainebiz, The Downs, Ready Capital, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Belfor Property Restoration, City of Bangor, Pierce Atwood, and Sebago Technics.

January 9, 2024 at 10:00 am · · Comments Off on Listen Up! The January 2024 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

Listen Up! The January 2024 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

A Conversation with Jeanne Hulit of Maine Community Bank and Steve deCastro of Gorham Savings Bank

Jeanne Hulit, President and CEO of Maine Community Bank, and Steve deCastro, President and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, sit down with MEREDA Board Member Josh Soley for the thirteenth episode of MEREDA Matters – the podcast that puts you in the room with the people who are driving responsible development in Maine.

Hulit and deCastro share how the recent merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank came together – an 18 month process that has resulted in a win-win for both banks. The group discusses some of the barriers to the merger process, the succession planning they have in place for bank leadership, and their focus on communication as a key strategy. Zooming in and sharing more details, Hulit and deCatstro review some of the opportunities for pricing synergies in the merger, such as how much the bank will need to spend on technology investments. The group goes on to talk about the difference between mutual savings banks and stock banks, as well as some of their predictions for the economy in 2024.

Hulit and deCastro also share a bit about their backgrounds and the paths that led both of them to the role of CEO.

https://mereda-matters.simplecast.com/

Catch up on past episodes while you’re there!

 

The MEREDA Matters podcast is sponsored by NBT Bank and Landry French Construction. Additional sponsors include Bangor Savings Bank, Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and The Boulos Company. A new episode will be released each month and each will feature new voices from the real estate and development industry.

December 21, 2023 at 8:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Housing the Unhoused and Asylum Seekers: Understanding the Complexities of Housing and Social Services

MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Housing the Unhoused and Asylum Seekers: Understanding the Complexities of Housing and Social Services

February 1, 2024 – 8:30 – 10:00 AM

Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

Seating Capacity: 110 – We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

NEW LOCATION!!

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

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. You must begin your digital parking session within 10 minutes of parking.  You can also pre-schedule your session.  Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

About the Event:  Join MEREDA on February 1st, 2024 at the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center, 35 Bedford Street, Portland, as our expert panelists engage in a thought-provoking conversation about Housing the Unhoused and Asylum Seekers. This discussion aims to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding how to provide housing and social services for those who are unhoused and seeking asylum.

Our panelists will share their insights and experiences from working in the field of housing and social services. They will delve into the various challenges and issues faced by the unhoused and asylum seekers, including how one developer has succeeded in developing and financing critically needed housing.

This is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding housing and social services for the unhoused and asylum seekers. We encourage you to join us and be a part of this insightful exploration.

Seating is limited. Register now to reserve your spot!

Presenters include:  

Kevin Bunker, Principal – Developers Collaborative

Greg Payne, Senior Advisor, Housing Policy – Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

Danielle West, City Manager – City of Portland.

MEREDA President, Craig Young of The Boulos Company will moderate the program.

Don’t forget, this breakfast will now run from  8:30 – 10:00 AM in an effort to accommodate those working around childcare and bus drop offs and pick ups.  

MEREDA’s Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 25. 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 25.

Ticket Prices:
Members: $45 each | Non-Members: $55 each
Prices increase by $10 after January 25.

Register HERE

This event is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

December 20, 2023 at 9:00 am · · Comments Off on DevelopME Committee’s Lunch & Learn Event – Tax Preparation and its Role in the Development Process

DevelopME Committee’s Lunch & Learn Event – Tax Preparation and its Role in the Development Process

January 17, 2024 – 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Program: 12:00 -1:00 pm

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

Seating Capacity: 110 – We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

NEW LOCATION!!

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

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. You must begin your digital parking session within 10 minutes of parking.  You can also pre-schedule your session.  Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

About the Event:

Join MEREDA’s Emerging Leaders Committee for its next Lunch & Learn Event!

In this fourth installment of the DevelopME series of panel discussions organized to understand the roles and responsibilities of professionals engaged in development projects, this session will cover a high-level overview of both tax strategy/implication and provide insight and legal considerations when structuring a real estate deal.

Meet our Presenters:

Jim Cardosi is a tax senior manager in Wipfli’s South Portland office and provides comprehensive tax services, with a focus on self-employed individuals and small businesses.

Jason Howe is a Partner in Preti Flaherty’s Corporate and M&A Practice Group and chair of the firm’s Real Estate and Finance Practice Group, practicing primarily out of the firm’s Portland office.

DevelopME Committee Co-chairs, Matt Pitzer of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and Gwen Hulit of US Bank will moderate the program.

