About SOCA

Learn more about our charitable affiliate, established to build programs that foster a healthy economic climate for years!

The registered 501c3 charity, the Southern Ocean Chamber Association (SOCA), will bring a modernized approach to build on the solid foundation that the LBI Board of Trade/Southern Ocean Chamber has continually provided since 1914. SOCA was founded in 2018 to commemorate the 105th Anniversary of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Recognizing the changes that will encompass how businesses and service organizations operating in coastal New Jersey will impact the local economy, the chamber leadership looks to SOCA to find sustainable resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while navigating the need for coastal resiliency.

SOCA’s alignment will look to increase efforts the chamber has been offering as a 501c6. The chamber’s dedication to the community is often confused with tax payer-funded initiatives. SOCA provides the umbrella of a Registered 501c3 which will clarify that these extraordinary advances have been and are powered by charitable giving from the business community. Association programs will advance Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Workforce & Economic Development, Coastal Community Resiliency, and Community Building through Philanthropy. Our chamber of commerce will remain focused on Destination Marketing, Visitor & Members Services, and Consumer Outreach.

Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce staff will represent SOCA in the shared service agreement. The Board of Directors remains the same for the Southern Ocean Chamber, with the Executive Committee and a member at large serving as the SOCA Board. For more information on SOCA, visit here.