Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2020 by hunterdoncountychamberofcommerce

2020 Annual Report

CONTENTS PRESIDENT'S LETTER HUNTERDON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mission, Vision, & Core Values Board of Directors & Staff Letter from the Chamber Board Chair Financial Statement

2 3 4 5

STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY Advancing Hunterdon Pandemic Response Economic Recovery Task Force Economic Recovery Fund

8 8 9 9

DEVELOPING LEADERS Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship Chamber of Commerce Foundation Women's Business Forum & Leadership Summit Leadership Hunterdon

17 18 19 20

HUNTERDON COUNTY TOURISM

INFORMING THE COMMUNITY Hunterdon Chamber Radio Business News Social Media Internet Communications

22 22 23 23

SPEAKING UP FOR BUSINESS Business & Government Committee 10 COVID Business Briefings 10 The VOICE of Business 11

CONNECTING OUR MEMBERS Business Expo Goes Virtual Connecting In New & Creative Ways Annual Golf Classic Hunterdon Holiday Motorcade 2019 Annual Meeting & Dinner Membership Committee

12 13 14 15 15 16

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES Chamber Ambassadors Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Online Job Bank Business Directory Discount Program Restaurant Blitz Calendars Healthy Hunterdon Workforce Initiative

24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Membership, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” ― Nelson Mandela First and foremost, I want to send my best thoughts to you and your families during these challenging times. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce believes that our organization is more meaningful now than ever. Over the course of the past year, we’ve been putting together campaigns to help support our Business Community, providing resources and making referrals for our member companies. We’re also communicating accurate, dependable information and advocating with our local, county, state and federal officials to help both small business owners and their employees as they navigate these tough times. The Chamber continues to maintain our: Provide quality and timely programs and initiatives to benefit our members Advocate for the local re-opening of our business community here in Hunterdon County Maintain our COVID 19 Business Resource Page & information updates The Chamber staff and our Board are here to help you grow your business, network among other member businesses, and to help you navigate the issues that may keep your business from realizing its full potential. We know that many of our members are being greatly impacted at this time. Please know we are here for you. We are here to help and support you in every way possible. Even with this current difficulty, we are more committed than ever to making Hunterdon County a vibrant and thriving place to live. Some of our hopes and dreams are on hold, but they have not disappeared. Your investments in the Chamber helps to build a healthier, more prosperous tomorrow.

With best regards,

Christopher J. Phelan President & CEO

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Mission Statement To enhance an economic climate that advances growth, prosperity and the quality of life for all who live, work and visit Hunterdon County. Vision Statement The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business and the catalyst that drives the success of the business community. Core Values Integrity • Professionalism • Partnership Diversity • Inclusiveness • Leadership

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Staff Executive Committee 2020

First Vice Chair Jeffrey Weinstein Hunterdon Healthcare, LLC

James Robinson Coldwell Banker Real Estate / Advancing Hunterdon - Economic Development

Chair Emeritus Michelle L. Heide Michelle Heide & Associates

Executive Committee Ryan Reep Chick-fil-A Flemington

Executive Committee Lesley Gabel Prevention Resources

Treasurer Daniel James Wright Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Secretary/Chamber President & CEO Christopher Phelan Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Legal Counsel Nicholas Pellitta, Esq. Norris & McLaughlin, P.A.

Advocacy Chair William Flahive, Esq. Law Office of William P. Flahive, LLC

Board of Directors 2020

Joanie Coffaro Raritan Valley Community College

Edward J. Bednarzyk ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company

Andrea Bishop PNC Bank

Bruce Black Hunterdon County YMCA

Richard Hall Century Link

Susan Solaway Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Dr. Todd Bonsall Hunterdon County Vocational School District

