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!
Stephanie corrected that oversight by coming up with a name befitting the role of local businesses in our country: America’s Commerce Corps™. More important, she and her colleague Tim Palmer, Executive Vice President for Geospatial Services at CEM, conceived an organization to give local businesses the recognition and support they deserve, while at the same time helping them grow and prosper so that our communities flourish. That’s how America’s Commerce Corps™, with a mission of “Local Businesses Strengthening Communities,” was born.
Thriving in the 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. ComCon™ is a dynamic mobile website that puts local businesses at the forefront of search results without the presence of regional and national competitors. ComCon™ 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!
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.