President`s Message

August 2010

It continues to be a very busy time here at the Chamber. One common theme that continues to come up when I speak to our many chamber members and businesses throughout Hunterdon County is where the economy is headed. In some conversations, I continue to sense a growing confidence that their respective businesses are doing well. Yet in a few conversations there is still some uncertainty about what lies ahead in the next several months. My intuition tells me that if you are in business today, you need to keep a mindset that is positive and optimistic. What better way to keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with people that are committed to improving themselves, than getting active with the Chamber.

The members of the Chamber that are engaged truly seem to exemplify that spirit and willingness to take on a variety of challenges and seize opportunities when they arise. When I look back over the last 18 months and see a number of our businesses that have started during the recession and are continuing to grow and succeed, it is truly inspiring to hear their passion and dedication to their respective businesses.

An annual program of the Chamber is to sponsor our Hunterdon County Awards Program in November. This program is really the pinnacle moment were we get to recognize that “Spirit of Free Enterprise” which make our Country so great. The Chamber is currently seeking nominees for many categories and I ask each of you to consider taking the time to nominate someone for one of these awards. Another part of the Awards Program is the recognition of our “Amazing Kids in Business”, which highlights the many teenagers in our County who have established and are running successful businesses.

On another note the Chamber’s Business & Government Committee has been hard at work keeping up with the many reform measures that are taking shape in Trenton. The goal of our current administration to make New Jersey’s Business Environment conducive to growth and sustainability. Our Chamber is participating in a collaboration of about a dozen other County-Regional Chambers and the State Chamber to look at policy areas that we can weigh in on collectively to effect positive results for the Business Community. I will keep you informed over the next several months as we move forward on this initiative.

Remember to Buy Hunterdon!

With Best Regards,

Christopher J. Phelan

President & CEO Hunterdon County Chamber