Chamber President’s Message

SHARE IN OUR VISION...INVEST IN YOUR SUCCESS

Chamber President’s Message

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ISSUE CONTENTS

A PUBLICATION OF THE WOODBRIDGE METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCEISSUE I • SUMMER 2019

WOODBRIDGE METROCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

91 Main StreetWoodbridge, NJ 07095Office 732-636-4040Fax 732-636-3492

[email protected]

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce Newsletter! When first appointed as the president of The Chamber, I envisioned a bulletin that would be made available to our members, and to all others in the Woodbridge area. The bulletin would apprise our community of the constantly-evolving Cham-ber activities, while bringing to light the robust traditions that make Woodbridge and the surrounding areas wonderful neighbor-hoods in which to live, to play and to work. From my perspective, the evolution of and continuous expansion of The Chamber would simply not be possible without the commit-ment of a very long list of people. Well before my arrival, The Chamber was blessed by those Woodbridge area businesswomen and businessmen whose vision served as our foundation. Through the efforts of many,

The Chamber’s growth reflected the growth of our communities. We are fortunate that our current Board of Directors continue to possess the same zeal, the same professionalism, and the same longitudinal perspectives of their predecessors. Their commitment to The Chamber’s success is clearly evident in all they do for our commu-nities. We continue to be indebted to them. I am just as indebted to those who serve our communities in The Chamber’s offices. Small in number, but possessing complete dedication to our communities’ success, our office staff strives to meet your needs every day. It is through those efforts that we ensure that your Chamber of Commerce member-ship offers value and earns your commitment. Enjoy our newsletter, and feel free to contact us with suggestions to improve our future newsletters.

Karen M. BarnesPresident, Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce

Trivia Questions

Q: Which one of our Chamber membersmade the Top 10overall employers

on Forbes 2019 List?A: Costco Wholesale

Q: What is the name of the Chamber Member’s

business whosehead Chef and GM isa resident of Colonia?

A: Blu Alehouse

Q: What is the nameof the Realtor Office

on Main Streetthat is a husbandand wife team?

A: JJ Elek

Q: What is the name of the Chamber business owner that hosts the Wellness

Woodbridge Show?A: Ann Mazza of Vito

Mazza Salon & Day Spa

Q: What Rock Musician whose band recently made it

into the Hall of Fame graduated from high school

with the WMCCMembership Director?

A: Richie Sambora/BonJovi

Q: How many bridges, including culverts, are there in Woodbridge

Township?A: 73

A Message fromNancy Drumm,Membership Director

Business Highlightsand Members inOur Community

Chamber Unplugged: Bringing Members Together

SPOTLIGHT:WMCC Business Members of the Quarter

From our Members-Article: What Employees Want

www.woodbridgechamber.com

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The Business Owner Resource Center (BORC)By Manny Xidias

The BORC is a committee delivering free lunch and learn seminars every four to six weeks to the small business owners of the Chamber Members. These seminars are a free membership benefit because one of our members will host the event in their company conference room, another business will sponsor the lunch and a keynote speaker will discuss relevant small business tips – all at no charge. Previous seminar topics include Human Resources for Small Businesses, Buy-Sell Agreements, Legacy Planning, Social Media Marketing, Online Marketing, LinkedIn for Business, QuickBooks, IT Solutions and more. The seminars are an excellent opportunity for small businesses to network, learn how to improve their business processes, prepare for the future and increase local awareness. The BORC Committee is headed by two of our Board of Directors, Mark McLafferty CFP® of Absolute Conclu-sions and Manny Xidias of BiggerFish Marketing. The committee is always looking for new office venues and seminar topics to help our members, so please feel free to connect with us to share your ideas.