Seating is limited. Register now to reserve your spot!

MEREDA’s Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 10. 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 10.

Ticket Prices:
Members: $35 each | Non-Members: $45 each
Prices increase by $10 after January 10.

Register HERE

Parking Note: 
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.

December 5, 2023 at 8:00 am · · Comments Off on Listen Up! The December 2023 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

Listen Up! The December 2023 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

A Conversation with Tom Watson and John Laliberte of Reveler and Port Properties Management

Tom Watson, Founder of Reveler and Port Properties Management, and John Laliberte, CEO of Reveler and Port Properties Management, sit down with MEREDA President Craig Young for the twelfth episode of MEREDA Matters – the podcast that puts you in the room with the people who are driving responsible development in Maine.

Watson shares how he got his start in real estate development with a four-unit building and talks about why, after earning degrees from Stanford and Boston University, he chose to be a sheet rocker in Boston. Watson goes on to discuss how buying The Metropolitan in downtown Portland in the late nineties was a turning point in his career, marking a shift into managing bigger buildings. Laliberte discusses his career trajectory as well, from professional hockey player to real estate, and talks about the Riverdam project, his first project with Watson.

The group goes on to talk about the evolution of Biddeford, how close to 50% of people renting their units are from out of state, and how renters are hungry for amenities in their buildings. Watson and Laliberte also share what is happening in the first phase of their West Bayside development project, which includes 201 affordable housing units.

What is Tom Watson’s favorite vacation spot? Listen to the episode to find out!

https://mereda-matters.simplecast.com/

Catch up on past episodes while you’re there!

 

The MEREDA Matters podcast is sponsored by NBT Bank and Landry French Construction. Additional sponsors include Bangor Savings Bank, Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and The Boulos Company. A new episode will be released each month and each will feature new voices from the real estate and development industry.

November 16, 2023 at 10:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Morning Menu: Harvesting the Future: Seaweed in Maine

MEREDA’s Morning Menu: Harvesting the Future: Seaweed in Maine

December 14, 2023 – 8:30 – 10:00 AM

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

Holiday Inn by the Bay – 88 Spring Street, Portland, ME

Buffet Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:00am Program: 9:00 – 10:00 am

About the Event:

Join MEREDA on December 14th at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland as our panelists discuss the rise of aquaculture in Maine and the growing significance of seaweed in commercial real estate.

Presenters include: 

Benjamin Whitney, Plant Manager at International Flavors & Fragrances

Sebastian Belle, Executive Director, Maine Aquaculture Association

Briana Warner, CEO, Atlantic Sea Farms

 

Don’t forget, this breakfast will now run from 8:30 – 10:00 AM in an effort to accommodate those working around childcare and bus drop offs and pick ups.

Cost: Members: $45.00 each | Non-Members: $55.00 each — Prices increase by $10 after December 7th.

Register HERE!

This event is sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

November 14, 2023 at 8:00 am · · Comments Off on Listen Up! The November 2023 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

Listen Up! The November 2023 Episode of the “MEREDA Matters” Podcast is Now Available!

A Legislative Update on Housing with Senator Matt Pouliot and Representative Traci Gere

Maine Senator Matt Pouliot of Augusta and House Representative Traci Gere of Kennebunk sit down with MEREDA President Craig Young and Pierce Atwood attorney and government relations’ advocate Elizabeth Frazier for the eleventh episode of MEREDA Matters – the podcast that puts you in the room with the people who are driving responsible development in Maine.

Both Senator Pouliot and Representative Gere serve on the Joint Select Committee on Housing. They provide an overview of the history and focus of the committee and discuss Maine’s dire need for housing – the state needs some 80,000 new units to be built in the next seven to ten years. The group discusses some of the solutions the Joint Select Committee is working on to reduce the barriers to housing creation and democratize development, such as a government program to map out sewer and water lines in the state, investment in training programs for the trades, and a bill to establish a process to vest rights for land use permits.

The conversation also includes an exploration of other creative ideas that will support the housing industry, including a program to identify vacant properties in the state and partnerships with the forest products industry to make innovative materials for building.

What are Senator Pouliot and Representative Gere’s favorite restaurants? Listen to the episode to find out!

https://mereda-matters.simplecast.com/

Catch up on past episodes while you’re there!

 

The MEREDA Matters podcast is sponsored by NBT Bank and Landry French Construction. Additional sponsors include Bangor Savings Bank, Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and The Boulos Company. A new episode will be released each month and each will feature new voices from the real estate and development industry.

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