Founded in 1914 as the Long Beach Island Board of Trade, the current organization grew to become the LBI Chamber and then into the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Serving as the official tourism organization for the region as well as investing in projects to foster economic development, the region’s chamber continues to work to bring solutions to businesses and positive promotion to visitors. The 108th year is packed with events, programs and benefits. It officially kicks off with the January 19 State of Chamber event beginning with check in at 815am and featuring a full program, networking and breakfast. The new board officers will introduce and share opportunities for the upcoming year. President Jeremy DeFilippis, of Jetty Inc, Vice President Jerry Thompson of the Van Dyk Group, Second Vice President Elizabeth Giglio of Barlow Buick GMC, Treasurer Andrea Driscoll of The Sandpaper, and Secretary Lori Pepenella, CEO of the chamber, will join the Board of Directors and members for keynotes discussing workforce initiatives and trends from the Department of Labor and Ocean County PIC.
Events are set for 2022 with ongoing ribbon cuttings and after hours networking being added throughout the year. Look for Women in Business to begin January 25, Non Profit forums, informative webinars, chamber breakfasts and some fantastic parties including our century long tradition of holding our Get Acquainted Party in May. The Wedding Road Show and Party Planning tour is set for April 24, with the Chowder trail leading into Chowderfest for October 1 as well as our Shop Small holiday campaign. The chamber highlights businesses with our drive market Eat, Drink & Buy campaign as well as dynamic videos, digital, social media and TAPinto reporting and through our award-winning radio show and podcast, the LBI Region Report, that airs each Monday at 9am and 6pm on WBNJ FM. As always, the chamber will provide critical, time sensitive communication and programs to offset ongoing challenges.
In celebration of the 108th year, the chamber has worked with Beasley Media Group to bring back a popular incentive for new members. In honor of the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce’s Anniversary, WJRZ and WRAT is highlighted on air and on the web with “Support Your Local Business” feature with new chamber members. The “Support Local Business” will run Monday through Sunday on 100.1 WJRZ or 95.9 WRAT. Businesses will be broadcast15 times per week Monday through Sunday from 6 am to Midnight, the benefit also includes a link on the Shop local webpage and 15 mentions streaming online.
To find out more visit www.visitLBIregion.com, on social as @southernoceanchamber and @LBIregion or call office located at 265 W Ninth St., Ship Bottom at 609.494.7211
