The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) held its premier event, Showcase Maine 2026, on November 2 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. The event brings together leaders from across the state’s business, education and lending communities to celebrate partnership, innovation and achievement.

More than 250 people attended, taking the opportunity to network with old friends, make new connections and explore more than 50 exhibits hosted by businesses and organizations whose work reflects our mission to support Maine people, businesses and communities.

This year’s award recipients include:

• Business at Work for Maine – The Elmet Group was honored with the Business at Work for Maine award in recognition of the company’s remarkable achievements and commitment to manufacturing excellence. Through its leadership and success, The Elmet Group continues to create opportunities for Maine’s workforce, strengthen our economy and elevate Maine’s presence in a global industry. Peter Anania, CEO and chairman of The Elmet Group, said “FAME stepped in when Elmet was facing serious risk of closure, leading a collaborative effort with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and Maine Technology Institute that helped save the company so we could continue operating, growing, and creating jobs in Maine.”
• Education at Work for Maine – Educate Maine and Maine Development Foundation received the Education at Work for Maine award for their roles in shaping Maine’s future workforce and their generous commitment to the MaineSpark Coalition, a collaboration of education, business and community leaders focused on increasing the number of Mainers with postsecondary credentials. Through partnerships, vision and dedication to bringing people together, Educate Maine and Maine Development Foundation help create opportunities that strengthen our state’s educational success and economic prosperity. Kate Howell, interim executive director of Educate Maine, said, “We have a lot of people in the state who could use help to make their lives and their families’ lives better.” Yellow Light Breen, CEO of Maine Development Foundation, added, “We are proud to be recognized on behalf of MaineSpark, but it’s been an effort with many hands, many voices, many faces, and it will continue to be for the next 10 years.”
• 2026 Dirigo Lifetime Achievement – Richard L. Trafton, Esq. was presented with FAME’s 2026 Dirigo Lifetime Achievement award. Mr. Trafton is an esteemed partner at the law firm of Trafton, Matzen, Belleau and Frenette and a longtime friend of FAME. Mr. Trafton was honored in recognition of his leadership in shaping the legislation that established the Finance Authority of Maine more than four decades ago and for his exemplary service as a board member and chairman. “What FAME has done the substantial investment in business; the substantial improvement in lives – is a reflection of that vision from over 43 years ago,” said FAME CEO Carlos Mello. “We wish to recognize Dick for his outstanding contribution over these many, many years. His legacy will live on in the Maine families, students, businesses and communities impacted by FAME’s mission.”
• Lender at Work for Maine (over $1.5 billion in assets) – Machias Savings Bank received this year’s Lender at Work for Maine award in recognition of its valued partnership with FAME and outstanding commitment to Maine people and businesses through innovative financial solutions and community engagement. Over the past year, in partnership with FAME, Machias Savings Bank made 43 loans totaling more than $13 million, while creating 95 new jobs and retaining 188.
• Lender at Work for Maine (up to $1.5 billion in assets) – Maine State Credit Union was honored with this year’s Lender at Work for Maine award for teaming up with FAME to expand access to financing, support Maine businesses and strengthen communities across the state. In collaboration with FAME, Maine State Credit Union made 12 loans over the last year for almost $4 million, creating 41 new jobs and retaining 104.
• Lender at Work for Maine – Maine Community Bank was presented with the 2026 Lender at Work for Maine award in recognition of its increased partnership with FAME and its role in advancing economic opportunity for Maine people and businesses. Maine Community Bank joined forces with FAME to make 12 loans totaling almost $5 million, while generating 16 new jobs and retaining 41.