Monday, May 3, 2021
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. In honor of AAPI Month, the CCSNJ has put together our 'Diverse But United' Initiative, where we would like to highlight our Asian American and Pacific Islander members.

Throughout the month of May we look forward to spotlighting our AAPI members on the Chamber's website and social media platforms.

If you are a CCSNJ member who is Asian American or Pacific Islander, please click here to fill out a short survey to be featured.
CCSNJ Policy Report
The CCSNJ is proud to share our policy report “Preparing for the Next Normal: Recommendations for Supporting New Jersey’s Business Community and Reopening the Economy” which was submitted to NJ policymakers. The report, which was derived from extensive feedback from CCSNJ members, includes creative new assistance programs, legislative actions and policy recommendations for state government officials that can help NJ’s struggling business community as the state continues to reopen. Please read, share and provide us your feedback and thoughts!

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

You are cordially invited to attend our complimentary member orientation. Join us online to learn about the benefits of membership and how the Chamber can help you grow your business!

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us as Kimberly S. Reed, M.Ed., CDP, international speaker, diversity/inclusion strategist and author of “Optimists Always Win! Moving from Defeat to Life’s C-Suite”, discusses how practicing techniques founded on our ability to assimilate positive vibes and adopt an optimistic attitude will give us the drive and impetus to author our next chapters no matter how we are feeling after a year of challenge and trauma.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for Speed Networking - the quickest way to expand your network! Connect one-on-one with other CCSNJ members in a fast-paced setting.

IN-PERSON EVENT
Thursday, May 13, 2021
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Join this gathering of Chamber members and guests at Braddock's in Medford for our Burlington County Network Connection Series Lunch to learn more about each other’s businesses and exchange information.

Capacity is limited due to social distancing guidelines. Registration will be capped. Register early!

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Tune in for a a presentation about giving engaging presentations, drawing on examples of the most successful TED talks featuring Norris Clark, Managing Partner,
Princeton Strategic Communications; and 
Organizer of TEDxCapeMay.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Learn how to increase your digital exposure with the CCSNJ with the help of President & CEO, Christina Renna and Director of Member Experience, Mary Bennett! We will explore the various tools available to members on the website, share tips and tricks on how to utilize Chamber resources, and spend time answering your questions! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to maximize your digital exposure and engagement!

IN-PERSON EVENT & VIRTUAL
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Woodcrest Country Club, Cherry Hill

Hear from Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald as he discusses the latest on the FY2022 budget process, what recent actions the New Jersey Legislature has taken to address business challenges during the recovery from COVID-19 outbreak, and other issues of interest to the South Jersey business community.

In-Person Seats are SOLD OUT. 
To join the waitlist, contact Stefanie Sutton at ssutton@chambersnj.com.

Register to receive a virtual recording of the meeting!

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Join us for a conversation with Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the newly established Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy in the Office of Governor Phil Murphy. Additionally, there will be time allocated after the formal presentation for an environmental legislative and regulatory update from Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP.

IN-PERSON EVENT
Thursday, May 27, 2021
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Join this gathering of Chamber members and guests at Ron Jaworski’s Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood for our Camden County Network Connection Series Lunch to learn more about each other’s businesses and exchange information.

Capacity is limited due to social distancing guidelines. Registration will be capped. Register early!


Network with fellow CCSNJ members in a fun and relaxing virtual atmosphere!
Monday, May 10
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | REGISTER
Monday, May 17
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | REGISTER
Monday, May 24
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | REGISTER


Guest Column
AT&T Business Raises the Bar for Business Phone Service in NJ, nationwide with AT&T Office@Hand

By: Joseph Divis
Interim President - AT&T New Jersey
AT&T Business erases the line between business wireline and mobile phone service with AT&T Office@Hand Wireless. Available today, AT&T Office@Hand Wireless introduces game-changing communication tools for businesses to remove complexity and communicate more efficiently and effectively. In today’s ultra-competitive environment, this can mean delivering better service, building lasting customer relationships and improving employee productivity.
 
The future of work can be summed up with one word—flexibility. As South Jersey businesses continue to assess how to optimize their operations and plot their next moves, flexibility will be critical to growth and success. According to recent studies, as many as 74% of employers plan to allow their employees to work from home permanently.
 
