UPCOMING / FEATURED EVENTS

24th Annual Maine Family Business Awards

October 29, 2024

5:30 p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Thompson's Point, Brick South Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102 and Virtual

24th Annual Maine Family Business Awards - IFOB 30 Year Celebration- $175 in-person; FREE virtually

Join us!

New location in 2024 at Thompson’s Point, Brick South!

Join the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) for the 2024 Maine Family Business Awards (MFBA) (hybrid in-person and remote option) and the largest fundraiser of the year.

Now in its 24th year of recognizing family businesses with the awards, we present them in partnership with MEMIC. Since its inception, more than 100 businesses have been recognized for various categories of excellence. Businesses are nominated by members of the public, submit an in depth application and judges score them to see if they make it from, semi-finalists, to finalists to possible winners! The winners will be announced LIVE – like the Oscars – at the awards!

One comment, may best capture the essence of the awards, and in many ways describes the Institute: “While applying for the awards, we discovered a lot about ourselves…and that alone made the effort worthwhile.”

The gala attracts family businesses large and small with an audience of over 500 (hybrid). The Maine Family Business Awards is a celebration that pays more than just recognition; it serves as a vehicle for networking and opening up all shades of possibilities for families seeking to grow their business.

Exciting sponsorship opportunities available including table “showcase” space during networking.. Inquire at Catherine@fambusiness.org.

Our 2024 Guest Speakers:

Robert “Bob” Crowley & Page Atherton
Winner of Survivor, 17^thSeason (Bob) and Owners, Maine Forest Yurts

In 2008, Bob was selected to compete on the reality TV show Survivor: Gabon and 39 days later he was voted the oldest winner in the show’s history. He also won the ‘Sprint Survivor of the Season’ which is voted by the fans for their favorite player. His knack for the outdoors and his wilderness survival skills allowed him to comfortably play the game of Survivor.

After Bob retired from teaching high school physics for 25 years, he started Maine Forest Yurts, which offers individuals, couples, families and groups an eco-friendly, camping experience where guests can connect with nature in the Maine outdoors.

Our 2024 Host:

Amanda Hill, Weeknight Anchor, NEWS CENTER Maine

The award-winning journalist grew up in Maine, and works hard to share the stories of Maine people. She studied Broadcast Television from both ends of the camera at Northern Vermont University, where she developed a background as a photographer, reporter, and anchor.

Unable to sit still for too long, Amanda also works in real estate, helping friends and family sell and buy their dream homes. She enjoys coffee, craft beer, dogs, and Vacationland.

About the MFBA:
The awards celebrate the accomplishments of small and large businesses that exemplify the following criteria:

· Business success
· Positive business and family linkages
· Contributions to the community and industry
· Family participation
· Work environment
· Communication
· Innovative business practices or strategies

Awards are presented in seven categories and will be announced LIVE at the gala:

· Renys Large Business Award (25 or more employees)
· Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award
· Horch Roofing First Generation Award
· M&T Bank Innovation & Technology Award
· Shep Lee Community Service Award
· Maddy Corson Small Business Award (fewer than 25 employees)
· Geiger Environmental Leadership Award