Here's What's Happening February 2, 2022 |
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Weekly Chamber E-News
Your Source For Everything Local
www.SalemCountyChamber.com
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Your 2022 Chamber Board Chair, Rob Bender |
Robert R. Bender, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer leads The First National Bank of Elmer’s lending team, which includes consumer, residential, and commercial lending strategies. He is responsible for developing and executing managing the strategic initiatives and growth for the areas he oversees. Mr. Bender is also a member of the bank’s executive management team, chair of the bank’s Board Loan Committee, and responsible for coordinating the bank’s marketing initiatives.
Mr. Bender joined The First National Bank of Elmer in 2015 as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2021. He has over 25 years of experience at various community banks working with individuals and businesses throughout Southern New Jersey.
Outside of his current role and responsibilities with the First National Bank of Elmer, Mr. Bender is a volunteer and active with various civic groups and non-profit organizations. His current involvement includes being on the board of the Salem County Chamber of Commerce and The Risk Management Association Southern New Jersey Chapter. He also serves on RMA’s national Chapter Development Council.
Mr. Bender holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Stockton University and is also a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
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Welcoming the Center for Family Services, Salem County |
For more information about the Center for Family Services
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THIS Friday, February 4 - 8am - 10am Morning Coffee Networking at Salem County Historical Society |
February 4, 2022
8:00 am – 10am
Morning Coffee
Networking at Salem County Historical Society
*Masks will be required for guests unless eating or drinking
Located at: 83 Market Street
Salem, NJ 08079
Join us for morning coffee, refreshments and networking hosted by Salem County Historical Society. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and business brochures to share with new contacts.
The wonderful folks at Salem County Historical Society will also treat attendees to a facility tour and peek at their newest displays.
To ensure adequate refreshments, please RSVP your intention to attend at [email protected] or call 856-351-2245.
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Recording: Rewarding Employees and Boosting Morale Business Education Workshop |
On Friday, January 28, The Chamber's Business Education Committee presented our first workshop of the year, "Rewarding Employees and Boosting Morale".
We greatly appreciate our panel of experts:
Emily Bruley, Director of Human Resources, Ranch Hope
Sherry Leary, Director of Human Resources for Morgan James
Maria Schaffner, Director of Human Resources for Heritage Dairy Stores
And of course, our resident excellent moderator, Mike Gorman, President of Salem Community College.
Terrific discussion and ideas shared. If you'd like to view the recording, it may be found in the Virtual Meetings section of our website or via the link below:
Thanks to The Chamber's Business Education committee for their diligence and creativity in bringing these valued workshops to our Members:
Bill Clark, Chair, Salem Community College
Dave Bailey, Jr., Ranch Hope
Bonnie Baker, Salem County Vo-Tech
Kim Gattuso, Dry Guys
Mike Gorman, Salem Community College
Jason Reese, Henry D. Young, Inc - Insurance
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Rural Energy Pilot Program Grants thru USDA |
The Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) grant offers financial assistance for rural communities to further develop renewable energy.
Funding from the REPP grant can be used to support community energy planning, capacity building, technical assistance, efficiency, and more. The grant term is for three years, and successful applicants may receive up to 80% of total eligible project costs, not to exceed $2 million.
Eligible applicants to the program must be part of the Rural Energy Community Partnerships, which include, but are not limited to:
- Non-profit entities
- State and local entities
- Tribal entities
- Municipalities and other public bodies
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If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please share this information with them. For more program details, view this brochure and visit the site. To go directly to application instructions, click here.
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Parker Jewelers Storewide 30% Off Sale! |
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Natalie Serwan Photography Valentine's Day Specials |
Natalie Serwan Photography
Celebrate your sweetest love with these two Valentines photo sessions!
· Two dates, 2/5 and 2/9!
· 10 minute session
· Two affordable package options
· Adults and pets are also welcome!
This will also be my studio's GRAND OPENING so there will definitely be some goodies for everyone who attends either date!