Membership Director’s MessageNancy Drumm, Membership DirectorI hope that you enjoy our inaugural edition of The Bridge. This is all about you, our Chamber members! The Bridge will provide you with a snapshot of what your chamber-mates are doing, how they are interacting in the business world and their community, as well as provide you with a pulse on the overall vibrancy of our Wood-bridge Chamber of Commerce. When our Chamber members see the opportunities that our Chamber provides and they dive

in, I get to see the magic that happens to them. This publication will pleasantly showcase many of our members ribbon cuttings, articles from our members on timely issues, a spotlight on our recent members of the quarter, our Chamber sub-committees, some fun facts and a little bit of trivia surrounding our wonderful member movers and shakers!

Quarterly New Chamber Members LuncheonThe quarterly new chamber members luncheon was started in late 2013 and there have been 19 of them to date. These luncheons provide an opportunity for our new members to get acquainted with The Chamber. This orientation is a great opportunity for our new, and invited prospective members to meet the staff, network and learn about the many benefits of a Chamber membership. There are guest speakers from the Board members to current members that give testimonials of their own experiences with the Chamber. The luncheons started out being held in the Chamber conference room but are now held at a Chamber members’ place of business. The lunches are provided by our Cham-

ber members that have a food establish-ment. Over the past 5 ½ years, this complimentary luncheon has proven to be successful due to the support of the following Chamber members. They are: Bonefish Grill, APA Hotel, Seasons52, Bahama Breeze, Miller’s Ale House, Big Shots, LaParilla de Milla, Chick-Fil-A, Strawberry’s Pub & Restaurant, Comfort Suites/Avenel, Roosevelt’s Deli, Knot Just Bagels, The Residence Inn/Marri-ott, Courtyard by Marriott, Office Evolution, Columbia Bank, Lake Cha-teau, Wilentz Law Firm and Just Subs. Chamber Member Jim O’Keefe from AJ Studio’s takes the groups picture at this event and offers our new members a complimentary head shot.

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JOIN US!woodbridgechamber.com/

become-a-member/

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The AmbassadorProgramThe Chamber of Commerce has a sub-committee called The Ambassador Program. This program consists of two Cham-ber members to a team. The team of Chamber members act as Chamber representatives within the business community. They are the “goodwill arm” of the Chamber and are charged with extending the hand of friendship to both old and new members. The Ambassadors have a unique opportunity to bring community to the Cham-ber and to their own members firms. The public relations and communication efforts of the Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce. Chamber member-ship and retention is the continuing goal of this program. In essence, the Ambassador Program makes sure that our Chamber members know all they can about the Chamber and to provide any updates of information to the Membership Director. The Chamber relies on the Ambassadors to aid in relaying information to and from members, identifying member concerns and garner-ing support for the Chamber. Thank you to our Ambassadors, Manny Xidias, Donna Rivera, Joanne Scott-Santos, Danielle Wray, Irene Conte, Albert Chanese, and Barry Bertiger.

A & F Technical Resources, LLCAlex J. Sanchez, Co-Owner28 3rd Street, Fords, NJ 732-609-1543 [email protected], CCTV Systems, Voice/Data

Ariana’s Grand Of WoodbridgeFrank DiMattina, owner800 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge [email protected] Hall

Beth Schreirer PhotographyBeth Schreier, Owner55 Neptune Pl, Colonia, [email protected]/Fine Art/Graphic Design

Buckeye Partners, L.P.Steven E. Some, Director, Government Relations9999 Hamilton Blvd., Breinjesville, PA484-280-0398Pipeline Company

Doe ProductsTillman Doe Jr.124 S.Shore Dr., So.Amboy, [email protected]/L427105Supplements

Doherty Inc. dba Applebee’s Dawn Marquez, General Manager251 Woodbridge Center Dri.,Woodbridge NJ 732-855-5300 [email protected]

Dress For Success Central NJMelissa Tenzer, Executive Director3131 Princeton Pke, Bldg 4, Ste. 209 Lawrenceville, NJ [email protected]

Dynobody Collision Inc.12 Jansen Ave., Woodbridge, [email protected] Body/Towing

Fords Corner, LLCLaura Panconi, Property ManagerP O Box 388, Fords, NJ [email protected]

Gotham Trinity ProductionsTodd Bivona, Producer/Director60 South Bridge St.,Staten Island, NY [email protected]

HVH Tech ConsultingHugh V. Howell41 Delikate Lane, Sayreville, [email protected] Services/IT Consultant/Technology

Jenco ConsultingJennifer Ciolkosz33 S.Wood Ave. Ste. 600,Iselin [email protected]/Business Management

Kessler Rehabilitation CenterKrista Memoly, Center Manager767 St. Georges Ave., Woodbridge, NJ [email protected] Center

Krauszer’s Food StorePrashant Desai,Owner525 Avenel St.,Avenel, [email protected] Store

Lord & Taylor Department StoreKimberly Schwarz, General Manager198 Woodbridge Center Dr.Woodbridge, NJ [email protected], Sales

Minuteman Press EdisonSuchitra Kamath, President134 Talmadge Rd., Edison, NJ732-318-6499 [email protected]/Graphic Design/Promotional Products

Patrice & AssociatesHelena Nash, Franchise Owner/Recruiting Specialist370 New Brunswick Ave. #112, Fords, [email protected] Recruiting/ Executive Recruiting

Primerica, Inc.Guinevieve Mertens1024 Thayer Ave.,Avenel [email protected] Services/Marketing/Educational

RSI Insurance Agency, Inc.David Perry, VP1500 Irving St., Rahway, NJ [email protected]

Samsel & AssociatesJohn Samsel, Owner68 Washington St.,Clark, [email protected] Estate Broker

Santander BankDonna Kittel, Manager541 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, [email protected] banking, Retail banking, lending

Savings PlusJane McLaughlin, Owner257 Carol Jean Way, Branchburg, [email protected]

Science of Spirituality Meditation CenterJim Rose15 Market St.,Perth Amboy, [email protected]@sos.orgNon-Profit/Meditation Center

Simply Delicious Dinners, LLCMike Enea, Owner/CEO1 Beverly Drive, Hillsborough, [email protected] Preparation, Catering

Sobel & Co.Sally Glick253 Eisenhower Parkway,Livingston, NJ [email protected]/Lawfirms

Sprint5 Quality Way, Iselin, NJ732-602-2375www.sprint.comPhones

Sunpower by SunnyMacWayne DeCoteau3525 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ 718-812-4758yourpartnerinsolar@gmail.comowww.sunnymacsolar.comSolar, Renewable energy, Green energy

The Made Man Barber ShopGianfranco Triscari, Owner457 A New Brunswick Ave., Fords, NJ908-472-4658themademanbarbershop@gmail.comwww.themademanbarbershopnj.comBarber Shop

Urban Air Trampoline@Adventure ParkAri Moses, Member1600 St. George Ave. Rahway, [email protected] Entertainment/Fitness/Celebrations

Wizdom MediaSheryl Rosenstock, Partner1409 Main Street, Rahway, [email protected] Design/Branding/Print & Web Design

Woodbridge Machine and Tool Co., Inc.Steve Sepa, Owner259 Bergen St., Woodbridge, NJ [email protected] Machine & Tool/ Manufacturing-industrialspecialty

Welcome New Members!

The WMCCAffiliations and Memberships

PROUD MEMBER


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Business Highlights

Congratulations to our WMCC member Mike, owner of Roosevelt’s Deli. They made it into the Top 12 winners circle in the recent News 12 Food Fight competition. Roosevelt’s is a full-service deli and catering operation that specializes in classic American dishes, such as chicken parm and burgers.

The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC) rolled-out the Red Carpet and welcomed theatre-goers with a Grand Opening VIP Reception on April 10. The APAC - the region’s newest performing arts center specially designed for theatre, stage produc-tions and special performances - stands as a multi-disciplinary performing arts center which promises to energize Avenel and surrounding communities by programming exceptional professional theatre, music, comedy, dance and more. The APAC features seating for 225 patrons, a separate performance room and

