AUGUSTA, Maine — Patrick Woodcock is no stranger to state government. He worked for former Governor Paul LePage as director of the Governor’s Energy Office and was closely involved as legislators discussed major energy policies. He then took a similar job in Massachusetts, under then-Governor Charlie Baker, eventually becoming that state’s Commissioner of Energy Resources.
Woodcock’s new job, however, will require him to tackle a wider range of issues.
He is the new president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, considered the most influential business group at the State House.
It’s a position that is likely to have Woodcock playing an important role in developing new state laws and policies.
"Being one of the few voices whose primary purpose is to find the practical, find common ground, and ultimately work on public policy that supports the Maine economy," Woodcock said in an interview at his Augusta office.
The Maine State Chamber says it represents around 5,000 businesses, of all sizes. Its primary role is to be a voice for those businesses, which can touch many issues.
One of the current ones is the new law, passed earlier this year, requiring businesses to provide workers with paid family leave. The proposal was controversial last spring when it was being debated, but it ultimately passed and was signed into law by the governor.
"It’s the most significant undertaking for rulemaking in the Department of Labor in decades," Woodcock explained. He said he and the Chamber are now closely involved in discussions to create the final rules for that program before it takes effect.
"The law is with us, and the last thing I want is any Maine business to be surprised with what takes place in 14 months.”
There are many other issues likely to be considered by the upcoming session of the Legislature, he said. Housing and the labor shortage top the list of concerns for businesses, along with the price of energy.
Finding solutions to those problems and others will likely require the new Chamber president to be part of negotiations with lawmakers, the governor, and a range of interest groups. Creating good policy, he says, will allow businesses to adapt and plan, and that should help them to prosper.
"There is a rising ride for Maine. A lot of people value the quality of place we have. A lot are seeing the repercussions of changing climate that makes Maine more appealing. I think we need to not lose sight of how we have fundamental business conditions so people are not just moving here, but making things here."