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A Moment of Zen - All Heart Shaped Items on Sale! |
For more information about A Moment of Zen
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A Better Look Into the Lungs |
Innovative, minimally invasive technology at Inspira offers earlier, and more accurate lung cancer diagnoses.
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Charles Schwab Spotlight Series |
You’re invited to join our Schwab Spotlight Series, featuring conversations with financial experts to help you make the most of your financial strategy.
This all-new series was created to provide you with relevant insights and timely commentary across a diverse range of topics. And to let you take part in the discussion.
Please note that these are webcast events, so you’ll need a computer or a tablet to participate.
Each webcast will focus on a different topic, so feel free to join the ones you’re interested in or attend them all if you like. Some of the topics we’ll be exploring include:
· Navigating today’s U.S. market
· Discussing the implications of the political landscape
· Examining global market trends
· Developing a fixed income strategy
Donald Daigle
Independent Branch Leader
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New Salem County Hometown Collection from Kimberly English Art |
New Salem County Hometown Collection featuring artwork by Kimberly English and home goods featuring local towns and recognizable landmarks.
Shop In person: A Whole New Light • 328 Harding Highway • Elmer, NJ 08318
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Kimberly English
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Penns Grove Elks Lodge #1358 |
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February 15 EPA Brownfield Grant Application Webinar |
Start early finish strong: Getting Started on Your EPA Brownfield Grant Application Free Webinar
Thinking about applying for an EPA brownfield grant?
it's never too early to start developing a winning strategy!
February 15, 2022; 10:00 - 11:00 AM
NJIT TAB will present:
- An overview of EPA bownfield grants and solicitation cycle
- Why starting early is important
- Specific early actions that serve as the foundation of a successful application
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From Bill McGowan at RCL Solar |
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The Newest From Creek's Edge Pizza & Grill |
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Southwest Council's Tuxedo Card Contest |
Participate in our Annual "Tuxedo Card" Contest!! Now until March 2022!!!
Please join the Salem Cumberland Regional Action Toward Community Health (SCRATCH) Coalition in our annual
"Tuxedo Card" Contest. SCRATCH is encouraging teens to design a positive message about staying safe during prom
and dance season by not drinking alcohol.
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South Jersey Eye Associates Coat Drive Now Through February 4 |
For more information about South Jersey Eye Associates
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Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives |
The need for blood doesn't take a holiday. The Red Cross needs the help of donors in our community to help ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood & platelets amid its lowest blood supply in 10+ years. Schedule your appointment to #GiveWithMeaning: www.rcblood.org/donate
Upcoming Salem County blood drives include:
Friday February 4, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Penns Grove Masonic Lodge, 330 Georgetown Rd., Carneys Point 08069
Tuesday February 8, 12 - 5 p.m. at the Pedricktown Industrial Complex, 76 Porcupine Rd., Pedricktown 08067
Tuesday March 1, 2 - 7 p.m. at the Sharptown United Methodist Church, 3 Chapel St., Pilesgrove 08098
Tuesday March 15, 12 - 5 p.m. at The Grove at Centerton, 1022 Almond Rd., Pittsgrove Township, 08318
Wednesday March 30, 2:30 - 7:30 at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, 2 Lamplighter Dr., Woodstown 08098
You can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood
donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
If you have ever wondered if you could be a blood donor, here is a link to the Red Cross donor eligibility requirements:
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At the beginning of 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global mental health crisis.
The Organization projected that, by 2030, lifestyle and stress-related illnesses will surpass communicable diseases such as chicken pox, Hepatitis B and C, and the Flu.
Behavioral Health Director Catherine Meliniotis, RN — who oversees the 26-bed psychiatric unit — said staying mentally healthy is just as important as being healthy physically.
“By utilizing mindfulness, getting proper sleep, exercising and being aware of several other healthy strategies, we can keep our minds happy and healthy,” said Meliniotis.
