We’re grateful to the many businesses that stepped forward to support the Maine State Chamber’s 27th Annual Leadership Summit as Supporting Sponsors. 

These sponsors believe in the Chamber’s mission—and in the importance of bringing Maine’s business, policy, and community leaders together for thoughtful conversation, shared insight, and forward-looking collaboration that strengthens our state’s economic future.

We’re proud to recognize the organizations that stand behind this work.

The Chamber began the year by welcoming several new members to its Board of Directors—leaders from across the state whose experience, insight, and industry knowledge will help shape the Chamber’s work in the year ahead.

Linda Ball, President and CEO of Central Maine Power, brings extensive experience in utility operations and customer service leadership. Since relocating to Maine in 2012, she has helped guide CMP through major storm response efforts, expanded customer service teams, and contributed to national recognition.

Susan Desgrosseillers, Vice President Commercial Lender at Skowhegan Savings Bank, offers a diverse background in economic development, marketing, real estate, and small business ownership. Her career includes roles with the City of Portland, the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce, and the Maine Small Business Development Center. 

Katie Foster, Executive Manager of Operations at R.H. Foster Energy, represents the third generation of leadership in her family’s Maine-based business. She oversees operations across the company’s energy services, wholesale fuel, and Freshies convenience store brand. 

Nick Ireland, Chief Financial Officer at Machias Savings Bank, brings more than 25 years of experience in public accounting and senior financial leadership. A licensed CPA, he leads balance sheet risk management, forecasting, and regulatory controls. 

Ramsey Lafayette, Managing Partner with Lafayette Hotels, is part of a second-generation Maine family-owned hospitality company that has grown from one property to more than 20 hotels across Maine and New Hampshire. 

Matt Pouliot, Founder and CEO of Pouliot Real Estate, is a longtime real estate professional, investor, and former legislator with a strong focus on housing policy, affordability, and community development in Maine.

Brad Stout, President and CEO of Coutts Brothers Inc., leads a family-founded high-voltage electrical contracting company providing utility, substation, and power line construction services throughout the Northeast.

Also joining the Board of Directors to replace parting board members with unexpired terms is Matt Bouchard, Risk Management and Compliance Director at MMG Insurance.

This letter was sent to the Maine Congressional delegation on behalf of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, highlighting concerns regarding the economic impacts of recent United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Maine.  

​Read the full letter below.

This Coalition letter was sent to the U.S. Congress to express continued support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

Dear Ambassador Greer:

On behalf of the more than 500 undersigned business and agriculture organizations and chambers of commerce from across the United States, we are writing to convey our continuing support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While a number of important compliance issues require greater attention and remediation through the “joint review” now under way, USMCA remains critical to our economic future because it preserves and strengthens U.S. trade ties to Canada and Mexico.

Read more...

For Immediate Release                                                                                       Media Contact: Katie Clark
Thursday, October 16, 2025                                                                                Cell: 207-233-2230
 
Bangor Region Chamber Named ‘Chamber of the Year’ at Maine State Chamber Annual Awards Dinner
Representative Sawin Millett Honored with Dirigo Award for Six Decades of Public Service
 
BANGOR, Maine — Hundreds of business and community leaders from across the state gathered last night at the Cross Insurance Center for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Dinner, celebrating leadership, public service, and the impact of local chambers on Maine’s economic growth.
“At a time of national division, this evening is about rediscovering our shared stake in thriving communities,” said Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “Chambers are conveners, problem-solvers, and steady presences through times of growth and challenge. Tonight, we celebrate those who lead with vision and commitment.”
 
Governor Janet Mills addressed the audience, highlighting her administration’s ongoing work to strengthen Maine’s economy. “We’ve been making investments in Maine people to create the conditions, the environment for strong economic growth,” she said.
 
