Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce counting down to a century of service to the region

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Aug. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Since its early years as the Long Beach Island Board of Trade, our region has been represented locally, regionally, nationally and internationally by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Headquartered in Ship Bottom and sitting on the gateway to the island, the Chamber’s mission is to foster positive growth, while enhancing life for visitors and residents alike. Dating back to May 1914, businesses saw the need to work together to provide the best possible environment to all who come to our shores. The methods of communication has changed with the Chamber adding television, radio and social media components to get the word our to and for businesses.

Currently the Southern Ocean Chamber Board of Directors and staff oversee an organization that is responsible for running a year round visitor center featuring information for business members. The Chamber also provides member networking, consumer expos, destination marketing for the area, maintains the region’s website www.visitLBIregion.com , publishes the main fulfillment piece the LBI Region Escape Guide, and is on every social media platform as either LBI Region or Southern Ocean County Chamber. After the storm, the volunteers on the chamber’s marketing committee created the We ARE LBI campaign giving businesses from throughout the area a online presence to tell their story. In addition to funding local projects and raising money for scholarships, the Southern Ocean County Chamber also assembled a Business Development Council to help with positive planning for the area.

Take part in the 100th celebrations with a old time photo contest, November 12 Centennial Old Time Luncheon at the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin and May 15 Gala Cocktail Reception. Also look for old fashioned family consumer expo coming in February and regional spotlights with partner business districts beginning this fall. For more information call 609 494 7211, or visit at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom.