This event will feature a conversation between Joshua Scherz, co-founder and manager at BELA Brand Seafood & Maine Canned Fish, and Adam Baukus, Sustainable Seafood Manager at GMRI, facilitated by GMRI Vice President for Economic Development, Rhiannon Hampson. Together, they will explore the evolving landscape of seafood brand-building, from bridging Maine’s local heritage with global market trends to navigating investment in infrastructure and leveraging the power of the “Maine” brand in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Attendees can expect an incredible spread of locally harvested seafood, canned, and processed by Maine Canned Fish.

Doors will open at 5:00 pm and our program will begin at 5:30 pm. Complimentary refreshments will be available before and afterwards.

About the Speakers:

Rhiannon Hampson, Vice President for Economic Development, GMRI

Joshua Scherz, Co-founder and Manager, BELA Brand Seafood & Maine Canned Fish

Adam Baukus, Sustainable Seafood Program Manager, GMRI

About our Host:

Maine Canned Fish is reviving one of Maine’s proudest traditions – the art of fish canning. Once a lifeblood of our coastal towns, it was built on Maine’s bounty, resilience, and the skill of fishermen who rose with the dawn, guided by the tide, their craft passed down through generations. Though the clang of canning lines once faded, the spirit never died. Today, they proudly return to that heritage with fresh purpose, modernizing and restoring not just an industry, but a tradition rooted in the hands of fishermen and the soul of Maine.

This series is supported by funding from the Economic Development Administration and Builders Initiative.