FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South County Chamber names first Leadership Council appointment.
STLCC–South County Interim Dean Dr. Jerry Myers becomes the first outside leader to join the Chamber's governing council as the organization builds toward its October ribbon cutting.
ST. LOUIS, MO — SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
The South County Chamber announced today that Dr. Jerry Myers, Interim Dean and Director of St. Louis Community College–South County, is the first appointment to its inaugural Leadership Council, which is chaired by Chamber founder Jim Shelvy.
The Council is being assembled as a small group of leaders with genuine ties to South County who are willing to look beyond the interests of their own organizations and help shape a stronger future for the entire community. Myers is the first to say yes.
One of the things I immediately respected about Jerry was that he chose to show up. He wasn't looking for another organization to put his name on. He wanted to know how we could work together.
Jerry and I share a pretty simple belief: if we wait for somebody else to change South County, we're going to be waiting a very long time. This is our community. The time to do something is now.
Jerry brings tremendous experience and perspective to the table, but just as importantly, he's ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
JIM SHELVY, FOUNDER
A PARTNER WITH DEEP ROOTS
Dr. Jerry Myers
Myers has been part of St. Louis Community College since 2009 and a South County resident for nearly two decades. He and his wife have raised their family and worked throughout South County and northern Jefferson County — experiences that have given him a deep appreciation for the region's people, schools, businesses and workforce needs.
Myers came to the Chamber looking for ways to connect STLCC–South County more deeply with the community it serves. Rather than a campus that exists only for people who already know about it, he sees an opportunity for STLCC–South County to become more visible, connected and responsive to the schools, businesses and workforce surrounding it. He was direct about his role: he was not looking for a passive affiliation. When the conversation turned toward greater involvement, he said he was open to being “as involved as you need.”
I am dedicated to ensuring that STLCC South County supports the continued growth and prosperity of the region and remains a vibrant educational resource and community partner, creating opportunities that strengthen the lives of students and the workforce.
DR. JERRY MYERS, INTERIM DEAN AND DIRECTOR, STLCC–SOUTH COUNTY
BUILDING A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHAMBER
Not a traditional chamber of commerce.
The South County Chamber launched in 2026 as a social enterprise built around a simple idea: Local Business. Lasting Impact. The Chamber deliberately chose not to organize as a traditional chamber of commerce, operating instead as a business with a social mission — giving it the freedom to build programs around what South County actually needs, including creating opportunities for people to participate regardless of their ability to pay.
The Chamber's work is organized around four areas, with initiatives designed to support local businesses, strengthen relationships, create opportunities and restore pride in South County.
WHAT COMES NEXT
More names, and a ribbon cutting.
Additional Leadership Council members and Community Champions will be announced in the coming weeks.
Myers will attend SoCo Launchpad on Thursday, September 10, where members of the community can meet him and learn more about the Chamber's work.
The South County Chamber will hold its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, October 17, at the Chamber's offices inside the NexCore building.
ABOUT THE SOUTH COUNTY CHAMBER
The South County Chamber is a social enterprise dedicated to strengthening South County by connecting businesses, residents, educators and community leaders around a shared commitment to the place they call home.
Built around Discover, Connect, Celebrate and Serve, the Chamber develops initiatives that support local businesses, create opportunity, strengthen community relationships and restore pride in South County.
The Chamber believes everyone deserves a seat at the table — and that building a stronger community begins with the people willing to show up for it.
Local Business. Lasting Impact.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jim Shelvy, Founder
The South County Chamber
314.380.5755
press@thesocochamber.org
thesocochamber.org