Monday, May 17, 2021
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. In honor of AAPI Month, the CCSNJ has put together our 'Diverse But United' Initiative, where we would like to highlight our Asian American and Pacific Islander members.

Throughout the month of May we look forward to spotlighting our AAPI members on the Chamber's website and social media platforms.

If you are a CCSNJ member who is Asian American or Pacific Islander, please click here to fill out a short survey to be featured.
CCSNJ Policy Report
The CCSNJ is proud to share our policy report “Preparing for the Next Normal: Recommendations for Supporting New Jersey’s Business Community and Reopening the Economy” which was submitted to NJ policymakers. The report, which was derived from extensive feedback from CCSNJ members, includes creative new assistance programs, legislative actions and policy recommendations for state government officials that can help NJ’s struggling business community as the state continues to reopen. Please read, share and provide us your feedback and thoughts!

Upcoming Events
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Tune in for a a presentation about giving engaging presentations, drawing on examples of the most successful TED talks featuring Norris Clark, Managing Partner,
Princeton Strategic Communications; and 
Organizer of TEDxCapeMay.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Learn how to increase your digital exposure with the CCSNJ with the help of President & CEO, Christina Renna and Director of Member Experience, Mary Bennett! We will explore the various tools available to members on the website, share tips and tricks on how to utilize Chamber resources, and spend time answering your questions! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to maximize your digital exposure and engagement!

IN-PERSON EVENT & VIRTUAL
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Woodcrest Country Club, Cherry Hill

Hear from Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald as he discusses the latest on the FY2022 budget process, what recent actions the New Jersey Legislature has taken to address business challenges during the recovery from COVID-19 outbreak, and other issues of interest to the South Jersey business community.

Additional Seats Added!
Capacity is limited due to social distancing guidelines. Registration will be capped.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for small group networking! 
Throughout the program we'll ask fun poll questions to help break the ice.

This meeting's theme is: Mount Rushmore

Join the zoom meeting with a
Mount Rushmore-themed background!

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Join us for a conversation with Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the newly established Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy in the Office of Governor Phil Murphy. Additionally, there will be time allocated after the formal presentation for an environmental legislative and regulatory update from Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP.

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Established in 2018, Jersey Promise is a nonpartisan policy, education and advocacy organization dedicated to serving the Asian American community, especially for lower-income and disadvantaged populations, and to build understanding among all of New Jersey’s diverse communities. Economically, Asian American buying power in New Jersey grew from $5.7 billion in 1990 to $57 billion in 2017, a ten-fold increase, and is projected to grow to $74.8 billion by 2022, while Asian American immigrants account for 54 percent of statewide immigrant owned Main Street small businesses. Join us to hear from Co-Founder, Jun Choi, who will detail the group’s evidence-based 2019 report, which tells the story of the Asian American experience and shares recommendations to fully engage the AAPI community in the civic and economic life of New Jersey.

To read Jersey Promise’s report on “The State of Asian Americans in New Jersey”,

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Program:
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Post-Event Networking:
11:35 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

The last year has brought unimaginable challenges to organizations and businesses across all industries and the world, while also creating a landscape for advancement and innovation to meet the ever-changing conditions and forever changing the idea of the workplace. Join us for the next event of this series focused on the new landscape of cybersecurity with many businesses continuing to work from home or in a hybrid environment. Our experts will discuss what businesses of all sizes need to consider to ensure the security of their network and how to prepare for a potential security breach.

IN-PERSON EVENT
Thursday, May 27, 2021
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Join this gathering of Chamber members and guests at Ron Jaworski’s Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood for our Camden County Network Connection Series Lunch to learn more about each other’s businesses and exchange information.

Capacity is limited due to social distancing guidelines. Registration will be capped. Register early!


Network with fellow CCSNJ members in a fun and relaxing virtual atmosphere!
Monday, May 24
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | REGISTER
Monday, June 7
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | REGISTER
Monday, June 14
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | REGISTER


Guest Column

AT&T Marks Small Business Month


By: Joseph Divis
Interim President - AT&T New Jersey
The first week of May was National Small Business Week, but we’re celebrating the entire month of May. Today, and every day, we celebrate the owners of specialty shops, mom and pops, and start-ups across the nation. These are our friends, our neighbors, and our customers.

