Main Street Skowhegan and Maine MEP Host “Makers to Manufacturers”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Workforce Development Manager
Main Street Skowhegan
Email: info@mainstreetskowhegan.org

Main Street Skowhegan and Maine MEP Host “Makers to Manufacturers”
An Event to Help Rural Producers Scale Up

Skowhegan, ME, September 24, 2025 – Rural makers, food entrepreneurs, and small-scale producers are invited to attend Makers to Manufacturers, a full-day event designed to help Maine’s rural businesses expand their production capacity and scale up operations.

Hosted by Main Street Skowhegan in partnership with the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the event will take place at 185 Water Street in Skowhegan, the future home of The Kitchen at 185—a shared commercial kitchen and food business incubator that will serve as a catalyst for food-sector innovation across the region.

Attendees will hear from Amber Lambke, CEO of Maine Grains, who will share how she built a successful manufacturing business rooted in local sourcing and community impact—and how support from Maine MEP helped her streamline operations and grow production. Additional sessions will highlight actionable resources from both Main Street Skowhegan and Maine MEP, including tools to boost efficiency, expand capacity, and support sustainable business growth.

In addition to keynotes and informational sessions, the event will feature networking opportunities with fellow makers, food producers, and business development professionals from across Maine.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Rural makers and artisans
• Food entrepreneurs
• Small-scale manufacturers
• Local business owners
• Anyone exploring production growth and process improvement in Maine

EVENT DETAILS

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2025 – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-day event)
Where: 185 Water Street, Skowhegan, ME
Future site of The Kitchen at 185

This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights, build connections, and take the next step toward growing your business right here in rural Maine.

MAIN STREET SKOWHEGAN & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Main Street Skowhegan is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtown Skowhegan and driving long-term economic growth for the region. A central part of this mission is workforce development—helping to strengthen the talent pipeline in rural Maine by connecting residents with training opportunities, equipping businesses with tools to grow, and building systems that support local employers’ needs. Through initiatives like the Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship, workforce training programs, and direct business support, Main Street Skowhegan works to prepare the region’s workforce for current and future opportunities.

ABOUT MAIN STREET SKOWHEGAN

Main Street Skowhegan (MSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtown Skowhegan while fostering long-term economic growth for the region. MSS leads programs and initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurship, workforce development, outdoor recreation, and community engagement. By supporting innovation and small business growth, Main Street Skowhegan works to build a thriving rural economy in central Maine.

ABOUT MAINE MEP

The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maine MEP) is a private, nonprofit corporation that helps Maine manufacturers and producers improve their competitiveness. As part of the national MEP system, Maine MEP provides tailored training, consulting, and resources that enable businesses to streamline operations, implement innovative processes, and expand production. Maine MEP’s mission is to strengthen Maine’s manufacturing sector and support sustainable economic development statewide.

###