LEONARDTOWN, Md. — What began as a conversation shortly after a new director took office in December ended Tuesday with a unanimous vote and a new chapter in how business support services will operate in St. Mary’s County.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved a lease agreement at the Feb. 10 Commissioners meeting allowing the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce to co-locate with the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development, joining other business-focused partners already housed on the second floor.
“Thank you for considering this request. We are certainly very appreciative of it,” said Cindy Greb, director of economic development. “As you know, our office, DED, and the team works tirelessly, and very hard, and collaboratively with a lot of different organizations in our community, and we’re fortunate enough to have two of those on the second floor with our office, which is Visit St. Mary’s and Small Business Development Center. It’s been very, very successful and impactful to have that collaborative opportunity.”
Greb said the idea took shape soon after she stepped into the role.
“So when I started meeting with everybody after I got the job in December, I met with the Chamber of Commerce and the executive committee, and they indicated that they were interested in potentially strengthening our partnership, and was there a way to do that?” she said. “Well, I knew in our office that we had several open, underutilized spaces that could potentially lead to an opportunity to bring the chamber into that floor and increase the strength of our program and increase the impact that we do for the community.”
With a draft lease prepared, Greb invited Ryan Schlotterbeck, chair of the chamber’s board, to address commissioners.
“Good morning, Commissioners, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today,” Schlotterbeck said.
He framed the chamber’s role as a bridge across sectors.
“So, as you may know, the Chamber of Commerce exists to support local business, strengthen our economy, and serve as a connector between private sector, local government, and our community,” he said. “The Chamber prides itself in providing that nexus between business, community, and government, and every day, we work with entrepreneurs, employers, community partners, government officials to ensure that St. Mary’s County remains a vibrant place to live, work, and ultimately invest.”
Bringing the organizations together under one roof, he said, would sharpen that mission.
“We see that co-locating with the Department of Economic Development, Visit St. Mary’s, and the Small Business Development Center will provide the opportunity to build and strengthen a strong partnership between the four entities,” Schlotterbeck said. “We see this as an opportunity to create a collaborative hub that supports business development, workforce growth, tourism, and long-term economic sustainability.”
“This shared arrangement would allow us to better coordinate services, streamline communication, and provide a more accessible one-stop resource for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and visitors,” he added. “By working side by side, we can align our efforts more closely with county priorities and respond more effectively to opportunities and challenges that are facing our local economy.”
He described the request as “an opportunity to build and strengthen a partnership, drive economic development, and support business throughout our county.”
“Physical proximity fosters collaboration, efficiency, and a unified approach to economic development that benefits the entire county,” Schlotterbeck said. “So, with that said, we appreciate your consideration, and ultimately, your ongoing support of the chamber. I know you guys have been big advocates of the Chamber for a long time, and we certainly appreciate that, and just see this as another opportunity to continue to expand our services and partnership with the Department of Economic Development. So thank you.”
Commissioners signaled their support.
“I think it’s going to be a good location,” one commissioner said.
A motion followed to approve the lease agreement and authorize the commission president to sign related documents. With no opposition voiced when asked, “Any opposed?” the measure passed unanimously, clearing the way for the chamber to move in and join its economic development partners side by side.
You can watch the discussion below at 1:51:47.
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