Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1916, what is now the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce set out to support a pro-business climate and its existing businesses in the County. It is still in that business. Much has changed in the Hunterdon County in 100+ years yet the County Chamber of Commerce continues in the forefront of County and regional business. Today's Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce is much more than a hub of networking. It is a business community focusing on resource development, targeted informational programs, sharing its collective intelligence, advocating on behalf of its business members and one whose members celebrate excellence and achievement. Whether it's connecting business-to- business, exploring government relations or providing business and professional development programs, the Chamber is committed to finding the right mix for the various market segments comprising its membership. The Chamber also works countywide to publicize the recreational and other tourist attractions available for visitors, business travelers and County residents who want to discover Hunterdon. The Hunterdon County Chamber invites its member businesses to participate in creating its own business community. As each company chooses to join the Chamber it becomes integrated into that community, into the brand. More than 600 companies strong and representing over 15,000 full time employees, the Chamber endeavors to create meaningful partnerships that enhance the business environment. Each company becomes part of that countywide community by contributing to the direction and decisions of the various committees and task forces, by volunteering with programs and events, by raising collective concerns, by contributing to monthly publications and presenting itself on both the Chamber's and Hunterdon tourism websites. It is the task of the board and staff to govern and lead the organization for its members, to represent them, listen and respond to them and plan for an ever-expanding program of work that provides real and practical value in return for an investment of time and money. From advocating, to municipal vitality, to providing general programming, to engaging its vertical marketing (customized interest) groups, the Chamber serves as a collective voice for its members where and when it matters. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce welcomes you, your business, your employees and your ideas. It is, after all, the businesses of the region that make up who and what the Chamber is and does. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and fellow business colleagues, you are invited to participate in creating a balanced, pro-business environment toward the creation of a sustainable business future for Hunterdon County. Hunterdon County vitality is everyone's business.

Business hall of fame: the business hall of fame was established in 2017 to recognize individuals, organizations and companies that have made significant life time accomplishments to the Hunterdon County business community. The event is geared to educate and inspire our current business community and through a series of videos have an educational component that will be shared with the community and our educational system to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurship in Hunterdon County.

Annual membership meeting: the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce holds its annual meeting and dinner every february. It is an event that brings together our membership and community leaders to celebrate the accomplishments of the prior year and a preview of programs to be presented in the future.

Awards breakfast: the annual awards breakfast is a celebration of business success in Hunterdon County. The program recognizes both individuals and organizations for the contributions to the business community. Employer-legislative committee breakfasts: the employer-legislative committee breakfasts, conducted in partnership with the njbia, nj state Chamber, opportunity nj, and the us Chamber, host legislators for a dialogue with local business owners. Participants are allowed to ask individual, business-specific questions and establish contact with policy and law makers. Card clubs: card clubs are held around 9 times each year and are a networking opportunity for our business community to gather and do business development. They are sponsored and hosted by various businesses throughout Hunterdon County. Health Hunterdon workforce initiative: the initiative is a friendly competition to encourage a culture of health in the business community. A healthy employee leads to higher morale, lower absenteeism, higher productivity and an improved bottom line. By creating some friendly competition between businesses, it helps to lead to healthier employees across the board. Leadership Hunterdon: leadership Hunterdon, a program initiated in 2012 by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, was created to transform people to become trustees of our communities, to become leadership resources and work for the betterment of Hunterdon County. One of the goals for participants in leadership Hunterdon is to develop strong leadership qualities within their respective organizations. Individuals are able to enhance their decision making and strategic thinking and acquire in-depth exposure to Hunterdon County business leaders, community leaders, non-profit leaders and political leadership. The class is made up of individuals from local businesses and non-profit organizations that have a passion to learn about Hunterdon County as well as themselves. For 9 months, the class becomes immersed in a "behind the scenes" overview of Hunterdon County that explores the many facets that shape the current make-up of the County. Women's business forum and summit: statistically, women face unique challenges in the business community. The women's business forum seeks to support female entrepreneurs to ensure success in their respective industries. The committee seeks to identify and target key issues facing women in the business world today. An annual leadership summit is held, bringing together prominent figures for productive dialogue and educational talks. Opportunistic programing: these are various events and workshops that vary from year to year on the Chamber calendar. They provide opportunities for professional development and business education for our membership. Hunterdon holiday parade: having its origin in the turn of the last century, the Hunterdon holiday parade is a holiday filled celebration throughout downtown flemington. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce is proud to continue its long and vibrant history. Every year bands, fire trucks, and marchers alike all take to the streets for a parade filled with holiday cheer. Hunterdon County community day: with the presence of many of the County's twenty-six municipalities, non- profits, military group demonstrators, and various contests all comprise the activity at the Hunterdon County community day. Local businesses also attend and showcase their wares and services. The festivities are joined by exciting events for families such as a reptile show and petting zoo. Chamber radio: Hunterdon Chamber radio the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce launched Hunterdon Chamber radio in 2012 and is the only Chamber in the world with a 24-hour internet radio station. Each radio show is also broadcast live on facebook live. A dedicated group of Chamber members host hour long segments on a wide variety of topics from 8 am to 6 pm monday through friday at the lead of chris bianco, general manager of Hunterdon Chamber radio. The goal of hunterdonchamberradio.com is to provide a platform for our members to not only promote their respective businesses, but also to become a true community resource. When you listen to our hosts, you hear the passion they share for their respective industries. "Hunterdon Chamber radio is Chamber members serving you." Clerks lunch: the clerk's luncheon is an annual event that our 26 municipalities and County clerk's office participate in. It is an opportunity to have outreach to our local government and County officials regarding matters of interest from the business community annual golf classic: this popular event provides an informal setting for members to interact and enjoy a day of golf. A lunch reception is provided and can be attended by those who do not wish to golf. Employees and executives alike represent their companies proudly at this event. Business expo: the business expo was not held in 2022.