one k

1K - Maine Foodies – Entrepreneurs with Great Taste

Moderator:

Valerie Geredien, Maine Food Producers Alliance

Valerie Geredien holds an M.B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She started her career in marketing and communications as an account manager at The New England Group Advertising in Portland, Maine and became a principal of the organization in 1988. In 1990 Geredien joined Portland based Swardlick Marketing Group where she led the development and execution of a major brand initiative for the Wild Blueberry Association of North America that put Wild Blueberries on the map. Geredien also launched a national media relations campaign and branding program that helped to establish the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. A key member of the agency team for 15 years, Geredien worked in strategic planning and marketing, and communications program design and management. In June of 2009 Geredien joined Maine Tomorrow as Executive Director of the Maine Food Producers Alliance. Geredien is an advisor to the Portland Chapter of SCORE, volunteers at The Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Common Good Ventures, and serves on the adult advisory board of The PORT, Freeport’s Teen Center.

Speakers:

Roger Bintliff, Chef and Developer, Chef’s Pantry/Kitchen

Roger Bintliff is a Maine resident with more than twenty five years in the hospitality industry under his belt.  He has owned and operated eleven successful restaurants throughout his career.  In addition to being a renowned Maine chef, Roger is also an entrepreneur and is one of the founders of The Chef’s  Kitchen, a television cooking show produced in Maine.  The show has featured acclaimed chefs from around the country as well as well known Maine chefs.  One of Roger’s latest endeavors is to bring awareness of and promote the many quality food products Maine has to offer.

Steve Shaffer, Co-owner Black Dinah’s Chocolatiers

Steve Shaffer often sits staring out the window at the small pond and the swaying pines in his yard, wondering if people even know Black Dinah Chocolatiers exists. Then, an order comes in and he knows his plans to take over the world are working. When he is not plotting, he is packing boxes full of the chocolates his wife makes and furiously stacking firewood.

Mike Cote, Owner Bar Harbor Foods

Mike Cote purchased the 86-year-old East Machias Canning Company, makers of Maine premium specialty seafood in 2003. Growing up in Maine, Mike was a fan of the cannery and the company's products, and has always loved fresh Maine seafood and simple natural ingredients. Mike brings over 20 years' worth of gourmet specialty foods experience to the table, working with many long-time employees and friends.
Bettina Doulton, Owner, Cellardoor Vineyard
Bettina Doulton spent 21 years at Fidelity Investments in Boston as an analyst, portfolio manager, and part of the equity research management team. After surviving cancer in 2006, she followed her dream of running her own business and purchased Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville.