Quincy Hentzel is a true powerhouse. As the President and CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, she has a major leadership role in just about all of the issues and opportunities that influence our community. Her perspective on Portland is cast through a unique lens - one that knows both the challenges of small, local businesses and what motivates large corporate players. She sees firsthand the way that housing, health, and education affect our economy and she works side-by-side with amazing individuals in every industry to make our community better.

 

 

 

Here she is in her own words:

 

My name is Quincy Hentzel. I'm the President & CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. I’d like to be known for being kind. I remember the first time I heard someone say that people won’t remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. We have all experienced that and it is so true.

 

Community – our biggest and best asset is our people. They make Portland and our state what it is. Which happens to be the best place to live and work.

 

So many people come to mind. My job provides me the good fortune to work with some of our newest Mainers – those who have traveled thousands of miles and have survived some of the worst atrocities most Americas can’t even fathom. They have chosen to make Maine their home. They want to be here and they want all of the same things we do – a loving community, a home to raise their families, a job to bring financial stability. They inspire me every day to be better and do better. And I am grateful to call so many of them my friends and colleagues.

 

The need for housing – hampers our ability to grow as a business community because we struggle to attract our workforce. There are a lot of really smart, motivated, and passionate people who work on this issue day in and day out and I have no doubt we will find a solution. But it’s a hard issue with no easy or quick solutions.

 

The people! I get to meet, engage, and work side by side with the best people on the planet. I am grateful every day to have the job that I do which allows me to get to know so many amazing individuals in our community.

 

I’d like to see Portland and our surrounding communities figure out the lack of housing. Again, there are no easy solutions but 5 years gives us some time to make serious and impactful change.

 

There are too many to name! We are blessed to have one of the best hospitality scenes around.

 

That's easy! Casco Bay – the beauty here on a gorgeous summer’s day will rival any other place in the whole world.

 

I think women lead differently – we lead with empathy. That allows us to approach problems through a different lens and come up with creative solutions. I also feel like so many women are driven by collaboration which makes problem-solving that much easier with the right people at the table.

 

I thought it was one of the most beautiful places imaginable – a small city with big city amenities. Plus the people – the people are why I love to call Maine home.