June 6, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 11
Ramsey
Several Ramsey businesses have banded together to organize a new chamber of commerce in the borough. A previous chamber which had been operational since 1925 was disbanded in 1983. “We need you guys. We need positive energy,” Rob Tilton of Wireless World of Ramsey told a group of business leaders who gathered for an informational meeting last month. “Forget what didn’t work out before. We are too big a town not to have a chamber,” he added. The fledgling organization has support from the top. “We support the chamber being revived 100 percent. I personally am thrilled so many people came out not knowing what to expect,” said Councilwoman Vanessa Jachzel, representing the Ramsey mayor and council at the meeting. “So much is happening in our community. People care what’s going on; they volunteer. The missing puzzle is a unified voice of businesses to help each other. We’ll be here when you need us,” she added. Other attendees responded with such positive comments as, “Long overdue,” “Excited …,” “Thanks for undertaking this project…” “It’s important to network locally, to provide business to each other, to get exposure to other local chambers,” said Kelly Velasquez of Oritani Bank. “If you want something to happen, get involved.” “I was very encouraged by the turn-out at the Ramsey
Business people set to form new chamber of commerce
Country Club and very thankful to Michael and his staff at the RCC for their hospitality. A Chamber of Commerce for a big town like Ramsey is long overdue, and we look forward to building on the momentum of our first meeting,” Tilton said afterwards. More than 75 people attended, and he hopes for an equal turnout at the first official meeting on Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Oritani Bank, 161 N. Franklin Turnpike. Election of officers are expected to be held. Tilton said he envisions a group which has “more of a local flavor as opposed to a regional focus,” with an initial goal of driving business back to the Ramsey business community. To that end, he hopes to: • re-energize/re-vamp the Ramsey business community’s perception. • re-familiarize the community with each other • share best practices among similar businesses
• develop group strategies re advertising, marketing, etc. • become involved with or sponsor community events such as a 5 K run, etc.
Asked if he would use Facebook as a means of keeping members connected and informed, Tilton said he would work on various facets of communications, including Facebook, regular meetings and a website. Tilton said dues will be kept to a modest $35 per business to encourage membership. To qualify, members must have a brick and mortar business in Ramsey, have a home-based business in Ramsey or do 50 percent or more of their business in Ramsey. Business people interested in joining or in additional information are asked to call Tilton at ( 201 ) 851-2200 or e-mail him at rob@wirelessworldoframsey.com.
Ramsey business people fill out applications.