wednesday,july 3, 2013 - County Times - Southern Maryland Online

The County TimesWednesday, July 3, 2013 18STORYChamber of Commerce NamesNew ChairpersonBy Alex PanosStaff WriterThe St. Mary’s County Chamber ofCommerce recently named Kim Oliver as itsnew chairperson.The chairperson serves a one-year term,and performs duties including acting asspokesperson of the chamber and leading theboard meetings.Oliver owns the defense contractorcompany Amelex, which she purchased in2003, and will be helping many other businessowners throughout St. Mary’s as thenew chairperson of the chamber.Oliver said the chamber provides achance to focus on issues that impact all businesses– daily operations at Amelex requireher to focus mainly on the department ofdefense.“It’s sort of an outlet for me,” she explainedof her role at the chamber.The chamber plays a major role helpingestablished businesses continue to grow, shesaid, and their primary goal is to promotebusiness, which in turn also ends up bringingthe county together.“They sort of go hand-in-hand,” Oliversaid.Throughout her time on the board, shehas noticed a number of things change overthe last six years.The chamber has begun to hold issueforums since her arrival – and within the lastyear, forums such as the annual health careand economic forums have helped businessessee the value in joining the chamber.“Both of those were extremely successful,”Oliver said, noting the health care forumhelped simplify some complex reform policies,while the economic forum helped localsunderstand the impacts sequestration at NavalAir Station Patuxent River will have onoverall spending in the community. “Theywere grateful the experts came in and letthem know what to expect.”The chamber now features more programsand activities, such as the annual Tasteof St. Mary’s event.Oliver said Taste of St. Mary’s not onlyoffers a chance for restaurants and caterers toshowcase their talents, it’s also a great way tobring the community together.The meet and greet perspective memberevents have further informed the communityon the benefits the chamber offers.Oliver is a St. Mary’s County native, andgraduate of St. Mary’s Ryken High School inTropical Hibiscus -Bush Formreg. $24.99$ Buy 2 For 35 00SKU#1652Knockout RosesBuy 3 or moreSave 25 % OffCelebration SavingsCharlotte Hall30315 Three Notch Rd,Charlotte Hall 20622301-884-5292800-558-5292Assorted ShrubsChoose from Junipers,Euonymus and more!1 gallon size reg. $12.9910 For $ 89 90 ALL In-StockFurniture20 to 40 %OffWentworth NurseryPrince Frederick1700 Solomon’s Island Rd,Prince Frederick 20678410-535-36641-866-535-3664Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-7, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 9-6Leyland Cypress5 gal. size reg. $39.99SpecialOnly $ 29 88At least 40 In Stock!Fountain FestivalAll Fountains & StatuarySave 25 % OffSales good thru July 9th, 2013Oakville5 minutes North of Hollywood41170 Oakville RoadMechanicsville 20659301-373-9245 • 800-451-1427Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6, Sat. 7:30-5, Closed SundaysKim OliverLeonardtown.She had a knack for math, and was alwaysinterested in the business-world –herparents owned a small store she would workin which further sparked her interest.“Owning a small business was always agoal of mine,” Oliver said.She received a Bachelor of Arts degreein economics and immediately returned tothe county after graduating, citing her familyand love of St. Mary’s County’s rural environmentas two primary reasons she cameback so soon.Oliver began working at Amelex in1991, which was bought by Zimmerman Associatessoon after.Oliver was actively involved in gettingthe company involved with the chamber andfrom there began going to chamber functionsas a member.“I have always enjoyed being involvedin community organizations,” she said.She immediately identified the “greatvalue” and benefits of the Chamber of Commerce,such as numerous networking andeducational events that help business ownersmeet the “right people.”In 2003, she and her business partnerbought the company she was working for,changed its name back to Amelex, and soonstarted attending meetings as a businessowner.Oliver began serving on a numberof boards and committees, including theawards committee, golf outing committeeand scholarship committee.She joined the board for the chamberof commerce in 2007, and the chamber soonPhoto By Frank Marquarttook notice of her efforts.After years as a member, Oliver wasapproached by a member of the executivecommittee and asked to join them, with theassumption that she would eventually serveas the chairperson.Out of her deep respect and admirationfor the organization, Oliver agreed.“It’s really an honor to be asked [to jointhe executive committee] because they seeyou as adding some value to the committee,”Oliver said.In her new role with the organization,Oliver aims to continuing programsthe chamber has already established, suchas business after hours and the state of theschools lunch.She hopes to add some issue forums relevantto transpiring events in the upcomingmonths, and introduce the idea of featuringrelevant speakers at quarterly meetings.Developing relationships, particularlywith the Navy, will be vital as well, she said.“In order for the county to move forward,all of our organizations need to worktogether,” Oliver said.She wants to continue to show businesses,through marketing and advertisementcampaigns, how beneficial joining the chambercan be.“We can’t imagine why any businesswouldn’t want to be a part of the chamber, becausewe represent them,” Oliver said. “Thereason we exist is to enhance the businesscommunity of St. Mary’s County.”alexpanos@countytimes.net