Stan Prater Jersey Central Power & Light

Joseph Carducci BKC, CPA's, PC

Mary Melfi Hunterdon County Clerk

Jim Gano Crown Trophy

Paul Muir The Red Mill Museum Village

Chamber Staff

Christopher Phelan President & CEO

Ana Galietta Vice President

Chris Bianco General Manager- Chamber Radio

Victoria Davis Bookkeeper

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

LETTER FROM THE CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRMAN Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Members, It is my honor and privilege to serve as Chair of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. Since 1916, our Board of Directors have always been a group of committed leaders. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce board represents a broad spectrum from corporate to small businesses, educational and non-profit associations, and companies in between. Our board has evolved to help shape and direct business and commercial policy throughout Hunterdon County. The board is an active engaged group whose members serve actively as committee leads and help drive, not only the strategy, but the ongoing activities of respective Chamber committees. Few, if any, of the Chamber’s accomplishments over its 105-year history could not have been documented and told if it were not for our volunteer leaders who dedicate their time, energy and financial commitment to help fellow business owners and operators. Fortunately, there are always a few who dedicate themselves to the greater outcome. To those historic leaders and our contemporary colleagues, we are indebted. In 2020 the Chamber continued to work towards the collective good of the Business Community, representing our interests and championing issues that improve the economic viability of our region. While faced with the unforeseen pandemic, we had to quickly change and adapt to the way we conduct our business. I would like to say we did a great job and continue to conduct business to business outreach. The Board is committed to providing leadership around critical issues that impact the business community, such as adverse business legislation or to support redevelopment projects like the Courthouse Square. On behalf of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Board, I would like to thank all the volunteers who tirelessly give of themselves to keep this Chamber moving forward. The collective contributions on our various committees and initiatives have a long-lasting impact on our Business Community. I would also like to thank the members who have supported the Chamber in various ways and continue to help the organization grow and provide an evolving body of work that benefits Hunterdon County. The work of the Chamber would not be possible without the support of its devoted members. We look forward to 2021 as a year to further engage the Business Community and continue to move our organization to new heights while staying safe and healthy. Sincerely, Jeffrey L. Weinstein Board Chair Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Financial statement Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce has two primary sources of funding on an annual basis. The Chamber raises roughly half of its income from Membership and the other half from Programs & Events. However in 2020, as a direct result of COVID 19, the Chamber witnessed it's six annual large scale events take significant hits and or several which did not take place.

Other 10%

The Chamber represents over 600 member organizations that have a combined workforce of 15,000 employees. In 2020, 38 new organizations joined the Chamber of Commerce, revenue was $283,090.63 and a surplus of just under $1,522.35

Membership 45%

Events & Programs 45%

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce foundation The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, as a separate 501C-3 organization, works to support the programs and initiatives of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce that will benefit all businesses, including those beyond our Membership base. The Hunterdon Chamber Foundation's income was $221,282.70.

Other 20%

The Chamber Foundation is charged with securing grants that support Economic Development, Leadership and Entrepreneurism here in Hunterdon County. The Foundation continues to work on our Capital Campaign to build the Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship. The Capital Campaign has raised over $1,000,000.00 to date for the Center.

Direct Support 80%

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2019 Annual Report

Strengthening the Economy of Hunterdon County A healthy economy is at the heart of our success as a region. The chamber works closely with the Hunterdon County office of economic development which is now housed in the large house. the chamber is active in organizations that work to promote a healthy business climate in the state and the region.

Advancing Hunterdon A major commitment of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber's Economic Development/Advancing Hunterdon Committee drives the policy and strategy for the Chamber’s business development activities throughout the County. The committee collaborates with state, county and municipal governments, educational and regional leaders to build ongoing, lasting alliances and partnerships with common goals for enhancing the region’s growth and prosperity.

Pandemic Response At the very outset of the Pandemic, the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce responded by doing what we do best and that is to connect our members and the wider business community to the resources and information they needed. The Chamber, in partnership with the Hunterdon County Office of Economic Development, began sharing information e-blasts to the business community keeping them informed of critical information from state, county and regional entities on issues that were impacting their organizations. Throughout the past year, we have continued to provide these resources, sometimes several times a week on resources and programs that would help with the economic challenges. In addition, a COVID 19 Business Resource page was established on the Chamber's website and, again partnering with the Office of Economic Development, business news and resources are there for all to avail find the necessary information.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Economic Recovery Task Force In the fall of 2020, the Chamber formed the Hunterdon Economic Recovery Task Force which was charged to look at long term ways in which the Chamber and the business community would respond to the ongoing economic challenges. Chamber leadership knew that the recession and the numerous issues that had come to light during the pandemic would continue to impact our local economy well into 2021. This group took stock of the current state of the business community through numerous surveys to the business community and communications with businesses and non-profit organizations.

