Take 5 With Tracie Featuring Mark Linabury of the Greater EMC Chamber: Reflecting on Growth, Challenges, and Community Impact

In this insightful conversation brought to you by Community Impact, Tracie sits down with Mark Linabury, the President and CEO of the Greater EMC Chamber, to celebrate his six-year anniversary leading this dynamic organization. Mark shares his reflections on the chamber’s growth, the challenges brought on by rapid expansion, and his vision for the future. Whether you’re a current member or considering joining, this article offers a compelling look into how the Greater EMC Chamber is fostering a thriving business community in East Montgomery County.

Mark Linabury’s Six-Year Journey: Purpose and Progress

Mark Linabury’s tenure as President and CEO of the Greater EMC Chamber marks six years of dedicated leadership. He describes his daily motivation as waking up with purpose—to add value and make a difference within the community. This mindset is not just personal; it is foundational to the chamber's mission.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Mark humbly acknowledges the strong foundation laid by previous leaders of this 35-year-old chamber. Yet, he is proud of the tremendous progress made during his time at the helm, particularly in membership growth and in shifting the narrative around the chamber’s value. “It’s not so much about ‘what’s in it for me?’ but rather ‘what am I supporting?’” he explains. This change in perspective has helped members better appreciate the chamber’s role as the voice of the local business community and its broader impact beyond individual gain.

Rising to the Challenges of Rapid Growth

East Montgomery County is experiencing explosive growth, which brings exciting opportunities alongside inevitable challenges. Mark candidly shares how the chamber is working hard to keep pace with this development. A key challenge is managing the increased demand on the chamber’s team and resources while continuing to deliver meaningful support to members.

Behind the scenes, the chamber undertakes many essential but less visible activities. These include advocating for business-friendly legislation, writing letters of support for initiatives, and shaping policies that benefit the entire business community.

Workforce development is another critical focus area. With ongoing growth, the need for a skilled and reliable workforce has never been greater. The chamber is actively building programs to address this, ensuring local businesses can meet their staffing needs now and in the future.

Pathway to Leadership EMC: Cultivating Future Leaders

One standout program that has flourished under Mark’s leadership is the Pathway to Leadership EMC. This initiative is designed to help participants sharpen their leadership skills while gaining an immersive understanding of East Montgomery County—its strengths, its people, and what drives its success.

Mark emphasizes the importance of this program as a way to nurture leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the community’s continued growth and prosperity.

A Heartfelt Message to Chamber Members

Before closing, Mark offers a sincere message to both current and prospective chamber members. He expresses deep gratitude to those who have joined and continue to renew their membership, underscoring that the chamber’s purpose and reason for existence are rooted in its members.

“Without you, we have no purpose. We have no reason to exist. We exist because of our members.”

Mark reminds everyone that the chamber’s vision is to create “a community for business and people to thrive, a place to be proud of.” This vision is captured in the phrase “Proud to be EMC.” It is the members’ active participation and support that bring this vision to life every day.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

As East Montgomery County continues to grow rapidly, the Greater EMC Chamber is poised to be an essential partner for businesses looking to thrive in this vibrant community. Whether through advocacy, workforce development, or leadership programs, the chamber is committed to adding value and making a difference.

To learn more about the Greater EMC Chamber and how you can get involved, visit gemcchamber.com. Stay connected by following the chamber on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest news and opportunities.

Thank you for reading and for being part of a community that is proud to be EMC—where business and people come together to create a thriving future.