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 UMaine

From the South on I-95: take exit 191 to Kelly Road and turn right. Continue on Kelly Road for 1 mile until you reach the traffic light, then turn left onto Route 2 and go through downtown Orono. Cross the river.

For events at Buchanan Alumni House, Alfond Arena or Wells Conference Center, turn left at the lights onto College Avenue. Buchanan Alumni House will be the first campus-related building on your right. For Alfond or Buchanan, continue on College Avenue past the steam plant to the next University of Maine sign. Turn right onto Long Road.

For events at Collins Center for the Arts or the Memorial Union, bear right onto Park Street. Continue .5 miles until you see a “University of Maine” sign on your left.

From the North on I-95: take exit 193 to Stillwater Avenue and turn left. Drive straight for one mile and turn right onto College Avenue. Drive one mile and turn left onto the UMaine campus (Long Road).

Parking

Wells parking lot formally the Beta lot (near intersection of Long Road & Munson Road, off of College Ave – near Stillwater River)

No parking pass required

Click here for map

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