pre-function lobby area that opens to exterior space for larger gatherings and events. APAC also introduces Curtains Restaurant – a stand-alone dining destination serving an eclectic menu and available for catered pre-performance and special events. APAC, is possible through the Woodbridge Arts Alliance (WAA) - a 501(c)(3) organiza-tion dedicated to advocating, activating and animating Woodbridge as a regional destina-tion for the Arts. APAC, in concert with the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, anticipates a leadership role in advancing the Township’s art-driven economic plan - a plan that includes enhanced arts programming and education representative of the diverse regional population. Additionally, the WAA will expand on existing arts activities to further activate Woodbridge Township as a regional hub for the arts with the goal to inform and build capacities needed to organize and distinguish Woodbridge as an arts destination and to help advance the economic position of artists, creative entre-preneurs and associated entities.Visit the APAC at www.avenelarts.com for upcoming performances, Box Office and ticket information and Curtains reservations.

Avenel Performing Arts CenterRed Carpet Opening

Chamber Members do good work in our communityReduce > Reuse!Wegmans will trade plastic for reusable bags as part of Wegmans’ Sustainability Event, which also offers samples of Organic prod-ucts. Wegmans said that if everyone of their customers used just one reusable bag on each shopping trip, Wegmans would use 357 million fewer plastic bags each year. A news story just recently appeared that Wegmans Shoppers Club card holders were sent an email announcing that it is allowing customers to swap their plastic bags for a Wegmans reusable shopping bag. Shoppers Club Card Holders were told that they could bring a tightly packed bag full of clean plastice bags to Wegmans in exchange for a coupon for a free Wegman’s reusable bag.

Just Toolin’!Sean Murphy and his team members from Shell participated in Woodbridge Townships Tooling Around The Town event on Satur-day, April 27th. This Woodbridge township home improvement program had 20 houses this year and Shell employees participated at several of the homes.

Pictured right is a home in Sewaren; the team repaired the back fence, hooked up a rain barrell, planted tomato plants, racked out the back yard weeds and laid stones and donated planters and filled them with beautiful backyard plants. Chamber members doing great community work!

Dr. Misra with Linda at Ladies On Main at Il Castello’s

Congratulations toRoosevelt’s Deli

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Business Highlights

Happy 1st Birthday, 5/1/19 to Service K9 Kele! JJ Elek Realty Co. owners Jim and Connie Elek standing outside of their real estate office on Main St. in Woodbridge sponsored Kele to assist Rebuilding Warriors to carry out their Mission. They provide veterans with a companion service dog and home set up equipment. Kele is training to become a service dog for a veteran with PTSD in need. Rebuilding Warriors organizers Jeff and Nancy Mullins work tirelessly to run fundraisers to raise money to provide service dogs to veterans. [email protected]

Albert Jasani from Royal Albert’s Palace hosts a dinner for Chamber members on February 21, 2019

Woodbridge Applebees Reopening Ceremony 11-27-18

BCB Bank of Woodbridge Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on June 13, 2019

WMCC Board Members Holiday Luncheon 12-8-18


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CHAMBER

EVENTS

Chamber CalendarSeptember to December 2019

Sept. 7 VBL EXPO at Woodbridge Mall

Sept. 17 Free Northfield Bank Meet n Greet

Sept. 18 BORC Lunch and Learn

Sept. 23 Ladies on Main

Sept. 27 Mayor’s Breakfast

Oct. 2 New Members Luncheon

Oct. 16 Chairman’s Awards Dinner

Oct. 23 BORC Lunch and Learn

Nov. 5 Unplugged at The Lake Chateau

Nov. 20 BORC Lunch and Learn

Dec. 9 Holiday Luncheon

Dec. 11 BORC Lunch and Learn

Unplugged Networking Event at Mulberry Street RestaurantOn the evening of Monday, April 8th, The Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted an Unplugged network-ing event at Mulberry Street Restaurant in Woodbridge. Chef and Owner, Paul LaGrutta led the event by teaching over 30 Chamber members and prospective members how to make fresh mozzarella. The class was exciting, informative, challeng-ing and DELICIOUS! Chef Paul provided a 3-course meal for the participants including a mixed green salad, fresh tomato and mozzarella with a balsamic glaze and cheese raviolis. This was the second Chamber Unplugged event at Mulberry Street Restaurant. Chamber Unplugged adds a unique and fun aspect to business networking.

Chamber Unplugged: Bringing Members TogetherIn April of 2018, the Woodbridge Cham-ber of Commerce launched a series of new and improved networking events called “Chamber Unplugged.” Chamber Unplugged was created to introduce a new way of making business connections through enjoyable and productive networking events. This Chamber of Commerce subcom-mittee consists of three Woodbridge Chamber Board Members. Their role is to actively seek chamber members establish-ments to host networking events at their respective place of business. Over the past year, Unplugged events have been held at Dave & Busters, Mulberry Street Restau-rant, Three in One Restaurant, Topgolf, Bahama Breeze, Strawberry’s Pub &

Pizza, Bonefish Grill, Blu Ale House, Applebee’s, and the Avenel Performing Arts Center. The Chamber Unplugged committee is looking forward to continu-ing to plan more events at our local venues. These events allow current chamber members and future members the oppor-tunity to network with like-minded business professionals while also kicking back and enjoying the local venue where the event is hosted. The committee also feels that this adds value to their chamber memberships as well. To suggest ideas for upcoming Cham-ber Unplugged events or to host an Unplugged event at your place of business, please call 732-636-4040.

Topgolf Unplugged

Bahama Breeze hosts a Chamber Unplugged networking event

Mulberry Street Restaurant hosts a Chamber Unplugged networking event

Holiday Luncheon 2018Columbia Bank

Greg Aquila wins the door prize at Topgolf Unplugged

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WMCC Business Members of the Quarter

Dave & Buster’s274 Woodbridge Center DriveWoodbridge, NJ 07095973-435-9800

Tell us about your business:Dave & Buster’s offers frequent fun through the best combination of the latest and greatest games, ultimate sports-view-ing, extraordinary food and remarkable drinks. Offering over 150 games along with our new Virtual Reality experience and Half Price Games on Wednesdays. Including a competitive happy hour with half priced drinks and $5 bar bites all while watching your favorite sports on one of our 40 televisions. We have a variety of food options on our menu along with our eat and play combo.

What is the biggest benefit of being a member of the WMCC?The biggest benefit is meeting new people and connecting with those we wouldn’t normally have the opportunity work with or meet. We believe in supporting our community and find tremendous value in being able to foster those relationships.

What is your favorite WMCC event?The Chamber’s Award Dinner. It’s done beautifully and it’s an amazing opportu-nity to meet new people and local businesses. It’s awesome to celebrate local members winning awards and recognizing their accomplishments. ***If you ask my staff – they love participating in Bowling for Hunger. It provides them an opportunity to get together (outside of work) for a good cause and they have a blast!

Lightbridge Academy458 Amboy AveWoodbridge, NJ 07095732-726-3646

Tell us about your business:Lightbridge Academy is the “solution for working parents”, providing a safe, nurtur-ing, educational environment to Infant, Toddler, and Preschool children. Opening our doors in 1997, we welcomed everyone in our community to be a part of our unique Circle of Care, where we transform the lives of children and their families by offering excellence in the childcare experience. Throughout over 22 years of operation, we continue to uphold our Core Values and our purpose, while surrounding the children and communities we serve with love, guidance, and inspiration.

What is the biggest benefit of being a member of the WMCC?The biggest benefit of being a member of the WMCC is the opportunity to build lasting relationships in the community we serve. The optimism and supportive atmosphere brings all of its members to a level of success unreachable without the collaborative efforts of some of the most amazing leaders in area business!

What is your favorite WMCC event?As an industry predominately lead by women, the Women’s Leadership events are particularly inspiring and insightful. We also enjoy attending the Chamber Unplugged events, since they give a chance to have fun and get to know other business leaders in a more relaxed, conversational setting.

Chamber Members’Quotes and Testimonials

Sherri Schwartz, Executive Board of Director for the Carpet Maven“We have been a Chamber member almost since we opened our doors to the Carpet Maven. The biggest benefit of being a Chamber member is the people that you meet. It is like having an extended family. You may not need each other’s services or businesses at the time, but when you do, the Chamber members are very loyal to each other and do use each other’s services. It makes doing business more enjoyable.”

Ray Fredericks, Regional President of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute @ The Club At Woodbridge“We are a big supporter of the Chamber and we will continue to be.”

Joanne Scott-Santos, Owner of It’s Ur Wrap“By far the biggest benefit of the chamber is the networking opportunities it allows for. As an International Marketing Professional working worldwide in my previous life, I did not have the local business contacts in my backyard. The chamber has allowed me to meet and form both business and personal relationships that are very important to me and my business.”

Joe Fetict, Owner of Il Castello’sRestaurant“As part of the hospitality industry, we know the importance of setting up a comfortable environment for people to dine, catch up on family, discuss business and have a great time overall. The team at the Woodbridge Chamber does an excellent job at this too! Their events are well-coordinated, members meet, friendships are made and business comes naturally. Being that we are down the block from the Chamber office, many members are referred to us to hold meetings at Il Castello’s where we offer fine Italian cuisine and a full bar.”

Sharon McAuliffe, Owner ofKnot Just Bagels“The Chamber provides excellent networking opportunities. They do meet and greets after work, lunch and learns and different topics of interest, Women’s Leadership presentations which helped me learn about other valuable businesses in the community. I have picked up a lot of new customers by becoming a member of the Chamber.”

Jillian Stratton, Manager of Kinder Pediatric Urgent Care“ Becoming a Chamber member has opened up doors to relationships with key business leaders and people who have helped spread the word for me about our business here in Woodbridge.”


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Show Your Pride with the WMCC Proud Member LogoBy Manny Xidias

We ask our members to show their membership pride by displaying the Woodbridge Chamber and Proud Member logo lock-up on their website.

Here’s how to do it: 1) Go to: WoodbridgeChamber.com2) In the upper right corner of the screen, click on Member Resources3) Under Member Services, click on Get the “WMCC Proud Member” logo4) Follow the easy instructions!

It’s welcoming when I see a local business also displaying the Woodbridge Chamber Proud Member logo on their site or store window. I know they are like-minded businesses supporting other local businesses.– Manny Xidias, BiggerFish Marketing

And call the Chamber office to get a Proud Member storefront decal too. It’s yet another way to show your membership pride to the community!

FROM OUR

MEMBERSJOIN US!

www.woodbridgechamber.com/become-a-member/

What Employees Wantby Helena Nash, Franchise Owner and Executive Recruiterat Patrice and Associates

Good employees are hard to find. That’s why many companies in the hospitality, retail and other industries reach out to my organization, Patrice and Associates to help locate top management talent. In a tight labor market where there are more jobs available than qualified talent, employers need to differentiate themselves to attract and retain the best people. So what are candidates looking for when determining their next career move and whether a company is a good fit for them? Well, it may depend upon when they were born. Extensive research exists about what is valued by the four generations currently in the workforce, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millenials, and Generation Z. They vary in the importance placed on salary, incen-tives, benefits and job security, when and how they work, flexibility and work-life balance, opportunity for advancement, and social consciousness. In the hospitality industry, here are recent real-life examples of how this is playing out: A candidate rejecting a job offer because of salary and benefits, and another because the culture isn’t a fit even though the salary was above market pay. An employer attracting potential candidates with a hip, fun vibe and concept even though salary was

below market. A job seeker attracted primarily by the work-life flexibility that the job offers, while another tempted by the eco-friendly practices and health and wellness aspect of a company’s product and services. So what does this mean for you as an employer? Of utmost importance is the awareness of these differences, understand that one size does not fit all, and recognize the importance of work culture and employ-ee experience. View this as an opportunity to differentiate yourself by targeting and adapting your approach to hiring, manag-ing, compensating, recognizing, coaching, motivating, and developing for people with varied backgrounds, needs, motivations, and values. As a result, it will positively impact your bottom line by experiencing a shorter recruiting process, an improvement in employee engagement, increased reten-tion, and higher employee morale.