No matter their size, industry or location, phones continue to serve as a business gateway for revenue generation and collaborative problem solving. As things evolve, it may grow even more critical.  
 
Whether the workforce is in the office, at home or even the café down the street, AT&T Office@Hand Wireless empowers users with a single phone number that allows businesses to maintain a high-performing voice presence across all devices—mobile, desk phones, tablets and personal computers. 
 
My colleague Rich Shaw, vice president, Voice and Collaboration for AT&T Business commented: “While the pandemic accelerated the needs of businesses to decentralize their operations, we’ve seen this trending for years. Businesses need the tools to activate their workforce from anywhere to compete, grow and even survive in today’s environment. AT&T Office@Hand Wireless gives them a communications tool providing a powerful way to adapt to shifts on the playing field.”
 
New Member Spotlight
Best aquarium in the Northeast! Come explore one-of-a-kind exhibits and over 15,000 aquatic animals, including the largest collection of sharks. Discover the underwater world like never before, just minutes from downtown Philadelphia on the Camden Waterfront. Visit www.adventureaquarium.com for more information.
Follow our tag
#CCSNJNewMemberMonday
on social media:
LAN Sees Major Growth in Southern New Jersey
After an expansion that included opening a new southern New Jersey office in Voorhees, educational architecture powerhouse LAN Associates is experiencing massive growth in the region. Almost as soon as doors opened on the new location, the experienced architects became a trusted partner to local schools. The team is already working on a significant school expansion in Voorhees, major work in Winslow, and quickly secured positions as architect of record for five local school districts. 

Legislative Updates
On May 3, Governor Murphy announced he is taking a number of reopening steps.

Effective on Friday May 7th, the prohibition on indoor bar-side seating will be lifted, proper social distancing between patrons will be required. Also effective on May 7, buffets and other self service foods will be permitted. Read more>>
On May 3, Governor Murphy announced the creation of Operation Jersey Summer, a coordinated campaign to reach out to residents with information & resources necessary that will help them make the decision to be vaccinated.

This announcement follows one of the recommendations from the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey's Preparing for the Next Normal Report, which proposed the creation of coordinated, statewide messaging campaign that builds confidence in residents as the pandemic ends. Read more>>
On April 30, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) was proud to join the Asian American Legislative Caucus in a roundtable discussion on violence and discrimination experienced by those of Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) descent. Read more>>
On April 26, Governor Murphy announced that he will be easing restrictions on outdoor gathering limits and indoor catered events.

Effective May 10th, indoor room capacities for the following will increase to 50 percent with a maximum of 250 individuals:
  • Private Catered Events – including Weddings and School Proms
  • Political Events
  • Funerals
  • Memorial Services
  • Performances
Ambassador Tip
"Never walk into an event loud and acting like you own the place. Walk in quietly but confidently and know you own the place. It's great if people say about you, "Do you know such and such" but it's better when they say "You need to know such and such". This isn't a high school and this isn't a popularity contest, this is the business world and if you're sincere it will be appreciated."

Steve Cooper
Business Development Manager
COIT Cleaning & Restoration Services

CCSNJ in the News
On April 19, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) released the Preparing for the Next Normal: Recommendations for Supporting New Jersey’s Business Community and Reopening the Economy Report, which includes detailed recommendations to policymakers on how to support the New Jersey’s business community during the state’s continued reopening and economic recovery. Read more>>
For over a year, COVID-19 has changed how New Jersey residents and businesses live and operate. Businesses were forced to close, employees worked from home, less fortunate individuals were laid off or furloughed, and students moved to virtual classrooms. As the number of positive cases in New Jersey rose early in the pandemic, it remained unknown how long these changes would need to be in place and the state tried to strike a balance of ensuring residents safety and their strong desire to get back to some semblance of normalcy. Read more>>

Join Jo Ann Morgano and Martin Saltzman on RVN TV for It’s Your Money with special guest Christina Renna, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. Watch the Interview>>
Expand grant programs, especially for a new class of entrepreneurs … assure businesses, especially larger and more regulated industries, that they will have predictable lead times on reopenings … revamp the Restart and Recovery commissions and councils — and give them more relevance …. consider a geographic approach to reopening the state’s economy … and continue prioritizing underserved groups in the recovery. Read more>>

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