Clients
Current, Recent, Upcoming
Taggart Construction - strategic planning
Based in Freeport, Maine, Taggart Construction supports, promotes, and design buildings for high performance and sustainability. They have hired us to work with the company president and senior management to develop a new strategic plan.
Town of Windham – facilitating public input
The Town of Windham, in partnership with Hudson Realty Capital LLC, a developer, has hired us to facilitate a series of meetings to gather public input on the future of Little Falls, a village within the Town of Windham. In this unique approach, the developer and the town are seeking public input before crafting any detailed plans for development of a key piece of property in the heart of the village. We have been hired to facilitate the public meetings and prepare resulting reports.
Methodist Conference Home – organizational development
The senior management team of the Methodist Conference Home, a non-profit organization based in Rockland that provides housing, transportation and other services, has hired us to help them establish shared goals and clear roles and responsibilities.
Town of Farmington – downtown revitalization
We have been hired by the Farmington Downtown Association to develop plans for assessing parking supply and demand as well as consumer preferences for retail opportunities. Downtown Farmington was recently designated a member of the Main Street Network, a new program of the Maine Downtown Center.
Medical Rehabilitation Associates – organizational development
This highly successful partnership of physicians with offices in Brunswick, Lewiston and Augusta has hired us to help them better define roles and governance procedures.
Prescription Drug Diversion – state-wide conference
Volunteers of America of Northern New England hosted a statewide conference to confront the problem of misuses of prescription drugs. Participants from the medical, pharmacology, law enforcement, substance abuse treatment & prevention, and mental health fields discussed how medicine moves from health to hazard, what can be done to intervene in the diversion process and what some communities across Maine are doing to tackle this growing concern. We were hired to facilitate the conference as well as follow-up meetings with the leaders to define next steps.
Maine Department of Agriculture – stakeholder facilitation
As part of the state rule making process, the Maine Department of Agriculture has hired us to facilitate a meeting among stakeholders to discuss the Voluntary Municipal Farm Support Program. In addition to facilitating the meeting, we will be preparing a complete report.
Health Resources and Services Administration – facilitating health care providers
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has partnered with the Maine Primary Care Association and the Maine Center for Disease Control to hold a strategic partnership meeting focused on connecting specialists with rural health providers to address Hepatitis C. They have hired us to facilitate a full day meeting of these providers to discuss how to improve connections with specialist consultants regarding the disease. In addition to facilitating the meeting, we will be preparing a complete report.
Maine Downtown Center – developing an online resource library
We have been selected by the Maine Downtown Center to assist the organization in its mission of fostering downtown development that is dynamic and community-based, and that results in economic development, business growth, job creation, housing revitalization, historic preservation, and cultural enhancement by creating an online resource library where Maine downtowns of all sizes can go for downtown revitalization information.
Elder Issues Partnership - developing a statewide advocacy agenda
A large coalition of organizations that serve elderly in various ways has banded together in a coalition and retains us to facilitate their monthly meetings which always consist of exchanging information about state and federal policy initiatives and often include outside speakers on topics of interest. In addition, we provide complete secretariat services which includes meeting write up and distribution, handling all correspondance, managing a website and list serve on behalf of the group, and arranging meeting facilities. The group tries to influence state policy to better serve elderly people. Click here for the Elder Issues Partnership website.
Quality Review Council - facilitating quarterly meetings
The Quality Review Council is established by state law to review homecare services provided by Elder Independence of Maine. The Council reviews quality reports and also works on short-term, high priority projects to improve home care. We have been retained to facilitate all regular meetings of the Council.
Earlier in 2009
Avesta Housing – communications training
Avesta Housing is the largest non-profit housing agency in Maine. It promotes and provides housing opportunities primarily for Southern Maine people in need and helps them access other needed services. They hired us to deliver training in effective face-to-face communication for their entire staff. 2009.
Community Clinical Services - facilitating a board retreat
Part of St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston, Maine, Community Clinical Services is a Federally Qualified Health Center with 19 different practice sites. We were hired to facilitate a strategic planning retreat of the board of directors. 2009.
Fryeburg Board of Selectmen - public education workshops
The Fryeburg Selectmen hired us to facilitate two public workshops to introduce and clarify proposals to increase citizen participation in Town Meetings and in voting on town issues. During the workshops, held on two consecutive evenings, the community was encouraged to ask the Selectmen questions and offer their comments on the proposals. 2009.
Mid Coast Hunger Prevention – strategic planning board retreat
The Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, a not-for-profit United Way agency committed to reducing hunger in the greater Brunswick area, hired us to facilitate a full-day strategic planning retreat and prepare a complete report. 2009.
Maine Community Foundation – strategic planning
For more than 25 years, the Maine Community Foundation has been a leader in philanthropy in Maine. Its grants cover the full range of nonprofit undertakings, with a special focus in the areas of education, the environment, arts and humanities, and social and community services. In light of the changing economy and changing leadership at the Foundation, the Board hired us to help revise the organization’s strategic plan. 2009.
Pine Tree Society – communications and conflict training
The Pine Tree Society provides Maine children and adults with disabilities the opportunities and the means to create better lives for themselves and their families. We were engaged to provide training for their staff in communications and in conflict prevention and resolution. 2009.
This coalition of public transportation providers throughout the state hired us to facilitate a half-day strategic planning retreat and prepare a complete report. 2009.
AARP – facilitating long term care stakeholders
Using a unique approach to problem solving, AARP hired us to facilitate a meeting among stakeholders to discuss a proposed legislative bill (LD 1078) that would reorganize the delivery of state-supported long term care. Held at the State House in Augusta, the meeting included the Commissioner and other top officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, legislators, and representatives from several organizations with an interest in long term care. 2009.
