50 participants (representing farmers/producers, investors/philanthropists. nonprofits/businesses, government agencies, consumers, activists and educators)
- General Updates from Bonnie: Marada, Aaron Bell, Gray and Bonnie will be doing a show on WERU’s Talk of the Town on Aug 27th; great article by Avery Kamila in Portland Press Herald that generated alot of interest; conversations with group members about creating a microloan fund, as an independent group or within MOFGA or other existing entity; Bonnie was on panel representing Slow Money at the Kneading Conference; request for approval of Jeremy Bloom’s offering to develop a web/blog site for Slow Money Maine (approved); Woody Tasch will be keynote speaker at CGCF on Saturday, Sept. 15th at 11 a.m. and Slow Money Maine will host a “meet and greet” session at 2 p.m. at the Railroad Car Speakers Tent; mailing list for Slow Money Maine has grown to 150 people and interest from all sectors continues to grow
- Specific Updates: Michael Bartner (VP Slow Money Alliance in Boston) presented national perspective of organization’s development; Cate Cronin and Taylor Mudge provided information about Maine Farmland Trust’s activities;
- Presentation by Elizabeth Sprague of Washington/Hancock Community Action Agency and Down East Business Alliance shared projects (meat processing/slaughterhouses, etc.) and technical assistance opportunities (Heart of Maine’s “Tilling the Soil”classes)
- Presentation by Nicole Witherbee about her “participatory research action project to assess the future of Maine farms and design an investment strategy and policy agenda based on the vision and business needs of Maine farmers.”
- Jeff Wolovitz of Heiwa Tofu presented a description of his tofu business and shared current needs for financial support. Several participants are interested in offering loans.
- Russell Libby presented the Sub-Committee’s report and led a group discussion about relevant issues. The group will meet in early Sept. to take next steps.
- Networking opportunities at the beginning and end of the meeting involved lively exchanges.
