BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 X-WR-CALNAME:mainectesummit2026 X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar METHOD:PUBLISH CALSCALE:GREGORIAN PRODID:-//Sched.com MaineCTE Business Summit//EN X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260719T220000Z DTEND:20260719T230000Z SUMMARY:Welcome Dinner & Opening Remarks DESCRIPTION:Opening and Welcome: \;Inspiration and Real-World SuccessPaulette Bonneau \;and Bill TracyEnjoy a formal dinner to kick off the summit. CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:c69b608fe3301510c05400dd82ae1325 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/c69b608fe3301510c05400dd82ae1325 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260719T230000Z DTEND:20260720T000000Z SUMMARY:Keynote Presentation: Russel McKenna\, Morse Corporation DESCRIPTION:For decades\, a stubborn stigma clouded Career and Technical Education (CTE)\, framing it as a secondary path for those not bound for college. While remnants of that perception still linger across parts of Maine\, Russell McKenna single-handedly redefined what the future of CTE looks like for the Midcoast region.\n\nRussell’s journey began in the Machine Tool program at the Mid-Coast School of Technology\, where he quickly became known for completing complex projects in record-breaking time. However\, it was his unique ability to bridge two worlds—pairing elite skill in the shop with a rigorous workload of AP Calculus and Physics - that set him apart.\n\nThe combination of hands-on experience and theoretical depth made him the ideal candidate for the prestigious Colorado School of Mines. There\, he served as a Mechanical Engineering student and Machine Shop assistant\, building a formidable resume that launched his career at Morse Corp. in Cambridge\, Massachusetts.\n\nToday\, Russell stands as a living proof-of-concept. Because of his non-traditional path and professional success\, students across midcoast Maine are no longer viewing CTE as a fallback—they are seeing it as a strategic decision to separate themselves from the competition. CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:e1731c0f3a1de93c74f26ae0d0394276 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/e1731c0f3a1de93c74f26ae0d0394276 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T120000Z DTEND:20260720T123000Z SUMMARY:Breakfast! DESCRIPTION:Enjoy breakfast on us! CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:1bb79dc196eb34620408e8877c4849b9 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/1bb79dc196eb34620408e8877c4849b9 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T123000Z DTEND:20260720T133000Z SUMMARY:The Trifecta: Integrating CTE\, Business\, and Academic Education DESCRIPTION:Mike was hired as St. George Municipal School Unit’s first superintendent in 2015. In that role\, he focused on developing partnerships with businesses\, nonprofits\, and civic organizations to better meet the needs of students and families.\n\nWhile superintendent\, Mike helped lead a community effort\, in partnership with MidCoast School of Technology\, to develop the nation’s first PreK-12 Career & Technical Education program. In August 2025\, after a three-year campaign that raised over $4.6 million\, St. George opened the GRACE Innovation Center. The project was selected as a finalist for the national Yass Prize and was featured in both national (e.g.\, Wall Street Journal and Fox Business News) and state and local media (e.g.\, News Center Maine\, WABI TV\, etc.).\n\nIn July 2025\, Mike transitioned to the roles of Executive Director of the GRACE Innovation Center and Executive Director of the St. George Community Development Corporation (StGCDC). The StGCDC also oversees the adult education\, workforce training\, and telehealth/paramedicine programming happening through the GRACE Innovation Center.\n\nWith the StGCDC\, Mike has the opportunity to work at the nexus of community\, education\, and economic development alongside individuals\, groups\, and institutions that are developing locally tailored solutions to the most pressing issues facing our town\, state\, and nation – issues ranging from food security to workforce readiness and housing to healthcare.\n CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:c3312b4812d9e56a3121677c0fa60d2b URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/c3312b4812d9e56a3121677c0fa60d2b END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T133000Z DTEND:20260720T160000Z SUMMARY:Session A: Recruiting and Retaining the Modern Teenager DESCRIPTION:Recruiting and retaining teenagers today looks vastly different from how it did in the past\, requiring a pivot from transactional outreach to authentic relationship-building. This presentation explores how businesses can find success by providing students with a familiar\, trusted face to bridge the gap between education and industry. We will discuss how CTE schools provide an ideal\, safe environment for businesses to cultivate these professional connections early. \; CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:6f3615c72a054e94b6680d6e31e69246 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/6f3615c72a054e94b6680d6e31e69246 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T133000Z DTEND:20260720T160000Z SUMMARY:Session B: Successful Internships and Apprenticeships DESCRIPTION:For decades\, Maine struggled to implement scalable apprenticeship models\, but the landscape has shifted dramatically over the last five years. Through the concerted efforts of Educate Maine\, the Maine Community College System\, the Department of Labor\, and Maine CTE schools\, pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships are now thriving across the state. This presentation highlights how these collaborative pathways are providing a direct solution to Maine’s workforce shortage. \; CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:de8687727aac411cae239dfbbb5e3766 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/de8687727aac411cae239dfbbb5e3766 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T133000Z DTEND:20260720T150000Z SUMMARY:Session C: High-Quality CTE at the Post-Secondary Level with the University of Maine System\, Maine Community College\, and Maine Maritime Academy DESCRIPTION:This session explores how CTE can redefine post-secondary readiness by providing students with a distinct competitive advantage over those on a strictly academic track. While traditional pathways focus heavily on theoretical knowledge\, CTE integrates rigorous academics with real-world experience\, allowing students to master industry-standard skills before they even graduate high school. CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:dc9fd5b609841835ddc1e697ab5e1f90 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/dc9fd5b609841835ddc1e697ab5e1f90 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T160000Z