Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association

09/03/2026

🤖 When customers ask AI where to shop, will your business show up?

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are quickly becoming part of how consumers discover businesses, products, and local retailers. That means being visible online is taking on a whole new meaning.

Join Rich Brooks, Founder of Flyte New Media, at this year’s Front Counter Forum for “Get Found & Recommended by AI: What Retailers & Grocers Need to Know About GEO.”

Rich will break down Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and share actionable ways retailers and grocers can improve their chances of being found and recommended by AI, from optimizing your website and product content to strengthening local listings and reviews.

📅 September 30–October 1, 2026
📍 Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor

Come learn what AI search means for your business and what you can start doing about it now.

👉 Register for the Front Counter Forum: https://retailmaine.glueup.com/event/188680/register/

09/01/2026

🏌️ Only TWO WEEKS to go!

The MGFPA Golf Tournament is just around the corner! Join us on Tuesday, September 15 at Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, ME for a fun day on the course with fellow grocery and food industry professionals.

Whether you're coming to play, network, compete for prizes, or just enjoy a great day out, you won't want to miss one of our favorite events of the year!

Haven't registered yet? There's still time to grab your spot!
🔗 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/56b7ewca

08/21/2026

📣 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Front Counter Forum!

Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association and the Retail Association of Maine are bringing Maine’s retail, grocery, and food industries together on Thursday, October 1 at Hollywood Casino in Bangor!

This year’s Front Counter Forum will feature Alex Gray, President of Waterfront Concerts, as our keynote speaker, along with opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals, share ideas, and hear perspectives from leaders across Maine.

We’ll kick things off Wednesday evening with a Welcome Reception at Waterfront Concerts before coming together for a full day of programming at Hollywood Casino.

📅 September 30–October 1, 2026
📍 Hollywood Casino, Bangor
🎤 Keynote: Alex Gray, President of Waterfront Concerts
🥂 Welcome Reception at Waterfront Concerts

Registration is open! Don’t miss your chance to join us this October. https://shorturl.at/S8DRt

08/14/2026

⛳ A great day with the Maine's food industry! It’s more than a round of golf, it’s a chance to connect with colleagues, enjoy lunch, and your chance at more than $2,000 in prizes. 🎉

🏌️ Gather your team. Bring your game.
REGISTER HERE: https://mgfpa-2026-golf-tournament.square.site/ (link in bio)

07/10/2026

Whether you run a grocery store, specialty food business, or work in the food industry, AI can help you work smarter.

Join us Thursday, July 16, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. to explore practical, easy-to-use AI tools that can help you create marketing content, improve customer communication, streamline daily tasks, and boost productivity without requiring a technical background.

Leave with actionable tips you can put to work in your business right away.

🔗 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/3ew42upb

07/07/2026

🏌️ Grab your clubs - Registration is officially open!

The MGFPA Golf Tournament returns on Tuesday, September 15 at Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, ME.

Don't miss one of our favorite events of the year, bringing together grocery and food industry professionals for a fun day of golf, networking, prizes, and more.

Secure your spot today!

🔗 Register: https://tinyurl.com/56b7ewca

07/02/2026

Whether you're running a neighborhood market, producing local foods, or managing a growing business, finding ways to work more efficiently is more important than ever.

Join Rich Brooks for an Exchange Webinar that explores practical AI tools for grocers, food producers, and retailers. You'll discover real-world examples, time-saving strategies, and actionable ideas to help improve marketing, streamline operations, and make the most of your team's time.

📅 Thursday, July 16, 2026
🕣 8:30–9:30 AM
🔗 Register: https://tinyurl.com/3ew42upb

05/29/2026

Join us for another installment of our Exchange Webinar series as we discuss what Maine employers need to know about Paid Family & Medical Leave compliance.

Attorney Tawny Alvarez of Verrill will provide guidance on navigating PFML requirements, employer responsibilities, and key compliance considerations to help businesses move forward with confidence. The webinar will also include an overview of Maine’s pay transparency law and its potential impact on employers.

Whether you’re still preparing or already planning for implementation, this session will offer timely insights and practical takeaways for your business.

📅 Thursday, June 11
⏰ 8:30–9:30 AM
Register today: https://tinyurl.com/4yajzfy7

04/08/2026

📢 Make your voice count: participate in the Local Food Counts Study and help showcase the true impact of local food in our stores and communities.

Grocers in Maine and New England are invited to be part of the research to help better understand how much local food is sold in the region. Get counted before the April 30th deadline!

Questions? Email: [email protected]
For More Info and to Sign Up Visit: mainefoodconvergence.org/maine-local-food-counts

04/06/2026

This investment supports local farms, food producers, and the supply chains that keep Maine communities strong. 👉 Please take a moment to reach out to your State Representative and urge their support.