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two major honors:
 
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Wins “Chamber of the Year”
The Dana F. Connors Chamber of the Year Award recognizes outstanding growth, innovation, and community impact among Maine’s regional and local chambers. This year, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce earned top honors for its leadership in shaping a modern regional economy while staying grounded in community values — from investing in youth leadership programs to forging cross-border partnerships.
 
“We have a vibrant, exciting economy, and we are a place where people want to continue to live and visit and move to,” said Deb Neuman, President of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, upon accepting the award.
 
Representative Sawin Millett Receives Dirigo Award
The Chamber’s Dirigo Award, named for Maine’s state motto meaning “I Lead,” honors extraordinary public service. This year’s honoree was Representative Sawin Millett, whose 66-year career has spanned legislative, executive, and local government service under eight governors and nine legislative sessions. Millett was celebrated as a humble, steady, and unifying force in Maine politics.
 
“Maine has a long and proud tradition of producing public servants who lead with humility, expertise, and an unshakable work ethic,” said Woodcock. “Sawin embodies those traits. Time after time, when rhetoric divided, he dove into the details, brought committees together, and forged solutions.”
 
Senator Susan Collins, unable to attend due to the federal government shutdown, shared a recorded message honoring Millett’s legacy and his steadfast commitment to the people of Maine.
 
As the evening concluded, Woodcock reflected on the shared values that unite Maine’s business and civic communities: “Those we honored tonight remind us that leadership — whether in a local chamber or the halls of government — is about service, integrity, and building strong communities together.”
 
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About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce:
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. For more information, please visit www.mainechamber.org.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is calling on Congress to act quickly to pass a continuing resolution and prevent a federal government shutdown.
 
Statement from President and CEO Patrick Woodcock:
"The economy does not need additional uncertainty, and a federal government shutdown would create a ripple effect of uncertainty for employers, workers, and communities across Maine. Essential services that families and businesses rely on would be disrupted, undermining confidence and exacerbating a slowing economy.

The impacts of a shutdown could extend from delayed federal contracts and services to the possibility of closing Acadia National Park during the height of leaf-peeping season — a closure that would impact the local economy and harm small businesses that depend on fall visitors.
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We strongly encourage both parties to work together quickly to resolve this impasse, pass a continuing resolution now, and avoid further self-inflicted setbacks to Maine’s economy and America’s competitiveness."

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                Media contact: Katie Clark
Tuesday, September 23, 2025                                                                                                                                207-233-2230 (cell)
 
AUGUSTA, Maine (Sept. 23, 2025) – The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is carefully monitoring the announcement by The Nature Conservancy and Brookfield Renewable today regarding the future of four hydroelectric dams on the Kennebec River, including the Shawmut Dam. This agreement has the potential to significantly impact one of Maine’s largest manufacturing employers and the thousands of good-paying jobs tied to the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, as well as independent loggers, contractors, and landowners throughout the state.

Given the scale of the Somerset Mill’s recent $500 million transformation of its largest paper machine and its reliance on water from the Shawmut Dam, the economic stakes of this process are considerable. Any changes to the operation of these facilities could have wide-reaching implications for rural Maine communities, the state’s forest products industry, and its manufacturing competitiveness.
 
The Maine State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patrick Woodcock issued the following statement:
 
“The agreement announced by the Nature Conservancy presents major consequences for our state’s economy. Specifically, the Somerset Mill just completed a massive rebuild – one of the state’s largest private investments ever - to now produce packaging products, and the mill’s success is contingent on continued utilization of water from the Shawmut dam. Any proposed modifications of existing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licenses on the Kennebec River must not jeopardize those jobs and facility upgrades. While we will collaborate with any partner, including the Nature Conservancy, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce will be focused on ensuring that plans for the Kennebec work for the state’s economy and support jobs in rural Maine. Finally, hydropower has served as a critical resource to power our state’s economy and we should support companies, like Brookfield, that maintain these critical clean energy assets and continue to produce clean and affordable electricity here in Maine.”
 
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About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce:
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. For more information, please visit www.mainechamber.org.