The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce is the county’s premier business resource, championing economic prosperity, tourism development and legislative advocacy. This year, the Chamber pays tribute to its heritage which began 100 years ago.
In 1916, what is now the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce was known as the Seashore Association Chamber of Commerce, formed by the resort towns of Cape May, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor and the Wildwoods to promote tourism along the Jersey Cape. After the outbreak of World War I, the Seashore Association Chamber became inactive for a short time. It then regrouped and remained active until around 1931, when the full effects of the 1929 stock market crash became evident in the county. In 1944, business, civic and political leaders in the county, including Daniel Dawson of Cape May Court House and William C. Hunt of Wildwood, gathered to reform and reactivate the Chamber as the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce. But it wasn’t until 1954 that the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in the State of New Jersey, making this year the 72nd annual meeting of this organization.
Today, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce represents some 800 members with a 36-member Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance member success by being a unique resource and champion for business communities, something it has been successful in doing since the beginning of its time.
The Chamber strives to promote tourism businesses and Cape May County as a vacation destination, as well as share the importance of the tourism economy to local residents and statewide elected officials. The Chamber achieves this through marketing, an annual vacation guide, an extensive information center, personal relationships, digital media and tourism shows that can reach as far north as Canada, as far west as Ohio and as far south as Virginia.
The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce often works with local community chambers to support tourism in our area. Although these community chambers are often specific to their towns, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce looks at the bigger picture. It works to promote local festivals and events happening after the summer months to extend the season as long as possible, benefitting the entire Cape May County tourism community.
From a business standpoint, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource that many local businesses are unaware of. Through business seminars and workshops, networking, special business-focused events and more, the Chamber can help county businesses flourish.
Although Tom Piratzky serves as Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, he is also Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Cape Regional Medical Center, as well as Executive Director of the Foundation. He shared, “As a member of the Chamber, the benefit for me was the opportunity to get to know other businesses and network with them. The Chamber is an excellent resource for businesses.”
One thing Cape May County Chamber of Commerce President Vicki Clark wants both businesses and visitors to be aware of is the value of the Chamber’s website. The website serves as a virtual information center for visitors, providing lists of events, activities and other useful information to enhance their experience here at the Jersey Cape. For businesses, Chamber members can promote special events, post job listings, access crucial business resources and much more – the options are endless!
Enhancing the Chamber’s goal of supporting local businesses is the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (CMCCEF), formed in 2015 to support, enhance and promote education and training programs that develop the skills, knowledge and leadership of local professionals and youth to advance the county’s talent, entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth.
This year, the Education Foundation held its first customer service initiative, “The Jersey Cape Experience,” holding 15 different workshops in every community in Cape May County, free of charge, in an effort to heighten the customer experience for visitors to the county. It was a huge success, and a program that the Chamber will continue to build on in the future to keep improving our tourism area. Additionally, the Education Foundation rewards numerous scholarships to local students to encourage them to earn a degree and give back to our business community.
Aside from the Education Foundation, another thing that makes the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce unique is its strong belief in business advocacy. The Chamber often takes a stand for our business community by firmly taking positions at legislative hearings when it comes to issues and challenges that affect Cape May County.
To celebrate the wild success of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce and pay tribute to its 100-year service in the business community, the Chamber will holds its 72nd Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner on October 20 at Icona Golden Inn in Avalon. It will include the installation of new officers and directors and presentation of awards. Other special Chamber events to look out for are the Women in Business Conference and the Business at the Beach Expo, both held in the spring.
For more information about the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.capemaycountychamber.com or call (609) 465-7181.
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