MaineStreet Business Building

Maine's Tree Species & Future Trends
2024-10-15 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online via Zoom
Can you see the trees through the forest? In, Maine’s Tree Species: A Field Guide to Identification and Uses, you’ll join an in-depth exploration of Maine’s diverse tree species, from pine and spruce to oak and maple. Learn how to identify them and discover their various applications in industry and culture. This workshop will feature Jim Ferrante, Maine Forest Service District Forester.
Then, in Future Trends in Maine’s Tree Species: Climate Change and Adaptation, we’ll investigate how climate change impacts Maine’s tree species and how the forest products industry is adapting. We will discuss strategies for sustainable tree management in a changing environment.

Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take The Business of Maine’s Forest Product Sector for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form

Maine's Forest Landscape & Timber Talk
2024-10-08 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
In Maine’s Forest Landscape, you’ll learn about the ownership of Maine’s forests, the tree mix across the state, how the state’s forests are mapped out, and the history of mills and industrial influences. This workshop will feature Ken Laustsen, retired state biometrician for the Maine Forest Service.
Then, in Timber Talk: Demystifying Industry Jargon, you’ll learn the specialized terminology used in Maine’s forest products sector. From terms like “cordwood” to “merchantable timber,” we’ll break it down and make it accessible. This workshop will feature Sean Horan, Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry Professional & Shane O’Neill, the Forest Industry Business Development Manager at the University of Maine.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take The Business of Maine’s Forest Product Sector for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form

Maine's Forest Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Business Opportunities
2024-10-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
In the kickoff session of The Business of Maine’s Forest Product Sector course, we’ll explore the entrepreneurial landscape in Maine’s forest products sector. You’ll hear about value-added opportunities that are happening now and learn how to identify and seize new business ventures. To get us started, Erica Watson, Senior Program Director Education & Workforce from Maine Development Foundation will provide insight into the current state of the forest products sector, taking us through the kinds of opportunities available and the forecast for the future.
Then, we’ll hear from Anthony Durante, who is the Director of New Ventures at the University of Maine. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing strategies, initiatives, and programs that advance the commercialization of innovations developed within the University of Maine System and partner research organizations.
His previous roles in the entrepreneurial ecosystem include being the Manager of Entrepreneurial Support for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he managed Ben Franklin TechVentures, a technology-focused business incubator. Before that, Anthony was the Program Manager for the Allentown Economic Development Corporation, where he managed the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, a manufacturing business incubator.
Lastly, we’ll hear from Tom Fox, who founded Fox Forestry in 1996 while studying at UMaine. Prior to UMaine, Tom studied Forest Technology at Paul Smith’s College in New York. Tom developed his business for nearly 3 decades based on the needs of customers and changing regulations, while finding his niche of products and services to set his business apart from others.
Sign up to attend this workshop
Want to take The Business of Maine’s Forest Product Sector for college credit? Complete MSBB’s Registration Form and WCCC’s Enrollment Form

Business After Hours
2024-09-05 17:00 - 19:00 | MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
We are hosting a Business After Hours on September 5th, 2024 from 5pm – 7pm at the Main Street Business Building. The Main Street Business Building is located at 19 Main St, Machias, ME 04654. Please park at the lower parking lot behind Main St. We will be offering non-alcoholic refreshments and finger foods. There will be tours of the facility throughout the evening. We will be hearing from local businesses that have been impacted by the services we offer at Sunrise County Economic Council and local resource providers in the area. There will also be networking between businesses.

There will be tours throughout the evening
5pm -5:30pm: Networking and refreshments
5:30pm: Listening to success stories and the services of the SCEC’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship department
6:15pm: Introducing the Resource Providers and hear what services they provide
6:45pm: Closing remarks from the Executive Director of SCEC

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Drop-In Hours (Eastport)
2024-08-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Peavey Memorial Library, 26 Water Street, Eastport, ME, United States
Team members from Sunrise County Economic Council’s (SCEC) Small Business & Entrepreneurship team, along with representatives from CareerCenter, will be at Peavey Memorial Library, 26 Water Street, Eastport, for drop-in hours on August 28th. SCEC staff will be available from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and CareerCenter staff will be there from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Be sure to stop by – we’re here to listen, support, and connect with you.
See updates on our Facebook Event page!

Listening Session with Businesses and Employers
2024-08-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Online via Zoom
The Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Network and Maine Recovery Advocacy Project (ME-RAP) invite you to a vital conversation that can shape the future of our community.
Each summer, ME-RAP conducts listening sessions across Maine to hear directly from those with lived or living experience of substance use, mental health challenges, incarceration, and homelessness. These sessions are the foundation of their work, helping to set priorities both within the community and at the Maine State Legislature.

This year, RFW is proud to partner with ME-RAP to host a listening session specifically for Employers & Businesses. This is your chance to share insights and identify the most pressing issues facing our community. As an employer or business leader, your input is essential in guiding efforts to create healthier, more resilient workplaces in Washington County and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Join us in shaping a healthier, more inclusive community for all.

Building Your Financial Future: Navigating College, Business and Careers
2024-08-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
Join us for an informative and interactive event designed to help you build a strong financial future! Whether you’re navigating college, exploring entrepreneurship, seeking employment, or looking to enhance your financial literacy, this event has something for everyone.

Event Highlights:
• Training Planning: Learn about FAFSA, college applications, and more.• Business & Entrepreneurship: Explore small business and entrepreneurship opportunities.• Employment: Get tips and resources for job searching.• Education & Training: Discover training programs, scholarships, and providers.• Financial Literacy: Gain insight into budgeting, savings, and goal setting.• Resources: Access a variety of resources to help you succeed.

Event Perks:
• MEOC will be providing $20 gift cards for FAFSA completion (while supplies last).• Exciting door prizes up for grabs!• Enjoy snacks and refreshments throughout the event.• Access a plethora of resources to support your journey.
Don’t miss out on this chance to invest in your future. Invite your friends, and let’s build a brighter tomorrow together!

Washington County’s Working Waterfront
2024-08-12 10:30 - 12:00 | UMM Science 102
Washington County’s Working Waterfront
August 12, 10:30 am-12 pm
Umm Science 102 & via Zoom
Organized by Sunrise Senior College
Over the past decade, many changes have occurred at working waterfronts. Join us in finding out about the importance of lobster fishing in Washington County, upcoming regulations around this industry and what the impacts may be from this. We will also learn about the ways in which the people of these working waterfronts can diversify their business interests and therefore increase their resilience both as a business and as a community.
Presenters: Amanda Smith and Dodie Emerson are Business Advisors with Sunrise County Economic Council and work directly within the Working Waterfront community to assist with fostering its vitality.
Register for this event here

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Drop-In Hours
2024-08-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Peabody Memorial Library, 162 Main Street, Jonesport, ME, United States
Don’t miss our community outreach event at Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport on Thursday, August 8th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM! Come to the library at 162 Main Street, Jonesport, and chat with team members from Sunrise County Economic Council. See you there!
For updates, please follow our Facebook event page!
