Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 31 A U G U S T 7 , 2 0 2 3 Learn More | As a business leader, you know that the hardest climb isn't Denali or even Everest. It's the life-long leadership journey. But you don't have to go it alone. You can travel with an experienced guide who knows the lay of the land, and an elite team of peers who has your back. At Vistage, we call this living a "Life of Climb," and it's about showing up every day ready to be better and go further in your life. Vistage peer advisory groups represent a diverse community of industry leaders who are humble yet driven. Within each group, leaders have an opportunity to share expertise, challenge one another to think critically, and ultimately arrive at better decisions. Find out how some CEOs go further and higher. Contact Vistage Chair, George Casey 207-869-5491 | george.casey@vistagechair.com | vistage.com/chairs/george.casey P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / DAV I D C L O U G H Kristine Logan Kate McAleer Challenge: "About a year ago, I did a 'Start, Stop, Keep' exercise with our team to help us focus on strategic priorities and allow us to let go of things that weren't aligned with those priorities and old pro- cesses that could be optimized. We just reflected on our efforts, which was really important because it helped remind us of how much progress we have made." Goal: "I will be working with our team to put Maine on the map as Nanocellulose Valley, a global leader in biomaterials. Just as silicon in semicon- ductors drove the Information Age and the creation of Silicon Valley, we believe that nanocellulose — a renewable, natu- ral material derived from trees and other plants — is the next material to drive economic growth by creating a wide range of products from food packaging to biomedical devices that can replace current non-sustainable materials. Maine is ideally positioned to drive this change." Kristine Logan Executive director, Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority Challenge: "We have experienced changes in our team, our programs and in our funding, and while change can be unsettling, we have had to stay flexible and find the opportunity in every change." Goal: "My audacious goal for the coming year is to create opportuni- ties for more team-building activities. We are a small, but mighty, team of 10 people who work many hours meeting our goals and making the Brunswick Landing a great place to live, work and recreate. It is important to cre- ate moments for team camaraderie, which leads to better communication, increased innovation [and] insights into what motivates each team member." Kate McAleer Founder, Bixby Chocolate Challenge: "Driven by an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, our leadership challenge has been focused on elevating our manufacturing processes to new levels. Embracing the challenge, we have worked with our workforce to educate, train and become proficient on state-of-the-art equipment and taking creations to new heights to redefine the boundaries of sweet indulgence." Goal: "With a bold vision in mind, Bixby Chocolate embarked on the audacious goal to produce 100% of its own chocolate, thereby taking more control over the manufacturing process and supply chain for chocolate." I will be working with our team to put Maine on the map as Nanocellulose Valley. — Renee Kelly University of Maine

• Cover