Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I N O. X I X A U G U S T 9 , 2 0 2 1 18 Mainebiz: How has being the Chamber's first female CEO influ- enced your leadership approach? Quincy Hentzel: Perhaps I bring a different perspective in how to talk to people and how to listen, how I weight an argument for or against policy, and who I expect to see at the table making those arguments. I'm motivated by a sense of purpose and desire to have a positive impact on my community — that is what guides me every day. MB: What has been the follow- up to the Standing in Solidarity pledge signed by more than 400 business leaders? QH: Since last summer, the Chamber has offered our members a series of educational opportunities around rac- ism in our community and in-depth trainings in how businesses can be more racially equitable and diverse. We spent the last few months talking with CEOs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion specialists from across our region to see how we can collectively bring about change. e outcome of these conversations is a business community-wide strategic plan to determine how we can best address needs around racial equity. We are launching this over the summer, and I couldn't be more excited to see what comes out of the initiative. MB: Besides taking events virtual, how else did the Chamber shift gears during COVID? QH: Aside from having to completely change how we connected and pro- vided information, the information we provided was also different. We became a conduit for critical infor- mation — and a means to ask specific questions of government and get specific answers. It was a wild time for everyone, but also a time of com- ing together and collaboration. We also launched campaigns to help our members navigate the calamity — and emotions — of the pandemic. MB: What happened with member- ship during the pandemic? QH: We were surprised to see our mem- bership numbers actually increase dur- ing COVID. I give all of the credit to our tremendous team at the Chamber — they went above and beyond to ensure the business community had the information needed to navigate the pandemic, the shutdown, financial relief and then the reopening phases. MB: To what extent is the Chamber becoming more active in lobbying and advocacy? QH: Advocacy has always been a pillar of our mission and it's important to our members — even more so over the last few years. Creating a strong and vibrant economy is critical to our success as a state. at doesn't happen naturally. You need good policy initiatives that foster the right climate to let businesses start, grow and flourish. MB: What can you share about your programs for immigrants or New Mainers? QH: We began a program a few years ago in conjunction with the Office of Economic Opportunity in Portland called Portland Professional Connections. e purpose is to connect immigrant professionals who have moved here and are striving to find meaningful employ- ment to people established in that same profession or industry. Continuing to build our workforce is essential to our success — and survival — over the next few years. is is a program that helps do exactly that. MB: What are some of your goals for the Chamber in 2021? QH: I would like to see the Chamber help bring forward a solid, community- wide initiative that will have a lasting positive impact on our region — in the realm of either racial equity or workforce development. We have several efforts underway, and I'm looking forward to seeing where we can go with each. I also want to ensure that the Chamber con- tinues to communicate openly, transpar- ently and civilly in everything we do. R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z a n d @ r s c o r d e s » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Infinity sink or bowl? Tile shower? Room for two at the vanity? Visit our extensive showrooms for inspiration. Our professional designers can create your bathroom before your eyes in 3D design. And design services are free when you purchase your materials here. Discover the joy of a brand new bathroom. Bring your vision to Hammond Lumber Company. Treat yourself. You've earned it. Auburn • Bangor • Bar Harbor • Belfast • Belgrade • Blue Hill • Boothbay Harbor Brunswick • Bucksport • Calais • Camden • Cherryfield • Damariscotta • Ellsworth Fairfield • Farmington • Greenville • Machias • Portland • Rockland • Skowhegan HammondLumber.com Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce 443 Congress St., Portland Founded: 1853 as the Board of Trade Number of Employees: 8 What it does: Supports regional business community and economy through advocacy, education and collaboration with its 1,250 members and local chambers. Contact: 207-772-2811 www.portlandregion.com

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