Regional School Unit 24 - organizational retreat
The brand-new school board for RSU 24 hired us to facilitate a kick-off retreat. Given the recent consolidation of three school districts (Ellsworth; School Union 92, which includes Lamoine, Hancock, Mariaville, Eastbrook, and Waltham; and School Union 96, which includes Franklin, Gouldsboro, Sorrento, Steuben, Sullivan and Winter Harbor) into one, the board wanted to get off on the right foot. We discussed everything from how board members interact with each other to initial goals for the new district. After the meeting, we prepared a report. 2009.
Greater Portland Landmarks - strategic planning retreat
Greater Portland Landmarks promotes preservation and revitalization of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes and encourages high-quality new architecture to enhance the livability and economic vitality of Portland and surrounding communities. For the second year in a row we were hired to facilitate their annual board retreat. 2009.
Sacopee Valley Health Center – strategic planning board retreat
We were hired to facilitate a board retreat to develop a new strategic plan for the Sacopee Valley Health Center, located in Porter, Maine, which has been delivering comprehensive health care services to the Sacopee Valley since 1976. In preparation for the retreat, we tabulated and analyzed the results of a community-wide survey conducted by the Health Center. We also prepared a report of the board retreat. 2009.
Maine Interfaith Power and Light - strategic planning assistance
Inspired by diverse faith perspectives,
American Psychiatric Association Area One Council – facilitating strategic planning
The Area One Council of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), representing psychiatrists in the six New England states as well as Canada’s Eastern provinces and Quebec, engaged us to facilitate two meetings at its spring conference in Boston. We also prepared reports of the meetings. 2009.
Maine Downtown Center – strategic planning retreat
The Maine Downtown Center’s mission is to foster downtown development that is dynamic and community-based, and results in economic development, business growth, job creation, housing revitalization, historic preservation, and cultural enhancement. For the second year in a row the Maine Downtown Center hired us to facilitate a strategic planning retreat of its Advisory Council. We also prepared a summary report of the meeting. 2009.
Volunteer Administrators of Midcoast Maine – conflict resolution workshop
We were hired to lead a workshop on conflict prevention, management and resolution for 65 administrators of volunteers. 2009.
Van Buren Main Street – organizational development
Van Buren is a small community on the St. John River in Northern Maine with a downtown that has been in
decline over the past 40 years. Now designated a Main Street Maine downtown, community leaders are taking steps to reverse the trend. We were hired by the Maine Downtown Center to help with strategic planning, downtown revitalization training, and related activities. 2009.
Opportunity Farm – roundtable discussion among stakeholders
Opportunity Farm is a non-profit, social service organization in New Gloucester, Maine that provides safe, supportive, family-style homes for at-risk young people. On the eve of its 100th anniversary the leadership of Opportunity Farm convened a group of experts and stakeholders to give input on future strategic direction. We were hired to facilitate the discussion and prepare a report. 2009.
Maine Primary Care Association – facilitating collaborative meetings
For over 25 years, the Maine Primary Care Association has worked to strengthen and sustain Maine’s Primary Care Safety Net. We were hired to facilitate two meetings among representatives of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to discuss how to more effectively communicate medical information. We also prepared reports of each of the meetings. 2009.
Built Energy Forum – facilitating a full-day conference
Despite the growing number of green building practitioners, the actual transformation of Maine’s built environment towards improved energy efficiency is not happening fast enough. This is the challenge that Mid-Coast Magnet, a non-profit based in Rockland/Camden, confronted at a statewide conference in Augusta. We were hired to facilitate the break-out sessions of the conference. We also prepared the conference report. 2009.
Healthy Androscoggin – organizational development
Healthy Androscoggin is dedicated to improving the health of all Androscoggin County citizens through collaborative planning, community action, education and prevention. We were hired to facilitate two staff retreats, which included team building and other activities. 2009.
Maine Environmental Funders Network – facilitating a collaborative process
The Environmental Funders Network, an alliance of Maine-based foundations with environmental interests, helps to identify and create ways to improve and sustain Maine’s natural environment. We were hired to facilitate another meeting in the group's continuing exploration of how to collaborate around the theme of "Quality of Place." 2009.
Gardiner City Council – facilitating shared goals
We were hired to facilitate two workshops of the Gardiner City Council that were convened to review and affirm roles and responsibilities of Council members and to establish goals for the Council over the next few years. We also prepared summary reports of the workshops. 2009.
2008
Gulf of Maine Research Institute - facilitating fishermen and regulators
Regulations for groundfishing in the Gulf of Maine and on Geroges Bank are changing to allow fishermen to gather in cooperative "sectors." How will the catch be monitored and reported under the new system? We were hired to facilitate discussions among fishing trade associations, regulators, scientists, and environmental groups to explore consensus on monitoring and reporting methods. 2008.
HealthInfoNet and Maine Quality Forum – facilitating a multi-stakeholder process
As a result of a recent legislative resolve, HealthInfoNet and the Maine Quality Forum jointly convened a multi-stakeholder group to study and make recommendations for creating and financing a fund to establish and sustain HealthInfoNet, a statewide digital clinical information network. The group also considered future options for developing a strategic health information technology investment fund. We were hired to facilitate this multi-stakeholder process, which included regular meetings over an eight-month period. Click here for the Stakeholder Process website. 2008.
Portland Public Health – strategic planning
The Public Health Division of the City of Portland hired us to help them develop a strategic plan. We interviewed key stakeholders and facilitated a series of management meetings that resulted in a prioritized list of activities to be done over the next three years. The plan contains specific performance measures with data presented graphically. 2008.
DFD Russell Medical Centers – strategic planning board retreat
We facilitated a board retreat to develop a new three-year strategic plan for the DFD Russell Medical Centers (DFDRMC) in Leeds, Turner and Monmouth, an independent public/private partnership founded in 1975 to provide affordable and accessible health care to area residents. 2008.
