Southern Ocean County COB Blog

A Study in Scarecrow, an friendly intro to celebrating fall in the LBI Region

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:16:52 -0700

Giving residents and visitors another reason to explore the Jersey Shore , Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's Decorated Scarecrow Contest begins October 2 and runs throughout the month.

For the past two years the thousands of visitors came to LBI for the "official end of summer ritual" that is Chowderfest Weekend were greeted by their were greeted by dozens of friendly straw ambassadors posted in front of stores, in shop windows or in group displays created by chamber member businesses and non profit organizations. What caused this many scarecrows to pop up not only on Long Beach Island, but in Waretown, Barnegat, Stafford, Tuckerton and in Little Egg as well? The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce created the free contest to remind everyone that fall events, activities and shopping are still in full swing at the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore.

2010 marks the third year the Southern Ocean County Chamber is running this contests which grew considerably in 2009. "The first year we had 25 entries with about 57 scarecrows" states Lori Pepenella Destination Marketing Director "Last year we had 61 entries with well over 100 scarecrows,creating the largest scarecrow contest on the Jersey Shore." The Chamber notes that participating in the Decorated Scarecrow Contest is probably the most unique form of promotion that can be done for a business or group, especially this year with the online voting component that put members in front of thousands potential customers.

This year, scarecrow entries have already started coming into the Chamber. "We are anticipating another great turn out this year," says Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director. "Everyone loved these scarecrows last fall, the creativity is something that makes our area stand out ." Businesses and groups are invited to create a scarecrow that best interprets their business. The Chamber will list each scarecrow location on its Scarecrow Row Flyer which is distributed during Chowderfest Weekend, as well as online and at the visitor center for the rest of the month. Anyone choosing to take part in picking this year's winner will be asked to register their vote at www.visitLBIregion.com. Scarecrow entrants are encouraged to further promote their business and their scarecrow by reaching out their email list or adding the link to other customer communications. The scarecrows will not only be displayed beginning October 2, but a digital photo they send to the chamber will be uploaded and the Scarecrow Row Gallery will go live online. Voting will take place online at www.visitLBIregion.com from October 2 to October 17 with a popular vote winner in the business and non profit category.

Last year the public embraced the contest, calling into the chamber office if internet was not available to them. Over 840 votes were tallied; the top scarecrow display to take the Business Category is Sea Crest Village in Little Egg Harbor. With the most individual votes, came in on top with their multi scarecrow display of joy riders depicting happy residents in the nursing facility. Last year, they took first place honors with their Nurse and well chair patient scarecrows. The top Non Profit Organization is the Pine Shores Art Association in Manahawkin with their life like Norma Rockwell. The scarecrow was modeled after the famous Norman Rockwell Self Portrait complete with her own easel, mirror and sketches. All of last year's entries can be viewed online at http://www.visitlbiregion.com/phototour.cfm. For more information about the contest, Chowderfest or the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, please contact them at 609 494 7211, 265 West Ninth St, Ship Bottom NJ.

Join the Chamber for Breakfast, networking, speaker and flag presentation

Lori Pepenella — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:08:11 -0700

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has moved the clock ahead for their August 10 Membership meeting, which will take place at the Holiday Inn Manahawkin beginning at 730 am with networking and breakfast buffet beginning at 8am. Traditionally the meeting is held every month at noon, but with busy summer business schedules; the organization is hoping to add some energy to the start of each attendee's day. In addition to networking and chamber updates, speaker Joe Somers of Merrill Lynch will discuss current market conditions, and the meeting will be honored by US Army Major and Chaplain Tyson Wood.

