News from the Middlesex Chamber - June 2024

Member Spotlight: Aqua-Tots

Aqua-Tots in Old Bridge stands as a premier swim school dedicated to teaching children of all ages the essential skill of swimming. Catering to infants as young as 4 months up to teenagers of 18, Aqua Tots ensures every child has the opportunity to become a confident and safe swimmer.


Operating year-round, Aqua-Tots believes continuous practice is key to building water confidence. With 150 schools worldwide, Aqua-Tots is a trusted name in swim education, and the new facility in Old Bridge is one of two locations in New Jersey, owned by local operators Howie and Pete Berman, focusing exclusively on teaching kids to swim and ensuring their safety around water.


The swim lessons at Aqua-Tots are designed for maximum effectiveness through repeated exposure. This consistent practice is crucial for children's development, with a strong emphasis on swim safety. The goal is to equip children with the skills to be comfortable and safe around water, fostering both competence and a love for swimming.


The grand opening of Aqua-Tots in Old Bridge on April 25 marks an exciting new chapter for the community. The school engages with the local community through fairs and street festivals, spreading awareness about the importance of swim safety and the diverse programs offered. The beloved character, Ollie the Otter, adds fun and engagement to the learning process.


"Our mission is to teach children the life-saving skill of swimming and to be safe around water. We are excited to bring this important service to the Old Bridge community," said Regional Manager Suzi Pellegrino.


Families are encouraged to explore the classes, including parent/tot classes for children under 30 months. The facility, located at 3853 US-9, provides a welcoming environment for parents to discuss the best starting point for their child and see firsthand how the programs can help their child become a confident swimmer.


"We are thrilled to welcome Aqua-Tots to Old Bridge. Their commitment to swim safety and education aligns perfectly with the community values, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on children and families,” said Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce President Lina Llona.


Learn more at www.aqua-tots.com/old-bridge.

Local Business Leaders Honored at Annual Community Leaders of Distinction

Local business leaders were praised for making a community impact at our annual Community Leaders of Distinction awards ceremony on May 29 at the Pines Manor in Edison. This year’s ceremony honored six individuals for their contributions that have made a difference and improved the quality of life for the communities in Middlesex County. Those honored this year include:



Business Leader of the Year

David Hernandez, Jersey Memorial Group, Old Bridge



Emerging Leader of the Year

Danielle Novotny, Hermann Services, South Brunswick



Hometown Hero of the Year

Deputy Chief Michael Bobadilla, New Brunswick Police Department



Public Servant of the Year

Jorge E. Diaz, Superintendent, Middlesex County Magnet Schools



Community Organization of the Year

Middlesex County Family Justice Center



Community Volunteer of the Year

Ronnie Li, Township of East Brunswick/ East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce

Click Here to View Photos

MCRCC Welcomes New Board of Directors at Annual Meeting

The Middlesex County Chamber welcomed its 2024-2025 Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on June 12.


Members and Board of Directors enjoyed lunch and networking at Forsgate Country Club along with a keynote address from Coquese Washington, Rutgers Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

Welcome to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors


Executive Board

John Reissner – Chairman of the Board – Magyar Bank

Jeffery Hermann – Vice-Chairman – Hermann Services

Carolyn Chirico – Vice-Chairman – Wells Fargo

Elayne McClaine – Vice-Chairman – NJSBDC-Rutgers New Brunswick

Jeff Intravatola – Legal Counsel – Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst+Doukas 

James Berg – Treasurer – WithumSmith+ Brown

Bill Neary – Ex Officio – CVB Vice-Chairman


Nicole Aiello – The Heldrich Hotel

Kholoud Marzuq-Alsaleh – Columbia Bank

Kelly Blithe – State Theatre New Jersey

Carla Cefalo – County of Middlesex

Joanie Coffaro – Middlesex College

Christine D’Agostino – Middlesex County Magnet Schools

Lisa Drumbore – Saint Peters University Hospital

Tina Earley – Jersey Central Power & Light

Steve Ferarra – Jersey Elevator

Jeffrey Johnson – Hyatt Regency New Brunswick

Lawrence H. Krampf – Collective Audience 

Curt Kristjanson – South Brunswick Economic Development Committee

Gabriel Lavigne – UBS Financial Services

Stephen Mamakas – Old Bridge Township Economic Development Office

Frank Migliorino – Beasley Media Group

Adam Overmyer – Overmyer Insurance Agency

Tom Park – Diamond Business Communications

Scott Hinkle – Johnson & Johnson

Brent Rivenburgh – Allen & Stults Insurance Agency

David Stein – Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer

Elyse Washington – Rutgers University

Tammy Stouchko – SSP Architects

Click Here to View Photos

Enjoy Food & Entertainment from Around the World

NJ Statewide Multicultural Business Expo

The NJ Statewide Multicultural Business Expo serves to showcase the cultural diversity and entrepreneurship that stimulates innovation in our State. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to connect with local businesses and consumers on a personal level.


Enjoy food, live performances and entertainment from around the world while introducing your company to a growing market on Tuesday, June 25 at the Pines Manor in Edison.


  • New Jersey Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards 4-5 PM
  • Multicultural Business Expo 5-8 PM


Admission is free and exhibitor tables are available for businesses, organizations, and nonprofits of all sizes.

Click Here to Learn More

Upcoming Events

 
 

The LNP Returns September 23!

Join us on Monday, September 23rd for Central Jersey’s premiere business & networking expo. Held at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, hundreds of professionals swarm to the largest showcasing of Central Jersey businesses each year, making it the event to not miss.

Click Here to Register
 
 
Have Some Exciting News to Share?
Submit A Promotion, News, Announcement or Upcoming Event

Members are encouraged to submit Promotions, News, Announcements or Upcoming Events to the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce by emailing thedailyupdate@mcrcc.org.


Submissions must include a brief summary and a copy-ready graphic, flyer or press release (PDF Only).


Postings may be featured in The Daily Update.

Welcome, New Members! Welcome Back, Returning Members!

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!


Aqua-Tots Swim School 

Dynamic Home Service

M/C Team Life

Phoenix Mitigation and Restoration

Shivasi Urgent Care

Tropical Hut Philippine Cuisine

Vision Stream


Welcome Back, Returning Members!


ServPro of East Brunswick

Township of Old Bridge

WithumSmith + Brown

Jewish Family & Voc. Services

Cowleys Pest Services

Wells Fargo

Hampton Inn Woodbridge

Staybridge Suites No. Brunswick

Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ

Acme Motors, Inc.

Educational Services Commission of NJ

Campbell Freightliner

Hackensack Meridian Healthcare Systems

Peak Environmental 

Overmyer Insurance Agency

Malouf Auto Group

Financial Resources Federal Credit Union

DJN Raritan Crossing

Crowne Plaza Princeton - Conference Center

Northfield Bank

Central Jersey SCORE

Murphy Business Sales

Magyar Bank

New Jersey Institute for Disabilities

YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, and Woodbridge

New Brunswick Cultural Center Annual

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