20 Under 40

Matt McCormick
President, Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Age: 39

Job description:
Oversee the day to day operations of the organization.

Hometown:

Rockwall, Texas.

Years lived in Columbia:

Three

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in speech communication.

Professional background:

Various chambers of commerce.

Mentor:

Art Roberts (professional), father (personal).

What don’t people know about your job?

Many people think the Chamber is a department of the city, which is not correct. We are an independent, nonprofit organization.

What is the best thing about your job?

The staff and volunteers I have the privilege of working with on a daily basis. Also watching businesses succeed.

A favorite recent project?

Completing our new strategic realignment.

What was your New Year’s resolution in 2015? Did you accomplish it?

Yes, I accomplished it because I did not make one.

What are your specific professional goals for 2016?

Continue moving forward with our strategic plan and attaining our 5 star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Entrepreneur or a race car driver.

Community involvement:

Rotary, Job Point, and I’m a baseball coach.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of?

Personally — my kids. Professionally — attaining my Certified Chamber Executive designation.

What do you do for fun?

Spend time with family, boating and golfing.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sleep.

Greatest lesson learned?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Want more 2016 20 Under 40? Check out Jim Yankee’s Q&A.