CH (MAJ) Wood is recently back from his second deployment in Iraq where he served as Brigade Chaplain for the 1st Aviation Cavalry Brigade assigned to Multi-National Division-Baghdad (later renamed United States Division-Center). He will present a flag that was flown over Iraq in a Black Hawk Helicopter assigned to the 1st Calvary Division's Aviation Brigade to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. CH (MAJ) Wood states " My reason for presenting a flag to the Chamber stems from seeing an LBI flag that was flown in Vietnam hanging in the Chamber for many years. That flag hung even when it was not popular to support our nation's efforts in the Vietnam War. LBI is a wonderful place to call home or to vacation and the person responsible for hanging the LBI flag in the chamber back then knew the cost of enjoying this great place. I think of LBI as my home and every time I deploy to defend our great nation I think of LBI. That LBI flag always gave me a sense of pride seeing it in the Chamber office. I thought that if I should ever have to go to war to defend our country, and my home, I would present the Chamber with a similar flag. I hope it inspires others to love and serve their country too." CH (MAJ) Wood and his wife, Jennifer, were raised in Southern Ocean County and are graduates of Southern Regional High School. The Woods and their three children are currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

The cost to attend the breakfast meeting is $20 per person, to reserve our spot at the August Membership Meeting, please call the chamber at 609 494 7211, stop in at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom or register online at visitLBIregion.com.

Still topping the charts, Chowderfest celebrates 22nd year with a blast from the past on October 3

Lori Pepenella — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:57:34 -0700

The stage is set for October 2-3 as Chowderfest Weekend goes retro with Americlam Bandstand.

Serving up the hits for the past 22 years, Chowderfest Weekend brings back memories of good food, fun and friends. Everyone is part of the show as each ticket holder gets to judge which restaurant will be number #1 as the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 2010 Chowderfest Committee prepares for the biggest show of the year which will be taking place on October 2 & 3 and include favorite restaurants including The Sandpiper, Panzone's, Chicken and the Egg, California Grill, Green House, Mud City, Howard's, Country Kettle, Stefanos, Bistro 14, Sweet Jenny's, Black Whale, Buck Tavern, Sea Oaks, Joey's and TGIFridays.

Chowderfest Weekend is held at Taylor Avenue Ball Field in Beach Haven, Rain or shine. Saturday October 2 is Merchant mart, a free open air market, filled with hundreds of bargains, and live entertainment. Sunday, October 3 is the Chowder Cook Off Classic, featuring unlimited red and white chowder tasting, live music from Hawkins Road, costumed characters and plenty of surprises. Chowderfest Tickets are $20 per adult, $10 per child 12 and under. Tickets are on sale for $50, include early entrance and Official T Shirt. All are available at www.visitLBIregion.com by calling 609 494 7211 or visiting the Southern Ocean County Chamber Office 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08005.

The World Famous Chowderfest Weekend is the Jersey Shore's premiere event, drawing thousands from around the country and the globe to take part in this end of summer tradition. Winner of the 2008 NJ Governor Award for Tourism Excellence, this two day festival has something for everyone to enjoy. Can't wait for October, get your chowder on early with the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's third annual Chowder Challenge featuring last year's Chowderfest Participants. The winning challenger who visits and purchases from each of the 2009 restaurants that include Stefano's and California Grill, defending Grand Champions and top contenders Sweet Jenny's, Country Kettle, Chicken or the Egg, Antoinetta's, 217 East Main, Sea Oaks, Dock Road Crab Shack, Black Whale, Howard's, Green House Café, TGI Friday's, Panzone's, Mud City Crab House, Bistro 14 and Joey's Pizza, will receive a chance to win an Apple i PAD. For information on the Chowder Challenge contact the chamber directly.

Social Networking Unplugged

Lori Pepenella — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:22:17 -0700

Enjoy the summer and get away from the computer for awhile. Get together with friends and family to some of the free events happening on all summer long!

Tuesday Night in July and August at Long Beach Township Municipal Complex 68th St Brant Beach,
Wednesday Night, Concerts on the Green at Veterans Bicentennial Park in Beach Haven from June through September at 7:30pm or July 14 through August 18 7pm Concerts at Sunset Park on West Salem Ave in Harvey Cedars
Thursday Night Concerts by the Bay 10th Street at Water Front Park in Ship Bottom beginning at 7pm running July 15 through August 19, or Barnegat Light Bayside Concerts West 10th St at the Bay at 7:30pm Friday Night from July through September 6pm at Tuckerton Seaport,
Saturday Night in July and August at Barnegat Township Municipal Dock at 7pm

Take in free shows at Fantasy Island Amusement Park all summer long, with no admission and no fees for parking, this Victorian style amusement park will feature three show times at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 pm running Monday through Friday and has a summer schedule that will include Believe in Magic Show, Celebrate Carousel Wonders, Christmas in July, World of Magic, Surf music by The Following and Reptile World.

