OUR STORY
America’s Commerce Corps™ Begins
When Stephanie Hau, President and CEO at Chesapeake Environmental Management, Inc. (CEM), was named an SBA Small Business Person of the Year, the awards ceremony was held a few days before Memorial Day. It struck her that as a nation we show appreciation for the groups that make our country what it is, be that the military, first responders, teachers, medical professionals, and so on. But her cohort—local business owners—was rarely shown appreciation for the contributions they make to the country. She observed that they don’t have a collective identity or even a name!
Thriving in a Post-Pandemic World
Stephanie and Tim began developing programs and tools to respond to the needs of local businesses. For example, as the pandemic negatively impacted local businesses in their area, they reengineered America’s Commerce Corps™ to respond to a forever-changed business landscape. Using their expertise and leadership in business and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, they developed a tool (one of many) to give consumers information about what’s being offered in their communities by local businesses and nonprofits. Townica™ is a dynamic mobile website that puts local businesses at the forefront of search results without the presence of regional and national competitors. Townica™ and other America’s Commerce Corps™ tools help make local businesses more successful—and that makes communities stronger. Learn more about America’s Commerce Corps™ tools.
There are a lot of people eager to support local businesses and strengthen communities, and Stephanie and Tim know that for these efforts to succeed, all facets of our communities—business associations, businesses, nonprofits, and community members—must be engaged. Many have already gotten involved in America’s Commerce Corps™ and begun these efforts. We hope that as you learn more, you’ll find your place within America’s Commerce Corps™ and connect with our efforts to help all that’s “local” in America thrive.
Join us!