PLEASE NOTE: To cancel, please call the Chamber 24 hours prior to the event to avoid being charged.

2026 Business Breakfast Series Schedule

January 8: Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Big Beautiful Bill Update. PretiFlaherty Attorney Andrew Wells willexplore the impacts of the Affordable Care Act and OBBA tax changes on your individual businesses as more details of these programs are outlined. Register to attend.

February 12: Creating Accessible Digital Content by Maine CITE.  Maine CITE Director Leilani Carlson will share how to create accessible social media content— posts, images and videos—that can be used by everyone, regardless of learning, physical, or vision limitations. Includes the new Web Content Accessibility Guidelines including making digital content also accessible to everyone, especially those with disabilities. Register to attend.

March 12: Encouraging Youth Engagement in the Workforce.  This presentation will consist of a panel addressing youth engagement in the workforce, through internships and other programs available. Presenters will include State of Maine Career Exploration Manager Karen Morin; Director of Apprenticeship & Strategic Partnerships, Maine Dept. of Labor, Joan Dolan, and President & CEO of Jobs for Maine Graduates, Craig Larrabee. Register to attend.

April 9: Artificial Intelligence: Practical AI for Real Business Growth. Shawn Packard of Red Claw Media will share everyday examples and demos of AI components that could be useful in your organization. He will show how to use existing tools in an interactive setting. Everyone knows that AI exists, but it could be better utilized in your individual business, helping promote growth with smart AI content. Register to attend.

May 7: How Will Changes in Paid Family Medical Leave and Other HR Changes Impact Your Business? CEO/ Owner of Career Management Associates, David Ciullo and Employment Attorney Peter Lowe, partner at Brann & Isaacson, with offer updates of the paid Family Medical Leave Act and additional HR law topics with impacts for your organization. Register to Attend.

September 10: From Stress to Success: Reimagining Performance & Development. Director of Talent, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for Bangor Savings Bank, David Pease, will explore how stress can be transformed from a barrier into a powerful signal for change in your organization. Integrating human-centered strategies like coaching, psychological safety and strengths-based development will foster environments where people thrive, not just survive. Attendees will leave with practical tools for performance conversations, reduction of burnout, and the building of cultures of belonging and resilience. Register to Attend.

October 1: Legislative Topic: TBD. Register to Attend.

November 12: Amplifying Your Brand Through Storytelling. MaineGeneral Health Chief Marketing & Comm. Officer, Nicole McSweeney, and Dir. of Marketing & Communications, Joy McKenna share how authentic storytelling helps to deepen your connection to customers, inspire loyalty and reinforce your company’s values. Learn about the impact of storytelling and how to find and share stories that can elevate your brand and reputation. Register to attend.

December 10: Employee Connections With Non-Profits Enhance Involvement. Central Maine Power Community Relations Manager, Greg Thompson will share tips on the importance of allowing employees to engage with non-profits. Employee satisfaction is enhanced when your employees feel involved, empowered and productive, often by assisting with non-profit projects and organizations. Register to Attend.

Cost Per Person: $28 for members, $34 at the door and non-members.

Thank you to our 2026 Business Breakfast Sponsors:

Each Business Breakfast is recorded and aired on Crossroads TV Channel 1301 at the following times and can also be screened by visiting www.crossroads-tv.com .

Thursdays-6:00 p.m.
Fridays-6:00 p.m.
Saturdays-9:00 a.m.
Sundays-10:00 a.m.
Mondays-6:00 a.m.

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Annual Sponsor of nine breakfasts:

• TV coverage: Local access on Crossroads TV – Channel 1301.
• Sponsors receive promotional recognition across a wide range of platforms, including press releases; Chamber email communications; outreach to CED students, traditional students, and alumni at Thomas College; event flyers and inserts; and articles in the Morning Sentinel promoting the Business Breakfast Series. Sponsors are also recognized in the Thomas College Magazine and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce InTouch newsletter with logo placement on all event registration materials featured in InTouch.
• Table display area is available for your literature at each breakfast.
• Recognition of sponsorship during introductions at the breakfast, as well as on the presentation screen during the breakfast with your logo.
• Web site promotion on Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce & Thomas College sites. Investment to sponsor individual breakfasts are also available, upon request.
  
  For more information, please contact: cindy@midmainechamber.com