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
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The Cooperative Maine Business Alliance and Bernstein Shur jointly hosted a 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.

Spanish translation is 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 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 1 Resources
Access Slide Deck Here
Access Webinar Recording Here – passcode: kK17*cr!
Use globe tool in the lower right to toggle between English and Spanish

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 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 2 Resources
Access Slide Deck Here
Access Webinar Recording Here – passcode *ZFe?4k4
Use globe tool in the lower right to toggle between English and Spanish

Session 3 | Strategies for Planning and Financing Cooperative Expansions
Wednesday, October 25 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

During this session, the panelists 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
Kevin Gadsby – General Manager, Blue Hill Co-op

Session 3 Resources
Access Slide Deck Here
Access Webinar Recording Here – passcode w3fJ42!3
Use globe tool in the lower right to toggle between English and Spanish

Provide feedback on the series HERE