Economic Recovery Fund A major commitment was to look at ways in which funds might be raised to create a Hunterdon Economic Recovery Fund. The goal of this fund is to provide direct assistance to businesses and organizations that are in need of financial help. The fund became a collaborative effort of the Hunterdon . County Chamber of Commerce Foundation and our local business associations. By the end of 2020, the Fund had raised roughly $10,000.00 to directly help and to help support programs that would provide technical assistance to businesses through the Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship.

In addition, the Chamber began to host regular meetings with local business organizations in the County including; the High Bridge Business Association, the Clinton Guild, the Lambertville Chamber of Commerce, the Flemington Community Partnership, the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association, the Milford Merchants Association and the Hunterdon County Office of Economic Development. The meetings provided valuable insight into our local communities and ways to bring additional resources to many businesses throughout the County. The collaboration between the organizations was a great benefit to address issues that were happening in real time and provide various resources for businesses and organizations to respond. This ran the range from COVID 19 restrictions, best practices for re-opening, business and work place safety and much more.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Speaking Up for Business The hunterdon county chamber of commerce is proud to provide advocacy on behalf of our members at the local, state and federal levels. whether assisting a small local business navigate regulatory agencies or providing support for a large scale redevelopment project , the chamber is there to be the voice of business.

Business & Government Committee The Business and Government Committee is one of the largest and most active at the Chamber. The goal of the committee is to track, analyze and communicate laws in committee or in process that have a (positive or negative) impact on New Jersey business. Notices, articles, letters to legislators, press releases and educational programming are typical responses to this review process. Responsible business advocacy is its objective. This year, the committee was focused on legislations and regulations as a direct result of the COVID 19 Pandemic. The Committee was focused on advocating for a safe way to regionalize the re-opening for Hunterdon County. The diverse membership of this Committee brings its perspective to the table to represent actions specific to Hunterdon County’s business and commercial concerns and desired direction. COVID

Business Briefings

In response to the pandemic, we hosted programs for our members, some of which were partnerships with our neighboring Chamber like the Somerset County Business Partnership. One town hall program was with Congressman Malinowski which is an example of how we provide valuable businesscentric information and updated legislation. Moreover, they provide a format where participants can ask individual, business-specific questions and establish contact with policy and law makers.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

The VOICE of Business Throughout all of 2020 the Chamber continued to be an Advocate through our relationship with many Statewide Organizations like the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce actively participated in the New Jersey Chamber Alliance and the New Jersey Business Coalition. The groups took positions on many issues that continue to impact the Business Community here in Hunterdon County. Advocacy on allowing the Business Community to Re-Open based on regional data, all driven by public health & safety Limit the Liability exposure for businesses and organizations as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic Advocate for great access to Capital for Business relief and to power and Economic Recovery

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Connecting Our Members our marquee events such as the Holiday Parade, Annual Golf Classic, Women's Leadership Summit, Community Day and the Hunterdon county business expo & food showcase require yearlong involvement, committee rigor, and untold hours of volunteer time. The Chamber organizes these events to provide businesses with opportunities to make connections with each other and the residents of Hunterdon county. A “Thank You” to our volunteers and subject matter experts cannot adequately express the gratitude due these contributors who so wholeheartedly and genuinely recreate signature events year after year and who keep activities fresh and in tune with the rhythm of the County.

