MEREDA Names Michael O’Reilly as New President, Announces Slate of Officers

Michael O’Reilly, senior vice president in the Commercial Banking Group at Bangor Savings Bank, and the southern Maine team lead for the Commercial and Business Banking lenders is the new president of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association, a statewide organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers. 

MEREDA Announces Board Changes, Recognizes Retiring Directors

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) announces recent board changes. Retiring members include Eric Stauffer from Preti Flaherty, Geoff Gattis from Bath Savings Institution and Mark Malone from Malone Commercial Brokers, Inc. Joining the board to fill their seats are Timmi Paulson from Preti Flaherty, Theresa Hodge from Bath Savings Institution and Jennifer Small from Malone Commercial Brokers, Inc.

MEREDA Promotes Shelly R. Clark to Vice President of Operations

The board of directors of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Shelly R. Clark of  Portland to Vice President of Operations.

Clark has been with MEREDA since 1997.  As Vice President of Operations, she is responsible for managing all day-to-day operations, including coordinating educational programs, membership development and retention efforts, as well as marketing and communications.

MEREDA leads successful forum focused on ways Maine can become the best state for business

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association hosted a first-ever forum on May 20, bringing state leaders together to brainstorm about how to boost the state’s economy and make MaineRead More

Maine’s Real Estate Sector Rose 2.4% Over 2013

The real estate sector, a leading driver of Maine’s economy, rose 2.4% over last year according to the latest data from the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA). In its semi-annual report on the state of Maine’s real estate industry, the MEREDA Index, increased to 78. The increase in the Index is attributed to the overall increase in the real estate industry—specifically residential home sales, commercial transactions, occupancy rates and new construction jobs. This is the second consecutive increase in the Index since its inception.


“This third Press Release of the MEREDA Index shows signs of an improving real estate economy for the State,” said Drew Sigfridson, President of MEREDA and Managing Director with CBRE | The Boulos Company. “With the health of the economy directly tied to our industry we can be optimistic about the future and that we’ve turned the corner.”

Awards on Tap for Maine’s Best Commercial Development Projects

As the new construction season is upon us, The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) will recognize last year’s most notable commercial development projects at its annual spring conference titled “50th to 1st: Ingredients of a Successful Economic Development Plan” on Tuesday, May 20 in Portland.

All of the projects not only embody MEREDA’s belief in responsible development, but also involved a significant investment of resources and job creation state-wide. Each project was completed in 2013 and all are fully tenanted. Projects were selected based upon criteria including environmental sustainability, economic impact, energy efficiency, social impact and job creation.

MEREDA’s 2nd Annual “Strikes for Scholars” Fundraising Event a Huge Success!

On May 1, MEREDA hosted its second annual "Strikes for Scholars" Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event at Bayside Bowl in Portland and raised over $10,000!  After expenses, we have $7,000 to share with the Maine Community College System, with $1,000 going to each of the 7 schools throughout the state!  

First-Ever Forum Set on Maine’s Status as Last Place for Business

Heads rolled recently when Forbes Magazine listed Maine as the worst state in which to do business. But, until now, public and private leaders from the business, real estate, and municipal realms had yet to meet or collaborate on the topic. Today, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) announced that it will host a forum on May 20th, in Portland, to discuss this very issue. The event will be a gathering of Maine’s top professionals and will focus on the ingredients of creating a successful economic development plan.

“Maine’s economy is showing signs of growth, but we want to build on current momentum and ensure it is sustainable and more robust,” said Drew Sigfridson, president of MEREDA in making the event announcement. “Attendees will gain new insights and have a unique opportunity to take part in ongoing dialogue that MEREDA is having with policymakers to build a successful economic plan for the state.”

Renowned economist Alan Hall will serve as keynote, while well-known Mainer Andrea Cianchette Maker will facilitate a conversation with panelists and attendees on how Maine might be able to catapult to the top of the list.

Hall is a business leader from Utah, which is the state that Forbes ranked at the top of its list, completely opposite from Maine’s ranked status. Hall will discuss the similarities and differences between Maine and Utah, as well as provide suggestions on how Maine can advance its ranking.

A panel of Maine leaders will seek to synthesize Hall’s advice, identify Maine’s strengths and opportunities and provide ideas to advance its economy. Maker will encourage audience participation, and has been tapped with bringing feedback to Maine’s top elected and appointed officials.

Sports Celebrity Guest Announced for MEREDA Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser

Two-time NBA Champion, and NBA MVP, former Boston Celtic, David Cowens, will appear at Maine Real Estate & Development Association’s (MEREDA’s) “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event on May 1, 2014!

Many thanks to AAA Energy Service Co. for securing such a heralded past NBA player.  (In 1996, David was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History!) David will be going team to team for handshakes, hellos and photos.  David will also be at the Silent Auction table helping inspire bids to raise more money for this fundraising event!

MEREDA to Award $7000 to Maine Students enrolled in the Maine Community College System

MEREDA is proud to sponsor its Second Annual Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event at Bayside Bowl in Portland on May 1, 2014. “Strikes for Scholars” will support scholarships for students enrolled in building trades, architecture, engineering, construction, and business programs at Maine’s community colleges.