Northeast CanAm Connections - Commissioner David Cole
Coming Up Next Month
October
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:
Time
October 15, 2026 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
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)
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.
Time
October 28, 2026 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
Hollywood Casino
500 Main Street, Bangor, ME
Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org