Business Expo Goes Virtual The Annual Business EXPO in 2020 went virtual. Due to the restrictions in place, the Chamber got creative. The Chamber and participants created marketing videos that were highlighted on the Chamber website and throughout Social Media from November through December. Continuing to recreate itself year after year, the format seems to be a winning combo. The EXPO still remains the best one-shot opportunity to reach current and prospective customers. The marketing efforts presented a unique way for business and organizations to promote their organizations and services. This opportunity showcased their business' unique offerings and services. We thank PNC Bank for continuing their support as the Presenting Sponsor of the Expo Planning for the 2021 EXPO has begun and we thank all of our volunteers who help make this a suggest each year.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Connecting in new & Creative Ways in 2020 The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce pivoted for the better part of 2020 responding in new ways to bring our membership together due to the numerous restrictions placed on gatherings Our Chamber monthly programs like Leads and Chamber Connect groups started to meet on virtual platforms. We teamed up with the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Somerset County Business Partnership, Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce to name a few, to have a variety of programs throughout the Year. Even the Chamber's Holiday Party, which is one of the highlights of the year, went Virtual in 2020. Despite the challenges and the new way of connecting with the business, we did have a gathering at the Red Mill in the fall when it was safe to do so, but as always, the Chamber's membership found these creative and new ways of strengthening their business relationships to be fruitful.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Annual Golf Classic Carried On Despite the Challenges of 2020 Golf and business make good partners. View any golf course on almost any day of the week and you will witness business in action. The Chamber, like many organizations, realizes how many relationships have been cemented; how many deals have been struck ;and how many long lasting, shared stories have evolved all on the green. This year's outing was held at Heron Glen and, despite the challenges of COVID 19, we had over 80 golfers participate. Hunterdon Healthcare returned as the Presenting Sponsor. The Golf Classic committee works diligently to make this event a great success each year!

Hunterdon Cup

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon Holiday Parade Became the Hunterdon Holiday Motorcade This past December, the Chamber shifted and kept the tradition alive and flipped the Hunterdon Holiday Parade into a Motorcade to honor our First Responders and Front Line Workers here in Hunterdon County The parade traveled throughout Flemington & Raritan Township with numerous First Responders, Floats and Mr. & Mrs. Claus as well. The entire Holiday Motorcade was made into a video that was shared on social media, our YouTube site and viewed by thousands to enjoy.

DID YOU KNOW? The Hunterdon Holiday Parade dates back to the early 1900s?

Annual Meeting & Dinner It was the last big event prior to the lockdown in March of 2020, the Chamber traditionally has our Annual Meeting in the evening as an avenue to distribute our Annual Report, conduct the installation of new officers and discuss plans for the year ahead. This festive event is highly attended and also provides members an opportunity to make new business relationships. There is a silent auction that is a fundraiser for the Chamber and provides visibility for Member organizations.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

e r a s r e b m e What our m saying...

Membership Committee The Membership Committee is made up of a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about the Chamber and seek to recruit more members to join the organization. Periodically throughout the year, this group organizes open house style events where prospective members can visit and learn more about membership. As an incentive, any member who refers a new member receives a Chamber Bucks gift card which can be used toward the cost of events. This incentive applies to all members, not just this committee. Are you interested in making new connections? Contact the Chamber to join this committee!

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Developing Leaders We want to create a strong economy now and for decades to come. a key component to this is developing strong leaders to achieve this. the chamber provides regular professional development courses at the unity bank center for business. The Women's Business forum holds educational events throughout the year including the Women's leadership summit. Leadership Hunterdon is an immersive program that allows class members to see the county like never before.

Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship Officially incorporated in March, 26, 2013, The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation received its 501(c)3 designation in September 9, 2014. Its mission is to promote, support and fund initiatives that enhance opportunities for leadership, education, economic and workforce development. The separate Board of Directors is led by Karen Widico, of Prevention Resources, Inc. The Foundation holds the vision that it will serve as a model for innovation excellence that impacts a healthy sustainable business environment for the region. To this end, the Foundation Board of Directors has created The Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to bring valuable educational courses to the Business Community at the Unity Bank Center for Business and Entrepreneurship.