DTEND:20260720T170000Z SUMMARY:Lunch! Facilitated lunch discussions at tables DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:67dac8513e2d7db3cf53b01ccda44d22 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/67dac8513e2d7db3cf53b01ccda44d22 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T170000Z DTEND:20260720T181500Z SUMMARY:Large Group Work Session: Solving the Maine CTE Capacity Paradox: Strategies for Access and Sustainability DESCRIPTION:Maine’s CTE landscape is currently facing two distinct realities. On one hand\, high-demand programs in growing regions are facing waitlists\, forcing schools to turn away students due to capacity and safety constraints. On the other hand\, smaller schools are struggling to hit EPS thresholds\, putting vital funding and full-time equivalent (FTE) positions at risk. \; \;  \; \;\n\nThis session offers a critical opportunity to examine the hurdles confronting CTE institutions and develop innovative strategies to expand student access throughout Maine. \; CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:7480828f1862cad647b3f03cf47bb69f URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/7480828f1862cad647b3f03cf47bb69f END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T183000Z DTEND:20260720T210000Z SUMMARY:Afternoon Recreation DESCRIPTION:Free time for attendees to utilize the golf facility\, hiking trails\, or mountain biking paths. CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:859d8a5cd4737768060d13ef3c539d7e URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/859d8a5cd4737768060d13ef3c539d7e END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T210000Z DTEND:20260720T223000Z SUMMARY:Networking Reception DESCRIPTION:Drinks and informal discussions\, meet & greet! \;Sponsored by a MACTE Partner. \; CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:642165b8a6d095a5b22077f75177100a URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/642165b8a6d095a5b22077f75177100a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260720T223000Z DTEND:20260721T000000Z SUMMARY:Dinner & Evening Keynote: Topic: Building Maine’s Future Workforce DESCRIPTION:Mark Brooks currently serves as the Director of the Cianbro Institute at the Cianbro Corporation headquartered in Pittsfield\, Maine. He also coordinates leadership development across the Cianbro Companies.\n\nMark is a retired Colonel with the United States Army Reserves\, serving for over 34 years and retiring in 2020. He has led soldiers at the Team\, Squad\, Platoon\, Company\, Battalion and Brigade level. He is a decorated Combat Veteran with service in Iraq. COL Brooks has been awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star for commanding U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in Tal Afar\, Iraq. He was also awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Award for service at the Pentagon supporting contingency operations in Afghanistan. COL Brooks is a graduate of the United States Army War College\, earning a Master’s of Science degree in Strategic Studies. \;\n\nCOL Brooks has served as a Leadership Instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mark is also a retired Troop Commander (Lieutenant) with the Maine State Police. He has served as a rural Maine State Patrol Trooper\, Homicide Detective\, Child-abuse Detective\, Training Sergeant at the Maine State Police Academy\, Patrol Sergeant and Troop Commander in both Troop F in Aroostook County and Troop C in Skowhegan serving Central Maine. He has served as Commander of the Maine State Police Crisis Negotiation Unit and also Commander of the Incident Management Assistance Team. Mark served in the Maine State Police for 25 years and retired in the fall of 2019.\n CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:d6b81e3066139fa973878bfac82b0e7c URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/d6b81e3066139fa973878bfac82b0e7c END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260721T120000Z DTEND:20260721T124500Z SUMMARY:Breakfast DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:d5081765ab5f81f6fde11398838a7272 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/d5081765ab5f81f6fde11398838a7272 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260721T124500Z DTEND:20260721T134500Z SUMMARY:Policy & Action: Student Perspectives Panel DESCRIPTION:Panelists: \;Current and former CTE students sharing their lived experiences and career trajectories.\n\nDescription: \;Join the panel of current and former CTE students as they share how hands-on learning prepared them for professional success. They will discuss the specific skills\, certifications\, and mentorships that bridged the gap between graduation and the workforce. Attendees will gain firsthand perspectives on the long-term ROI of CTE programs and strategies for empowering the next generation of industry leaders. CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:9840266e64a64e2ccfeebcdaa3597035 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/9840266e64a64e2ccfeebcdaa3597035 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260721T140000Z DTEND:20260721T150000Z SUMMARY:Bridging the Gap: What Businesses Need from CTE Graduates DESCRIPTION:Description: \;Maine CTE programs are dedicated to ensuring students enter the workforce ready to contribute from day one. This work session invites educators and industry leaders to collaborate on defining the essential technical and durable skills required by today’s employers. Participants will examine emerging industry needs and co-develop strategies to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world employment.\n\nFacilitator: \;Mike Felton\n CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:bd01daeb6d58723a23df8a108b7ac10a URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/bd01daeb6d58723a23df8a108b7ac10a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260721T151500Z DTEND:20260721T160000Z SUMMARY:Regional Breakout Sessions DESCRIPTION:Group discussions organized by region to develop actionable next steps and local implementation plans. CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:16e7b0ced402a0c3ba0ad10d200d90f5 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/16e7b0ced402a0c3ba0ad10d200d90f5 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260617T111503Z DTSTART:20260721T161500Z DTEND:20260721T163000Z SUMMARY:Conference Recap and Closing DESCRIPTION:Join 27 Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) for a comprehensive summary of the conference’s key takeaways. We will highlight the pivotal ideas surfaced during the event and provide a call to action on how we will continue this vital work in the months ahead. CATEGORIES: LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:9ad159f4eda2823e6563ba4e1a9d3312 URL:http://mainectesummit2026.sched.com/event/9ad159f4eda2823e6563ba4e1a9d3312 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR