Lower Township Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 20 Years

VILLAS — The Lower Township Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 20 years of promoting and supporting the community’s local business.
President Barbara Frame told members at their August lunch meet at Harpoon Henry’s that the chamber started with only 14 members and now has grown to 177 chamber members. She noted that other strides have been made in community and business events such as Hospitality Night in Dec. and a chamber office on Bayshore Road.
The Lower Township Chamber of Commerce’s objective is to promote business and community growth and development by supporting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of all business. The chamber also promotes programs of a civic, social and cultural nature, which are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic values of the community.
“We’re all very grateful for all of our membership, especially those long-term members that have helped support us,” said vice-president Linda Williams.
Williams noted that former mayor Bob Conroy was responsible for initially gathering members of the business community together and rebuild a chamber of commerce in Lower Township.
“Twenty years ago Bob wanted to bring the businesses together and bring a chamber back,” noted Williams. “He reached out to a few people and we had our first meeting at city hall.”
Sept. 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m., the chamber will hold a dinner at Lighthouse Pointe where it will celebrate the 20 year milestone, install the new officers and honor members that have been members for the chamber’s entirety.
The Lower Township Chamber of Commerce is also an office “Friend of Lower Township” and has given $2500 to support township programs and events such as the annual Independence Festival and Fireworks and the free summer concert series at the Cape May – Lewes ferry terminal.