Inactive for several years the chamber is looking for new members as South Brunswick’s roster of businesses grow
By Paul Koepp, The Packet Group
Local business leaders and township officials are looking to breathe new life into the South Brunswick Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Frank Gambatese met with a small group of prospective members recently to discuss plans to reorganize the local chamber, which has been inactive for several years.
Anthony Campisano, an attorney of the New Brunswick firm Bucca & Campisano, who frequently represents the township, agreed to serve as the chamber’s president as it gets back up to speed. He said that while the previous organization failed to get off the ground in the past as attendance at its meetings dropped off, the time is ripe to try again.
Mr. Campisano pointed out that a lot of new businesses have recently opened in the township, including the major retail stores at the Heritage Square shopping center on Route 1.
”The chamber has a history of being a very beneficial community organization,” he said. “This is obviously a growth community. The chamber should be able to meet with greater enthusiasm and success than in the past.”
Mr. Campisano estimated that there are about 500 businesses located in the township. He said the Chamber of Commerce would need about 150 to 200 of them to become members in order to create a viable organization.
”I hope something can come together. We’re in a unique position here, and I hope it can take off,” said Mr. Campisano. “It’s going to take time. You’re not going to have 300 members overnight.”
Mr. Campisano said the ultimate goal is to bring the local chamber under the umbrella of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce so that local businesses can benefit from contacts in a larger network.
”Members will be able to share information about transportation routes and network to work together and cut overhead costs,” Mr. Campisano said.
In addition, a link to the county organization would give Chamber of Commerce members better networking opportunities at events like business card exchanges, said Art Roedel, the owner of the Monmouth Mobile Home Park, who is spearheading the efforts to restart the local chamber.
”The county has resources that the local chamber won’t have,” he said.
He said the chamber would work with the township Industry and Commerce Commission to welcome new businesses to the township by providing them with informational brochures.
”I hope we can build an ongoing relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and the Industry and Commerce Commission,” Mr. Roedel said. “It’s in both of their interests to see businesses in town thrive.”
He said the chamber would also provide access to the township government to help businesses handle regulations and applications.
”It can do a lot of positive things,” Mr. Roedel said. “There’s a real need for a chamber that can deal proactively with the governing body and businesses in town.”
For information on the chamber chapter, contact Mr. Roedel at (732) 297-2051.