Try these tips for a mentally healthy new year:
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· Practice Mindfulness: Be present in each moment, practice positivity, avoid rash judgements and recognize that most negative situations aren’t permanent.
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· Prioritize Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for good mood, concentration, and overall daily functioning.
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· Don’t Self-medicate: Craving alcohol, drugs, caffeine, or sweets to escape reality, numb your feelings, or raise your energy, could be a sign that dopamine and endorphin levels are low.
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· Clean Eating: The ingredients in processed foods can interfere with a healthy brain and body. Local, in-season fruits and vegetables and pure, natural foods — not manufactured foods — can maximize overall health.
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· Explore the Arts: Listening to and making music, singing, dancing, and being creative can lift the spirit. Creative outlets and activities can enhance everyday life.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 856-299-3200. For general information on inpatient services, call 856-339-6282. Visit smc.health/services/inpatient-psychiatric-unit to learn more.
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March 1 - Best of Salem County Voting Begins |
The 2022 Best of Salem County contest voting begins on March 1 and runs through March 31 at 5pm.
A draft ballot will be distributed shortly for all Chamber Members to view and provide input. Your feedback is incredibly important.
Only Chamber Members will appear on the ballot.
The Best of Salem County Celebration event will be held May 5, 2022 5:30 pm - 8pm at the Salem County Fairgrounds.
The Event Planning Committee is currently working to solicit bids for the event meal from Members who provide catering services.
We're planning a casual fun event, picnic style. We hope to avoid last year's bad weather and hold the event in the stage area. The great thing about the Fairgrounds is we do have covered building options in case of bad weather.
Look for more detail in the coming weeks.
The Planning Committee includes:
Chair - Sue Ann Leighty, Habitat for Humanity & The Leighty Team
Dawn Ellis, Salem Branch Manager, Franklin Bank
John Campbell, Director of IT, Mannington Mills
Rob Bender, SVP, First National Bank of Elmer & Chair of The Chamber Board
The Chamber's Marketing Committee is designing a new event logo.
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March 3 - Morning Coffee & Connections Networking at Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation - NOTE DATE CHANGE |
March 3, 2022
8:00 am – 10am
Morning Coffee
Networking at The Offices of the Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation
Located at: 205 E. Broadway
(Fenwick Plaza)
Salem, NJ 08079
Join us for morning coffee, refreshments and networking hosted by The Forman Acton Educational Foundation.
Come out for great networking and learn more about their program. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and business brochures to share with new contacts.
To ensure adequate refreshments, please RSVP your intention to attend at [email protected] or call 856-351-2245
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April 7 Bag Up NJ Networking Event at Salem County Improvement Authority |
Please be advised, on May 4 the NJ Non Reusable Bag Ban becomes law.
The Salem County Chamber of Commerce participated with 50 other NJ Chambers through the Chamber Alliance to oppose the bag ban because we all understand how this new law will impact our small business retail and restaurants. We were not successful in our opposition, but Salem County Improvement Authority to the rescue!
Reusable Bag Networking Event
April 7, 2022
4:30 pm - 6pm
Hosted and Sponsored by Salem County Improvement Authority
286 Welchville Road (Rt 540)
Alloway, NJ 08001
Salem County Improvement Authority is our host for The Chamber's April 7, 2022 Networking Event. To prepare local businesses for NJ's Reusable Shopping Bag mandate, SCIA will give away100 reusable bags to each business that attends the event.
Join us for great networking, refreshments and a leg up on free reusable bags!
To ensure appropriate refreshments, please RSVP your intention to attend by contacting [email protected] or call 856-351-2245
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April 23 Salem County STEAM Fest Volunteers Needed |
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September 10 & 11 South Jersey Apple Fest |
Presented by B & K Enterprises at the Salem County Fairgrounds
Salem County, NJ; The South Jersey Apple Fest, a fourth annual apple theme event, is coming to the Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Hwy,
Pilesgrove/Woodstown, NJ on September 10-11, 2022. Families invited to show up from 10am to 5pm to kick-off the apple harvest season.