PROUD MEMBER

#wmccproudmemberUnplugged at Strawberry’s Pub

MEMBER

MILESTONES

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Wilentz: 100 Years Attorneys at LawSince the firm was established by David T. Wilentz in 1919, they have grown into one of the largest law firms in New Jersey. The lawyers represent clients in a wide variety of practice areas, including at the forefront of the regulatory law, in landmark litigation, and in high profile real estate and financial transactions. Wilentz lawyers are focused on providing their clients with proactive, practical legal solutions that respond to their most significant opportunities and legal challenges.

Hutt & Shimanowitz, Attorneys at Law50 YearsThe law offices of Hutt & Shimanowitz has been serving clients for over four decades forging a distin-guished reputation for fairness, integrity and commit-ment among both its clients and the legal community. The ability to render superior legal services tailored to each client’s specific requirements and circumstances distinguishes the firm’s representations.

The Woodbridge Elks Lodge #2116: Serving our Community For 60 YearsWhile in existence for a mere fraction of Woodbridge Township’s 350 year history, B.P.O.E. Lodge #2116 is proud to have served the community since 1959. We are humbled to acknowledge that through our fundraising efforts these past 60 years, we have been able to give back over $2 Million to our youth, veterans, special children, and local first respond-ers, as well as programs sponsored by our Grand and State Lodge Associations. Our facilities are often used by the community at large for special events like baby showers, birthdays, and weddings. We are also a meeting place for a local Boy Scout Troop! In accor-dance with our principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity, we will continue to provide resources as needed to keep Woodbridge vibrant and thriving for the next 350 years because…Elks Care-Elks Share. “Woodbridge B.P.O.E. # 2116 – A Fraternal Organization www.elks.org.”Happy 350th Woodbridge Township!

Mansue and Sarfati Inspire Audiences in WLC Leading Ladies Speaker Series

Amy Mansue, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer of RWJ Barnabas Health was the keynote speaker at the Women’s Leadership Con-

nection (WLC) event held March 21 at Colonia Country Club. Mansue spoke to the audience of 80 women professionals about her career

journey, finding personal strength and resiliency, and the importance of building a solid team. “Don’t ever let someone tell you you’re not good

enough or your idea has no merit,” said Mansue. “Be authentic. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are enough!”

The WLC features various programs throughout the year where leading women share their stories of challenges overcome,

leadership lessons learned and secrets of professional success. Another presenter of the WLC’s Leading Ladies Speaker

Series was Lydia Sarfati who spoke on May 16th. Sarfati is an international industry leader and founder and CEO or

Repechage. She discussed being the first company to bring seaweed-based skincare treatments and cosmetics to the

U.S. market. Her company’s products are now sold in over 45 countries nationwide.

“The WLC provides professional women a strong, supportive network to learn, to share and to grow both

personally and professionally,” said WLC Chair Anne Marie Almasi. We have a great steering committee that works to present programs that educate and inspire. Whether you’re just starting

out in business, or are a seasoned professional, we work to deliver relevant and meaningful program-

ming that appeals to all,” she added. The WLC is a group of leaders seeking to enhance

their personal and professional development through education, mentoring, recognition, networking and social

opportunities. Men are welcome and encouraged to attend. Event cost is discounted to Woodbridge Chamber members.

For upcoming events, to suggest a speaker or to serve as an event sponsor, call 732-636-4040.

New Member Luncheon Courtyard Marriott 6-27-18

Wilentz Law Firm New Member Luncheon 10-24-18


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WMCC offers Notary Public and Certificate of Origin services

A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important docu-ments.

Notary Public Fees:FREE for WMCC Members$5.00 per document for Non-Members

A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an important international trade document attesting that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. COs also constitue a declaration by the exporter.

