WILDWOOD — There’s a new motor in the vehicle that drives Cape May County’s tourist economy. Wayne Hasenbalg, president and CEO, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority told the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce membership Oct. 18 of the state’s repositioning of its tourism branch into the SEA.
Gathered at Wildwoods Convention Center for the 68th annual installation of the business body, Hasenbalg spoke of Gov. Chris Christie’s changed impetus for his authority, and wants it to become the driving force that gets sports events, like the Superbowl, to the Meadowlands, and help get tourism sparked statewide.
As an example, he said there was recent funding from the Casino Redevelopment Development Authority to help bolster the golf courses in Atlantic County. He cited Ocean City, Md. As a place touted for its courses, while New Jersey has many equally good courses, but does not aggressively market them.
Hasenbalg said the SEA, founded in 1971, has changed its mission, and is getting out of operating sports venues because, “We have a lot of great stuff (in New Jersey) and times have changed.” The state must compete on a national level to attract top-notch events that will, as a result, drive tourism throughout the state.
Noting the Department of Travel and Tourism had, over the decades, been “bounced around, it is now under the SEA.”
There will be thrust, Hasenbalg said, to “help you bring in events all around the state.”
Tourism, the relatively poor stepchild of state government, is finally being recognized for its worth as an economy driver. Hasenbalg also noted the SEA is presently under the State Department of State, which is overseen by Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. It will be the lead agency spearheading tourism, he noted.
Hasenbalg is interested in making SEA a “statewide agency” to benefit every part of the state. “We can play a role,” he added. The SEA is now an ally with you.”
Hasenbalg told the chamber he and his wife planned to make a “long weekend” of his southward trek, to enjoy the tourist places throughout the county.
He was accorded a hearty round of applause at the conclusion of his remarks.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) was installing officer for the directors and new officers of the chamber.
Taking oaths for the new year were: Steven C. Morey, chairman; Scott Campbell, first vice chairman, Tom Piratzky, second vice chairman; Barbara St. Clair, secretary; Dave Repici, treasurer.
Awards presented included:
Member of the Year, Cape Bank.
Volunteer of the Year, Scott Campbell.
Committee of the Year, 2011 annual Dinner Committee
Partnership Award, Atlantic Cape Community College.
New Member Award, BC Processing.
Cape May County Betterment Award, Carroll Villa Hotel and Mad Batter Restaurant.
Service Excellence Award, South Paw Animal Hospital
Visionary Award, Business Rx
New Business Venture Award, Cape May Brewing Co.
Director Service Awards, Suzanne Walters, Jeff Gott.
Historic Preservation Award, Friends of Fishing Creek School
Beautification Awards: Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May County Park and Zoo, Sunrise Park, The Borough of Wildwood Crest, Fuze Italian Ristorante, Avalon.
The Windrift Hotel, Restaurant and Bar, Avalon.
Beautification and Conservation Award, Sea Isle City Branch Library.
Conservation Awards, The Adventurer Oceanfront Inn, Wildwood Crest, Cape May Brewing Co., City of Cape May, Concord Suites, Avalon.
John Lynch, master of ceremonies conducted an auction at the conclusion of the event to benefit the chamber’s scholarship fund.
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