HYBRID (In-person & Virtual): Maine Family Business Awards with IFOB
Join the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) for the 2021 Maine Family Business Awards (hybrid in-person and remote option following the current CDC guidelines) and the largest fundraiser of the year.
Hosted by Erin Ovalle, founder of Maine Life Media. Now in its 21st year of recognizing family businesses with the awards, we present them in partnership with MEMIC. Since its inception, 97 businesses have been recognized for various categories of excellence.
One comment may best capture the essence of the awards, and in many ways describes the Institute: “While applying for the awards, we discovered a lot about ourselves…and that alone made the effort worthwhile.”
The gala attracts family businesses large and small with an audience of over 500 (hybrid). The Maine Family Business Awards is a celebration that pays more than just recognition; it serves as a vehicle for networking and opening up all shades of possibilities for families seeking to grow their business.
Our 2021 Guest Speaker
Fred Forsley, founder, Shipyard Brewing Co. Fred Forsley is a lifelong entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Shipyard Brewing Company, a national craft beer pioneer. He has started and been involved in many businesses, including real estate development, recycling, health care, hotels, direct response marketing and food and beverage companies. Shipyard and many of Fred’s other companies are family-owned businesses.
Our NEW 2021 Host!
Erin Ovalle, founder, Maine Life Media
Erin Ovalle is the founder of Maine Life Media and creator of MaineLife, This is Maine on NESN, Places and Spaces, Cheers from Maine and Dock & Dine TV Shows. Erin began her entrepreneurial journey after being a news broadcaster for 11 years covering communities in Illinois, Michigan, Florida and now Maine. Erin saw an opportunity to create a positive outlet during a time of turmoil in the traditional media. She seeks to uncover and promote the many hard-working people and special places in the state she is now proud to call home.
Jul 01, 2025
Jul 28, 20259:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Aug 01, 20255:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Aug 10, 2025
Aug 11, 20257:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Aug 13, 20251:00 PM - 2:00 PM
