Community Networking: Worth the Drive

I started going to MDF's leadership unplugged programming back in January. Though, a few times, the drive had me leaving the Portland area around 5:00am, the great breakfast (yes, they serve bacon) that welcomed me, along with the engaging presentations and supportive networking environment, was well worth the drive.

The Maine Development Foundation is an energized, interconnected, mission driven organization that is working hard to drive sustainable, long-term economic growth in Maine. Heard of something interesting going on that supports economic development, encourages life-long learning, and emphasizes partnership? Odds are MDF has something to do with it.

Their Leadership Unplugged Program is just one of the many activities they organize around the state. It is a great introduction to their organization and offers a remarkable networking opportunity.

Remember that long drive I mentioned?  I’m not the only one driving out of the Portland area to attend these events – Every time I go, I have been really impressed with the wide variety of industry professionals in attendance. Not only do you get to meet engaged professionals at your table, but also you are introduced to others around you during the slightly awkward,  but definitely effective, introductions game they make everyone participate in –  don’t let this scare you off. They simply remind you that one of the reasons we go to these things is to meet people. They then make everyone stand up and introduce themselves to people from other tables  – it doesn’t last long but it is very effective.

The new season of Leadership Unplugged programming begins in September with Don Gooding, Executive Director at Maine Center For Entrepreneurial Development. Don will be speaking on The Revolution in Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Process Meets Inspiration. Though this will be my first time seeing Don formally present, I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an Innovation Engineering training conference with him and have seen him perform Frank Sinatra songs (yes, you read that right and yes, it was amazing) -  I trust it will be a great presentation. I hope to see you there!

Learn More about MDF’s Leadership Unplugged Series.

Questions? Comments?
We’d love to hear from you!
Email Amertah

Amertah E. Perman
Associate Director of Program Development
USM Professional & Continuing Education