Certificate of Origin Fees:$15.00 per document for WMCC Members$50.00 per document for Non-Members

WMCC Virtual Business Leaders

We would like to thank our Chamber Golf Committee and volunteers for working hard to make the Chambers’ 55th June 17th Annual Golf Outing a success. This year, in memory of our dear friend, Lee Vetland; The Chamber of Commerce named the event The Lee Vetland Memorial Golf Outing. Our sponsors deserve a big thank you and the are as follows: Columbia Bank, NLC Financial Services, BCB Community Bank, Northfield Bank, Ray Zirpolo, Blu Alehouse, Miller Buick/GMC, and New Jersey Realty Advisory Group. It was not a sunny day, but we were all very grateful

that the rain held out. All of our golfers and dinner guests had a wonderful time; thank you all for being a part of this great tradition!

The Lee Vetland Memorial Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing

The Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce’s newest sub-committee, The Virtual Business Leaders (VBL), was formed when a group of the chamber's home-based and small-office based business members responded to an invitation to create an agenda of events that would increase their exposure among the brick and mortar compa-ny community while boosting local business in general. With the encour-agement and shared vision of the Chamber's leaders, this group of ambitious entrepreneurs and small company owners began collaborating to create their own networking endeavors with the goal of increasing business opportunities, while also encouraging community involvement for the economic, educational and social benefit of all members, the chamber,

and the local community. Since its inception last year, the VBL members, with the guidance of the WMCC's President, Karen Barnes and Mem-bership Director, Nancy Drumm, have held monthly meetings to brainstorm, discuss, plan, and execute a schedule of activities with the goal of burgeoning the growth of the local business commu-nity, both storefront and virtual. Such events as the MCAR Realtor Educa-

tional Open House in Colonia, the Woodbridge Mall Expo, and Saturday morning business forums held at the Columbia Bank in Woodbridge have been contributing factors to the growing success and value of the VBL. Each event has led to its form of clientele connections, consumer education, and professional growth opportunities that contin-ue to benefit business professionals and local customers alike.

ADVERTISE

WITH THE CHAMBER

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One on One Physical Therapy and JAG Physical TherapyJoin Forces to Create Unparalleled OutpatientPhysical Therapy PlatformOne on One Physical Therapy and JAG Physical Therapy, leading providers of outpatient orthopedic physical therapy services, today announced that they have come together as a single platform. The forma-tion of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, led by three of the nation’s most accomplished physical therapists, John Gallucci Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Richard Bodian, Chief Clinical Officer, and Joseph Saraceno, Chief Operating Officer, brings together their years of experience, clinical aptitude, and business acumen to create a forward-thinking, patient-centered approach to rehabilitation. “After years of working collaboratively as colleagues that envisioned creating a unique physical therapy experience for our patients, I could not be more excited to officially move forward with Rich and Joe as JAG-ONE Physical Therapy”, says John

Gallucci Jr., Chief Executive Officer. “As a unified entity, we remain confident that our enhanced resources will serve to improve the quality of life for our patients and continue to proudly serve as a medical resource to the region’s local communities.” “With the physical therapy landscape continuing to evolve, uniting as JAG-ONE Physical Therapy seemed like a natural progres-sion in order to best serve those in need of high-quality rehabilitation”, said Rich Bodian, Chief Clinical Officer. “John, Joe and I share the same passion and philosophies with regard to the importance of patient care and outcomes and we are excited to join forces as we continue our journey as the region’s physical therapy leader.”Combined, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy moves forward as an industry leader consisting of 38 outpatient physical therapy clinics with a

strong market presence in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, Queens, West-chester, and New Jersey. JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is dedicated to expanding throughout the region, offering the community at large their unique, care-first model of rehabilitation resulting in the best possible outcomes for their patients. “By focusing on patient care and outcomes, and serving as a resource to the community, both One on One Physical Therapy and JAG Physical Therapy have set the standard for the outpatient physical therapy experience”, says Joseph Saraceno, Chief Operating Officer. “As JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, Rich, John and I look forward to combining our resources, network, and clinical knowl-edge in order to truly enhance our services and continue to provide our patients with the highest quality physical therapy care.”

One on One Physical Therapy and JAG Physical Therapy Ribbon Cutting of their Corporate Office.


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