Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Skowhegan- based Maine Grains, processes grains for wholesale and retail sale, with 19 employees and annual sales of $2.3 million. But that's only part of her impact. She and husband Michael Scholz converted a vacant county jail for the grist mill. To connect farmers, millers and bakers, she helped launch the Kneading Conference, Maine Artisan Bread Fair and Maine Grain Alliance. She's been active in helping redevelop Skowhegan, with the Miller's Table cafe, Crooked Face Creamery, the Good Crust and other businesses. I n the past year, Lambke launched what may be her biggest under- taking yet, acquiring an adjacent property that will allow for expanded Maine Grains operations, demonstra- tion kitchen, farmers market and, in a second phase, entrepreneurs' space and affordable apartments. In a conversation with Mainebiz at the Miller's Table cafe, she talked about Maine Grains and the surrounding area. Mainebiz: At the time you launched Maine Grains in 2012, what was the state of Maine's grain growing operations? Amber Lambke: Infrastructure was the missing piece. Farmers were growing 'cover crops' like rye and oats but didn't see much of a market for them. ere were no food-grade markets for these crops. In northern Maine, a lot of it was going to Canada at a very low price. We needed machinery to take out the weed seeds; quality was a problem. We saw the food movement changing things. Farmers markets have rules that you must produce or grow the food locally, yet bakers were allowed to sell It's Time to Take Command #DCTakeCommand " Clark Insurance's strong growth is supported by what our people are learning in Dale Carnegie classes. " — Jeff Shaw A family-owned business @dale.carnegie.maine / Dale Carnegie Maine / @dalecarnegiemaine maine.dalecarnegie.com / maine@dalecarnegie.com / 207.775.DALE (3253) Are your employees fully engaged? Could your productivity improve? Mention this ad for a free Business Improvement Discussion. contactDCmaine.com Entrepreneurship and Innovation are Deeply Rooted in the Maine Economy When starting a business, you have a lot to keep your eye on. When starting a business, you have a lot to keep your eye on. Sometimes it's hard to see the opportunities and the risks clearly. Sometimes it's hard to see the opportunities and the risks clearly. That's where Drummond Woodsum attorneys That's where Drummond Woodsum attorneys Michael High, , Aaron Pratt, , Gary Vogel and l and Lisa Whitt can help. We provide can help. We provide expertise in all phases of your business, from formation and expertise in all phases of your business, from formation and financing to strategic relationships and business combinations. financing to strategic relationships and business combinations. It's important for start-ups and young companies to get the It's important for start-ups and young companies to get the legal insight they need, so that they can focus on growing their legal insight they need, so that they can focus on growing their business. We offer practical, business-focused advice and have business. We offer practical, business-focused advice and have shepherded many companies from formation through ultimate shepherded many companies from formation through ultimate sale and liquidity for founders. sale and liquidity for founders. We practice law differently. Since 1965. dwmlaw.com dwmlaw.com | 800.727.1941 800.727.1941 C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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