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. Since 1889, the Maine State Chamber has been fighting to lower your cost of doing business. Through our Grassroots Action Network and OneVoice program, we work with a network of approximately 5,000 companies statewide that see the value in such a service and provide the vital support that keeps our access, advocacy, and assistance efforts going strong. As Maine's Chamber, we make sure that the business environment of the state continues to thrive. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of their interests before the legislature and regulatory agencies, and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs. Its advocacy efforts focus on seven central themes: tax reform, health care, workers' compensation, economic development, environmental, education, and government spending/budget. Known as The Voice of Maine Business, the Maine State Chamber is a not-for-profit organization supported through membership dues and contributions. Our advocacy staff 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.