Merced chamber names new head

A 27-year-old Merced native has been tapped to lead the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, a once-thriving organization that fell into decline as the local economy slumped during the recession and housing bust.

Adam Cox will become the new full-time president and CEO of the business-advocacy group. Sharon Silva, the retired CEO of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, will serve as an interim leader to help the Merced chamber transition through the changes.

Cox comes to the chamber from the Builders’ Exchange of Merced and Mariposa, a nonprofit construction association, where he has served as the executive director since 2011.

“Merced has a lot of things going for it,” he said Tuesday. “Now is the time for the chamber to get in the driver’s seat.”

Cox said the chamber has been without a CEO for about a decade, as the organization saw its role in the community wither amid the economic downturn. The body was led by Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Krumm until recently.

But the area, he said, is certain to see new economic life. He pointed to UC Merced’s plans for expansion and development in downtown Merced, as well as with retail development in many parts of the city. Merced also is set for a state high-speed-rail station.

Cox has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arizona State University. He’s also a board member of the Merced City School District and the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District.

He said his first goal is to meet with business leaders and find out what they want from their elected officials.

Daniel Kazakos, president of the Merced Main Street Association, said his organization works hand in hand with the chamber.

Kazakos, who has worked with Cox within other agencies, commended him for being familiar with the city and involved in the Merced community. “He really is the best candidate for the job,” he said.

Tom Leach, the Merced chamber board chairman, said he is looking forward to what’s to come.

“The new leadership, staff and board are great to work with and all share the same vision for the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce,” he said in a statement. “We are currently working on some fantastic partnerships and relationships that will create an organization that will greatly impact our business community both city- and countywide.”

Silva, 69, retired in June from the Turlock chamber after nearly 17 years and questions have been raised about money spent by the Turlock Convention & Visitors Bureau during the time she led the agency as part of a city contract with the chamber.

The city of Turlock canceled the contract this year and pursued an outside audit of years of financial paperwork.

City-hired accountants said they have counted $340,820 in charges made since 2009, while Silva was at the helm, that lacked proper documentation or may have failed to comply with the contract. The City Council agenda for this week notes the chamber is on the hook to pay the city back all exceptions found by the audit.

The issue was set to be discussed during Tuesday’s council meeting.

The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce does not have any contracts with the city of Merced, according to spokesman Mike Conway.

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 7:50 PM with the headline "Merced chamber names new head."