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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Patrick Woodcock — Part Two

“We Want This Gubernatorial Race To Be About The Economy” — Woodcock On Maine’s Economic Priorities

In Part Two of Q-Point Podcast, Corenna and David Quirk continue their conversation with Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, focusing on tax policy, infrastructure investment, and the role Maine’s business community plays in shaping the state’s economic future.

Woodcock explains LD 191, the Pass-Through Entity Tax, describing how it operates as an IRS-approved workaround to the SALT cap, why 38 other states have adopted it, and how Maine businesses could save hundreds of millions of dollars while increasing state revenue. The discussion moves into bonding priorities, including affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, bridge repair, and the long-term costs of deferred investment.

The conversation also explores economic connectivity — rail, air service, and Maine’s ties to Boston and the national economy — alongside Bangor’s strengths, demographic challenges, downtown vitality, and workforce integration with higher education. Woodcock outlines the Chamber’s legislative engagement, policy committees, and its upcoming economic plan intended to shape the 2026 gubernatorial race, emphasizing why he believes Maine’s economic trajectory remains within the state’s control.

📻 Airs weekends on VOM (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Patrick Woodcock — Part One

President and CEO, Maine State Chamber of Commerce

In Part One of Q-Point Podcast, Corenna and David Quirk sit down with Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, for an in-depth conversation on the state of Maine’s economy heading into 2026. Woodcock reflects on the pressures facing Maine businesses in 2025, including shifting federal economic policy, tariffs, interest rates, and disrupted Canadian tourism, and explains why Maine’s long-term economic outlook is constrained by demographic challenges and stagnant employment growth.

The discussion dives into key economic indicators Woodcock is watching closely — from interest rates and inflation to state revenues, energy costs, business starts, tourism trends, and housing production. He outlines why housing has become a top Chamber priority, framing it as a core economic issue tied directly to workforce growth, business expansion, and Maine’s ability to retain younger generations. Woodcock details the Chamber’s high-priority housing policy pillars, including speeding up state permitting, reassessing building code requirements, and placing reasonable limits on municipal roadblocks to compliant development.

The episode also explores Maine’s energy costs and policy decisions, with Woodcock calling out long-term consequences of past choices that have left Maine exposed to volatile and expensive imported natural gas. He explains how rising electricity costs are impacting households, businesses, and economic competitiveness, and why energy policy costs should be re-examined.

Finally, Woodcock weighs in on Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting concerns for small businesses, seasonal employers, labor shortages, and program solvency. The conversation concludes with a deep dive into tax conformity, why alignment with federal tax law matters for Maine businesses, and why research and development expensing is viewed as “table stakes” for a competitive state economy.

📻 Airs weekends on VOM (The Voice of Maine): Saturday at 6:00 AM & Sunday at 6:30 AM.
⬇️ 🎧 Streaming after airing on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Angus King III — Part Two

“There’s A Lot Of Grit In The Gears.” — How Regulation And Red Tape Are Making It Harder To Do Business In Maine.

In Part Two of Q-Point Podcast, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Angus King III continues the conversation with a wide-ranging discussion on Maine’s business climate, regulatory environment, and the practical challenges facing employers, entrepreneurs, and communities across the state.

King describes what he calls “grit in the gears” — the accumulated friction created by permitting delays, regulatory complexity, and administrative burdens that make it harder for businesses to locate, expand, and operate in Maine. He points to real-world examples, including multi-year permitting timelines and businesses choosing other states due to regulatory hurdles, while emphasizing that Maine’s quality of life remains among the best in the nation.

The conversation explores how regulatory decisions disproportionately affect small businesses, which make up the vast majority of Maine employers, and how even minor paperwork requirements can compound across thousands of businesses. King argues that improving coordination, streamlining processes, and creating clearer points of entry for businesses could help Maine better compete while still protecting its natural resources and communities.

Beyond the business climate, the episode also touches on leadership philosophy, executive versus legislative experience, economic development, workforce challenges, and how state government can better align policy with real-world practice. King discusses his view of the governor’s role as a chief executive focused on execution, accountability, and bringing people together to get results.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.