Northern Forest Center – facilitating regional coordination and advocacy
The Northern Forest Center convened a two-day conference to advance recommendations of the sustainable economy initiative. One hundred people from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York convened to develop consensus on top-priority activities to advance the Northern Forest economy in a sustainable manner. We were hired to facilitate the Regional Coordination and Advocacy Work Group. 2008.
Redington-Fairview General Hospital – mission development
We were engaged to facilitate a mission retreat by Redington-Fairview General Hospital, an independent community hospital located in Skowhegan, Maine, that has provided quality, comprehensive health services to the residents of Somerset County since 1952. At the retreat we helped the organization develop a mission statement that is simple, understandable and compels enthusiasm. 2008.
Hydrogen Energy Center - strategic planning retreat
The Hydrogen Energy Center, an organization dedicated to advancing the transition to a renewable hydrogen economy through education, demonstration, and advocacy, engaged us to facilitate a strategic planning retreat of its board members. 2008.
Penobscot Community Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the 38 towns of greater Bangor. Its mission is to provide access, regardless of ability to pay, for people of the region to quality community health care services, and to promote access for all in Maine. We were hired to facilitate a retreat of board members that will launch the development of PCHC’s strategic plan. 2008.
Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society – facilitating a strategic planning retreat
The Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society explores, develops and promotes agricultural systems and practices that allow Maine farmers to retain a greater share of consumer expenditures for farm products. We facilitated a half-day board retreat focused on strategic planning. In advance of the retreat, we interviewed each board member and prepared a report of the findings which informed the discussion around the future direction of the organization. Six months after the planning retreat, we facilitated a follow-up board retreat. 2008.
Bowdoin College – team building
We were hired by Bowdoin College to work with staff of an administrative office to improve communications and team effectiveness. We conducted advance interviews with all staff within that office, facilitated a half-day retreat and prepared a summary report. 2008.
Working in partnership with government agencies, businesses, individuals, and other nonprofit organizations, this VOA chapter seeks to meet the most pressing social needs in the communities it serves in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. We facilitated a day-long board retreat to establish the future vision of the organization, which will inform the staff in shaping an upcoming strategic planning effort. 2008.
Environment Northeast – facilitating organizational development
Environment Northeast (ENE) is a non-profit organization that researches and advocates innovative policies that tackle environmental challenges while promoting sustainable economies. We were hired to facilitate a board retreat and a staff retreat in order to help establish a strategic direction and improve effectiveness. We prepared summary reports for both retreats. 2008.
MOFGA – facilitating organizational development
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) hired us to facilitate a discussion among the MOFGA board of directors and the board of directors of MOFGA Certification Services, LLC, the wholly-owned subsidiary of MOFGA that certifies organic farmers on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2008.
Mid-Coast Resource Development Center – conference keynote address
Craig delivered a keynote address entitled What’s Next? Same Old or New and Different? This fits with this year's annual conference theme: Come to Camp for Change. It was an interactive discussion of how we welcome change, or not. 2008.
Fertile Ground – facilitating a two-day conference
Volunteers of America of Northern New England hired us to facilitate a two-day conference called Fertile Ground, the purpose of which was to help communities look beyond traditional types of support to find solutions that will sustain social impact into the future. Good Group Decisions managed several facilitators for breakout sessions and also prepared a summary report of the conference. Click here for the Fertile Ground website. 2008.
CIEE - Regional Directors Retreat
Headquartered in Portland, Maine, CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) is the leading
Maine Department of Agriculture – clarifying roles
The Maine Department of Agriculture engages in several activities that overlap with the Maine Farmland Trust. We were hired to facilitate a full-day retreat of leaders from these two organizations to discuss how to coordinate activities most effectively. 2008.
Midcoast Regional Business Park – facilitating stakeholder input
The directors of both the Brunswick Economic Development Corporation and Topsham Development, Inc. convened a workshop on design and impact issues, opportunities, and challenges presented by the potential development of a midcoast regional business park. Through the workshop, the two organizations solicited public comments and ideas regarding how design standards might be used to manage appearance, community and environmental impacts, and even what sorts of business tenants should be targeted to align with such standards. We were hired to facilitate the workshop and prepare a report. 2008.
Maine Downtown Center – Main Street Maine board development
The Maine Downtown Center administers the National Main Street Program here in Maine. They hired us to work with Main Street organizations in both Skowhegan and Livermore Falls. In Skowhegan, we interviewed all members of the board, and facilitated a full-day board retreat to work on organizational development issues. In Livermore Falls, we facilitated a full-day retreat that will result in a strategic plan. 2008.
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce - key stakeholders discuss business development
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Town of Bar Harbor and other key institutions, convened a series of meetings among business and community leaders to discuss innovative approaches to developing more business activity in the shoulder seasons. We were hired to facilitate these multi-stakeholder meetings and prepare the resulting summary reports. 2008.
The Maine Global Warming Action Coalition is administered by the Natural Resources Council of Maine and consists of twenty nonprofit organizations concerned with global warming. They came together to discuss a common agenda and how best to work with each other. In addition to facilitating a meeting, we also helped with an advance survey of all coalition members and we prepared a summary report. 2008.
Tri-County Justice Project – organizational development
Leaders of community justice projects in Androscoggin, Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties are collaborating to form a tri-county effort to promote safe communities by reducing crime and violence. We were hired by Volunteers of America to facilitate initial organizational meetings and prepare summary reports. 2008.
Androscoggin Land Trust – facilitating a board retreat
The Androscoggin Land Trust is dedicated to protecting, through land conservation and stewardship, the important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experience along the central Androscoggin River corridor. We were hired to facilitate a full day retreat of the board of directors to assess the current organizational capacity and environmental trends, develop strategic goals, and refine the organization’s mission. In addition to facilitating the meeting, we also prepared a complete report that will serve as the basis for a strategic plan. 2008.
