News from the Middlesex Chamber - June 2022 |
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Member Spotlight: Morris Habitat for Humanity
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Morris Habitat for Humanity is well-known as part of a global, nonprofit housing organization committed to building homes, communities, and hope. However, the organization helps with much more than shelter, by providing low-income individuals the opportunity to achieve financial stability.
“We’re a holistic organization, working with the community to help lower- income families that are either existing homeowners or have that dream of owning their own home,” said CEO Blair Schleicher Wilson. “We are giving lower income members of the community the opportunity to build assets, reach the American Dream of homeownership or be warm, safe and dry in their homes.”
After acquiring a new service area and tripling in size at the onset of the pandemic, Morris Habitat for Humanity proudly serves Morris and Middlesex Counties, as well as Fanwood, Plainfield, North Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Green Brook and Watchung.
Morris Habitat is thankful to have been the recipient of a $1.5 million New Jersey Healthy Communities Network Grant for home repair in Morris, Middlesex and the Greater Plainfield area. Some current and upcoming projects include a new 12-unit duplex on Laurence Parkway in Old Bridge and two single-family home projects in Perth Amboy. And a new single-family home in Old Bridge is expected to be completed this summer. Additionally, the organization is actively looking for a location in Middlesex County for its second ReStore, a home improvement outlet that sells new and gently used household goods, furnishings and building supplies to the public.
Morris Habitat focuses on having strong partnerships within the communities it works with, including the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization (PARTNER), and the Perth Amboy Action Committee.
“In Perth Amboy, it is great to work with these two organizations and join hands to help folks achieve the American Dream,” said Wilson. “What drives my team and me is the ability to help others and at the same time work to achieve systematic changes for stronger communities.”
Wilson, who has spent the last 18 years as CEO at Morris Habitat, emphasizes the importance of community support, especially getting involved with your local chamber of commerce.
“We are thrilled and honored to be members of the MCRCC. When we acquired the new service area, the first thing we did was join the chamber,” she said. “We must help each other, both business and not for profit, lift one another up. Being involved locally is a way to move forward.”
Learn more about Morris Habitat for Humanity, its upcoming projects and volunteer opportunities at www.MorrisHabitat.org.
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Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board of Directors at Annual Meeting |
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At its first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019, the MCRCC welcomed its new Board of Directors on June 8.
Members and Board of Directors enjoyed lunch and networking at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe as the new board was introduced. John Reissner, First Vice President of Magyar Bank, will serve as the new Chair of the Board. Vice chairpersons include Craig Coffey of the Greater New Brunswick Rotary, Jay Driscoll from Johnson & Johnson, Carolyn Chirico from Wells Fargo and Elayne McClaine from the NJSBDC Rutgers New Brunswick.
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“It’s great to be joined by everyone in person as we welcome our new and distinguished board members. As we look ahead, I know this board will accomplish great things,” said MCRCC President Lina Llona. “Thank you to our outgoing members and chair of the board, Barbara Murphy, for helping carry the chamber through the pandemic. Our doors never closed and that was thanks to the hard work of this board.” |
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Outgoing member of 13 years, Barbara Murphy of Rutgers University, served as Chair during the pandemic and was recognized for her dedication to the Chamber and its members.
“During those early days of lockdown, I vividly remember the meetings with the chamber board and how our focus was always on how we best support our members,” Murphy said. “Personally, I have learned so much from my fellow board members. They exemplify creativity, resilience and commitment to this Chamber’s mission… As the new board is sworn in, the Middlesex Chamber looks to the future and whatever lies ahead, I am confident that this new board will rise to the challenges and continue to work hard to drive economic growth.”