Alliance for a Living Ocean

27th & Central Ship Bottom

609 494 7800 http://www.livingocean.org/

Join Aloyisus the Dolphin in an interac;ve shore?themed puppet show designed for ages 6 and younger, but fun for all ages! TIME: 10 am DATES: July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 LOCATION: ALO Headquarters27th St. & Central Ave., Ship Bohom VOLUNTARY DONATION

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Barnegat Light

Every Thurs at 10:00 am at Barnegat Lighthouse Visitors Center, join the Friends of Barnegat Light State Park for free demo on history and re-lighting of Barnegat Lighthouse

Viking VIllage18th Street
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
Phone: 609-494-0113
www.vikingvillage.net

Award winning Behind the Scene Dock Tours every Friday from July-Labor Day beginning at10am; reservations can be made by calling Southern Ocean County Chamber 609 494 7211 Stop in at the famous Viking Village Art & Crafts shows - Aug 1, and Sep 5 - 10am-4'30pm & Antique shows Aug 8 and Sep 19 - 9am-5pm

Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences 120 Long Beach Boulevard
Loveladies, NJ 08008
Phone: 609-494-1241
http://www.lbifoundation.org

Offering: FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE WALKS Fridays, June 25th - July 9th & July 30th - August 27th (no tours July 16th and 23rd) 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. GALLERY EXHIBITIONS National Juried Competition: Digital Works June 24th - July 20th Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Opening Reception: Sunday, June 27th, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Where Oceans Converge July 28th - August 17th Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Opening Reception: Sunday, August 1st, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Member, Student, Faculty Exhibition August 19th - September 6th Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Opening Reception: Friday, August 20th, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 84th Annual International Competition: Photography September 10th - November 1st Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center

431 Rt 9 Lanoka Harbor (609)693-5558 http://www.murraygrove.org/

Grove Gatherings to be held here on the 2nd Wednesday evening of each month. Modeled after English Folk Club style coffeehouses, folks relax in Murray Grove's cozy living room style environment, while performing artists have an attentive and appreciative audience. Most people come early, at 6:00 pm, for an informal potluck supper (BYOB), and socialize while winding down from the stress of the day. Well known artists present their talents from 7:00 pm until about 9:00 pm. $10 donation requested

Save the Dates for Southern Ocean Chamber's Young Professional summer networking

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:56:36 -0700

Successful new group created by Chamber's Business Events Committee extends invitation for business people to come out and mingle on July 12 at TGI Fridays and August 12 at Lakewood BlueClaws

With its eye on business leaders of tomorrow, the Business Events Committee chaired by Chris Schwab of The Van Dyk Group has dedicated itself to creating a forum for emerging leadership in the region. "The Chamber's goal is to involve the next generation of professionals and business owners in the development of new ideas that will help grow business in our area ", states Schwab, Southern Ocean County Chamber Vice President, regarding the Young Professional Networking Group, which held it's first informal networking event at Daddy O this past May.

The committee has appointed Casey Coppinger, Regional Sales Manager of the champion Lakewood BlueClaws to head up this new initiative. She has been working with the chamber to coordinate efforts to help launch the group. "The first event was very exciting bringing dozens of young professionals together for some casual networking and fun to kick off the season," explained Coppinger.