Transformit – corporate team building
Transformit is a Maine-based company that produces and installs interior tension fabric structures for companies and events around the globe, and is known as the artistic and technical leader in tension-fabric structures. They hired us to facilitate a full-day retreat of managers designed to improve team effectiveness and build leadership capacity. 2008.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute - facilitating fishermen and regulators
Regulations for groundfishing in the Gulf of Maine and on Geroges Bank are changing to allow fishermen to gather in cooperative "sectors." How will the catch be monitored and reported under the new system? We were hired to facilitate discussions among fishing trade associations, regulators, scientists, and environmental groups to explore consensus on monitoring and reporting methods. We also prepared a complete report of the meeting, which was submitted directly to the New England Fisheries Management Council. 2008.
Healthy Androscoggin – board retreat
Healthy Androscoggin is dedicated to improving the health of all Androscoggin County citizens through collaborative planning, community action, education and prevention. We facilitated a board retreat where directors reviewed recent accomplishments and built consensus around a strategic direction. 2008.
Maine Environmental Funders Network – facilitating a collaborative process
The Environmental Funders Network (EFN), an alliance of Maine-based foundations with environmental interests, helps to identify and create ways to improve and sustain Maine’s natural environment. We were hired to facilitate two meetings which explored potential collaborations around the theme of "Quality of Place." Members discussed how the environmental philanthropic community can work together to improve the quality of Maine’s environment. 2008.
York County Community Action Corporation – facilitating a half-day retreat
The Transportation Program of the York County Community Action Corporation promotes self-sufficiency by providing York County residents with a means to get to work and/or services and resources which otherwise would not be accessible. We facilitated the Annual Transportation Gathering, a half-day retreat where employees focused on improving how they work together as a team and serve their customers. 2008.
New England Forestry Foundation - strategic planning board retreat
The New England Forestry Foundation is dedicated to providing for the conservation and ecologically sound management of privately owned forestlands in New England and beyond. We were hired to conduct a strategic planning board retreat. 2008.
Maine Land Conservation Conference – facilitating an Idea Forum
Each year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust hosts the Maine Land Conservation Conference. The theme of this year’s May 3 conference is Connecting Conservation and Communities. We facilitated the conference Idea Forum, a session designed to give colleagues in the field the opportunity to share and brainstorm new partnerships, financing mechanisms and other tools for land conservation in Maine. 2008.
Maine Primary Care Association - strategic planning board retreat
The Maine Primary Care Association works to strengthen and sustain Maine’s Primary Care Safety Net, providing high quality health care to underserved populations in Maine. We facilitated a board retreat, and prepared a complete meeting report that will serve as the basis of a strategic plan. 2008.
University of New England – organizational development
The Colleges of Arts and Sciences at the University of New England hired us to work on organizational issues within a particular department. Our work involved individual interviews followed by a full-day retreat. 2008.
Pentucket Regional School District – school committee training and development
The Pentucket Regional School District, serving the towns of Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury, Massachusetts, hired us to facilitate a four-hour meeting of the school committee where we developed annual priorities and operating guidelines. In addition, they hired us to work with the administrative team consisting of the superintendent and six principals, to refine roles and responsibilities. 2008.
Volunteers of America - meeting facilitation
For more than 100 years, Volunteers of America has partnered with individuals and organizations to serve those in need. Their goal is to transform lives and involve people in serving their community. Volunteers of America of Northern New England hired us for two projects: to facilitate a meeting of Information Technology experts to advise them on future IT investments, and to facilitate meetings of the Senior Team. 2008.
Greater Portland Landmarks - board retreat
Greater Portland Landmarks promotes preservation and revitalization of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes and encourages high-quality new architecture to enhance the livability and economic vitality of Portland and surrounding communities. They hired us to facilitate a board retreat. 2008.
Portland Symphony Orchestra – facilitating a forum
The Portland Symphony Orchestra recognizes and takes seriously its role as a leading community educator about orchestral music. To be most effective, the orchestra wanted to nurture collaborative relationships with music educators and organizational partners from throughout the community. We were hired to facilitate a Music Educators and Organizational Partners Forum to brainstorm and prioritize ideas. 2008.
Disease Management Collaboration – a meeting among stakeholders to explore new approaches
The Disease Management Practicum Group and the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership, in collaboration with The Institute for Civic Leadership hired us to facilitate a half-day retreat to explore new ways of preventing and managing chronic disease in Maine. 2008.
Maine Interfaith Power and Light - strategic planning assistance
Inspired by diverse faith perspectives,
R.H. Foster Energy, LLC - management makes a plan for 2008
R.H. Foster Energy, LLC of Hamden, Maine, with about 370 employees, operates convenience stores, transports oil and propane, and provides energy services and sales. Like last year, they hired us again to facilitate a full-day retreat of 25 managers to review 2007 initiatives and establish a strategic plan for 2008. The day was a productive mix of critical decision-making and fun team building. We prepared a complete report to serve as a preliminary strategic plan. 2008.
Maine Downtown Center - full-day board retreat
We facilitated a full-day retreat of the Maine Downtown Center Advisory Council, a diverse group of leaders who lend advice on how to foster the vitality of Maine's precious downtowns. We helped them examine the past year's activities and establish priorities for the next year and years to come. 2008.
Bowdoin College - mediation training
We were hired to conduct a professional development luncheon among all the Student Affairs staff of Bowdoin College. We reviewed basic mediation principles and discussed specific case studies. 2008.
Maine Chapter of the Green Building Council – facilitating a board retreat
This energetic and rapidly growing non-profit is Maine’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Like the year before, they hired us again to facilitate a full-day board retreat and prepare a complete report. 2008.
