2020 Goals
By cultivating small businesses, local partnerships and smart federal and state policies, CEI lifts up rural economies and strengthens communities. In addition to providing loans, investments and business advice to over 2,000 business owners each year, CEI focuses on three strategic areas to advance its mission and impact:
- Promote Good Jobs: CEI offers one-on-one business coaching and advocates for policies that support living wages, basic benefits and a fair and engaging workplace for all workers.
- Grow Environmentally Sustainable Enterprises: CEI is a passionate supporter of renewable energy businesses and projects that are creating opportunities in rural and low-income communities. We provide financing to a range of green businesses and advocate for policy changes that support the growth and development of renewable technologies.
- Support more broadly Shared Prosperity: CEI provides housing counseling and financial training for individuals and families, recognizing that building assets and managing debt, as well as a good job, are key ingredients for family financial security
Fundraising events/Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available for CEI’s Annual Celebration and CEI-hosted workshops and events year-round for small business owners, women entrepreneurs, aquaculturists, and food and beverage businesses. For more information, please contact leah.thibault@ceimaine.org.
Giving Opportunities
CEI is grateful for the donors, investors and funders who advance our mission. Through your support, we lend to and invest in businesses and community organizations; provide comprehensive business advice; work closely with entrepreneurs to solve operational, workforce and environmental challenges; counsel homeowners and home buyers; coach individuals and families on financial management skills; and advocate for pragmatic policies that boost economic development and community revitalization.
Help us build an economy that works for everyone!
- Donate online via ceimaine.org/investing/donate.
- Sign up for our monthly enewsletter at ceimaine.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for dedicated individuals to serve on the boards of CEI and its subsidiaries. If you are interested in serving on one of our boards, contact jennifer.kanwit@ceimaine.org.
Leadership
Board officers
Christa Velasquez: Board Chair Professor, University of Chicago
Susan Hammond: Board Vice Chair Executive Director, Four Directions Development Corporation
Board Members
Angela Butler: Senior Vice President, Commercial Services Officer, Katahdin Trust Company
Josh Davis: Co-Founder & CEO, Gelato Fiasco
John Dorrer: Independent Consultant, Workforce Development Economics
Catherine Godschalk: Vice President, Investments, Calvert Impact Capital
Karin Gregory: General Partner, Blue Highway Capital
Scott Kenney: Senior Vice President, Farm Credit East
Kevin Lewis: CEO, Community Health Options
Beth Mattingly: Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Justin Maxson: Executive Director, Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation
Chip Newell: Partner, NewHeight Group
Regina Phillips: Coordinator, Grants and Community Engagement, Westbrook School Department
Cordelia Pitman: Director of Preconstruction Services, Wright-Ryan Construction Inc.
Charles Rudelitch: Executive Director, Sunrise County Economic Council
Miriam Shark: Independent Consultant, Miriam Shark Consulting LLC
Stewart Smith: Owner, Lakeside Family Farm
Ian Yaffe: Executive Director, Mano en Mano
