This registration page may not work well in Internet Explorer. Please use a different browser to complete your registration.

Consultant as Connector: Helping Businesses Find the Right Resource at the Right Time

September 17, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (EDT)

Description

Businesses often face challenges not because resources are unavailable, but because they don't know where to find them or which ones are the right fit. Consultants, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and professional advisors play a critical role in connecting businesses to the funding, expertise, partnerships, and support networks they need to succeed.

Join ACE and the LA Metro Chamber on 

Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM 

at the LA Metro Chamber, 415 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, 

for Consultant as Connector: Helping Businesses Find the Right Resource at the Right Time.

This engaging seminar will explore how consultants and business support organizations serve as connectors within Maine's entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping businesses navigate opportunities and build meaningful relationships that drive growth. Attendees will hear from experienced professionals and business leaders, learn best practices for resource navigation and referrals, and gain practical insights into strengthening connections across the business community.

The program will be presented as an in-person seminar, with a virtual attendance option available for those who cannot join us at the Chamber office.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the consultant's role as a connector within the business support ecosystem.
  • Learn how different organizations identify and refer businesses to appropriate resources.
  • Explore best practices for making introductions that lead to meaningful outcomes.
  • Identify common challenges and gaps in resource navigation.
  • Hear firsthand experiences from businesses that have grown by leveraging multiple support resources.

Learn about our Panel


Emily Braley is the Coordinator for the Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) program, an initiative run by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). She connects eligible Maine startups and small businesses with vetted, local consultants to provide affordable technical and business support. Under her coordination, the MERC program has expanded its support to help Maine's small businesses navigate critical phases of growth.


Terry Johnson is the Maine Mentor Network Manager at the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE). He oversees a pool of over 200 volunteer industry experts, strategically matching them with businesses participating in MCE accelerator programs.  like Top Gun and Cultivator.  Terry’s core responsibility is ensuring that the Maine Mentor Network has the right skillsets to guide early-stage and scaling entrepreneurs through their business lifecycles. He ensures founders get hands-on, relationship-based guidance rather than just theoretical advice.

Terry brings over 30 years of background in product design, technology development, and customer support with national companies. He assists growing companies in navigating operational transitions, improving profitability, and managing the systems perspective needed for scalability.  Terry is the immediate past president of the Association for Consulting Expertise, and an ACE Speaks! panelist. 

Susan Ruhlin, the recently-appointed Executive Director of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is a business mentor-turned-entrepreneur who formerly led the Dirigo Labs startup accelerator in Waterville.   She is an innovation ecosystem leader with deep experience in accelerator management, fundraising, and corporate development and is recognized for building strong partnerships and guiding early-stage companies from idea to traction.
 

In her new role, she seeks opportunities for thoughtful growth, investment in infrastructure and housing, and ensuring that economic development benefits the entire region.  She believes that the focus should be on aligning the region’s strengths in ways that support long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

Location

LA Metro Chamber Conference Room

Light refreshments and drinks will be served. 

View Event

Contact Information

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Name: Justin Morin
Phone: (207) 783-2249
Email: justin@lametrochamber.com
We're sorry. No registrations are currently available. You may wish to contact the event organizer for assistance.
{{ vm.EventInfo.ErrorMessage }}

Select Registration Options

Edit
{{vm.regWarningMessage}}
{{vm.regAlertMessage}}

Exhibitor Opportunities

Name Price Att Qty
{{ et.Name }}
{{ et.IncludedAttendeesCount }} {{ et.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType }} Remaining {{ et.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} on Waiting List {{ et.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} Over Limit
{{ et.Remaining }} Remaining
 Sold out

Attendee Registration Options Total Remaining: {{ vm.EventInfo.VacantSpotsPerEvent }}

Waiting List Available
{{ vm.stats.totalAttendeesCount }} Registered , {{ vm.OverallOverAmount() }} on Waiting List , {{ vm.OverallOverAmount() }} Over Limit
Name Price Qty
{{ rt.Name }}
{{ rt.IsMemberOnly ? ' (Members Only)' : '' }}
Limit: {{ rt.LimitPerPurchase }}
Included Attendees: {{ rt.AttendeesCountPerOneRegistration }}
{{rt.Price | currency }} {{rt.PriceAfterDiscount | currency }} {{ rt.Price | currency }}
{{ rt.RemainingPerType }} Remaining
{{ rt.RemainingPerType * -1 }} on Waiting List
{{ rt.RemainingPerType * -1 }} Over Limit

{{'[[Sponsorship]] Opportunities' | localizeString:'['}}

Name Price Att Qty
{{ st.Name }}
{{ st.IncludedAttendeesCount }} {{ st.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType }} Remaining {{ st.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} on Waiting List {{ st.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} Over Limit
{{ st.Remaining }} Remaining
 Sold out
Continue

Registration Information

Edit

Exhibitor - {{er.Name}}

Exhibitor #{{ $index + 1 }}

Total: {{exhibitor.TotalPrice | currency}} {{ exhibitor.IsBenefit ? "- Included as a Benefit" : exhibitor.IsDiscounted ? "- Discounts have been applied" : ""}}
Exhibitor Directory
Primary Contact
Booth Information
Additional Information
Additional Items

Attendee - {{er.Name}}

{{ att.getAttendeeTerm(vm.EventSettings.AdditionalAttendeesTerm, $index) }} #{{ att.getAttendeeIndexDisplay(vm.EventSettings.AdditionalAttendeesTerm, $index) }}

Total: {{att.TotalPrice | currency}} {{att.DiscountMessage | localizeString:'['}}
A No Show fee is being assessed for {{fee.EventName}} on {{fee.EventStartLocalTimeString}}.
More Information Less information

Address

Phone

Additional Information
Event Sessions

{{slot.Name}}

{{$select.selected.SessionName}}
(full)
{{slot.SelectedSession.SessionDescription + (slot.HasFees ? " (Price: " + (slot.PriceTotal | currency) +")" : "")}}
Additional Items

{{'[[Sponsorship+]]' | localizeString:'['}} - {{er.Name}}

{{'[[Sponsor]]' | localizeString:'['}} #{{ $index + 1 }}

Total: {{sponsor.Price | currency}}
Continue

Additional Items

Edit

{{(vm.EventInfo.Terms.Donation || "Fundraising") + " Opportunities"}}

Campaign Name Item Description Amount
{{item.CampaignName}} {{item.Description + (item.ShowMinimumPrice && item.MinimumPrice ? " (Min: " + item.MinimumPrice + ")" : "")}}
Continue

Complete Registration

Edit

Terms & Conditions

No Show Policy

{{ vm.EventInfo.EventSettings.NoShowPolicy }}

Enter Promo Code

Billing Contact

Registration Protection
This event is synced to a webinar so no confirmation email will be sent from GrowthZone.

Thank you to our {{'[[Sponsor+]]' | localizeString:'['}}