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News from the Middlesex Chamber - September 2018
Success At The Fourth-Annual Global Business Summit
The morning of September 7 was filled with handshakes, enthusiastic conversation and open ears as members of both the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, exhibitors and sponsors networked at the Crowne Plaza Princeton Conference Center in Princeton.
 
Not only was there some high-grade networking at this mutual event, there was also regional and international business connections being made. There was plenty of opportunity for members to meet and interact with specific country business experts from Japan, India and Canada.
 
By far, this was the largest Global Business event in central New Jersey!

 
  Chambers network with one another while enjoying breakfast from the Crowne Plaza Princeton Conference Center. 

Two high-profile keynote speakers caught the eyes and ears of attendees: Melanie Willoughby, Executive Director of the New Jersey Business Action Center (BAC), and David Weild IV, "Father" of the JOBS Act and Founder & CEO, Weild & Co. Inc.
 
Willoughby and Weild discussed pressing topics, such as the challenges in global markets and ways in which to enter the highly-competitive, international marketplace.

"It will be much more of an advantage for more companies in the United States to go international," Weild said. "America has an advantage because it is incredibly diverse. I believe there are 200 languages spoken here in the U.S. and that helps enormously in the business field."

 
David Weild presenting a powerpoint to both chambers on challenges in the global market. 

Willoughby highlighted many of the beneficial services of the New Jersey Business Action Center.
 
"We get more than 500 calls from small businesses for assistance," Willoughby said. "My goal is to always get back to you within 24 hours; we're all about customer service. Companies need to know we are here to help grow businesses and our economy. In the end, it helps everyone."
 
Eduard Ekel, Regional Export Finance Manager at the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of International Trade, and Wesley Mathews, Vice President of International Trade and Investment for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, also discussed the value of chambers to help businesses succeed in New Jersey.
 
Lina Llona, President & CEO of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, was thrilled with the outcome.
 
"It takes a village to put on an event like this, especially with two chambers." Llona said. "But the outcome is well worth it and the opportunity it brings for our members is priceless."

 
Melanie Willoughby talks to audience about NJ Business Action Center and how they can benefit companies in the long run. 

The Largest Networking Party Is Almost Here!
Mark Your Calendars for Monday, September 24 from
 5-8 p.m. 



You don't want to miss the Largest Networking Party - only two weeks away, on Sept. 24, in New Brunswick.
 
Launched in 1992, the Largest Networking Party (LNP) was created to offer an exciting and relaxed networking opportunity for businesses in Central Jersey.
 
In its 26th year of hosting the event, the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating all that Middlesex County has to offer with a distinguished event that tops all others.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel , Albany Street  in New Brunswick, hundreds of professionals will be there to showcase the top Central Jersey businesses this year, making it the event you do not want to miss!

Member Spotlight:  Meet Gus Sleiman, 
Chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board

Board Members at monthly meeting preparing for their Open House (that took place on July 18th) from left to right. Andrew Hodulik, Michael McClelland, Rosa Schmidt (Co-Chair), Erika Zavala (Administrator), Captain Aloir Andrade, Captain Ruth Andrade, Angelica Garcia  (Olmedo), Willie Williams, Washington Acencio, Gus Sleiman.
Gus Sleiman holds many hats when it comes to his career.

He is a business owner in New Brunswick, a restaurateur and entrepreneur. But his most fulfilling job is serving as chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

Gus is part of a team of 15 - The Board Members of the Salvation Army in New Brunswick. He focuses on the word "team" because it takes special people to get the work done.

The Board Members to-do list is long and aggressive. But it is well worth their time and effort. As a team, they  are responsible for building a strategic plan that focuses on sustaining existing programs, creating new programs to meet market demands and generate funding to support their many programs, especially their flagship program  " Pathway of Hope" in order to transform lives within the community.

Gus joined the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce in March 2017 to represent the Salvation Army.

"I wanted to create exposure for the Corps," Gus said. "I wanted to show the great work we are involved in and the positive impact we leave on the community. And although I have been working with the Chamber for a short period of time as a representative of the Salvation Army, the experience has been nothing short of amazing. The programs, networking and how could I forget the people from the chamber have been extremely helpful.

"Being with the MCRCC created awareness for the Salvation Army. The chamber showcases our work and has been a solid supporter of our programs and our mission. My only regret is not joining the MCRCC earlier," Gus added.

Gus said he is fortunate for what he does as a professional because it allows him the freedom to invest time and skills in the nonprofit world.

"My goal one day? My goal is to establish a program that helps kids have a solid attempt at college admissions," Gus said. "Education is the most impactful platform that can change someone's life and in return can change a community. Isn't that the goal in the end?"

Learn more at newjersey.salvationarmy.org. 


September Networking Breakfast
 
Due Mari Restaurant, 78 Albany St.,
New Brunswick
Friday, September 21
8:30-10:00 a.m.





Network Fest @ LNP
 
Hyatt Regency, 2 Albany St.,
New Brunswick
Monday, September 24
5-8 p.m.






October Member Orientation
 
Chamber Office, 109 Church St.,
New Brunswick
Friday, October 5
9-10:30 a.m.





State Of The County
 
The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center,
 10 Livingston Ave.,
New Brunswick
Tuesday, October 9
5-8 p.m.





Women's Leadership Summit
 
DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel
and Conference Center, 
200 Atrium Dr.,  Somerset
Friday, October 19
8 a.m.-3 p.m.



The Chamber Reflects Central Jersey's Growing Business Community 
The MCRCC is pleased to welcome new members to its ever-growing Central Jersey business community. The chamber is also grateful to returning partners, who have renewed their commitment to helping serve and expand local business.


Don't forget to follow us on our new Instagram account, 
mcrcc_! 
You'll find photos and videos of past events, as well as reminders of events coming up.      #mcrcc      #middlesexcountyregionalchamberofcommerce
 



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