Local Businesses Build Relationships After Hours

It’s all about building relationships at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

Over 65 businesses attended an after hours networking event at  on in Forked River Aug. 24.

“We wanted to get our name out there and help support other businesses,” Office Manager Ruth Feeney said. “It’s all about networking and mingling. It’s not just about ConvexSERV. It’s definitely about giving back to the community. It’s going to come back to you anyway.”

Businesses from party planning companies to realty and florists attended the event to exchange business cards and conversations.

“It’s not just one venue,” Feeney said.

While most of the businesses were based in Forked River and Lanoka Harbor, some hailed from other areas within the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's reach. Some had affiliations with Business Networking International (BNI) while others just drove by and saw a sign advertising the event.

“It’s been wonderful. Referral business is the best way to do business,” said Gina Testino of Stetson Automotive in Waretown.

Without an opportunity for big advertising in South Jersey, companies gain business through referrals, she said. By being a member of the BNI, Testino said you learn about the other businesses and develop a loyal and trustworthy relationship with each other.

“It’s all about relationships and meeting people. That’s how I get my business,” said Christopher J. Schwab, an Account Executive with the Van Dyk Group in Barnegat.

Socializing in a relaxed atmosphere after hours provides the perfect atmosphere to build relationships, said Ginger Yocus, an Account Executive with Green Flag Profit Recovery in Edison.

ConvexSERV joined the chamber in June and is a member of four others, Owner Jim Spaloss said.

“Every organization we have joined and paid dues, we have made back tenfold,” Feeney said

Networking has given ConvexSERV more business through word of mouth but has also provided partnerships, Spaloss said.

“It’s not just monetary benefits but partnering with other business so both can have cohesive communication and support each other,” Feeney said.

In this economy, it is important for businesses to help one another, she said. Through being a park of the chamber, ConvexSERV has been introduced to businesses that have been able to provide them with services.

The business has also been able to hold fundraisers that raise funds for scholarships, he said.

“It’s about trying to get the community involved and getting your name out there,” Spaloss said.

The Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce sponsors networking events while local businesses open their stores after hours so owners can mingle.

 The chamber also holds monthly luncheon meetings, business expos, and a Living in Southern Ocean County Expo as well as offers business counseling.

For more information on the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, click here.