Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce new model streamlined to better serve members

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov. 28, 2012 - The Board of Directors of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce announce a revised hands on approach to the very active, 500 member strong organization. After careful consideration and hearing feedback from members and the community, the board announces that they will amend the bylaws to remove the position of the Executive Director from the office staff. "Fitting into a modern non profit role, our board has chosen to be proactive as we approach a century of service in Southern Ocean County," says President Christopher Schwab of the Anderson Agency. "Our board is committed to keeping our region a vibrant business community, a proud place to call home and a top vacation destination." The Chamber is helmed by 26 directors who recently reached out to members for their thoughts providing them with direct contact information to discuss informally changes that would better serve the membership. The board consisting of 18 directors and 8 past presidents who professionally represent many facets of the business community feel confident in the team that has been put in place to move the organization forward.

With Michele Cuff, Office Manager and 32 year veteran of the Chamber brings valued experience and dedication to the board and membership. Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director representing the tourism and public relations needs of the organization ; an additional full time position of Member and Event Coordinator has been added. This newly created position has allowed current event coordinator, Kelly Randazzo, who was in a part time capacity , to further support the board with member outreach as well as working with the volunteer event committee to plan chamber business events such as Business to Business Expos, Monthly Membership Meetings and Chowderfest Weekend. The Chamber team is complete with visitor and customer service coordinators of Cindy Galvin, Betty Lou Plummer and Linda Wood operating the visitor center and assisting members year round.

The Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce is located at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, the organization represents the area of LBI and Mainland including Forked River, Ocean, Barnegat, Stafford, Little Egg Townships and the Borough of Tuckerton.  In addition to running the regions official tourism website, they publish the regions main fulfillment tourism guide, fund local events and organizations, host non profit forums, arrange after hour networking, and represent the region locally, statewide and nationally. Contact them at 609 494 7211 or online at visitLBIregion.com.