IFOB Newsletter—November 2006

Eggnog, Spirits and Hors D'oeuvres--Annual Family Business Holiday Networking Social

On December 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. the Institute for Family-Owned Business will hold an opportunity for family businesses to network, while hearing some provocative ideas from renowned family business expert Mike Burnell, experienced with twelve family boards.  Abromson Center at USM; Reservations at 780-5951.  For more information or to sign up to attend this event, click here.

Berry Dunn McNeil and Parker tops Maine's Accounting Firms

The November 27 issue of Mainebiz ranked the top accounting firms in Maine by billings revealing Berry Dunn McNeil and Parker at the top with 69 CPAs, among 172 total staff in two Maine offices.  In addition to accounting and auditing functions, Berry Dunn offers services in business valuation, consulting, estate planning, financial planning, retirement planning, strategic planning, tax planning/preparation, technology consulting, and trust planning.  Many of these are relevant  to their family clientele. Berry Dunn is a sponsor of the Institute for Family-Owned Business.  John Chandler is president and managing principal.  www.bdmp.com

Shep Lee celebrates his 80th birthday

The daily Mainebiz e-mail listed Lee Auto Malls, as the second most prolific auto sales force in Maine.  During 2005 with 3260 cars sold that year.  But perhaps more importantly, second generation ruler, Shep Lee, will be celebrating his 80th birthday this week.  Congratulations Shep on a remarkable stewardship, a highly successful business, and an unparalleled contribution to community.  Many happy returns.

Patsy Hennin—Always Full of Life

The Shelter Institute in Woolwich teaches clients to build, plumb, wire and finish their own dream house.  In1972 and 1973 Patsy and husband Pat designed and built a passive solar home for a Maine client. After an article in the New York Times and an explosion of orders for similar homes, the Hennins moved to the Woolwich woods and founded the Shelter Institute, ultimately graduating 30,000 people from all over the world in the sciences of energy efficient construction.

Patsy’s highest priority in life was the raising of a strong independent family for a strong healthy community.  She passed away on November 3 after a five year battle with cancer.  The Shelter Institute, a member of the Institute for Family-Owned Business, will continue Patsy’s dream through Pat and offspring, Raoul, Gaius and Blueberry.  Our condolences to a classic family in business.

Patsy was a remarkable woman. 

Estate Planning Conference—Mark Your Calendar

We put this program on a year and a half ago with the involvement of some of the best minds in the field.  Then it cost $300 and required a full day. This time around it is $75 for members, $150 for non members and goes for half a day.  We’ll deal with the core issues, unravel a case study, and network with wine and cheese for about an hour afterwards.

This is The Estate Planning conference that is comprehensive, to the point, and holds every second of your interest. You won’t find a better value anywhere on this topic, CEUs available.

2007 Gannet Family Business of the Year:

The upcoming Award will be presented by Maddy Corson at the Harraseeket Inn during June.  A family business may be nominated for this coveted award by any person outside or even inside the company.  An application is mailed to the nominees and those who choose to submit it vie for the awards in both a large and small business category.  There is also an award for the “Best in Community Service” in each category.  A group of five judges review each application (two are derived from the previous year’s winning companies, the remaining three from the community) and decide on the awards.  No one at the Institute is privy to the identity of the winners until the Award Banquet.

The names of the nominees are published in newspapers and on the Institute Web site along with photos of the winners.

Please help recognize the phenomenal job and economic contribution of Maine’s family businesses by nominating a deserving family business.

A nomination form is available at the IFOB Web site.

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