Apples, Apples & more: Visitors to the show will enjoy delicious treats from Apple Pie by the Slice, Candy Apples, Apple Bread, Apple Butter, Apple Sauce, and of course Apple Cider. Bakers invited to enter their best apple dessert in our “Everything Apple Dessert Contest” on Saturday at 2pm. After judging, families visiting the festival will have the opportunity to sample the entries for free. The Apple Mascot will make an appearance both days and be available for photos.
The Craft Show: Over 100 talented artists and crafters will offer amazing works from clothing to ceramics, paintings, pottery, glasswork, soaps, candles, quilting, woodworking, wreaths to handcrafted jewelry.
Happenings: There will be a Fall Home Show, offering savings on hundreds of products and services, wine samples, apple toss for adults, live bands, Vendor Fair, free hayrides, delicious festival food court, apple by the bags, , farm produce, free craft making for kids, face painting, Apple Pie Eating Contest for kids under 12, pony rides, free hayrides and pet friendly.
Apple Pageant: The Little Miss Apple Pageant for girls ages 4-8 from South Jersey are invited to sign up. The Pageant starts on Sunday at 2pm. This pageant is free to join, and all contestants receive prizes for taking part. One Queen and first to fourth runners selected. Tiaras, sashes, and gifts awarded to winners. This is a semi-formal to formal pageant with a theme of apple colors.
Other Details: Everything about the event has Family Fun at the core! This is a pet friendly event, free admission and parking is $5.00 a carload. Free apples for kids. All contests are free to enter. Vendors and Sponsors needed. Kathy Wright organizes this event, of B & K Enterprise, Millville NJ. Promoting family friendly, affordable events in South Jersey. Visit our website for event schedule, contest forms and general details at www.sjapplefest.com or call 856-765-0118. Part of the parking proceeds donated to local nonprofit.
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October 8 & 9 19th Annual South Jersey Pumpkin Show |
Presented by B & K Enterprises at the Salem County Fairgrounds
The 19th annual South Jersey Pumpkin festival returns to the Salem County Fairgrounds on October 8-9, 2022, 735 Harding Hwy, New Jersey. Families are invited to attend in support of small and local businesses.
The South Jersey Pumpkin Show has become one of the best ways to welcome the autumn harvest with kids and parents alike. Festival goers visiting will enjoy pumpkin desserts, over 150 vendor booths, Fall Home Show, fun contests, give-a-ways, wine sampling, food court, Amusement Rides, Fun Haunted Barn, pony rides and hayrides around the fairgrounds. The festival will host a variety of live musical acts daily. The giant Pumpkin Pyramid, filled with pumpkins, and mums, represents everything beautiful about the fall harvest. Each year dozens of the participating vendors compete for prizes for the best Fall Scarecrows. Visiting festival goers are invited to help pick the winners.
Saturday activities includes the Adults Pumpkin Toss and the Pumpkin Dessert Contest with free sampling. Saturday will showcase a reading of the legend of Sleepy Hollow and the arrival of the Headless Horsemen at the graveyard. The Halloween Costume Contest & Trick or Treat Stroll for kids ages 4-10 begins at 6pm.
Sunday events will start with the All-Breed Fun Dog Show at noon & Little Miss Pumpkin Show Queen Pageant at 2pm. Come search for one of our Halloween Painted Rocks and win amazing prizes. The Salem County Fairgrounds is located just a few miles from Delaware Memorial Bridge. Admissions is free, parking $5.00 a carload. Portion of proceeds to benefit a Salem County nonprofit group.
Event runs rain or shine. Visit the website for details and updates at www.sjpumpkinshow.com. Vendors and sponsors being sought. All NJ State & CDC COVID 19 regulations will be in place. Call 856-765-0118 with questions
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