CEO, Gifford's Famous Ice Cream

President and CEO, The MEMIC Group

Chris Wasileski
Director of Development,
Sea Coast Management Company

David Nemi
Sales and Marketing Manager,
Franklin Printing

Sadie Hammond
Director of Organizational Development,
Hammond Lumber Company

"I feel as though our group all relates so well and I enjoy picking their brains and talking about common issues that we all face." - Dottie Chalmers Cutter, Vice President of Operations, Chalmers Insurance Group

"This morning's conference was great! It was a wide range of participants on the panels and that was a great way to hear a wide view of options and ideas from the panelists!  Kevin Hancock gets my vote for most open, honest and helpful answers to questions. He was outstanding and his thoughts today were very heartfelt and honest. Take away the layers of 'facade' and discuss the truth of what it's like and how you face the issuers."
- Janet Cole Cross, Career Coach, Cole Cross Connections, LLC

"Family-owned businesses are one of the driving factors in the Maine Economy. Having the Institute as a resource for family businesses in Maine helps these businesses succeed and prosper."
- Maddy Corson, AMG Associates

“Thank you so much for inviting TapSnap to your Summerfest event and to everyone who stopped by the kiosk to have some fun! You all did such an amazing job with this event! Catherine, you are a delight to know and an inspiring leader. Cindy and I look forward to being members of this organization.”
- Pamela Dube, Owner, TAPSNAP1076

"Thank you so much for having me! I learned so much in that one Women in Family Business event and have already been implementing my power pose, digital detoxing, active listening, and really trying to make that personal connection with everyone I meet!"
- Katherine Gifford, Account Manager, iBec Creative

"Thank you for the honor of being nominated and receiving the award from IFOB.   We wished we had joined IFOB sooner and not because of the award or the nomination but because of what we heard at our table at the awards night and from other members that we met and other award recipients.  One of the owners of Blue Elephant Events and Catering said it is a place where real life situations are expressed and folks can bring both their crisis, challenges, triumphs, and family members all in an understanding atmosphere.  As we are experiencing a very dynamic change in our business, this was exactly the comforting words that we needed to hear. We joined IFOB because we are so curious to participate or just listen to the other businesses and hear how they get up and do the drill every day, find the passion when the candle is out, handle an HR problem that feels overwhelming, a family illness, whatever the challenge, a celebration, thank you for giving us a place to belong."
- Maureen, Steve & Nate Hassett, Custom Composite Technologies

"I attend a fair amount of networking events. This Women in Family Business was one of the best I've ever been to! I'm a big fan of the speaker, Susan Dench anyway, but wanted you to know I loved the energy and what we learned!"
- Kimberley C. Kalicky, Assistant Vice President - Operations, R.M. Davis, Inc.

"Anyone involved with a family-owned business would benefit by being a member of the IFOB. You will meet other family business owners who have had many of the same challenges. And you will find the right expertise to successfully guide you and the development of your company."
- Adam Lee, Chairman, Lee Auto Malls

"Through this program I met some amazing women and learned some valuable golf skills, all while having fun!"
- Sabrina Link, MEMIC

"The Family Business Forum Event on Wednesday was awesome in every respect. Networking, learning, connecting... loved it. Great job!"
- Paula Mahony, Marketing Strategist, Words@Work

"I had such a fun time playing golf and getting to know other professional women locally. The instructors were great, and willing to adapt to what we wanted to do."
- Shauna Miller, TD Bank

“We love being part of this supportive group. The events have been fantastic, and so informative. I could’ve spent all day listening to Tawny and Deb!”
- Jennifer Nemi, Business Development Manager, Franklin Printing

"I enjoyed 'remoting' in to the program very much! I just love technology! It’s nice to actually be there when you can, but that’s not always convenient and this sure is a great alternative."
- Denise Pepin, R. Pepin & Sons Inc.

"Due to time issues, I typically gravitate towards webinars for information. I was delighted to learn that the Institute for Small-Family Business offered remote access for their seminars. It was far easier to join than a webinar and the visual and audio was very good. Well worth my time and the investment."
- Sage Peterson, CEO, Canuvo, Inc.

“Being a part of the IFOB has been a huge resource for me and my personal professional growth and also for Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream. I know I will take at least one piece of information that I can relay to the rest of my family from every program/event that I attend! With IFOB, the networking opportunities and knowledge base are SPECTACULAR!” 
- Lindsay Skilling, CEO, Gifford's Famous Ice Cream

"FYI our staff absolutely loved the HR program this week! They were both excited at what and how much they both got out of it!! Just wanted to share their feedback!"
-  Lindsay Skilling, CEO, Gifford's Famous Ice Cream