United Way of Greater Portland - meeting facilitation training
Given how much United Way staff are involved in facilitating meetings both internally and externally, they invested in a full day of meeting facilitation training. We discussed principles, techniques, and even did some fun role-playing. 2008.
Machias School District and SAD #37 - facilitating collaboration
We were hired by these two Maine school districts to facilitate a series of meetings and try to broker an agreement to jointly govern a regional High School. 2007 and 2008.
2007
Bay State Gas / Northern Utilities – improving efficiencies
Belfast Area Ecovillage - helping start a new community
We helped this group of energetic, ambitious people work on starting a new cohousing community in the Belfast, Maine area. Initial tasks include deciding organizational structure, decision making rules, and an initial work plan. 2007.
Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group - facilitating a public forum
The Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group hired us to facilitate a public community forum to gather input on a newly proposed community recreation facility. We also prepared a complete report of the meeting. 2007
Elder Independence of Maine - facilitating a senior management retreat
Elder Independence of Maine (EIM) is
Town of Machias - downtown revitalization
In collaboration with Coplon Associates of Bar Harbor, we worked for the Town of Machias, Maine to develop a plan for downtown revitalization.
Having recently moved from Boston to Portland, CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) is the leading
Volunteers of America - staff retreat and training
For more than 100 years, Volunteers of America has partnered with individuals and organizations to serve those in need. Their goal is to transform lives and involve people in serving their community. Volunteers of America of Norhern New England hired us to facilitate a full-day staff retreat to set up a new program and make decisions about how it would be administered. 2007
REALIZE!Maine - facilitating a stragetic planning meeting
A program of the Maine Development Foundation, REALIZE!
Brunswick School Building Committee - meeting facilitation
The Elementary School Building Committee was charged by the Town Council to develop recommendations on the location and design of a new elementary school. We were hired by the Brunswick Office of Superintendent of Schools to facilitate meetings of the Committee and prepare summary reports of each meeting. 2007.
Park Danforth - facilitating a board retreat
Park Danforth provides high quality housing and services to seniors in Portland, Maine. The nonprofit corporation manages 160 apartments and a full complement of services and programs. They hired us to facilitate a two-day retreat of the board of directors and prepare a complete report of the meeting. 2007.
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce - key stakeholders discuss business development
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Town of Bar Harbor and other key institutions, convened a meeting among business and community leaders to discuss innovative approaches to developing more business activity in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). We were hired to facilitate the meeting and prepare the resulting report of findings. 2007.
Portland's Healthy Maine Partnership - facilitating a board in transition
The City of Portland received a significant Healthy Maine Partnership grant from the Maine Center for Disease Control to provide public health and related services. We were hired to facilitate a board retreat to discuss how Healthy Portland will transition into a larger initiative. We also prepared a complete report of the meeting. 2007.
Mercy Hospital - staff development for patient care services managers and directors
The managers and directors of the Patient Care Services division of Mercy Hospital hired us to facilitate a two-day off-site staff retreat at which we did team building exercises, expertiential learning, and strategic planning. 2007.
PATCH - facilitating a board in transition
The Waterville area PATCH (Planned Approach to Community Health) received a significant Healthy Maine Partnership grant from the Maine Center for Disease Control to provide public health and related services. We were hired to facilitate a board retreat to discuss how PATCH will transition into its new role. We also prepared a summary report of the meeting. 2007.
The Theater Project - organizational development
This community-oriented non-profit based in Brunswick, Maine hired us to facilitate a board meeting to discuss and make decisions about important organizational changes. The organization is striving to achieve a new level. In addition to facilitating the meeting, we also prepared a summary report. 2007.
Maine State Planning Office - public hearing
To make sure that all views were heard in a respectful, focused manner, the State Planning Office hired us to moderate a formal public hearing on a proposed rule under Maine's Informed Growth Act. 2007.
Environmental Funders Network - strategic planning
A joint project of the Maine Community Foundation and Maine Philanthropy Center, the Environmental Funders Network helps to identify and create ways to improve and sustain Maine's natural environment. We were hired to facilitate a full-day strategic planning meeting of the board of directors. 2007.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute - facilitating discussions among ground fishermen
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute convened ground fishermen from Cape Cod to the coastal Maine to discuss new, innovative ways to manage the fishery. With the hope of achieving consensus on recommendations to the New England Fisheries Management Council, we were hired to facilitate the discussions and prepare a report of conclusions. 2007.
The Muskie School of Public Service - facilitating of a full-day conference
We were hired by the Integrated Core Injury Prevention and Control Program of the Muskie School of the University of Southern Maine to facilitate a full-day, statewide conference on how to reduce the misuse of perscription drugs. We provided multiple facilitators for the day and also prepared a report of the conference. 2007.
Maine Housing and Building Materials Exchange - facilitating strategic planning among the board
The Maine Housing and Building Materials Exchange benefits low income families and the environment by providing new and reusable building materials at an affordable price. They hired us to facilitate two half-day meetings of the board of directors which resulted in a written strategic plan. 2007.
Shalom House - training on how to reduce stress at work
Shalom House helps hundreds of people with serious mental illness each year by providing affordable housing where people can escape the stress of homelessness, hunger, and isolation. We were hired to deliver training to staff on stress reduction. Via a number of interactive games and activities, we discussed the causes of stress, reactions to stress (healthy and unhealthy) and developed a list of strategies to reduce stress. 2007.
Maine & Company - facilitating strategic planning among the board
Maine & Company, a non-profit corporation, provides free and confidential services to companies locating to or growing in
Maine State Planning Office - a series of stakeholder input meetings
The State Planning Office (SPO) reviews the comprehensive land use plans of Maine municipalities and was on the verge of proposing a new way for it to be done. Before changes were actually made, SPO wanted to hear from stakeholders around the state. They hired us to facilitate a series of meetings and prepare a report of findings. They also hired us to facilitate a public hearing on proposed rule changes. We established a website specifically designed to inform stakeholders about the rule-changing process and solicit their comments.
