This one-day forum is a supply chain training and networking opportunity for growers, processors, and distributors. The goal of this event is to foster collective learning about selling locally grown and/or manufactured products within the commercial and non-commercial food service industry. Sodexo leadership from the state of Maine along with their supply management team will be working together to further this conversation on these very important topics.

In 2015, Sodexo made a commitment to the state of Maine to increase local food purchasing at all of our accounts in Maine, a commitment called the Maine Course.

You are invited to come learn more about how Sodexo's Maine Course commitment will impact local purchasing in Maine and if selling, or increasing current sales, into the food service industry might be the right fit for your operation. The University of Maine Orono Auxilliary Services will present on how to sell to their institution as well.

Space is limited and registration is required. We ask that you limit to two people per group to allow diversity of business representation. This is a free event and lunch is provided.

Ample networking opportunities will be provided through out the day, during lunch and at the reception following the event.

Topics covered are intended to build business to business relationships between the producers, distributors, and buyers in the room, including topics like:

• How Sodexo’s food procurement works
• How the University of Maine Orono's food procurement works
• Maine Course as a local procurement strategy
• Trends in the food service industry
• Regional and national distributor interfacing
• Approved vendor process
• Stories from producers about their path in selling to Sodexo

Questions to be answered during event:

• What is the industry demand for locally grown and manufactured products?

Intended audience:

• Farmers
• Processors
• Food businesses
• Fisheries

Please direct inquiries or comments to Maeve McInnis, Maine Course Director, at maeve.mcinnis@sodexo.com or (207) 298-2149

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Directions to the Abromson Center, Portland Campus

• GPS Address
  88 Bedford Street
  Portland, Maine 04104
  
  
• From I-295 (north or south bound)
  Take Exit 6B (Forest Avenue North). Turn left at the first light and proceed until you see the skywalk over the street. Drive under the skywalk and turn left onto Surrenden St. to enter the garage. The Abromson Center is attached to the garage.

• From Brighton Ave.
  At the Law School (on your right), bear left onto Bedford St. then turn right onto Surrenden St. to enter the garage (just before the skywalk). The Abromson Center is attached to the garage.
  
  

Parking at USM's Abromson Center

• The Portland Parking Garage is one of the best places to park on the Portland campus. Entrance and exit gates are open for free parking and no tickets are dispensed.
• Upon entry into the garage, you will be prompted to press a button, which will raise the gate for you to enter the garage. Entrance into the garage is on Surrenden St.
  
• To exit the garage, approach the exit gates slowly. They will automatically open for you.
• Parking is free

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Maeve McInnis, the Maine Course Director, maeve.mcinnis@sodexo.com, or (207) 298-2149

John Rebar, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Executive Director, john.rebar@maine.edu, or (207) 581-2811

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes, if you would like to give your ticket to a colleague or someone else who is interested in the event.

ADA Requirements?

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call John Rebar of UMaine Cooperative Extension at 207-581-2811 to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least fourteen (14) days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered.

Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?

Please contact Maeve McInnis @ maeve.mcinnis@sodexo.com