A conference early next week in the Franklin County town of Kingfield will focus on the Maine Made Program, a statewide initiative that builds recognition for Maine products, producers and industries.
The featured speaker will be Tammy Knight, program manager for the Maine Made, which is funded by the state Department of Economic and Community Development.
The event is part of Greater Franklin Marketing Meetup, to be held Monday, June 1, at the Study, Kingfield’s community coworking space.
“The strength of the Maine brand — beautiful craftsmanship, outdoor inspired — is one of the reasons I love helping local businesses market their wares,” said Stephanie Dunn, who helps organize the monthly Greater Franklin Marketing Meetup. “There’s a rising tide effect here. When people market Maine well, it helps all of us. I’m excited to learn more from Maine Made Program Manager Tammy Knight about promoting Maine products and the resources available to makers.”
Knight will share examples of how the program has helped artists and creatives expand their markets and invite entrepreneurs in attendance to talk about the barriers they’re facing and how state officials and others can help address those challenges.
“Maine has a vast network of resources that many people don’t know exists,” she said.
About the meetups
Greater Franklin’s monthly gatherings bring together local business owners, makers, artists, nonprofit leaders, freelancers, students and aspiring entrepreneurs for practical conversations about visibility, community connection and running a business in western Maine.
“These gatherings help people connect across industries, share knowledge, and see opportunities to work together,” said Charlie Woodworth, executive director of Greater Franklin Economic and Community Development. “Every month brings new and returning faces to the table. The growth tells us people find the conversations useful, and we expect strong interest in the Maine Made discussion.”