The Center is a place of collaboration for the Business Community to house critical services for existing businesses and cultivate entrepreneurship. The Center works with state, county, educational and local resources to partner and provide programs and services that support our existing business community and supports Leadership Hunterdon and its mission to transform people to become trustees of our communities. Additionally, the Center creates an appealing and inviting County Business - Visitors Information Center that enhances awareness of Hunterdon as a destination and encourages visitors to patronize local businesses throughout the County and/or relocate to Hunterdon County. The Center provides a more effective and productive environment for the Foundation to successfully work with and develop partnerships that will strengthen the business community through educational programs and support for entrepreneurship.

The Foundation Finished ConstructionRenovations on the Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship in 2020

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

The Foundation Finished ConstructionRenovations on the Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship in 2020

Above: Courses for the Center are currently held in the Large House and vary widely in content from Social Media to EXPO Marketing to Fraud Protection.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Leadership Hunterdon Leadershiip Hunterdon is an immersive program that begins in September and the class meets once a month through graduation in June. Participants attend sessions targeted to specific aspects of the County such as business; education; economic development tourism/DMO; environmental-agriculture; financial, accounting and real estate; healthcare/wellness issues; legal, criminal and prevention; legislative government and media communications. Members of the selected class begin with a two-day retreat held at the Inn at Lambertville Station to launch the program. Individuals meet with a variety of Hunterdon County leaders and hear about their leadership successes as well as gain in-depth knowledge of these key community areas. The class also works in teams on a White Paper that focuses on an issue that is currently impacting a specific agency or organization in the County.

Individuals nominated to Leadership Hunterdon have been selected as individuals with a sincere interest in enhancing the quality of life in Hunterdon County: • Educate and challenge the participants as to the needs of the community as well as the impact of social and economic change • Provide a vehicle for working together on current or future community projects • Create a dialogue to strengthen the relationship between the participants and community leaders • Identify organizational and individual opportunities for community involvement and assist participants with placement into these positions upon completion of the program • Create a personalized leadership development plan for each participant to achieve during and after Leadership Hunterdon • Provide individualized feedback and coaching

Leadership Hunterdon class of 2020 Candice Rienzo, Esq. - Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Kimberly Tennant- Hunterdon Healthcare Peter Holmes - Supporting Strategies Northwest New Jersey Douglas Hilgenberg - BKC, CPAs, PC Ivalis Henderson Alison Castagna -Hunterdon Healthcare Marilyn Zeleny - Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates Chris Kellogg - NightingaleNJ, LLC Dr. Todd Bonsall - Hunterdon County of Vocational School District Russell Crosby - Russ's Wrench Auto Repair

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Women's Leadership Summit Pivots to Virtual Space This growing and creative group continues to address issues that might be unique to women in business. Periodically, they host educational events that provide professional development opportunities. Each year, the Women's Business Forum, chaired by Colleen Duerr of Shifting Gears Consulting, hosts a Women's Leadership Summit in the spring. The 2020 Summit pivoted and went virtual due to the restrictions in place. The Summit was broken up into two presentation one in June with a talk by Lisa Liberman-Wang, she gave an outstanding talk on the 7 Secrets to Building Your Business in Today's Economy. In September, Amy Masters, presented on how to create the, perfect Job. Once again, MSI, Plumbing & Remodeling sponsored 10 scholarships for this event providing access for additional attendees. Financial Resources Federal Credit Union was the Presenting Sponsor this year along with Michelle Heide & Associates, a private wealth practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

This event is a great opportunity for networking as well as valuable professional development. The 2021 Women's Leadership Summit is set to be exciting and informative!

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon County Tourism Building visitor excitement and the economy

Tourism Efforts Hunterdon County’s natural beauty speaks for itself. Add its historic, cultural and recreational wealth to that beauty and you have a winning attraction for residents and tourists alike. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cycling, golfing, tubing down the river, pick-your-own---this list is practically endless---creating an idyllic, authentic environment drawing our near-by urban neighbors to visit and return over and over.

