2025 Fall Conference – October 23, 2025

Oct 10, 2025

Conference Agenda

2025 Fall Conference Electronic Handout (Includes agenda, bios, membership information, etc.)

Speaker Presentations
- State of the Nation's Housing: Dr. Christopher Herbert, Managing Director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies

Mid-Year Numbers: Kenneth J. Entenmann, Chief Investment Officer & Chief Economist, NBT Bank / NBT Wealth Management

Municipal Challenges Panel: Moderated Discussion led by Elizabeth Frazier, Partner, Pierce Atwood
- Panelists: Vanessa L. Farr, Haley Ward, Hope Eye, Eastern Maine Development Corp., Benjamin R.K. Breadmore, Town of Holden

Innovations in Housing Panel: Moderated Discussion led by Dr. Christopher Herbert, Managing Director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
- Panelists: Rebecca Hatfield, Hancock Lumber, Kyle Barker, Primary Projects, Chris Marshall, GreenMars

Coming Up Next Month

October

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 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:

Time

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

Location

McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success

35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Register Here

Choose your Ticket: Member or Non-Member?

Price $45.00

How many tickets? -1 +

Total Price $45.00

Calendar GoogleCal

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.

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, 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