The third annual conference will emphasize the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all individuals across Maine
Waterville, ME 10/30/2024 – Dirigo Labs and its partner, the Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship, are pleased to announce that Kennebec Savings Bank will once again be the Lead Sponsor for the 2024 Better Maine Conference, taking place on November 7th in downtown Waterville. This year’s conference will focus on “Creating Equitable Workspaces” and feature keynote speaker Ariel Ricci, executive director for the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, & Tribal Populations.
“Kennebec Savings Bank is excited to be the Lead Sponsor for this year’s Better Maine Conference, especially as it centers on creating more equitable workplaces. The event provides an important opportunity to explore new strategies and spark conversations that lead to actionable change,” said Kennebec Savings Bank Vice President & Marketing & Communications Officer Amanda Cooley. “We’re excited to participate in discussions that will shape how we approach workforce development and community building in Maine.”
The Better Maine Conference brings together business leaders, policymakers, and workforce development professionals to share best practices and innovations around talent attraction, upskilling employees, diversity initiatives, leadership development, and more.
“We are thrilled to host the Better Maine Conference once again, particularly with a focus on creating equitable workspaces,” said Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. “Diversity is a key driver of innovation and resilience, and building inclusive environments where diverse talent can thrive is critical to the future of Maine’s workforce development. By ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, we strengthen businesses, create more vibrant communities, and promote sustainable economic growth, particularly in our rural regions. With the continued support of Kennebec Savings Bank, we are driving forward conversations that inspire meaningful action and help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce across the state.”
Ariel Ricci will deliver this year’s keynote address, drawing from their mission-driven work focused on addressing racial disparities across all systems in Maine. Other prominent speakers will participate in panel discussions and workshops throughout the day.
For more details and registration information, visit the Better Maine Conference Eventbrite page.
About Kennebec Savings Bank:Kennebec Savings Bank is a $1.7 billion state-chartered community bank, part of a mutual organization, with a team of 200 employees and offices in Augusta, Farmingdale, Freeport, Portland, Waterville, and Winthrop, as well as “KSB Anytime” 24-hour electronic banking centers in Augusta, Farmingdale, Freeport and Manchester. The Bank is proud that its involvement in the community as an employer, a business and as a contributor has led to many other successes besides its own. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. For more information please visit: https://www.kennebecsavings.bank
About Dirigo Labs:Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow the greater Waterville area’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under the Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.