Build. Lead. Thrive.

Jayne Van Bramer - President/CEO, Sweetser

Lily Krietzberg - Seeds to Smiles

In this episode of Build Lead Thrive – Voices of Androscoggin, host Sam Herriot talks with Ray Dumont of The Public Theatre and Catherine Ryder of Spurwink Services about the Black Poster Project, an initiative honoring lives lost to substance use while turning grief into awareness, prevention, and hope. Together, they discuss how storytelling, art, and compassion can help reduce stigma and inspir...

This week, we’re joined by Linda Ball, President and CEO of Central Maine Power. In this conversation, Linda shares the experiences that shaped her path to leadership, what brought her to Maine, and what it’s like to lead an organization that serves homes, businesses, and communities across the state. She also helps unpack what “modernizing the grid” really means, why reliability and affordability...

This week, Susan and Mark sit down with Gabe Gauvin of Maine Redevelopment to discuss how communities can turn underutilized properties into opportunities for growth, housing, and reinvestment. Gabe shares how this work supports stronger neighborhoods, local economies, and a renewed sense of possibility across Maine.

In today’s episode, we're turning the mic inward to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the LA Metro Chamber—both who we are and what we do. You’ll get to know the people behind the Chamber’s work, while also getting a clearer picture of how we support our members, create connections, and help drive our region forward.

In this episode, our outgoing President & CEO, Shanna Cox, sits down with incoming President & CEO Susan Ruhlin for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the future of our region.

In this episode, Gerald Walsh joins Shanna and Mark to talk about the Lewiston Auburn arts community and the role of L/A Arts in supporting local creativity. A visual artist with an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Gerald has exhibited across the Northeast for more than 20 years and taught at several art schools, including Central Maine Community College. He currently serves as Arts Agen...

In this episode, Mark & Shanna sit down with Cyndi Robbins to talk about building a life rooted in hospitality, resilience, and community impact. From her early days at the historic Poland Spring Resort to decades of giving back, her story is a powerful reminder of how vision, hard work, and generosity can shape both a business and a community.

In this episode, Shanna and Mark visit with Jen Hogan and Betsy Sibley from Community Credit Union to talk about building equity, financial strength, and communities. Listen in as we discuss how thriving can look different for individuals. organizations, and communities—and also what they have in common.

Today's conversation is about housing, community ownership, and what it looks like when people roll up their sleeves and stay in it for the long haul. Shanna and Mark are joined by Craig Saddlemire, Community Development Organizer at Raise-Op Housing Cooperative, who has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of housing justice, smart growth, and community organizing here in Andro...

Hosted by Shanna Cox, President and CEO of the LA Metro Chamber, and producer Mark Turcotte, this bi-monthly podcast features in-depth conversations with the people shaping Androscoggin County. Each episode dives into personal stories, showcasing the leaders and entrepreneurs behind the region’s economic and community vitality. Together, we explore how they build, lead, and thrive while contributi...

It's part two of our Stuff the Bus: Connections for a Cause Celebration! Shanna and Mark once again broadcast from the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch as the Chamber wraps up another incredible Stuff the Bus season. They chat with nonprofit partners Shadia and Ashley from MAINE Community Integration-MCI, Natasha Turcotte of Lewiston Public Schools, Katie Lisnik of the Greater Androscoggin Huma...

It's part one of a two part Stuff the Bus: Connections for a Cause Celebration! Shanna and Mark broadcast from the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch as the Chamber wraps up another incredible Stuff the Bus season. They chat with nonprofit partners Erin Reed of the Trinity Jubilee Center, Grace Kendall of Safe Voices, Christina Ramsdell of Strengthen L.A., Melissa Wakefield, Kayla Gleason, and Da...

In this episode, Mark and Shanna are joined by Meg Hatch, Executive Director of Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services. Meg has spent nearly two decades in the field of sexual-violence prevention and response and is known for leading with honesty, compassion, and real-world practicality.

In this episode, Mark and Shanna chat with Jenn Lever, President of Baxter Brewing Co., a company that helped put Lewiston on the craft beer map and continues to innovate in one of Maine’s most dynamic industries. This episode is packed with insight, but one moment really stuck with Shanna long after the recording: when asked what advice she’d give to her younger self, Jenn said, “Vitality over ut...

Shanna chats Taste the Harvest with Stephanie Broido, Sherie Blumenthal, Shivam Kumar, Casey Peacock, and Evan Mancini.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Paul G. Caron — lifelong Lewiston resident, educator, musician, and the creative force behind A New Home, the reimagined community musical celebrating Lewiston Auburn’s history and future being performed with L/A Community Little Theatre this Fall. A New Home was adapted from LEWISTON: A NEW HOME by Michael Rosenthal, Richard Martin, and Lynne Geiger, with music a...

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Betsy Libby, President of Central Maine Community College. We chat about her journey as a first-gen college graduate, her strategies to support student success at CMCC, and how things have changed since the pandemic to expand learning and access. Plus, we cover key leadership lessons that anyone can integrate into their careers.

In this fun-filled episode, Mark and Shanna sit down with Detective Joe Philippon from Lewiston Summer Fun & Films to reflect on 20 years of community impact, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his vision for the Official City of Lewiston, Maine’s future. From building trust to championing creativity, Joe shares inspiring insights on what it means to help a community thrive.

Join Mark and Shanna as they spend time with Ross Cunningham, Lisbon's Economic and Community Development Director. Together, they touch on regional themes, why Lisbon is so awesome, and how a life of military service contributed to key leadership lessons.

In this episode we flip the script - literally! Mark Turcotte helps host a special edition of Build. Lead Thrive, and interviews Shanna Cox, President and CEO of the LA Metro Chamber (and host), along with the chair of the LA Metro Chamber - Betsy Sibley of Community Credit Union. Together, they talk about leadership transitions, organizational change management, and the planned departure of Shann...

In this episode, Shanna and Mark sit down with the Founder of ArtVan Jamie Silvestri, and new Executive Director Yuko Handa. We talk about mobile art therapy and its impact on both people and neighborhoods, building organizations that thrive, and managing leadership transitions with care and intention. You will hear more about what inspires these leaders, and how gardening binds us all together.

In this episode, we sit down with our new Program Coordinator, Jennifer Gammon, for a thoughtful conversation about the future of our work supporting entrepreneurs and small bussinesses. Jennifer shares her own experiences as a small business owner, and we explore the intersection of arts, business, and community. Tune in to hear how we’re building on a strong foundation and forging new paths to b...

In this episode, Shanna and Mark sit down with Steve Littleson, President and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare - they chat about the state of Maine's hospital industry, and CMMC's impact on the LA region through not just patient care - but as the area's largest employer. They cover all the important information about the Prime Healthcare Foundation's acquisition of the health system, what will chan...