RETURN TO NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
Growing the Cooperative Economy: Tips and Strategies for Present and Future Cooperative Expansion in Maine
DATE: October 2023
TIME: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION: Zoom Webinar
Get Directions »
Please join the Cooperative Maine Business Alliance and Bernstein Shur for a joint webinar series to celebrate “Co-op Month” in October.
This webinar series is geared towards business owners, employees, community members, and others considering a co-op structure for their business or community, as well as those who currently operate a co-op.
SESSION DATES Wednesdays in October 2023
Spanish translation will be available for all sessions
Session 1 | Human Resources Best Practices for Your Growing Co-Op Business
Wednesday, October 11 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
During this session, the panelists will discuss best practices and policies in human resources for cooperative employees, managers, directors, and others as the cooperative business expands and adds more employees, with a focus on Maine law.
Panelists:
Tara Walker – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Labor & Employment
John Crane – General Manager, Portland Food Co-op
Session 2 | Strategies for New Co-Ops: Financing, Business Planning, and Growth
Wednesday, October 18 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
During this session, the panelists will discuss issues relevant to start-up co-ops, including issues related to business planning, entity formation, financing, and early growth.
Panelists:
Helen Coburn – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Business Law
Sarah Speare – Co-Founder/CEO, Tootie’s Tempeh, Inc.
Session 3 | Strategies for Planning and Financing Cooperative Expansions
Wednesday, October 25 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
During this session, the panelists will address strategies for existing cooperatives looking to plan and finance the expansion and growth of the business and their facilities, including examples from recent Maine co-ops that have completed their own expansion projects.
Panelists:
Chris Linder – Loan & Outreach Officer, Cooperative Fund of the NE
Adam Prescott – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Business Restructuring & Insolvency
Doug Johnson – General Manager, Belfast Community Co-op