As president of Milstead Automotive, Amy Milstead has led her business to be one of the most recognizable and most respected in Montgomery County. When she took over the day-to-day operations of the business from her father, Dick, Amy set about growing the company's presence in the community.

Throughout the last several years, Milstead has taken a leadership role in numerous organizations and trade associations, such as serving as chairwoman of the Texas Towing and Storage Association, the Milstead Video Ambassador program, Walk Like MADD and the Last Call Program, which is run by Milstead Automotive.

The company also donates annually to several local charitable organizations.

For the last 15 years, Milstead has been an active member of the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, and this fall, the chamber's membership selected her to serve as the organization's chairwoman for the 2013–14 year. For more than a decade Milstead has been a fixture at chamber events and committees, serving on groups that help put on the annual chamber gala, golf tournament, membership drives, monthly luncheons, networking breakfasts, the annual CrawPHIsh Festival, Young Professionals Network and business after hours events.

"Usually when I get involved with a team, I tend to stick with it for a number of years," she said.

What would you like to accomplish as The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce chairwoman?

I want to grow the chamber. We are second in the Greater Houston Partnership area in membership and only second to the Houston Chamber. We may not be able to match them in dollars, but I want to grow. I want to reach out to different demographics and people who are not involved to get them involved.

How do you plan to accomplish that goal?

I am developing different committees to help grow the chamber in different avenues. It will definitely be women-friendly, of course. The chamber can help businesses focus on education, the background of The Woodlands and how to do business in The Woodlands. We can focus on demographics, knowledge of past history, the growth that's coming and certainly mobility.

How is doing business in The Woodlands different than in other communities?

It's a very close-knit community. You definitely have to know people. You just don't walk in and strike a deal. You have to be plugged in somewhere; you have to be involved. Fortunately, in The Woodlands there are a lot of civic groups available.

Why did you initially decide to get involved with the chamber?

The chamber has helped grow my business. It does so much for the community. I've made several customers out of the chamber. People want to do business with people they know. They want to trust you, want to appreciate you and trust your skills and savvy. Anyone can advertise, but you have to get out there and be a team player.

What is the difference between joining the chamber and participating?

You can pay your money and you can advertise all day long, and the chamber will be working behind the scenes for you. But if you want to get the most out of your investment, you need to get involved. You will make contacts and make customers out of them. Any organization you get involved in you have to be active.

What would you say to those who say they do not have time to get involved in their community?

There's always a will, there's always a way. I am a single mom, and I find time with this company. If you can't get involved, find someone at your company to get involved. There are morning events, lunchtime events, dinner events and weekend events.

What are your everyday responsibilities as chamber chairwoman?

My responsibilities basically include overseeing the chamber's various teams and committees. I also handle board meetings and the executive committee board meetings. I work with [chamber president] Karen Hoylman on any needs that arise, and I work with the staff. And I still have to attend community events, like ribbon cuttings, the monthly events, the annual events, everything the chamber hosts. They usually have ribbon cuttings on Fridays, and they have three to five on a Friday.

What types of challenges are Woodlands area businesses facing today?

Growth is a major issue. Traffic and mobility are also major issues with all the new businesses coming in. Also, there is not enough office space for all these new businesses. New businesses are coming into The Woodlands, but they are facing challenges with finding new locations. There's lots of new businesses coming, but they need the space.

What do you like most about your job as chamber chairwoman?

I love being involved with everything that's going on with the chamber. The Chamber of Commerce is an organization I truly believe in. I love being involved with team members, the various committees and the staff.