Franklin Healthy Community Coalition - facilitating a strategic planning session
The Healthy Community Coalition promotes health and well-being in Franklin county, Maine and surrounding towns. They hired us to facilitate a half-day retreat of the Board of Directors to establish priorities. 2007.
Maine State Planning Office - staff development
The Land Use Team of the State Planning Office hired us for a three-hour session focused on personality type assessment and how the team can work together most effectively. 2007.
United Way of Mid-Maine - facilitating a board retreat
This United Way affilliate based in Waterville, Maine hired us to facilitate their annual board retreat focused on establishing strategic direction and defing short-term projects. We also prepatred the meeting report. 2007.
Greater Portland Landmarks - staff development
Greater Portland Landmarks promotes preservation and revitalization of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes and encourages high-quality new architecture to enhance the livability and economic vitality of
Breakwater School - facilitating meetings for shared understanding
The Breakwater School is an independent pre-school and elementary school located in
PATCH - institional arrangements for public health delivery
The Waterville area PATCH (Planned Approach to Community Health) has hired us to help them establish an optimal institutional arrangement for responding to a public health delivery RFP recently issued by Maine Center for Disease Conrol. We facilitated a meeting of the Board of Directors and other key players and prepared a meeting report. 2007.
Maine Jewish Film Festival - strategic planning
The Maine Jewish Film Festival is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a forum for the presentation of films to enrich, educate and entertain a diverse community about the Jewish experience. The Board of Directors of hired us to plan and facilitate a board retreat focused on strategic direction and definition of rolses and responsibilities. We also prepared the meeting report. 2007.
The Maine Assembly on School-based Health Care – strategic planning
The goal of the Maine Assembly on School-based Health Care (MeASBHC) is to improve children’s success by keeping them healthy, in school and ready to learn. MeASBHC supports the development and operations of school based health care services to accomplish this goal. We have worked with them before and they recently hired us again to help them survey stakeholders and finalize their strategic plan. 2007.
REALIZE!Maine - facilitating a board meeting focused on operations
Realize!
L/A Trails - strategic planning
L/A Trails is a non-profit organization in Lewiston & Auburn that advocates for and helps create recreational trails. They hired us to plan and facilitate a board retreat focused on strategic planning. We also prepared a report of the meeting. 2007.
Maine County Commissioners Association - strategic planning
We planned and facilitated a full-day retreat of the Maine County Commissioner's Association which consists of County Commissioners and Administrators from thoughout Maine. The retreat resulted in sereval key decisions about the organizations strategic direction and specific tasks to be done. 2007.
Maine CDC - facilitating regional discussions at statewide conference
The Maine Center for Disease Control issued an RFP for statewide delivery of public health services. They convened a bidders conference in Augusta and asked Good Group Decisions to provide four facilitators for regional break-out sessions. 2007.
Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities – a communications workshop
The Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) believes in, and advocates for, the right of all students to receive a free and appropriate public education. As a service to members, they provide several professional growth opportunities and they hired us to deliver a workshop for members on the topic of communications with a focus on e-mail. 2007.
St. Joseph’s Manor – facilitating strategic planning
St. Joseph’s Manor offers a range of nursing home services including assisted living, skilled nursing care, and adult day care. This private, non-profit provides a true continuum of care at its beautiful Portland facility. We were hired to help the board analyze their current situation and establish strategic goals. 2007.
City of
The Bath Planning Department hired us to facilitate a public forum at which residents discussed desired characteristics of potential new downtown buildings. As part of the forum, images of downtown buildings were displayed around the room and participants “voted” for their favorites. We also prepared a report of the meeting to assist property owners and policy makers as they make future decisions about downtown development. 2007.
R.H. Foster Energy, LLC - management makes a plan for 2007
R.H. Foster Energy, LLC of Hamden, Maine, with about 370 employees, operates convenience stores, transports oil and propane, and provides energy services and sales. They hired us to facilitate a full-day retreat of 25 managers to review 2006 initiatives and establish a strategic plan for 2007. The day was a productive mix of critical decision-making and fun team building. We also prepared a report to serve as a preliminary strategic plan. 2007.
Maine Chapter of the Green Building Council – facilitating a board retreat
This young non-profit is Maine’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. They hired us to help them establish their strategic direction. We facilitated a full-day retreat of the board and prepared a report which is serving as the basis for their strategic plan. 2007.
Center for Cultural Exchange - facilitating a board meeting
The Center for Cultural Exchange is a not-for-profit community arts center with a mission of advancing cultural understanding through arts and education programs. Faced with some critical decisions about their future, the board hired us to facilitate a four-hour meeting to explore options and develop consensus. We also prepared a report of the meeting. 2007.
Lead Western Maine - inspirational leadership training to teams
For the fifth year in a row, we were hired by the Western Mountains Alliance to deliver the opening session of Lead Western Maine. This is a 9-month leader training program organized around actual collaborative projects in Western Maine. Each year, the kick-off training covers learning styles, what motivates leaders and followers, leadership characteristics, model meeting behaviors, and more. 2007.
VNA Home Health Care - staff retreat in a beautiful setting
VNA Home Health Care is a major provider of home health and hospice care affiliated with Mercy Hospital and serving families throughout Cumberland and northern York Counties since 1921. We facilitated a multi-day leadership retreat at Camp Kieve on the shores of Damariscotta Lake where we worked on strategic planning and team building. 2007.
2006
PUC Energy Division - strategic planning retreat and follow up
The Energy Division of the Maine Public Utilities Commission promotes the more efficient use of electricity statewide through Efficiency Maine and the Maine State Energy Program. They have hired us to facilitate a full day staff retreat and help them develop a resulting strategic plan. 2006.
