FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The South County Chamber launches a new model for business and community development.
A new social enterprise introduces community-first leadership, free community membership, and a bold vision to help South County realize its full potential.
SOUTH COUNTY, MO — JULY 16, 2026
The South County Chamber (SOCO) today announced its formation as a social enterprise for business and community development, introducing a new model designed to strengthen businesses, develop leaders, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact throughout South County.
While the South County Chamber uses the familiar word “Chamber,” it was intentionally designed as a social enterprise — not a traditional Chamber of Commerce. Rather than focusing primarily on networking events and membership directories, the organization exists to bring businesses, nonprofit organizations, educators, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents together around one shared mission:
Helping South County realize its full potential.
The organization was founded around three simple beliefs:
- Businesses deserve more than networking.
- Communities deserve more than promises.
- Leadership demands more than titles.
For Founder Jim Shelvy, the South County Chamber wasn't created from a business plan. It was created from a lifetime of memories.
I grew up here. Some of my greatest memories were made in South County. I remember riding my bike to neighborhood businesses, Friday night football games, cruising Lindbergh, and spending time at places that no longer exist. Those places helped shape who I am.
When I chose to relocate NexCore to South County, I realized opening a business wasn't enough. I wanted to invest in the future of the community that invested in me.
I want today's children to create the same kinds of memories I was fortunate enough to have. I want entrepreneurs to choose South County because they know they'll be supported here. I want businesses to thrive. I want our community to thrive with them.
That's why we created the South County Chamber.
JIM SHELVY, FOUNDER
Unlike organizations that measure success by attendance or membership totals, SOCO will measure success by the impact it creates.
Stronger businesses.
Stronger leaders.
Stronger partnerships.
A stronger community.
COMMUNITY-LED FROM DAY ONE
Institutions are built by communities. Not individuals.
The South County Chamber has been intentionally designed to become a community institution — not one centered around its founder.
While Jim Shelvy founded the organization, day-to-day leadership will be guided by Founding Chief Impact Officer Taylor Miller, while governance and long-term strategic direction will be provided by the Chamber's Founding Leadership Council.
The Leadership Council will be composed of respected leaders from business, education, nonprofit organizations, local government, and the broader South County community. Together, they will help ensure every decision advances the Chamber's mission and serves the long-term interests of South County.
From the beginning, my goal was never to build an organization centered around one person. My goal was to build an institution that belongs to South County. Institutions are built by communities — not individuals. That's why we're bringing together exceptional leaders with diverse backgrounds, independent perspectives, and a shared commitment to serving this community.
JIM SHELVY, FOUNDER
FOUNDING CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER
Taylor Miller
The South County Chamber also announced the appointment of Taylor Miller as its Founding Chief Impact Officer.
Miller brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, nonprofit management, organizational development, and community engagement. She will guide the Chamber's day-to-day operations while helping establish its culture, partnerships, and long-term impact.
Taylor represents everything this organization stands for. She understands that meaningful impact begins with relationships, collaboration, and service. I'm honored to have her help build this organization from the very beginning.
JIM SHELVY, FOUNDER
Miller said she is excited to help create an organization focused on bringing people together around a shared purpose.
South County has incredible potential. I'm honored to help build an organization committed to strengthening businesses, developing leaders, and creating opportunities that will benefit our community for generations to come.
TAYLOR MILLER, FOUNDING CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER
WHAT WE WILL DO
Programs and initiatives built for impact.
The South County Chamber will create meaningful opportunities through ongoing programs and signature initiatives focused on business and community development, including:
Discover SOCO
Celebrating the businesses, people, restaurants, parks, and places that make South County unique.
Community Connect
Creating meaningful opportunities for businesses, residents, nonprofits, and civic organizations to engage and collaborate.
Leadership & Learning
Developing current and future leaders through educational programming, workshops, and professional development.
Business Connections
Fostering intentional relationships that create long-term value rather than transactional networking.
SOCO Cares
Coordinating community service projects and volunteer opportunities that strengthen South County.
Signature Initiatives
Annual initiatives such as Clean SOCO Day, Shop SOCO Weekend, and the SOCO Awards will be introduced as part of the Chamber's long-term vision.
Additional initiatives, partnerships, and leadership announcements will be introduced throughout the Chamber's official launch.
EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Community Membership is free.
In another departure from the traditional chamber model, the South County Chamber announced that it will offer free Community Memberships.
Residents, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, retirees, nonprofit volunteers, and early-stage business owners who may not yet be in a position to invest in a traditional business membership are invited to become part of the Chamber community.
Community Members will have opportunities to volunteer, participate in community initiatives, attend select educational programs and events, and contribute to strengthening South County.
We believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. Whether you're an established business owner, someone just starting a business, a nonprofit leader, a student with an idea, or a resident who simply wants to make South County stronger, there's a place for you here. We don't believe financial barriers should prevent someone from becoming part of something bigger.
JIM SHELVY, FOUNDER
FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Thursday, July 23
The South County Chamber's first public appearance will take place during NexCore's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, July 23.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet Founding Chief Impact Officer Taylor Miller, learn about the Chamber's mission, and receive a preview of the organization's official launch, Founding Leadership Council, membership opportunities, and future initiatives.
Shelvy believes the Chamber represents a long-term investment in South County's future.
The South County Chamber wasn't created to preserve the status quo. It was created to help South County realize its full potential.
We're here to strengthen businesses.
JIM SHELVY, FOUNDER
We're here to strengthen our community.
We're here to raise the standard.
ABOUT THE SOUTH COUNTY CHAMBER
The South County Chamber is a social enterprise for business and community development dedicated to strengthening businesses, developing leaders, creating meaningful partnerships, and building a stronger South County. Through collaboration, innovation, and service, the Chamber exists to help South County realize its full potential.
We are here to raise the standard.
MEDIA CONTACT
Taylor Miller
The South County Chamber
info@thesocochamber.org
thesocochamber.org