The East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce has a new face and a new location. The chamber recently moved its offices to the Raritan Valley YMCA building on Tices Lane, after naming Lauren R. Mosko, of South River, as its director of marketing and public relations. The organization has been serving businesses in East Brunswick, Milltown and South River for more than 50 years.
Lauren R. Mosko “We have always been a great place for people from the business community to get to know each other,” Mosko said.
Mosko took on the position Aug. 4, one month after Maryanne Wehrenberg resigned after 15 years as executive director of the organization.
One of the chamber’s biggest networking events will be held Oct. 6 at the Woodbridge Hotel and Conference Center. Bizmania is the combined effort of the chambers from East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Perth Amboy and Piscataway. Last year, there were more than 90 exhibitors and 2,000 buyers of services and products.
“It’s really a chance to get know the actual owners of different types of businesses, to put a face to the name,” Mosko said.
For those who might be in need of food services, Bizmania offers a unique opportunity.” Our food vendors have generously agreed to donate their products this year.
Business people will have an opportunity to sample items from their menus,” she said. Mosko noted that the chamber has always worked to keep up with the changing needs of the area’s businesses, including the large number of doctors, dentists and other health care professionals in the East Brunswick, Milltown and South River area. Four years ago, in response to the needs of the businesses and the public, the chamber sponsored
an event at the Brunswick Square Mall called Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.
“Basically, it’s an opportunity to educate the public, not only about their physical and mental health but also about services for their financial well-being,” Mosko said. All kinds of health care professionals and finance companies such as banks, insurance and financial consultants had tables, displays and information for the public. “Our vendors all felt it was a great success and are looking forward to participating again,” she said.
The chamber has a long history of community service. Each year, two scholarships are awarded. The Dr. Michael and Marlene Nissenblatt Scholarship is given to graduating college seniors who are pursuing careers in health care, and the David J. Germain Memorial Scholarship Award goes to graduating high school seniors to assist them in their college studies. There is also the Dan Bonamici Community Service Annual Award. The chamber sponsors food programs and supports local police, fire and rescue squads.
As the new director of marketing and public relations, Mosko said she intends to build on the chamber’s past successes.
“I have lots of ideas,” she said.
Mosko graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a degree in communications. She won the college’s Student Leadership Award in 2006, and was president of her college class.
One initiative she wants to pursue is expanding the chamber’s Web site.
“I’d like to make it a more user-friendly site, perhaps include a directory and list more information,” she said. Mosko is also hoping to get more benefits for members.
“The chamber is aware that many businesses are feeling the effects of the economic recession. With that in mind, we are looking to offer guest speakers that will focus on how to help businesses cope with the economy,” she said.
Most of all, she wants everyone to know that “the chamber has an open-door policy. We invite people to ask questions and we encourage everyone to become involved.”
For more information, call 732-257- 3009 or visit ebnjchamber.org.