Meadowlands Business Report

BUSINESS REPORT

“Now more than ever, we’re connecting Meadowlands businesses with the critical news and resources they need to stay ahead.”

Onward is defined as toward a point ahead. Forward, as in space or time. Ahead.

Onward. Over the last several months, members of the MC have seen me consistently close my notes with this word because I believe in the future. I believe we all must look forward. Our past should shape us – but our future should define us. Let’s look through the windshield as opposed to the rear-view mirror. There is work to be done!

So, allow me to define what ‘onward’ means for the Meadowlands Chamber (MC) and our affiliate entities the Meadowlands Live! | Convention & Visitors Bureau (MLCVB), Meadowlands Media (MM) and the Meadowlands Regional 2040 Foundation Inc. as internal organizations with mission-critical programs and initiatives.

You know by now that the MC has been at the forefront of leading business recovery in the region. Our first job was to empower our members with the necessary information to apply for stimulus programs and support grants. We continue to post updated resources on our website.

I have represented the MC membership on one of Governor Murphy’s Restart & Recovery Committees and the MC

is part of a business coalition of over 100 entities that are advocating for the reopening of our economy in a responsible but safe manner. We admire and applaud the Governor’s direct involvement in managing this very difficult pandemic. And we believe there are ways to expedite the reopening of all business as regional metrics allow. The fact is, businesses can and will follow all necessary protocols to keep their customers and employees as safe as possible.

Our strong advocacy will never stop, even when we get our economy humming again.

Onward….

The MC’s pivot In my past notes, I shared that the MC was also adjusting to sustain our business. just like many of you. We have reduced operating expenses where possible and have reorganized our management team in a strategic manner so we can maintain our mission and provide our membership with the benefits you have come to expect. We will look different but, in many ways, we will be more focused on what is important to you.

Our top priorities are promoting economic development, tourism development, business learning, new ways to

connect and cost-saving programs are. To power these priorities, are rolling out a host of new membership benefit programs. Please refer to Meadowlands.org to stay updated.

Onward…

MLCVB: Marketing Our Destination Assets Despite the devastation on the hospitality sector due to COVID-19 and the turmoil experienced by the American Dream project, we are confident the facility will soon fully open and the project will eventually make the Meadowlands a primary destination for millions of visitors each year.

We have been a supporter of the American Dream project for over 15 years and we still believe in what it can do for the regional economy, especially Main Street businesses in the surrounding communities. Our long-term visioning process knows the economic impacts of filling hotel rooms with new visitors and how those visitors venture into the local neighborhoods to play, dine, shop and experience the local flair that makes us special. We will continue to advance the need for a convention center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and for the communities and region to come together to market our destination assets collectively.

Onward… MM: Telling Our Story As part of our business model, Meadowlands Media (MM) has become a mainstay of MC operations, producing Meadowlands Magazine along with our other print and digital media products. Led by Joe Garavente on our management team, MM will continue to provide the membership with great learning content and important information while also providing members with low cost branding and advertising opportunities.

With over a dozen print and digital products, MM is an effective marketing tool to target your buying audience. We will soon be launching a few new products including a video podcast called Small Talk Conversations with Entrepreneurs and Innovators. Special guests from all over the country are being lined up to bring inspirational stories on how to grow businesses and develop a positive mindset.

Onward…

Meadowlands 2040 Foundation: Advancing Economic Development The mission of the Meadowlands 2040 Foundation is to educate and establish community awareness on the issues that will sustain a strong regional economy through the year 2040. Led by Chair Fletch Creamer Jr, along with Vice Chair Bill Hanson and a dedicated group of Trustees, the 2040 Foundation continues to present valuable programs, conferences and digital content that showcas the Meadowlands as a great place to live, work, play and invest in. The annual Economic Development & Relocation Guide is in production as I write this note and the annual Thought Leaders Conference will be held in October

Onward!

In closing, I hope you can sense my determination and optimism for our future despite how hard it may seem right now. In the past, the MC has had many tag lines in our branding but none more important than: Onward! We will go forward together!

Respectfully and with great purpose,

Jim Kirkos President & CEO Meadowlands Chamber