At AT&T, we’re passionate about helping them follow their dreams. We know the right technology can help streamline, simplify and speed daily tasks, while keeping small business owners connected to their customers. But, beyond providing technology, we have so many great resources that help put tech tips and takeaways at their fingertips.

One of the many resources we’ve launched is a free webinar series with Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group and notable “Shark” on ABC’s Shark Tank. It’s called “‘Business Unusual’, Smart Ideas for Small Business—Presented by AT&T Business,” and the next the next webinar coming up on May 19. Read more and register here.

Small businesses can find many other resources here.  
New Member Spotlight
At Trulieve, we strive to bring you the relief you need in a product you can trust. Our plants are hand-grown in a facility with a controlled environment specially designed to reduce unwanted chemicals and pests, keeping the process as natural as possible at every turn. Visit www.trulieve.com for more information.
Follow our tag
#CCSNJNewMemberMonday
on social media:
LAN Sees Major Growth in Southern New Jersey
After an expansion that included opening a new southern New Jersey office in Voorhees, educational architecture powerhouse LAN Associates is experiencing massive growth in the region. Almost as soon as doors opened on the new location, the experienced architects became a trusted partner to local schools. The team is already working on a significant school expansion in Voorhees, major work in Winslow, and quickly secured positions as architect of record for five local school districts. 

Resource Center
On May 12, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Emerge program, a new jobs-based tax credit program created under the Economic Recovery Act (ERA) of 2020. The Emerge program will make tax credits available to projects that invest private capital into the state and create good-paying jobs, with a focus on the State’s priority sectors. As authorized by the ERA, the Board approved rules that will be effective immediately for a short-term duration, enabling the NJEDA to start accepting Emerge program applications in the coming weeks. Concurrently, the Board also approved publishing the rules for public comment prior to adopting longer-term final rules. Read more>>
NJ Waives Fee to Certify as Small, Minority-, Women- or Veteran-owned Business
In recognition of National Small Business Month, state Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio announced that starting June 1, the $100 filing fee to become certified as a Small-, Minority-, Woman- or Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise is being waived indefinitely.

Certification as a Small-, Minority-, Woman-, Veteran- or Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise provides state-backed documentation of a business’ status and allows businesses to compete in select set-aside or goal-based contracting initiatives offered by state agencies.

Businesses can apply for certification in any of these categories here.
Ambassador Tip
"Great networking is relationship building. It requires care, connection, and consistency. Each interaction is an opportunity to connect with and be of service to others and to build your personal and professional brand. Ask questions, be genuine, be willing to be human, and remember that each one of us was the new person in the room (virtual or otherwise) at one time!"

Hala S. Barson
Co-Founder & CEO
VoIP Doctors
CCSNJ in the News
Tax credits would spur the employment of those with developmental disabilities, giving them the opportunity to gain the skills and experience to become the model employees they are capable of, according to Senate President Steve Sweeney, who introduced legislation that would allow for the incentives. Read more>>

Rhonda Schaffler sits down with Christina Renna from the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey to discuss how businesses will benefit from the governor's decision as residents head into the summer months and why many businesses will still continue to struggle despite the lifting of restrictions. Watch the Interview>>
Reefer Madness was a compelling film for its time that focused on what it touted as the scourge of marijuana, but times are changing and South Jersey is embracing the cannabis industry, positioning itself as a leader in the multibillion dollar sector that will soon match the economic impact of the craft beer industry. Read more>>
Rebuilding the Boardwalk, wiring the city for internet, and beautifying and rebuilding Atlantic and Pacific avenues are some of the keys to Atlantic City’s long-term success, according to a state-issued report outlining the resort’s path to post COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Read more>>

Want to stay up-to-date on Chamber events, news, promotions and more?