Red Mill Museum Village

The Hunterdon County Visitor's Guide was updated and published in 2020. It provides you with pages of beautiful Hunterdon County spots, information on great locations to spend your day or weekend. No matter what season, there's always something to do in Hunterdon County! The Hunterdon Living Magazine provides you with greater details regarding Hunterdon County. If looking for transportation, education, community profiles, area maps, and so much more check out Hunterdon Living. You can pick up the Visitor's Guide and Hunterdon Living magazine at the Chamber or on our website @ www.hunterdonchamber.org for electronic versions.

DID YOU KNOW? Hunterdon County visitors spend over $320 million annually on tourism goods and services.

Sergeantsville Covered Bridge

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Informing the Community The Hunterdon County Chamber strives to provide information to the community in a variety of mediums. From a full time internet based radio station to a monthly publication, Business News, The chamber provides a variety of options to stay informed in the community.

Hunterdon Chamber Radio The Hunterdon County Chamber Radio Station was launched in 2012 and is the only Chamber in the world with a 24-hour stream of content. Each radio show is broadcast live on Facebook on the individual show pages. Some shows regularly reach over 10,000 views. A dedicated group of Chamber members host hour long segments on a variety of topics from 8AM to 6PM. We have shows relating to business, interior design, mental health, home inspection and much more. General Manager Chris Bianco has built the Station so that all shows are archived at hunterdonchamberradio.com to be listened to at future times as well. This platform is not only an opportunity for members to promote their respective businesses but to truly be a resource to the community. There are opportunities to be a guest on our radio shows or even host your own show. Contact the Chamber for more information about how to harness the power of this great resource of the Chamber.

Broadcast opportunity is available to Chamber members only, offering its worth in membership investment alone since regularly scheduled programs reach an audience in excess of 6,000 listeners of live and podcast programming. Chamber Radio brochures, along with marketing media kits, are available at the Chamber office or visit the radio section at the Chamber’s website.

DID YOU KNOW? The Hunterdon County Chamber is the first chamber in the US to offer 24 hour all talk, news and information internet radio. We also feature International, National and Local News on the hour.

Business News - Newsletter On a monthly basis, a newsletter publication is published by the Chamber both in print and digital format. Business News provides a consistent resource to stay in the know about hot topics relating to the business community. Inside every issue, you will also find our Hats Off section which touts the latest member accomplishments and our FYI section that contains important member announcements. Your organization can submit your announcements by the first Monday of the month in order to be included in the following issue. Contact info@hunterdon-chamber.org if you have anything we can promote for your business.

During the Pandemic Hunterdon Chamber Radio Hosted a Meet the Experts Series

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Also included in the newsletter are valuable editorials about business related items like tax reform and financial topics. You can also find a list of new members who recently joined the Chamber along with relevant contact information. Of course there is also an ever evolving program of work that the Chamber is involved in and providing on an ongoing basis. Reading Business News will keep you up to date about what the Chamber has been working on lately and what is coming up for the future.

Social Media

Internet Communications The Chamber continues to promote it's new web platform for members along with a new website was launched. This new platform has many capabilities not previously available such as a Job Bank, Business Directory and Referral Report generator. There is an online Chamber Calendar that links to the registration pages of all of our events. We also have a Community Calendar where organizations and individuals can submit their events to share with the Community. Posted in a digital format, our newsletter is available online each month as well. Since the launch of the site, 100,025 unique IP addresses visited our website. Much of the website traffic is generated from Google searches for key identifiers that link to our Business Directory. Some members have harnessed the power of our site by taking out a banner ad that cycles on many pages through our site.

The Hunterdon County Chamber manages both the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and Hunterdon Chamber Radio Facebook page. The Chamber boasts 3,000+ followers with 600 added this year. Follow these pages for the most up to date information about the organization. There is also a Visit Hunterdon Facebook page that is intended to highlight tourism events and attractions of the region. In addition to Facebook, we also share information on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Follow us across platforms for the most comprehensive view of all the Chamber does!

We have so many programs and offerings at the Chamber that we regularly send out a bi-weekly e-mail with upcoming events and membership benefits. If you are not receiving our email communications, e-mail info@hunterdon-chamber.org to check your contact information!

