MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Restaurant Apocalypse - NEW LOCATION
Event Details
December 18, 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. NEW LOCATION!
Event Details
December 18, 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.
NEW LOCATION!
Due to mechanical problems at the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center, this event has been relocated across the street to the Abromson Community Education Center’s Hannaford Hall, located at 88 Bedford Street. You will enter the Abromson Center through the attached Bedford Street parking garage and proceed to the lobby.
Hannaford Hall, Abromson Community Education Center
88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
About the Event:
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion focusing on the recent closure of 12 restaurants in Southern Maine over the past 12 weeks. This moderated session will feature restaurateurs sharing their insights and experiences regarding the challenges faced in our vibrant dining community.
Come be a part of this important conversation as we explore the factors behind these closures and discuss the future of the restaurant scene in Southern Maine.
Our presenters include Josh Miranda, owner and founder of the Miranda Group, Jay Villani, chef/owner of Local 188 & Salvage BBQ and co-owner of Black Cow Burgers & Fries, and Richard Pfeffer, co-owner of Gritty’s McDuff’s Brew Pub . The discussion will be moderated by Josh Soley, President of CORE.
Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by December 11. 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 December 11.
Prices increase by $10 after December 11.
Time
Location
Hannaford Hall - Abromson Community Education Center
88 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. 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. By purchasing these tickets, you confirm that you have read and understand the Event Parking information provided by the University of Southern Maine above.
Parking Instructions (PDF)
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Event Details
January 14, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 amBuffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 amProgram: 9:00-10:00 am Location: McGoldrick Career & Student Success
Event Details
January 14, 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
A Statewide Coalition Ready to Move Hearts, Minds, and Policy – Be in the room where Maine’s housing future is being shaped.
Join us for an energizing, don’t-miss morning with the leaders behind Build Homes, Build Community—the powerful new statewide coalition driving real momentum for pro-housing solutions. This is your chance for direct access, real conversation, and insider insight into the campaign that’s rapidly becoming one of the most influential forces in Maine’s housing landscape. With the Legislature preparing to vote on critical housing bills, the timing couldn’t be more urgent—or more exciting.
Come ready to learn:
• What this campaign is
• Who is leading it
• How you can play an active role in shaping housing policy statewide
Leave inspired, informed, and equipped to help Maine tackle its most pressing challenge.
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Why This Matters — Right Now
“Maine’s housing shortage undermines all our communities and our entire statewide economy,” says Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “This coalition is here to change Maine’s trajectory by implementing pragmatic solutions that unlock housing development and allow our communities—and our people—to thrive.”
Backed by respected statewide leaders including the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, MEREDA, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Portland Regional Chamber, Build Homes, Build Community is mobilizing Mainers to:
- Lower the cost of housing construction by reducing unnecessary regulations
- Encourage communities to welcome housing through targeted assistance
- Promote convenient connected communities where services are close and Mainers thrive
- Accelerate permit approvals at the local and state level
Supported by partners such as Lighthouse Credit Union, Kennebec Savings Bank, Zachau Construction, Westbrook Housing Development, Bangor Savings Bank, and many others, the campaign is gaining fast momentum.
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Panel Participants
• Bev Uhlenhake, Pierce Atwood (Moderator)
• Shannon Richards (Maine Real Estate & Development Association – MEREDA)
• Laura Mitchell (Maine Affordable Housing Coalition – MAHC)
• Patrick Woodcock (Maine State Chamber of Commerce)
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Join Us—Your Voice Matters
If you care about Maine’s future, its communities, or its economy, this is the conversation to be part of. Seats will go fast—say YES to housing and YES to being there.
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Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 7. 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 7.
Prices increase by $10 after January 7.
Thank you to our Breakfast Series Sponsor:
Time
Location
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
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)
Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org