Here's the final draft of the 2023 Best of Salem County Ballot. We want to make sure all our Members are included in the appropriate categories, so please let us know if we need to include your business in additional categories.

This year's Best of Salem County logo was created by Kirsten Engstrom, Owner of Zeus Creative!

Click HERE for FINAL BALLOT DRAFT

If you have questions or suggestions, please call Jennifer Jones, Executive Director at 856-351-2245



Please click on the link below for the application:

https://www.indeed.com/job/administrative-fundraising-assistant-nonprofit-organization-b06ca4610baf9981?_ga=2.125319498.1792325405.1675274138-1156721861.1651679696

“The only constant in life is change.” These words are attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus. It is true, life is constantly changing. Imagine if Heraclitus could spend one day in 2023. He would be awed by an airplane overhead, overwhelmed with microwaved food, daunted by the cell phone, and so much more. Likely, he would affirm “the only constant in life is change.” Additionally, he would be taken with the absence of slaves, how people work beyond their farm or homed, women with the right to vote, and the common man (or woman) could rise to a position of power and leadership.

We should welcome change for with it comes the opportunity for improvement. No change guarantees no improvement. Every ten years we are provided with census data. In the Census of 2010 and Census of 2020 there is a “Diversity Index.”. The Diversity Index is a formula citing the chance that two persons, picked at random, will be from different racial and ethnic groups. The higher the Diversity Index the greater the area’s diversity. In 2010 Salem County had a Diversity Index of 38.7. Contrast this to the 2020 Diversity Index of 48.1. Obviously, this is a trend we should acknowledged and embrace, as it fosters opportunity.  The actual figures are demonstrated on the table below. 

Uniquely, Salem County has had very limited total population change in the last 40 years – approximately 65,000 residents. However, minority representation in our County is increasing. Sadly, minority businesses ownership in the County does not reflect our population changes. This gap provides us with an opportunity. The Chamber of Commerce is anxious to support new and existing minority owned businesses and embrace all of Salem County. In order to improve our outreach and service, the Chamber is initiating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI). Harvey Saunders of the Chamber’s Board of Directors has volunteered to chair this committee and is joined by several Board members. 

If you have interest in getting involved in this critical effort and serve on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Salem County Chamber of Commerce, please notify Jennifer Jones at 856-351-2245 or [email protected]



The best time to start a DEI committee is twenty years ago. The second best time is today (apologies to Confucius). Please join us in making Salem County a more diverse environment in which to live, work, play, and do business.

NJEDA Opens Applications for 2023 Historic Property Reinvestment Program

Competitive Program Helps Attract Long-Term Investment While Preserving NJ’s Historic Structures

TRENTON, N.J (February 1, 2023) – Applications for the 2023 round of funding for the New Jersey Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP) are now open, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced. Applications for Regular and Transformative Projects will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023. For eligibility requirements and to access the application, please visit https://www.njeda.com/historic-property-reinvestment-program/.

Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the HPRP’s main focus is historic preservation as a component of community development, aiming to attract long-term private investment into New Jersey while preserving historic properties throughout the state. 

“The HPRP is strategically designed to support efforts to preserve local historic assets while meeting the needs of a 21^st century economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Investing in the rehabilitation of dormant properties enables us to bolster local communities by furthering Governor Phil Murphy’s efforts to prioritize equitable and inclusive development, all while respecting the significance of iconic structures throughout New Jersey.”

The HPRP is designed to work in conjunction with the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program to encourage and bolster long-term private investments focused on the rehabilitation of existing identified historic structures throughout New Jersey. The program incentivizes work that can significantly contribute to the revitalization of cities and downtowns into more vibrant magnets for people and investment, while preserving often underutilized historic properties and returning them to productive use.

In October, the NJEDA’s Board approved HPRP tax credits to support the rehabilitation of Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City. This project, which marks the first award under the HPRP, is expected to result in the complete rehabilitation of the historic theater for use as a live performance, movie, and entertainment venue. The Board authorized the award of $42.27 million in tax credits, representing 45 percent of the eligible cost under the project, which has an estimated total cost of $110 million. 

“Our investment into the revitalization of historic properties through the HPRP will have a lasting positive impact on neighborhoods and cities statewide,” said NJEDA Director of Historic Preservation Aidita Milsted. “We saw a robust response when we launched the HPRP last year and are excited to see what projects come our way through the 2023 application period.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Support Youth Theatre! It's a great place to be!

Tickets on sale for "Godspell" Junior

Directed by Luke Hansen

February 17, 18, 7: 00 pm

Matinee February 18 & 19 2:00 pm

Tickets $20.00 below, or at the door if not sold out!

March 16^th SCVTS Educational Foundation to Hold Donor Recognition and Scholarship Fundraising Event at Maria’s by DiPaolo’s

The SCVTS Educational Foundation will honor and recognize the sponsors who continued to support their scholarship fundraising efforts throughout the pandemic and beyond as well as continue to raise money for student scholarships.  The event happens on Thursday, March 16 at Maria’s by DiPaolo’s at 5:00 p.m. The business-casual event will feature an hour-long social hour and a buffet dinner catered by DiPaolo’s. Alumni of the school as well as current students will share how your contributions are making and impact in their lives. Come share in the experiences of these young people.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Bonnie Baker at 856-769-0101, ext. 5391 or [email protected]. To purchase online tickets at $50 each, visit www.scvts.org. The deadline is March 8.

February 26, 2023 at 3:00p.m. Celebrating Black History Month Special Music, Featuring Julie-Ann Whitely Green, Soprano and Joseph Krupa, on Piano.

All are welcome to join for this free concert.

First Presbyterian Church of Salem

88 Market Street

Salem, NJ  08079

Please RSVP by March 20 to 856-351-2245 or to [email protected]

You may also make payment with your reservation at:

www.SalemCountyChamber.com/payments

Now booking private events for the 2023 season! If you are planning a small shower, dinner party, birthday or engagement in the months of May, June, July or August, consider holding it in our lavender field for a unique experience.

More information is available on our website under the “gather” tab.  You can also contact us for assistance in planning the perfect event. Please note that our lavender is in bloom during the month of June. 

Please join Ralston Law in a Boards & Estate Planning event on March 24, 2023 at 7pm. Materials cost $35. However, if you use discount code Misty15 — Ralston Law will pay for $15.00 and you will only pay $20.00

Refreshments will be provided. All attendees will also be entered into a drawing for a free gift.