This small yet highly effective nonprofit promotes preservation and revitalization of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes and encourages high-quality new architecture in
Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. - a full-day meeting of the Board of Trustees
Again, we facilitated the annual meeting of the Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. Trustees on the shores of Damariscotta Lake. 2006.
Home Care Alliance of Maine - facilitating the annual meeting
The Home Care Alliance of Maine, a statewide trade association, hired us to plan and facilitate their annual meeting of members. During a full-day meeting, we discussed the organization's membership and dues structure, committee structures, and related issues. We also prepared a complete report of the meeting. 2006.
At beautiful Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell, we facilitated a full day conference for the members of the Maine Nutrition Network. About a hundred people attended. We helped the group decide their mission and specific areas of work for the next few years, along with how they should best be structured to achieve their goals. As follow up, we helped them write their strategic plan to be finalized at their annual meeting. 2006.
Statewide Plan for Oral Health Improvement - facilitating stakeholders toward a shared vision
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services was awarded a grant to develop a statewide Oral Health Improvement Plan in collaboration with stakeholders ranging from regulators to providers. We were sub-contracted by Medical Care Development to facilitate meetings of Maine's Oral Health Advisory Committee, to facilitate a statewide conference, and to write the resulting plan. 2005-2006.
This volunteer collaborative of organizations and individuals who promote and facilitate environmental education hired us to facilitate their full-day board retreat intended to result in a strategic plan. 2006.
Enterprise Maine - building organizational and leadership capacity in Western Maine
Enterprise Maine, now called the Growth Council of Oxford Hills, hired us to work on several projects over the course of a whole year. We are helped the Lake Region Development Council establish a strategic plan and organizational structure to achieve it. We helped the Naples Downtown Group get organized to serve as an advocate for the downtown. We helped the Enterprise Maine board develop a new strategic plan. We helped to build institutional capacity among the Oxford Hills Business Development Network and the Lakes Region Business Development Network. We helped to organize the region's modular building companies into a Building Trades Workforce Collaborative designed to result in benefits for the partner companies and for the entire region. And we facilitated a public forum in Downtown Norway to gather public input on how to spend Community Development Block Grant funds. 2006.
Managed Care Stakeholder Input – facilitating a series of meetings in
In moving to a system of Managed Care for mental health and substance abuse treatment services, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services wanted to be sure and hear from stakeholders about what was working well and what should be improved. In collaboration with the
North Country Associates is a leading provider of post acute Medicare skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long term care in
This small non-profit promotes preservation and revitalization of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes and encourages high-quality new architecture in
Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. – facilitation of a day-long board meeting
As they did six months ago, the board of directors of Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. asked us to facilitate their full day board meeting. We also prepared a detailed meeting report. 2006.
Shalom House helps hundreds of people with serious mental illness each year by providing affordable housing where people can escape the stress of homelessness, hunger, and isolation. We were hired to deliver training on communications and conflict management styles. 2006.
Bangor Hydro Electric Company – two days of t
At
On beautiful
Habitat for Humanity Bath Brunswick Area - strategic planning retreat
For the second year in a row, the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity for the Bath Brunswick Area hired us to facilitate their annual 2-day board retreat and update their strategic plan. 2006.
New England Forestry Foundation - a high profile non-profit turns a corner and looks forward
On the heels of two globally significant forest conservation projects, and related fundraising, the board of this sophisticated organization wanted to improve board engagement and be sure of where they were headed next. We facilitated two board meetings and helped them with strategic planning and organizational development. 2006.
Fractionation Development Center - strategic planning retreat
This brand new non-profit corporation hired us to facilitate a full-day board retreat and prepare a resulting strategic plan. 2006.
Homecare Alliance of Maine - developing recommendations to the state
This statewide non-profit, consisting of home health care providers, hospice providers and other health care organizations, hired us to facilitate two meetings in order to develop recommendations to the state on how to ease administrative burdens on health care providers. 2006.
2005
Pandemic Flu Planning for Communities - facilitating a statewide conference
For the Maine Center for Disease Control (formerly the Bureau of Public Health) and the Muskie School for Public Service, we have been hired to facilitate four break-out sessions for a full-day, statewide conference. 2005.
Leominster High School - a new way of administering
Senior administrative staff of this 1800-student High School in Massachusetts came for a weekend retreat to Camp Kieve on the shores of Damariscotta Lake. They are organizing into five distinct "small schools" and thus needed to work out many details about how the five headmasters will work collaboratively and independently. We facilitated the meeting and wrote the meeting report; a documentation of their new agreements. The Kieve team-building staff also helped them build trust and improve communication skills, making full use of Kieve's "outdoor classrooms." 2005.
Lead Western Maine - inspirational leadership training to teams
For the fourth year in a row, we were hired by the Western Mountains Alliance to deliver the opening session of Lead Western Maine. This is a 9-month leader training program organized around actual collaborative projects in Western Maine. Each year, the one-day training covers learning styles, what motivates leaders and followers, leadership characteristics, model meeting behaviors, and more. 2005.
Maine Development Foundation - a full-day board meeting
Given their new leadership and substantial challenges in a changing marketplace, this statewide "champion of sustainable, long-term economic growth for
Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. - a two-day meeting of Trustees and Advisors
This newly formed organization, a merger of Camp Kieve and Wavus Camps, held its first board meeting over two days on the shores of Damariscotta Lake. We were hired to plan the agenda, facilitate the meetings, and prepare meeting reports. 2005.
Merriconeag Waldorf School - community planning
As a volunteer, Craig planned and facilitated a community-wide meeting of parents, faculty, and board members to discuss the school's overall growth and development and prioritize specific development projects. We also prepared a meeting report. 2005.
Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, Health, and Welllness - a strategic planning retreat
This Governor-appointed Council hired us to plan and facilitate a highly interactive one-day retreat. The group affirmed their mission and determined specific goals and actions to make them more effective. We also prepared a written report of the meeting. 2005.
