About
How We Started
The idea for ACC began in 2014 and grew into a nationwide effort in 2020, rapidly evolving to support local businesses during the challenges of COVID-19.
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The Story of America's Commerce Corps
Before ACC
Before launching America’s Commerce Corps™, our founders led Chesapeake Environmental Management, Inc. (CEM), a company renowned for its expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GISP) and its unwavering commitment to community support. From the very beginning, CEM made giving back a core part of its mission, setting a bold goal of donating $1 million to local causes, a milestone they proudly achieved.
CEM also built a culture of generosity through its employee donation match program, encouraging team members to support the organizations and initiatives they care about most. This dedication to uplifting communities laid the groundwork for ACC.
America’s Commerce Corps™ was born from the same passion and purpose: to strengthen hometown economies, empower local businesses, and provide tools that help communities not just survive, but thrive.
The Founders
Stephanie Novak Hau
CEO
With a strong entrepreneurial drive and passion for making a positive impact, Stephanie Novak Hau serves as the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of CEM, an award-winning company focused on Applying Practical Science to Improve Communities. Since its inception in 1993, CEM has garnered numerous awards and recognitions for their technical and philanthropic achievements.
In March 2014, Stephanie was named the U.S. Small Business Administration Maryland Small Business Person of the Year for CEM’s increased growth, innovative practices, community involvement, and overall performance. Upon receiving this distinguished honor, Stephanie used her platform to introduce America’s Commerce Corps™ – a program conceived to inspire and encourage residents to strengthen their communities by supporting local businesses.
Today, while continuing her leadership role at CEM, Stephanie is using her enterprising spirit and business expertise to develop tools and programs to help local businesses and to expand America’s Commerce Corps™ reach to all corners of our country.
Tim Palmer
Program Ambassador
With an unrelenting desire to analyze and examine data, Tim Palmer, GISP, has had a focused career supporting communities through consulting, outreach, and mentorship utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President overseeing Geospatial Services at CEM, and as Program Ambassador of America’s Commerce Corps™, Tim feels that he has truly found the intersection of his love for community and his passion for data.
ACC Begins
America’s Commerce Corps was founded on the belief that local businesses and community institutions are the backbone of the American economy. The idea first emerged in 2014 when Stephanie Hau, a small business owner herself, recognized the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs trying to compete with larger corporations. Drawing from firsthand experience, she began writing her book Sprocket (the first completed ACC product) while also laying the foundation for what would become America’s Commerce Corps. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020 and small businesses nationwide faced unprecedented struggles, this vision evolved rapidly into a movement dedicated to giving towns, local businesses, and community banks the tools and partnerships they need to thrive.
Thriving in a Post-Pandemic World
Stephanie and Tim began creating innovative programs and tools to meet the real needs of local businesses. When the pandemic deeply impacted small businesses across their community, they reimagined America’s Commerce Corps™ to better serve a forever-changed economic landscape. Drawing on their expertise in business and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, they developed powerful solutions to help consumers easily find and support local businesses and nonprofits.
One of these solutions, Townica™, is a dynamic mobile platform that places local businesses at the top of search results, without the noise of regional or national competitors. Along with other ACC tools, Townica™ is designed to make local businesses more visible and successful, which in turn makes communities stronger.
Stephanie and Tim know that lasting change requires business associations, small businesses, nonprofits, and everyday community members to work together. Many have already joined America’s Commerce Corps™, stepping up to support their hometowns and strengthen local commerce. We invite you to discover where you fit in this growing movement and join us in helping everything “local” across America thrive.
Timeline of ACC
Chesapeake Environmental Management launches with a mission to serve communities through environmental and GIS expertise.
CEM Founded: 1993
The idea for America’s Commerce Corps takes root, inspired by CEM’s mission.
ACC Concept Born: 2014
The idea for America’s Commerce Corps takes root, inspired by CEM’s mission.
ACC Launched:2020
CEM reaches its $1 million goal in donations to local causes.
$1M Donation Milestone: 2022
The first ACC tool puts local businesses at the forefront of search results.
Townica Released: 2022
ACC partnered with UENI to provide local businesses with affordable websites.
ViziWebs Released: 2023
A book designed to help local businesses and organizations improve through their strategy.
Sprocket Released: 2024
Providing banks and towns with actionable insights to fuel local growth.
Data Diamonds Released: 2025
With decades of local business experience, our team is dedicated to empowering communities and helping them thrive.
We collaborate with local businesses, nonprofits, towns, banks, colleges, and organizations that share our mission to strengthen local economies. Together, we create tools, insights, and connections that help communities grow and thrive.
Our sponsors fuel the movement to strengthen local economies. Even if they can’t appear on our local platforms, their support drives the tools and initiatives that help communities and businesses thrive nationwide.
FAQs
Have questions about America’s Commerce Corps? Find quick answers to how we support local businesses, empower communities, and drive stronger local economies.
Get Involved
See How You Can Join
From CEM’s $1M in community donations to the founding of America’s Commerce Corps, our purpose has always been to uplift local communities. Now, you can be part of the next chapter. Even a small investment helps us build tools, expand programs, and strengthen hometown economies across America.