Each year the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce recognizes an outstanding business leader in the community as their Business Person of The Year. The criteria for the selection of the recipient of this award, includes success in their profession, involvement in the community, personal attributes, and equally important is their support of the Chamber.

l-r Tom Jarboe, Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Shire, Land Use and Growth Management, Public Servant Award Winner and Joe Slater, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Business Person of the Year Award Winner.

The 2009 Business Person of the Year Award was presented to A. Joseph Slater, President/CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 8 at St. Mary’s College.

In his profession Slater is not only respected in Southern Maryland, but nationally. His leadership has managed to meet the industry’s economic challenges and work to upgrade the quality and reliability of service for customers.

In the community he has an outstanding record of participation and commitment, whether through personal or corporate support. He has set a high standard for involvement in the community in areas of non-profit organizations, workforce development, education, and of course the business community through the Chamber.

This standard of excellence is not only limited to Southern Maryland. Slater is recognized throughout the State of Maryland as the first Southern Marylander to serve as Chair of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Board.

The Chamber also recognized Phillip Shire, Deputy Director of St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management with the 2009 Public Servant Award. This honor is for people serving in the public sector that have distinguished themselves for their professionalism and willingness to work with the business community and display a clear understanding of the important role business plays in St. Mary’s County.

Shire has displayed a commitment to upholding the regulations and ordinances of the County while working with citizens and businesses to overcome obstacles. He has taken the time to work with people to serve the best interest of the community.

The meeting also included presentation of the Chamber’s annual Ambassador of The Year Award to Lisa Lemke who is a representative of Pathways. Lemke was honored for her active participation as a Chamber Ambassador during the past year.

The 2009 Annual Meeting concluded with remarks from the 2009-2010 Chairman of the Board, Frank E. Taylor who presented a plaque to the retiring Chairman Tom Jarboe of Technology Security Associates.