News from the Middlesex Chamber - April 2021
Member Spotlight: State Theatre New Jersey
Renovations at the historic State Theatre, Central New Jersey’s largest non-profit arts presenter, are almost complete, marking the start of an exciting new phase for the Middlesex County art community.
 
The theater on Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick is on track to have its extensive renovation, including several capital upgrades to make it compliant with Adults with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, finished at the end of the summer to usher in its big reopening in September.
 
“The State Theatre is excited to be able to reopen its doors with a beautiful, new look and, once again, offer entertaining live programming,” said Kelly Blithe, Director of Communications & Community Engagement. “Providing increased accessibility was the main focus of this renovation so we can provide a safe environment to enjoy world-class performing arts to a wider audience ahead of our 100th anniversary.”
 
To become ADA accessible, the State Theatre will add an elevator, accessible seating throughout the venue and new restroom facilities. Renovations will also include upgrading the seats, stage rigging system, dressing rooms and lobby spaces. Touchless technology, protective barriers and a new HVAC system will also be installed.
 
An exciting part of the renovation is the installation of an illuminated 31-foot tall, 7-foot-wide blade sign above the marquee that pays homage to the building’s original design.
 
This facelift is possible due to strong partnerships between State Theatre New Jersey, Middlesex County and many corporate, foundation and individual donors through the theater’s Next Stage Campaign.
 
Throughout the pandemic and renovations, the State Theatre has been offering a wide variety of virtual shows and events, something that will most likely continue after doors reopen at the end of the summer.
 
“The arts, in general, are certainly looking at a hybrid model of live and virtual events for the long term,” Blithe said. “Thanks to online programming, we have been able to reach people from around the world, which also helps increase accessibility.”
 
The State Theatre is excited to once again be a part of the New Brunswick Heart Festival on Saturday, August 14. The event will feature a variety of live and virtual music, dance, and spoken word performances; interviews with local artists; a behind-the-scenes look at the local theater scene; a historical close-up of Middlesex County; craft making activities and more.
 
To learn more about the State Theatre and track its reopening, visit www.stnj.org.
First-Ever Old Bridge Open Brings Together Local Businesses
The first-ever Old Bridge Open brought together local businesses and organizations for a day filled with networking, great food and, of course, golf on Monday, April 19.
 
The golf outing, presented by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce (MCRCC) in partnership with the Old Bridge Business Alliance and the Old Bridge, Sayreville & South Amboy Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Glenwood Country Club in Old Bridge. The theme of “Open for Golf, Open for Business” highlighted that Middlesex County businesses are ready for very busy spring and summer seasons.
 
Golfers enjoyed lunch, a cocktail reception and fun on-hole contests to win a car, 5-day cruise and golf clubs. There were no big hole-in-one winners but some golfers enjoyed the thrill of landing on the green with their first tee shot.
 
“The Middlesex County Chamber appreciates all of its partners, both public and private, for making the inaugural Old Bridge Open such a success,” said President Lina Llona. “We are happy that this event could shine some light on Old Bridge and its wide variety of businesses and enterprises.”
You're Invited to the Bernie Cohn Memorial Golf Classic & 75th Annual Outing!
You’re invited to our Bernie Cohn Memorial Golf Classic and 75th Annual Outing on Thursday, May 13, 2021, 7:30 AM at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township.

Each year our Annual Golf Classic serves as an opportunity for the business and community leaders of Middlesex County to connect while supporting the Chamber’s efforts to improve Middlesex County.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Join Us for Our May Virtual Networking Breakfast
Friday, May 21st at 9 a.m.
Join the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Somerset County Business Partnership for our Virtual Networking Breakfast at 9 AM on Friday, May 21st. Our Virtual Networking Breakfast is designed to provide Members and Guests with the Opportunity to Network with other Members, Develop New Connections and Grow their Business.

Our Program Features:

  • 30 Sec Introductions
  • Group Networking
  • Interactive Discussions
  • Member Spotlight
  • Members will receive a list of attendees directly after the program.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Help Us Honor Our 2021 Community Leaders
of Distinction
Tuesday, May 25 at 6:30 PM
Join the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 25th for its annual Community Leaders of Distinction at 6:30 PM. The Community Leaders of Distinction Award honors an individual or organization whose activities have made a difference and have improved the quality of life for our neighbors and the communities in Middlesex County. This award celebrates and showcases the honorees’ important contributions to our community.

Congratulations to This Year’s Honorees:
  • Carla Scaturro – Scaturro Insurance Agency
  • Michael Valentin – Johnson & Johnson
  • Michael & Barabara Blackwell
  • Sherrie Wells – Hugs for Brady
Welcome to Piscataway, Jewelry Design Lab!
Your One-Stop Shop For All Your Jewelry Needs
Jewelry Design Lab, a provider of luxury goods and services, recently held its ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open its shop in Piscataway on April 23.

Located at 1630 Stelton Road, Suite 206, the Design Lab was joined by President Lina Llona, Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler and Piscataway Council President Kapil Shah to celebrate the occasion.

Jewelry Design Lab can virtually design, manufacture and create anything in precious metals and gemstones such as platinum, gold, silver, diamonds, rubies and more.
Dine Below the Line
Thursday, June 6th at 6:00 PM on YouTube
Tune in live to watch local chefs showcase recipes prepared on a budget with items typically found in a food pantry. Chefs will be judged on creativity, budget, and nutrition. There will be a “People’s Choice” vote as well – those watching will have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite dish! 
Join the NJ Business Immigration Coalition
Friday, April 30 at 11 AM
How can immigration policy promote economic recovery and growth? What is the current state of play in Washington on immigration reform? How can we revive a bipartisan consensus on immigration?

Join the NJ Business Immigration Coalition for a discussion with immigration experts, political leaders, and industry representatives on the importance of employment-based immigration to the American economy

The event is presented in partnership with New Jersey Business and Industry Association and Einstein's Alley.
National Tourism Week
NJTIA Virtual Advocacy Day
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Celebrate Tourism in New Jersey during National Tourism Week. Join NJTIA as we welcome Governor Phil Murphy, Executive Director of Travel and Tourism Jeff Vasser and Special Advisor to the Commissioner of Health Meg Fisher, MD, FAAP. Get the latest tourism numbers from Chris Pike of Tourism Economics and receive an issues briefing from Joe Simonetta of Public Strategies Impact. Don’t miss this informative session as we prepare to make the 2021 tourism industry thrive, not just survive. 

MUST be registered in advance to attend. 
Welcome, New Members! Welcome Back, Returning Members!
Membership Reflects Central Jersey’s Growing Business Community

The MCRCC is pleased to welcome new members to our ever-growing Central Jersey business community. We are also grateful to our returning partners, who have renewed their commitment to America’s greatest chamber!

Welcome, New Members!

Bohler
SBSI Energy Solutions
Homewood Suites by Hilton Edison
Jewelry Lab Design

Welcome Back, Returning Members!

Central Jersey SCORE
B & L Printing
Hampton Inn South Plainfield
Columbia Bank - Bayat
Thomas Edison State University
Sunrise Brighton Gardens of Edison
La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes
CFO Strategies
Educational Services Commission of New Jersey
AT&T
Community Options Inc.
Rain Forest Cafe
Joe's Crab Shack
Eyet Law
Kynect
Chateau Grand Hotel
Assured Partners
WithumSmith + Brown
Montenegro Real Estate
Holmes and McDowell
Habitat for Humanity - Greater Plainfield
Fairfield Inn & Suite by Marriott
NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co
Damon House
Hampton Inn Woodbridge
Jewish Family & Voc. Services
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