One year after Sandy, Southern Ocean County Chamber Members continue to make it better business

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Aug. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Almost a century ago, the founding business members of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in bringing businesses to the region to develop homes, hotels, transportation and service industries. As the organization begins it’s next 100 years, it will call to the current business leadership to assemble a plan to create a sustainable economy for the region. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce members, will play a vital role in the input of this two year research plan, which will began this past  in  August , and an official roll out of “Counting Down to A Century of Service” Celebrations which will include regional spotlights on business districts coordinated with Barnegat Chamber, Lacey Chamber, Tuckerton Seaport and Stafford Businesses, which will lead to the “Centennial Summer” Spotlights on LBI. “This is one way to showcase shore towns and the strong partnership of the business community that binds our region together” says Lori Pepenella DMO and Communications Director of the Southern Ocean County Chamber. To provide the clearest opportunity for local businesses to learn first hand the Chamber began a mentorship with New Orleans and their Vice President of Public Relations came to speak at the State of the Chamber, an annual business meeting held in January to inform and share post disaster information.

Since Super storm Sandy hit this past fall, Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, one of the top Chambers of Commerce in New Jersey as rated by NJBIZ, has been providing vital information to the business community, residents and visitors. From announcements and discussion at monthly meetings, the ongoing and continually updated Surviving Sandy Newsletter which launched November 2011, blogs  featuring the latest in formation on the www.visitLBIregion.com website, social media links and handouts available for pickup at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. The day after the storm the chamber partnered with Stafford Historical Society and Stafford Township to open emergency business recovery office at the Heritage Park in Manahawkin and was the first to invite the SBA to open their disaster recovery center for businesses. The board determined that the task of staying current as information breaks and becomes available had to be be a number one priority. "It was clear the day after the storm hit that ongoing communication to direct sources was instrumental". Whether it was where to vote for displaced residents in the November elections, FEMA and SBA filing information or consumer fraud guidelines, the topics have changed to meet each phase of the recovery cycle” added Pepenella, To stay connected whether it was a the Emergency location or at their main office  at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom NJ, social media campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and their websites.  The Chamber also launched a successful ration program on  WBNJ 91.9FM for the LBI Regional Report Radio Show, LBITV22 for Southern Ocean County Chamber Award winning TV program Beyond the Beach segments that were updated to keep visitors and the community aware of upcoming events and milestones..

How committed are the Southern Ocean County businesses to their customers? That question was answered, while rebuilding both personally and professionally, business owners and their staff  went above and beyond to help not only the physical recovery, but the emotional one by extending a sense of comfort and place to neighbors that faced uncertainty. The We Are LBI effort was created by a team of Chamber members who wanted to invite local business, who make up such an important part of the community, into the spotlight. In addition to creating a dedicated website, WEARELBI.com, a marketing campaign has been launched to bring well deserved focus and revamped energy to Shop and Support local, a mantra which has always encompassed the area.  With a video that hit over 10,000 views on you tube, a billboard by the Lincoln Tunnel and travel show outreach in New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC and the Meadowlands.

With the importance of the out of area guest in mind, the Southern Ocean County Chamber has continually promoted  the region’s businesses in print, broadcast and online ad, working directly with the Stronger than the Storm Campaign, state chambers and travel industry to leverage strategy that would help keep the community business districts buzzing. The chamber partnered with Ocean County College and  WCEC in June for a Service with a smile Customer Service Seminar, publishing 35000 copies of the 2013 visitor guide and promoting events and activities that will bring money into local non profit organizations. The organization has pulled out all stops for the 25th Chowderfest Weekend October 5 and 6, as a Celebration of Champions As the anniversary date nears, statewide and local promotion will be in the front with Back to Business promotions from Bed and Breakfasts, retail and other promotions.  The Chamber will use the date to kick off their regional spotlight campaign as well as promote November 12 Centennial Luncheon featuring lessons learned from long time business owners.

For more information about the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the businesses and community it serves go to www.visitLBIregion.com, call 609 494 7211, stop into visitor center or follow on line as LBI Region and Southern Ocean County Chamber.