Harford Chamber Announces New President/CEO

Harford County Chamber of Commerce announced today that Pamela J. Klahr, CCE, has been named president and CEO. She begins her new position September 9.

Klahr is a Certified Chamber of Commerce Executive (CCE) and served most recently as president and CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. In that role, she was responsible for an organization of more than 700 members and increased the chamber's revenue, grew attendance at events, expanded member services, created a business alliance task force and introduced several new initiatives including BRAC to the Future and Cyber Conference and Operation Thank You.

"Pam Klahr's extensive chamber experience will move the Harford County Chamber of Commerce forward and continue its position as one of the strongest business organizations in Maryland," said Brenda Morrison, chair of the board. "The chamber's board was very impressed with the relationships she built with the military community at Fort Meade, and we are confident that she will repeat that success in Harford County."

The president and CEO of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for advocating for business and building community partnerships as well as planning events, marketing and generating income for the chamber. The Harford County Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest chambers in Maryland.

Prior to her service at the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Klahr served as vice president, membership services, for the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., SEPA Chapter; vice president, marketing and member services, American Chamber of Commerce Executives; and vice president, marketing and membership services, for the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In 2009, Klahr was named by the Gazette of Politics & Business as "One of the 25 CEOs You Need to Know in 2009."

She has participated in the Miliken Institute/Economic Forecast Forum, Center for Creative Leadership--Leadership Development and University of Delaware Institute of Management.

Klahr is active in the community and has served as president of the Maryland Association of Chamber Executives and on the board of directors of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

"I am so pleased to be joining the Harford County Chamber of Commerce team," Klahr said. "The business climate is vibrant, and the potential for growth is a sure thing. I look forward to getting to know our members."

Harford County Chamber of Commerce is a recognized advocate and voice of business in Harford County. The organization's mission is to foster an environment in which the economy and businesses thrive and prosper, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Harford County. More information about the Chamber can be found at www.harfordchamber.org.