SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Aug. 23, 2017 - -- Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day is observed annually on the third Wednesday in October. Representing Ocean County's professionally staffed chambers the coalition works together to represent interests of approximately 2500 businesses that make up their combined membership. Their primary objective is to strengthen the economic climate and development for businesses of all sizes. The Ocean County Coalition suggests that the best way to honor the day is to use the services of their member businesses. If you are a business in a service of area of one of the coalition chambers, make it a point to see how you can get more involved in the work they do each day. The term "Chamber of Commerce" dates back more than 400 years. The definition of a chamber of commerce is a local network of businesses, governed by a board of directors and run by professional staff, who work to serve and advance business interests. The role of a chamber is a constant source for businesses providing professional development, networking, and communications through multiple platforms. The daily activities taking place at staffed chamber of commerce offices eases the need for the

SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD TO BE SMALL                 By Ralph E. Wolff, Jersey Coast Appliance Proud to be a GTRCC member. Whether you are a one person shop working out of your home or large enough to have a brick and mortar location, it is sometimes good to be small. Small as you know is a subjective word and your definition may differ from Webster’s.  Webster defines small as “having comparatively little size.” Or minor in influence, power or rank”.  Some feel that small is a disadvantage when it comes to influence but it might just be what we need to survive. A small business is personal.  Many customers are starving for businesses that allow them to connect to something beyond the products and services they offer.  A small business has a story to tell and one that most customers can relate to.  Everyone loves a story and especially one that is honest and heartfelt.  How did you start your business?  I’ll bet that many can say that their dad or mom or someone in the family taught them the ropes and then they took over from there.  What a wonderful story, a family tradition.  It’s something to be proud of.  A

by: Kelly Fliller I recently had the opportunity of being in a room with nearly 40 leaders from all different industries and organizations, coming together to discuss ways in which we can make our community the healthiest in the state.  Businesses, non-profits, community organizations, police, township officials, school district administrators and health organizations were all represented.  Some of these people could even be considered competitors but as I watched the discussions unfold, I noticed a common theme – everyone was willing to help each other.  When one wins, we all win when it comes to making our community a better place. Groups that could possibly fight each other for a piece of the pie were talking about how they could work together to make a bigger impact.  It seemed that everyone put aside their own personal gain in order to benefit the community where they work and live.  This is collaboration. There are so many benefits of working together.  We are used to working with people inside our own organization.  When we work with people outside of our workplace, that is when the magic happens.  Here are a few of the many benefits of collaboration. 1. Creative brainstorming How many times