Welcome to the 2022-2023 Board of Directors
Executive Board: John Reissner of Magyar Bank, Chairman of the Board; Craig Coffey of the Greater New Brunswick Rotary, Vice-Chair; Jay Driscoll of Johnson & Johnson, Vice-Chair; Carolyn Chirico of Wells Fargo, Vice-Chair; Elayne McClaine of NJSBDC at Rutgers New Brunswick, Vice-Chair; Jeff Intravatola of Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst+Doukas, Legal Counsel; James Berg of WithumSmith+ Brown, Treasurer; and Bill Neary of Keep Middlesex Moving, Ex Officio and CVB Vice-Chair.
Board Members: Nicole Aiello of The Heldrich Hotel; Kholoud Bayat of Columbia Bank; Kelly Blithe of State Theatre New Jersey; Carla Cefalo of County of Middlesex; Joanie Coffaro of Middlesex College; Christine D’Agostino of Middlesex County Vocational & Technical Schools; Luis DeLaHoz of Valley Bank; Lisa Drumbore of Saint Peter’s University Hospital; Steve Ferarra of Jersey Elevator; Jeffrey Hermann of Hermann Transportation; Jeffrey Johnson of Hyatt Regency New Brunswick; Lawrence H. Krampf of GoMo Health; Curt Kristjanson of South Brunswick Economic Development Committee; Gabriel Lavigne of UBS Financial Services; Stephen Mamakas of Old Bridge Township Economic Development Office; Frank Migliorino of Beasley Media Group; Adam Overmyer of Overmyer Insurance Agency; Tom Park of Diamond Business Communications; Brent Rivenburgh of Allen & Stults Insurance Agency; David Stein of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer; and Elyse Washington of Rutgers University.
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Members Enjoy Drinks and Networking at The Meadows |
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Members and guests enjoyed a fun golf-themed June Meet & Greet at The Meadows Golf Course in Plainsboro.
While networking and connecting, attendees enjoyed appetizers and drinks at the Caddyshack Bar & Grill.
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Don't Miss the 2022 Hispanic Business Expo
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
July 19th, 4 PM
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Connect your company to a growing market at New Jersey’s Largest Hispanic Business Expo on July 19, 2022 at the Pines Manor in Edison from 4 PM to 8 PM.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your business through networking, community outreach, referrals, and brand awareness. Seminars at the expo will provide statistics and marketing programs. The expo will provide opportunities to meet influential Hispanic leaders and potential clients.
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Showcase Your Business in the MCRCC 2022 Directory |
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Middlesex County ELC:
Thursday, June 30th
9 - 10 a.m.
Join the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the NJBIA and Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce, for the Middlesex County ELC featuring Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena on Thursday, June 30 at 9 a.m.
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Have Some Exciting News to Share?
Submit A Promotion, News, Announcement or Upcoming Event
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Members are encouraged to submit Promotions, News, Announcements or Upcoming Events through the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce Submission Portal.
Submissions must include a brief summary and a copy-ready graphic, flyer or press release (PDF Only).
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Welcome, New Members! Welcome Back, Returning Members! |
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Membership Reflects Central Jersey’s Growing Business Community
The MCRCC is pleased to welcome new members to our ever-growing Central Jersey business community. We are also grateful to our returning partners, who have renewed their commitment to America’s greatest chamber!
Welcome, New Members!
Residence Inn by Marriott New Brunswick
King George Plumbing
McCrory Elite
Bold Action Media
Health Sure-Home Health Care Services
Welcome Back, Returning Members!
The Edge at Raritan Heights
Columbia Bank
DJN Raritan Crossing
UBS Wealth Management
Boomer Technology Group
B&L Printing
Campbell Freightliner
Central Jersey SCORE
Amazon
Malouf Auto Group
Central Jersey College Prep
Acme Motors
Simonik Moving & Storage
Magyar Bank
Financial Resources Federal Credit Union
KAD Associates
SSP Architects
Provident Bank
Middlesex County Office of Career Opportunity
DoubleTree by Hilton, Somerset Hotel
Brunswick Square Mall
Overmyer Insurance Agency
GoMo Health
New Brunswick Parking Authority
Saving A Life Teaching
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Your Opportunity to Connect With Us |
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