Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Kicks Off 100th Year Tuesday

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is holding a networking event and lunch on Tuesday to mark the beginning of the organization's 100th year.

"Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce members have been mastering the balance of promotion, changing infrastructure, and natural disasters since 1914," said Lori Pepenella, marketing and communications director.

The event starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin. The cost of the lunch is $20 and includes networking, a program and a buffet. RSVP to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce for an individual seat or a table. For more information, call 609-494-7211, go online at  www.visitLBIregion.com or stop in at chamber headquarters at 265 West 9th Street in Ship Bottom. 

"The community can gather to hear the myths, legends and truths about the landmark moments that put our region in the press and local business owners to the test," Pepenella said.

Ocean County Historian Tim Hart will showcase a photographic presentation and discuss the Southern Ocean County Chamber's roots. The chamber began as an organization on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, she said.

A Centennial Panel consisting of Gil Anderson, Margaret Buchholz, Sue Marshall, Marion Larson and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove will also be on hand.

Business owners who attend the event will be able to produce a radio anniversary greetings with chamber media sponsor WJRZ 100.1 FM. The messages will run throughout the year, Pepenella said.

The 100th year celebration will continue with a series of regional business spotlight salutes, beginning with Barnegat in November. Tuckerton businesses will be showcased in January, followed by Lacey in March, Stafford in May and Long Beach Island in the summer months, she said.