Maine State Chamber of Commerce
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About Us

Founded in 1889, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce is Maine’s largest business association, serving as The Voice of Maine Business on behalf of thousands of employers of all sizes and sectors across the state. The Maine State Chamber focuses on three pillars - Advocacy, Access, and Awareness - to advance a positive business climate and secure a strong state economy in which Maine businesses can compete and succeed.
​As the state’s most influential business advocate, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce works to ensure a business climate in which Maine State Chamber members, large and small, can compete successfully in the local, regional, national, and world marketplaces. The organization promotes a positive business climate in the state of Maine, by focusing on Advocacy, Access, and Awareness. As the state’s premier business advocacy organization, we work to empower the state's business community to collaboratively advance a proactive agenda for economic growth and prosperity in Maine.

Since 1889, the Maine State Chamber has been fighting to lower your cost of doing business. Through our Grassroots Action Network and relationship with local and regional chambers of commerce across the state, we work with a network of approximately 5,000 employers statewide. As Maine’s Chamber, we make sure that the business environment of the state continues to thrive.  

Known as The Voice of Maine Business, the Maine State Chamber is a not-for-profit organization supported through membership dues and contributions and advocates daily on behalf of our members’ interests before the legislature and regulatory agencies, and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs. Our advocacy team testifies before the Maine Legislature and the state’s regulatory agencies; intervenes in adjudicatory hearings; drafts business-oriented laws and rules; meets regularly with business and state decision-makers; and, keeps members informed through newsletters, emails, alerts, reports, conferences, programs, seminars, and through personal contacts.

As determined by our Board of Directors, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce focuses its legislative efforts on initiatives and policies that preserve the cost of doing business in Maine and improve the regulatory climate in which our employers operate. Our advocacy efforts focus largely on key public policy areas:
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  • Taxation and the state’s budget;
  • Health care and insurance;
  • Human resources issues;
  • Workers’ compensation;
  • Energy and environmental policy
  • Education and workforce development;
  • Regulatory reform;
  • Economic development; and, 
  • Business regulation ... to name a few.
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Maine State Chamber of Commerce
128 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 623-4568 | Fax: (207) 622-7723

​Meet our affiliates & partners
The Maine State Chamber establishes partnerships and affiliations with like-minded organizations to foster positive outcomes for Maine businesses. From voter education and business attraction efforts, to energy and environmental jobs, these partners and affiliates offer a unique opportunity to encourage growth in Maine. We are particularly proud of the relationship we’ve cultivated with local and regional chambers of commerce throughout Maine – something that is unique to our state!
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​Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine
The E2 Tech Council is a statewide network of companies, non-profits, educational institutions, and government agencies involved in the energy and environmental technology sector in Maine. The council’s mission is to advance job growth, research and development, and new product commercialization within their industry.

Maine & Company
If a business is expanding or relocating, Maine & Company can help the company consider Maine as a location. They will provide information quickly, confidentially, and at no cost. 

Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
The Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) provides a forum where chamber executives meet to share ideas, network with peers, and build partnerships with peers from other chambers of commerce across Maine. Members also gain access to educational opportunities designed specifically for the needs of Maine's chamber of commerce executives. 

Maine Economic Research Institute
MERI's mission is to improve Maine's business environment by providing objective information to enhance economic policy making and through improved public policy.
Find your local chamber of commerce
The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is proud to work side-by-side with a network of outstanding local and regional chambers of commerce.  To find your chamber in the family of local chambers, please scroll through the list below and select the chamber in your community.
Learn about our beautiful home
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In December 2019, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce proudly moved from North Augusta to its new location in the heart of Maine’s capital city. Nestled at 128 State Street in Augusta, our new headquarters carries with it a rich and fascinating history—one we’re excited to share with you.
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Formally known as the Governor William Tudor Gardiner House, the stately mansion at 128 State Street was built in the late 1820s by Benjamin Davis. Davis, a prominent businessman, owned the Benjamin Davis Store on Augusta’s Water Street and later served as the first president of Freeman’s Bank—a predecessor of today’s Kennebec Savings Bank.

Throughout its nearly two-century existence, the home has been a residence to several notable figures. One such individual was Colonel James Welch, who led the 19th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He was wounded in both the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia, and his legacy remains a proud part of the home’s story.

​Before World War I, the house found new life under F.H. Burgess, who transformed it into a private school operated by educator Alice Clancey.

Following the war, the mansion was purchased by William Tudor Gardiner, Maine’s 55th governor, and his wife, Margaret Thomas Gardiner. Governor Gardiner served from 1929 to 1933—two terms marked by the beginning of the Great Depression and the adoption of the Administrative Code Act, which modernized the process of issuing state regulations.

Governor Gardiner’s life ended tragically in 1953 when he died in a plane crash returning from a military reunion in Pennsylvania. Among his four children was Tudor Gardiner, a prominent New England attorney. Tudor Gardiner married Tenley Albright, the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating.

The last private residents of 128 State Street were Mr. and Mrs. William Treby Johnson, who lived there from 1935 to 1952. Mr. Johnson was a local banking executive, and after the Johnsons, the mansion transitioned into a commercial property—its role ever since.
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In 1985, the property was purchased by Donald Lagace, Sr., and is currently owned and operated by Lagace Properties, LLC. Under the care of his sons, Don Jr. and Peter Lagace, the home has been carefully preserved and continues to reflect its original charm and grandeur.
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The Chamber

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is Maine’s largest business association, serving as The Voice of Maine Business.

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Contact Us

128 State Street | Suite 101
Augusta, ME 04330-5630
Phone: (207) 623-4568
For media inquiries, please contact Katie Clark (207) 233-2230
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
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Copyright Maine State Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Membership
  • News
    • Impact Newsletter
    • Blog
    • Podcast
    • MERI Roll Call
    • Press Kit
  • Policy
    • Policy Committees
    • Take Action
    • Find Your Legislator >
      • Representatives
      • Senators
    • Initiatives
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • Sponsorship Opportunities