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Supporting Businesses The Hunterdon County Chamber Provides resources that support our members with various benefits, whether it be for their employees or utilizing Chamber membership to improve visibility in the community. The chamber also hosts an annual awards program to highlight organizations.

Chamber Ambassadors

Online Job Bank

The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are volunteer business leaders in the Chamber. They are experienced and active Chamber Members. Our ambassadors assist in the welcoming of new members as well as the engagement of current members. They also serve as public relations representatives on behalf of the Chamber at business openings, ribbon cuttings, Card Clubs, Chamber 101 programs and special events.

The online Job Bank is a members only benefit. By logging in to their member portal, companies can post open positions within their organizations at no cost. There is no limit to how many jobs you can post or how often! We cross promote this Job Bank on social media and through our e-mail communications. There is also a resume bank where candidates from the public can submit their resumes for review. Members only have exclusive access to view these resumes and reach out to any potential candidates that may fit their needs.

The Chamber is a network of organizations and becoming a Chamber Ambassador means making new connections for your business. We welcome new committee members each year. If you or someone in your organization would be interested in serving on this committee, please contact the Chamber.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies The Chamber is proud to conduct ribbon cutting ceremonies in honor of new businesses, renovations, changes in offices or an opening of a new location. We invite local elected officials and provide our historic scissors to cut the ribbon!

Business Directory The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce provides each member with an online listing for their business. Here, organizations can link to their websites and social media pages. They can also choose to display a discount for members, the public or Veterans ( see next section). This business directory is highly visible through search engines and is usually on the first page of results. This generates traffic to our Member's websites! The exact statistics can be seen by viewing a Member's 'Referral Report' inside the member portal. This handy tool tracks how many people have seen the listing, engaged with it and clicked on a discount.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Discount Program Also an exclusive member benefit, the discount program has taken off! Inside the member portal, there is an opportunity to offer a member to member, public or Veteran's discount. Members can take advantage of discounts offered by other companies by logging in to their portal. If the discount is for the public or Veteran's, no log in is required. Check this page periodically as discounts are always being added!

Calendars Our calendars are available to members and nonmembers, both Chamber and Community Calendars. You can view Chamber Organization or Community, networking, Chamber Events, and so much more. If you're looking to post your community event, from the Chamber's website, click on Community Calendar at the bottom of home page. Click on Submit an Event, complete the form and submit. Your event will be reviewed and approved by the Chamber and posted. If you want to find events being hosted by the Chamber, click on Upcoming Chamber Events. There's a filter to help you find your event(s).

Restaurant Blitz Our Business Community has been experiencing a range of challenges associated with COVID-19, from employee bandwidth to time constraints - all within our rapidly changing environment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber at 908-782-7115 or email to info@hunterdon-chamber.org.

The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and Hunterdon County Economic Development launched a Restaurant Blitz Campaign to Support all of our local Food Establishments.

Go to https://hunterdonnjcoc.wliinc15.com/forms/1

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

The Healthy Hunterdon Workforce Initiative (HHWI) continued in 2020 providing messages and programs to support our businesses, provide the tools and resources to promote a healthy workforce. Many businesses may not have the resources or the time to plan wellness programs. By joining this initiative, everything is done for you. Although this member benefit is included at no cost in membership, Chamber members must opt in to this program to receive communications. The HHWI Committee creates challenges for their participants to use in their workplace, weekly e-newsletters are sent with healthy recipes, local events and helpful tips, and as a member of the initiative you can attend quarterly meetings with informative speakers. The quarterly meetings have a different topic each time that covers all aspects of “wellness” including healthy eating, staying active, mental health and more. The initiative focuses on their hashtag #SmallChangesBigImpact. HHWI believes that when you make small changes in your lifestyle it will have a big impact on your health. This initiative can help keep your employees healthy by teaching strategies to reduce stress, boost morale, increase productivity and save money. We are Creating a Culture of Health in Hunterdon County businesses. Is your business ready to make a healthy change? Join us by contacting info@hunterdon-chamber.org or online at www.hunterdonchamber.org.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

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Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce - 2020 Annual Report

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2020

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Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2020