FEATURED PROGRAM
25th Annual Maine Family Business Awards
October 08, 2025
Join us!
Parking onsite is available. The Thompson’s Point campus is pay to park. Parking is $2 per an hour and can be paid via kiosk or the passport app by selecting zone 1213.
Join the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) for the 2025 Maine Family Business Awards (MFBA) (hybrid in-person and remote option). It’s our largest fundraiser of the year and we’ll have a new trade show to showcase your products, amazing networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and the awards show.
Now in its 25th 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 tables with a “showcase” space during networking.. Inquire at Catherine@fambusiness.org.
Our 2025 Guest Speakers:
Matt Nielson
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc.,
Matt Nielsen is a third-generation owner and executive for Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc., Managing Director of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International LLC and Managing Director of Nielsen Real Estate BV. The company’s headquarters is in Waukegan, Illinois with manufacturing facilities in Waukegan, Illinois and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
His responsibilities include overseeing the company’s Strategic Initiatives. For 20+ years Matt also had responsibility for the company’s worldwide operations and retail and foodservice sales.
Matt is a graduate of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and holds a Certificate of Professional Achievement in Family Business Leadership and Governance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, Illinois.
He is currently a Director for Nielsen-Massey Vanillas; Director for Graziano Brothers; Vice President – Treasurer and Director of the Nielsen-Massey Foundation; Treasurer and Director of the Specialty Food Foundation; Director of The French Pastry School’s Curriculum Advisory Board; and a member of the Loyola University Family Business Center.
He is a past Director and Officer of the Specialty Food Association; the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing; and an advisor for three specialty food startup companies – Droga Chocolates, Rare Bird Preserves and Two Fold.
Matt lives in Lake Bluff, Illinois with his wife, Amy, and their son, Tyler. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, riding his motorcycle and cooking, particularly authentic, competition BBQ.
Our 2025 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
*We do not issue printed tickets. Please check-in at the registration desk upon arrival to receive your name tag(s).
Let’s Do Business Together!
Get in touch with us via phone, email, or online contact form, and we’ll be in touch to discuss the ways in which we can work together.
P.O. Box 3364
Portland, Maine 04104 USA