Warren County Chamber Looks Toward Growth in 2010

“The new word moving forward is ‘change,’ remarked Nancy Ann Post, new Chairperson of the Board for the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce, speaking before members of the Chamber and Warren County business community at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held February 24, 2010 at Hawk Pointe Golf & Country Club in Washington. “We need you to step up to the plate.” Post, of Unity Bank, thanked the outgoing board members who “laid the groundwork” and she urged attendees to work with the Chamber to move toward the future. Chamber President and CEO Robert Goltz reviewed 2009 accomplishments and challenges. He noted that even though the Chamber did lose funding in government contracts and grants, which he said would be recouped in 2010, the situation opened the door to unexpected opportunities. “It made us look at our organization and resources,” he said. “We took advantage of that and found programs to partner with.” Looking to the future Goltz said that the Chamber would be expanding initiatives in tourism, economic development, legislative activity and member development and training programs. He highlighted some new member affinity programs such as Ad Diner and Chamber Mail and new Chamber events starting with the upcoming Business Expo on March 6. Goltz also said that the Chamber will be increasing its visibility through advertising and promotion, including radio, television, and billboards. “We have been encouraging our members to market their own businesses,” he said. “Now we are going to put our money where our mouth is.” Goltz remarked that the commitment of the new board was stronger than ever and urged Chamber members to participate. “We are looking for new ideas and for people to help us move forward in sponsorships, time and resources,” Goltz said. Also in attendance at the Annual Meeting were Dana Coates from Congressman Scott Garrett’s office and Nancy Brown, representing Assemblyman John DiMaio. For more information, contact the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce, 10 Brass Castle Road, Washington NJ 07882 by email at info@warrencountychamber.org or visit www.warrencountychamber.org.