Feb 7, 2023
Do you wonder what it takes to build a strong community for your brand? In this episode, find out how the Trek Across Maine builds their brand community and how you can get involved. The Trek Across Maine benefits the American Lung Association, bringing people together from across the country and the world to support healthy lungs and clean air. The mission brings everyone together, but the experience keeps the community close. Listen to find out how Gale Auclair became part of the Trek Across Maine community and how her work is helping to grow that community even further.
4:08 – Gale describes how she was introduced to the Trek Across Maine through volunteering.
6:20 – Gale shares that her passion for her job is what keeps her in Maine.
10:09 – Gale provides all the information you need to know about the Trek Across Maine including the dates and what the route will look like this year.
14:53 – Gale explains how to sign up for the Trek Across Maine.
21:34 – Gale talks about how much the Trek Across Maine raises and where that money goes.
22:45 – Gale lists some of the different reasons why people ride.
24:52 – Gale gives some information about the virtual Trek.
Quote
"The Trek is this tool that helps people meet other people. They solve a personal challenge. They might make a decision on what type of journey they are going to go on. They make friends for life. It’s a healing tool. I really believe that." – Gale Auclair, senior development director for the Trek Across Maine
Links:
VIP Tires & Service: https://www.vipauto.com/
L.L. Bean: https://www.llbean.com/
Puritan Medical Products: https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pwmcd-courtyard-portland-downtown-waterfront/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0
Garmin: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/
Hammond Lumber: https://www.hammondlumber.com/
Martin’s Point Physical Therapy: https://martinspoint.org/become-a-patient/learn-about-our-services/physical-therapy
Central Maine Healthcare: https://www.cmhc.org/
Bank of America: https://www.bankofamerica.com/
Mid Coast - Parkview Health: https://www.midcoastparkviewhealth.com/
Kennebec Savings Bank: https://www.kennebecsavings.bank/
Bangor Savings Bank: https://www.bangor.com/
Spectrum Medical Group: https://spectrumhcp.com/
Cross Insurance: https://www.crossagency.com/
Bilodeau Insurance: https://bilodeauinsurance.com/
Maine State Credit Union: https://www.mainestatecu.org/
Blueberry Broadcasting: https://www.wtosfm.com/
WGME: https://wgme.com/
Down East Magazine: https://downeast.com/
Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream: https://www.fielderschoiceicecream.com/
Vibe Media Production Co.: https://www.vibemediaproductionco.com/
Gorham Bike & Ski: https://www.gorhambike.com/
CycleMania: https://www.cyclemania1.com/
Ski Rack Sports: https://skiracksports.com/
SideCountry Sports: https://www.sidecountrysports.com/
The Rusty Crank: https://www.rustycrank.com/
L.L. Bean Bike, Boat & Ski: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000001707?page=store-bike-boat-ski
Rainbow Bicycle: https://rainbowbike.com/
Ernie’s Cycle Shop: https://www.erniescycleshop.com/
About the guest:
Gale Auclair was born and raised in New Jersey as one of five children. Her parents would bring the family to Newport, Vermont, every summer to visit their grandparents and rent a house on Lake Memphremagog. Gale was adamant that she was going to one day live in Vermont! After graduating from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont, with a Bachelor of Science, Gale started a family in St. Johnsbury and began her career in management. She then moved to Winooski, to work with the Vermont Children’s Aid Society as a development assistant. After 33 years of calling Vermont her home, Gale moved to Augusta, Maine. Her love of development brought her to work at the Sisters of Mercy in Portland and after four years, to the American Lung Association in Augusta as a development manager. After 15 years, Gale is now the senior development manager for the Trek Across Maine where she manages a six-member development team and a million-plus dollar event.
Gale lives in Augusta, Maine, with her husband, David Auclair, and their dachshund, Molly. Gale is a long-time antiquer and enjoys decorating. Her house is ever-changing with treasurers. As David says, “Don’t stand still too long – she may sell you!” They share a blended family of three sons and two grandchildren. Gale's old federal-style home which speaks to her and the fact that everyone is family in Maine never has her yearning to be anywhere else but home.
Looking to connect:
Email: gale.auclair@lung.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gale-auclair-67495712/
Website: http://trekacrossmaine.org/