Join ClimateWork Maine for the 3rd Annual Summit on Maine's Economy & Climate Change. This pivotal event will take place on May 8, 2025, and it promises to be a day filled with informative sessions and engaging discussions that focus on actionable climate solutions.
This summit is not just another conference; it's an opportunity to make a real difference in your community and your business. Whether you are a business owner looking to adopt sustainable practices or an advocate for change in your local area, this summit will equip you with the tools you need to drive climate action effectively.
Together, we can forge a better future for Maine. It’s time to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of climate change.
Our summit brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and passionate individuals like yourself, all committed to finding innovative solutions. Together, we'll explore how climate change will reshape Maine's economy and provide actionable strategies for sustainable growth.
AGENDA
Below is the Agenda for the 2025 Summit.
8:00 am REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
8:50 am Good Games Introduction - Be part of the Summit by utilizing technology to share your insights, thoughts, and questions!
9:00 am WELCOME
Lydia Covert – Chair, ClimateWork Maine Board of Directors
Jeff Marks – Executive Director, ClimateWork Maine
9:05 am CLIMATE ACTION COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIPS
Alan Caron – Owner, Blue Loon Lakefront Homes & Founder, ClimateWork Maine
9:15 am MORNING KEYNOTE
10:00 am AGENTS OF CHANGE - FILLING THE FEDERAL CLIMATE LEADERSHIP GAP In the absence of federal leadership on climate change, how do we step up together to meet its challenges and seize the opportunities it presents to build a more prosperous, sustainable economy for the future.
Business – Joe Curtatone, President, Alliance for Climate Transition (ACT)
Community & Citizens – Johanna Blackman, Executive Director, A Climate To Thrive
Environmental & NGOs – Maureen Drouin, Executive Director, Maine Conservation Alliance/Maine Conservation Voters
Public Sector – Hannah Pingree, Director, Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation & the Future
11:00 am NETWORKING AND EXHIBITOR BREAK
Take this time to talk with our exhibitors in the arena and connect with colleagues and friends. Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30am.
12:00 pm LUNCH KEYNOTE
12:45 pm CLIMATE ACTION AWARDS Businesses Leading by Example
1:00 pm CEO ROUNDTABLE - THE BUSINESS CASE FOR CLIMATE ACTION Businesses that start now to navigate the complexities of climate action and sustainable practices will obtain the resources necessary to help them grow, succeed and compete in a carbon-constrained economy. Climate action will enhance their brands’ reputation, resilience and bottom lines.
Panelists:
Melissa LaCasse - Co-Founder & CEO, Tanbark
Bob Garver - President, Wicked Joe Organic Coffees
Matthew O’Malia - Co-Founder, President, & CEO, Timber HP
Rob Tod - Founder, Allagash Brewing Co.
Moderated by: Neil Kiely - President/CEO, Androscoggin Bank
2:00 pm NETWORKING AND EXHIBITOR BREAK
2:30 pm CLIMATE CONNECTIONS These sessions connect private, public, and nonprofit leaders and leverage our partners’ strengths, expertise, and strategies on key climate action initiatives and topics.
CLIMATE MITIGATION - BUILDINGS, ENERGY, & TRANSPORTATION
Business – Barry Woods, Senior Director of eMobility, ReVision Energy
Community & Citizens – Peter Dugas, Maine State Coordinator, Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Environmental & NGOs – Rebecca Schultz - Senior Advocate, Natural Resources Council of Maine
Public Sector – Ross Anthony - Buildings and Energy Efficiency Analyst, Maine Governor’s Energy Office
Moderated by: Moderator – Ellen Belknap, Senior Principal & Architect, SMRT
CREATING JOBS & GROWING MAINE’S ECONOMY
Business – Andrea Cianchette Maker, President/CEO, Focus Maine
Community & Citizens – Nate Wildes - Founder & Executive Director, Live + Work in Maine
Environmental & NGOs – Rhiannon Hampson - Vice President, Economic Development, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Public Sector – Marty Grohman, Mayor, City of Biddeford
Moderated by: Tripp Harrison, President & CEO, Goodwill Northern New England
ADAPTATION - BUILDING HEALTHY & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Business – Heather Chandler, Owner/Founder SunriseGuide and Green & Healthy Maine Homes
Community & Citizens – Leia Lowery - Executive Director, The Climate Initiative
Environmental & NGOs - Susie Arnold, Senior Ocean Scientist, Director of the Center for Climate and Community, Island Institute
Public Sector – Bill Pluecker, Co-Owner & Farmer, Begin Again Farm & House Chair, Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry Committee
Moderated by: Keith Bisson - President, Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
Business – Brett Willis - Senior Communications Specialist, Allagash Brewing Co.
Community & Citizens – Amy Eshoo - Executive Director, Maine Climate Action Now!
Environmental & NGOs – Scott Vlaun – Executive Director, Center for an Ecology-Based Economy
Public Sector – Stacy Brenner – President & CEO, Maine Farmland Trust & Chair, Maine Legislature, Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee (
Moderated by: Zoe Malia - Program Director, ecomaine
4:00 pm SUMMIT RECEPTION
