NCoC "In The News"

Not Your Father's Chamber of Commerce

If you have ever wondered what The Nutley Chamber of Commerce does, here is the text book description: "Since 1953, The Nutley Chamber of Commerce has represented businesses and professionals working together to promote the economic development of our town. It is an integral part of Nutley's small hometown character. It is a voluntary, non-profit, private organization. The NCoC is autonomous and independent, neither seeks nor accepts financial aid from any other organization. Financed entirely by membership dues, the Chamber is not supported by tax dollars, affiliated with town government nor answerable to any other organization. It is solely loyal to its members and our community."

But within recent years, they have really grown to be so much more. The Chamber, with their President, Dr. Donna Pontoriero, is working closely with Mayor Cocchiola and the other Commissioners to develop business development plans for our business districts. The Chamber's immediate goals are to become more involved in the township’s decisions on issues that directly concern our business owning members.

"We recognize we have no 'official' say in township decisions," said Pontoriero. "But we appreciate the fact that the decision makers are interested in hearing from us."

Chamber Members benefit from many new programs and membership has grown from 97 to 170 in just over 2 years. Foremost, through monthly luncheons, special events and email, members communicate, network and exchange ideas and services. Those ideas are often presented as a unified voice of the business community to the township.

Using today's technology, the organization has also matured. "We are not your father's Chamber of Commerce," says Rich Spector, NCoC Office Manger. "Every Member has space on www.nutleychamber.com where customers, clients, patients, venders and associates can find information about them." The Chamber website also offers information about membership, benefits, the township, New Jersey business news, upcoming events, etc.

Along with simpler benefits such as member to member discount exchanges and the Business Reference and Referral Library where Member's menus, rate cards, brochures, facility rental information, and fliers are kept to aid in answering incoming calls and make referrals, the Chamber also offers its members email forwarding to announce community support efforts, business anniversary or expansions.

The Chamber also serves as a business information hub. They have formed alliances with other regional Chambers, New Jersey and local business media, and government offices.

And of course, The Chamber still sponsors the annual 5K Fun Run, Santa's Arrival and the Franklin Ave. and Centre St. Planters. Now Chamber Member also benefit from many Members Only discount perks and incentives such as deep discounts on Broadway, off-Broadway productions, half price tickets to Great Adventure, free magazine subscriptions, etc.

With the recent addition of the Nutley Public Library to the Membership, the Chamber and the Library both have benefited. "The Library's vast business resources can be an enormous aid to any business owner," said Joanne Tropiano, Director of the Nutley Public Library.

"One of the biggest advances and advantages our Members get now is the amount of business exposure we can provide," said Dr. Pontoriero. "We work very hard at getting as much recognition for our Members as possible." The Chamber offers inexpensive advertising opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, press releases, a newsletter, and as mentioned before, the Chamber web site.

"I have definitely seen an increase in business because of my listing on the Chamber's web site," said new Member Dr. Michele Segal.

And finally, the Chamber stands behind its Members. This was most recently seen at a Commissioner's meeting. Several Chamber Members including the California Wine Hardware Company, Oolala Boutique, The Glass Gallery, Capalbo's Gift Basket, Prints Charming, and the Dog, Cat & Bird Clinic, Feiler Dental, Nutley Red Cross, asked the township to designate their business district near the intersection of Chestnut Street and Passaic Ave. as Nutley's Olde Town Centre. The Chamber was proud to endorse and encourage their efforts and is looking forward to working closely with those members.

"Being a Chamber of Commerce Member," said Vince LoCurcio, Vice President of the Chamber, "is about the business owners acting as a group and not as individuals. Which in turn serves the whole township." For more information about benefiting from a Nutley Chamber of Commerce Membership, call 973-667-5300, email chamber@nutleychamber.com.