Kieve and Wavus - two traditional Maine summer camps merge into one organization
Situated on opposite ends of Damariscotta Lake, the boards of directors of these camps engaged in seven months of discussions, which initially began as explorations on how to collaborate, but which resulted in a complete merger of the two organizations. With many details to work out, they jointly hired us to facilitate their meetings and bring them to a very satisfying win-win agreement. 2005.
North Country Associates is a leading provider of post acute Medicare skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long term care in
Winslow Schools Facilities Forum - a public discussion among 330 people
The town of Winslow, Maine has aging public schools and needed to make some hard decisions about which to close and how to consolidate. The School Committee convened a large public forum to present four potential options and provide townspeople a chance to ask questions and make comments. Hired by School Union 52 (Winslow, China, Vassalboro), we facilitated the discussion, administered a straw poll during the meeting, and wrote a report which included a summmary of all the questions and comments. 2005.
Lake Region Development Council - a full-day board retreat
This day-long retreat on the shores of Sebago Lake included a mock "TV Talk Show," brainstorming what the organization should be known for, consensus on two primary areas of focus for the organization, and specific action plans for the near future with measurable objectives. We were hired by EnterpriseMaine to facilitate the retreat and prepare a report. 2005.
Maine Economic Growth Council - researching and writing Measures of Growth
As in previous years, we were hired by the Maine Development Foundation to research and author Measures of Growth 2005, the annual report of indicators of Maine's economic, community, and environmental well-being. The report is used by the governor, legislators, agency leaders, business leaders, and non-profits to assess the state's economic, demographic, and environmental trends. 2005. Click here to view a pdf version of the report.
Opportunity Center of North Franklin County – turning tragedy into opportunity
When Lauri toy manufacturing company closed its doors in
Genetics Squared - a bio-tech company developing a new culture
This Ann Arbor, Michigan startup company asked our help with developing communications and decision making norms among its executive leadership team. They wanted a culture of collaboration, yet the fast pace of their work environment demanded efficiency. We helped them find the balance. 2005.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program - strategic planning for board and staff
This non-profit advocacy group hired us to facilitate a strategic planning retreat in two parts. In October, 2004 we helped them analyze their strengths and weaknesses and develop consensus on a vision. In early 2005, we helped them establish strategic directions and specific action plans. 2005.
Western Maine Sustainable Development Collaborative – facilitating consensus
Four organizations, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Maine Center for Economic Policy, Mountain Counties Heritage Network, and the Western Mountains Alliance, joined together “to harness and encourage multiple efforts to achieve regional sustainable development that balances economic, environmental, and community values.” For over two years, Craig facilitated their regular, half-day meetings. 2003, 2004, 2005.
Habitat for Humanity Bath Brunswick Area - strategic planning retreat
The Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity for the Bath Brunswick Area was poised to go to the next level of sophistication: from building 3 or 4 homes per year to building 5 to 7 homes per year. They hired us to facilitate a board retreat and prepare a report which defined the specific steps required to achieve their goals. 2005.
Quality Review Committee - strategic planning and role definition
The Quality Review Committee is a state-chartered group with responsibilities to review the quality of work that Elder Independence of Maine delivers to about 3,000 consumers of home-based care services throughout Maine. They hired us to facilitate a strategic planning session to re-consider their overall mission and scope of work. 2005.
2004 and prior
Maine Coast Protection Initiative - facilitating a coalition with a long and broad horizon
The Land Trust Alliance, State Planning Office, NOAA, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and other organizations embarked on a three-year project to increase conservation lands along Maine's coast. They hired us to facilitate their meetings and help them establish a coalition of over thirty organizations and begin to develop their plan. 2004.
Indicators of Natural Resource-based Industries - a report for the Governor and Legislature
The Natural Resource-based Industries Steering Committee, appointed by Governor Baldacci, hired us to staff a Working Group of state agency managers and develop a methodology for continued assessment of Maine's natural resource-based industries. We prepared an indicators report designed to inform policy makers about the state of these industries and where they might be headed. The report was published December 9th, 2004.
Eastport for Pride - helping a Main Street board with strategic planning
This non-profit organization, with a mission to revitalize downtown Eastport, hired us to individually interview each board member and conduct a full-day strategic planning retreat to address their most challenging issues. 2004.
Portland Public Schools - establishing decision-making norms among faculty
The Portland Partnership hired us to work with teachers and administrators of Adams Elementary School to improve meeting efficiency. 2004.
Downtown Norway Enhancement Strategy – market analysis and design recommendations
The Town of Norway hired us to study the downtown economy, survey merchants and visitors, analyze urban design issues, and prepare a downtown enhancement strategy. The plan incorporated the Main Street Approach and was built on Norway’s exceptional historic character. We did this project in collaboration with Brian Kent of Kent Associates. 2004.
Maximizing Shared Assets in Western Maine – moderating a regional conference
The Western Maine Sustainable Development Collaborative convened a regional conference on April 29, 2004 in Farmington to explore opportunities for sustainable development and promote an asset-based approach. The Collaborative hired me to moderate the conference and prepare a summary report. 2004.
Maine Department of Labor – shared perspectives on short-term and long-term budget solutions
Craig facilitated a series of meetings for the Bureau of Employment Services designed to develop common understanding of how employment services are currently funded, develop recommendations for bridging short term gaps, and develop enduring principles useful for future budgeting decisions. 2004.
Blue Hill Center for Holistic Health – full-day board retreat
This brand new and ambitious board of directors hired Craig to run a kick-off board retreat at which the group made several decisions about how they will operate as a board and approved a draft vision statement for their organization. The board operates by consensus, so there was a fair amount of time devoted to learning consensus process and conflict management. From the big list of all the things th