2025 Magnetize Maine Summit

An annual traveling summit for young professionals hosted in partnership with the Maine Development Foundation

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PROPEL is proud to host this year's annual Magnetize Maine Summit
in partnership with the Maine Development Foundation's Realize Maine Network

THANK YOU for Joining Us at Magnetize Maine!

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Magnetize Maine 
​Friday, October 10th • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM EST
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University | Portland, ME

Please Note: By attending a Chamber or Member-hosted event, you acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and could be used in marketing and promotional materials for the Portland Regional Chamber and its Community Chambers. If you do not want your photograph taken, please speak to a Chamber staff or board member before, during, or after the event.

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Magnetize Maine Photo Gallery
Photos by Wohler & Co.

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Explore Our Programming and Meet the Panelists!

Welcome to Magnetize Maine! – Opening Keynote

Megan Bailey
Senior Economic Analyst, State of Maine

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Shaping Maine's Future
(Breakout Session 1)

Outlook on Hospitality & Tourism: Maine’s Visitor Economy

Lynn Tillotson
President & CEO, Visit Portland

Brandon Hussey
VP of Hospitality Management, Fathom Companies

Fred Forsley
Founder & CEO, Shipyard Brewing Company

Zach Poole
Co-Owner, Portland Beer Hub

Laying the Groundwork: Housing, Childcare, & Transportation

Quincy Hentzel
President & CEO, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Liz Cotter Schlax
Former President of United Way

Jonathan Culley
Managing Partner, Redfern Properties

Jill Moses
Owner, Saltwater Grille, $3 Dewy's – Broker, Harborview Properties

Upskilling: LinkedIn Tips & Tricks presented by Marshall Communications

Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven®
CEO, Marshall Communication

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Resilience & Opportunity
(Breakout Session 2)

Modernizing Maine's Workforce

Brandon McDonald
Economic Recovery Hub Coordinator, Northern Maine Development Commision

Amber Heffner Cosby
SVP, Director of Business Technology, Bangor Savings Bank

Dan Koloski
Head of Learning Programs, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University

Jason Harkins
Executive Dean & Associate Professor, Maine Business School

Grounded in Service: Community Stewardship and Sustainability

Ninette Irabaruta
SD Community Engagement & Outreach, United Way of Southern Maine

Connor Rague
Old Orchard Beach Town Councilor

Brandon Mazer
Board Chair, Portland Planning Board – Attorney, Perkins Thompson

Gretchen Johnson
Executive Director, The Center for Grieving Children

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Culture, Inclusion, & Growth
(Breakout Session 3)

The Economic Power of Sports, Arts & Culture in Maine

Ashley Asselin
Marketing Manager, Live + Work in Maine

Madison Spencer
Ticket Sales & Events Manager, Portland Sea Dogs

Sam Murray
VP Sales & Strategy, Maine Mariners

Casey Oakes
Associate Director, Portland Ovations

Stephen Brown
Head of Partnerships & Ticketing, Portland Hearts of Pine

Diverse Voices: New Mainers and a Thriving Workforce

Melissa Hue
Director, City of Portland Office of Economic Opportunity

Claude Rwaganje
Executive Director, Prosperity ME

Adilah Muhammad
Executive Director, The Third Place

Kerem Durdag
Founder & Managing Partner, The Indus Fund

Exploring What’s Next: An AI Workshop presented by leaders from Northeastern University’s Roux Institute

Brian Cavallaro
IT Specialist, The Roux Institute at Northeastern Univeristy

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Featured Presentation & Closing Remarks

Marty Grohmam
Mayor of Biddeford

Matt Holbrook
VP Data & Analytics, MEMIC – Co–Owner, Two Fat Cats Bakery

Ken DeSimone
Owner, Springborn Staffing

Allyson Barker
Senior Program Manager, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University

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Thank You Magnetize Maine Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

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Supporting Sponsors

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Reception Sponsors

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Parking Sponsor

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Photography Sponsor

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