The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) named Frederick County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO M. Richard ‘Ric’ Adams its 2010 Chamber Executive of the Year during a recent luncheon at the Westin BWI Airport Hotel.
“Ric is an energetic leader who has helped position the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce at the center of its community, promoting economic growth and community engagement,” said Jane Redicker, President & CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce and 2010 MACCE President.
Under Adams’ leadership, the Frederick County Chamber has:
-Developed a five-year Strategic Plan “Vision 2012,” which is the “road map” of the Frederick County Chamber that outlines goals for the Chamber to achieve by its 100th anniversary in 2012. One hundred community leaders and a final committee of 12 representatives developed the plan. The Chamber also now hosts an annual event, “Envisioning 2027,” where more than 80 community leaders have an open dialogue about how to improve Frederick County for the next generation.
-Developed a new series of Social Media Conferences to teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced users how to use new media and technology to improve their businesses.
-Positioned the Chamber as the voice of business for the Frederick community by hiring a professional lobbying group to help represent the Chamber in Annapolis.
-Rebuilt the Chamber Board with Frederick’s key business leaders and hired new professional staff.
-Strengthened the financial management practices of the Chamber.
Adams is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Maryland. He has served as a past Treasurer (2009) and Director at Large (2008) of MACCE and is serving as co-chair of the 2010 Mini Institute. He is involved in a number of community organizations including the Frederick County Workforce Development Board, the Frederick County United Way Board, the Hood College Board of Trustees, the Rotary Club of Frederick, and many others.
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce also supported several member nominations for the Maryland Chamber’s Small Business of the Year (SBOTY) Awards, presented at the same awards luncheon. Café 611 won the award in the 1-10 employees category. Restaurant owners Randy and Karen Jones accepted the award for Café 611. BridgePath Scientific was a finalist in the same category, and President & CEO Patrick Haley was recognized at the event.