The Young Professional Group consists of business leaders and professionals typically from the age of 21-40, and meets in a social setting. The next event is set for Monday, July 12 at 5:30pm at TGIFriday's on Rt 72 in Manahawkin. There will be a private area for the group, some light refreshments and cash bar available. There is no fee to attend and is open to everyone. For those interested in cross networking on an even wider scope, join Young Professional groups from other area chambers, and head up to the Lakewood BlueClaws for their August 12 Young Professional Speed Networking event. The cost is $15 for a ticket to the game, speed networking and tailgating picnic in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center. It also happens to be Thirsty Thursday with $1 beer specials happening at the stadium. RSVP by contacting Casey at 732-901-7000 x168 or the Southern Ocean County Chamber by emailing lpepenella@sochamber.com

For more information on the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, visit their award winning website at VisitLBIRegion.com, connect on Facebook or Twitter @LBIRegion , stop into their Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom, or call 609 494 7211.

Barnegat Farmer's Market

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:12:56 -0700

Back by popular demand, once again Farmer's from around New Jersey will provide their produce, baked goods, flowers and much more every Thursday starting June 24^th 12pm to 5pm. Gazebo Park municipal lot will be filled with more vendors this year along with some musical entertainment as in the past.

Returning this year will be Krowicki's from New Egypt bringing their variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers, along with Brookville Farms, Sara and Earl Stillwell who also specialize in hanging baskets and floral décor to round out their array of produce. Eckert's Farm who specialize in home grown New Jersey corn and the Lithuanian Bakery who brought a variety of breads, cakes and pastries will again be returning this season. Also expected to return will be High Mountain Foods with their frozen gourmet cheese, pasta, fish and meats and Lori of Babies & Bows who offers a large variety of handmade doll clothes.

The area will be expanded this year with new vendors which include Foulks Farm from Shamong, Original Delancey Street Peanut Co. and Sweet Roses Twisted Lemonade to add more variety for you to enjoy. For more information you can contact the Township Recreation Department at 609-698-0080 x130 or call Ginny from the Barnegat Chamber of Commerce at 609-698-1618.

The best things in life are free; take in summer moments at no charge

Lori Pepenella — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:52:48 -0700

Making more of your free time this summer, add some no cost events to your summer plans when visiting the Long Beach Island of the Jersey Shore

There are many wonderful events and activities to take part in, in addition to world class performances, programs, watersports, restaurants, art galleries, festivals and shopping, but everyone can take in some of the fun, sun and culture in the LBI region without having to open a wallet.

Whether waterfront or on the green, free concerts are taking place almost every night of the week. Live Bands will be performing Tuesday Night in July and August at Long Beach Township Municipal Complex 68th St Brant Beach, Wednesday Night, Concerts on the Green at Veterans Bicentennial Park in Beach Haven from June through September at 7:30pm or July 14 through August 18 7pm Concerts at Sunset Park on West Salem Ave in Harvey Cedars Thursday Night Concerts by the Bay 10th Street at Water Front Park in Ship Bottom beginning at 7pm running July 15 through August 19, or Barnegat Light Bayside Concerts West 10th St at the Bay at 7:30pm Friday Night from July through September 6pm at Tuckerton Seaport, and every Saturday Night in July and August at Barnegat Township Municipal Dock at 7pm

Take in free shows at Fantasy Island Amusement Park all summer long, with no admission and no fees for parking, this Victorian style amusement park will feature three show times at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 pm running Monday through Friday and has a summer schedule that will include Believe in Magic Show, Celebrate Carousel Wonders, Christmas in July, World of Magic, Surf music by The Following and Reptile World.

Saving the green means more than money when you learn from these environmental programs, drop in on July 8 Barnegat Bay Day at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Science is Lovelades, See the majestic AJ Meerwald, NJ's Official Tall ship while it is docked at Centre Street in Beach Haven July 24-27 or take up a journey on the Reclam the Bay Claim trail or flock to the local birding scene with the new Southern Ocean Birding map ( or Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences Science Saturday Program, Family Friendly Nature Walks and special summer exhibits (Birding and clamp trail maps, as well as LBIF Summer Program guides are available at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom)

Catch other events that celebrate summer including, outdoor movies such as Long Beach Township's August 3 Film Night, August 6-7 LBI Life Guard Races N 5th Street Beach in Surf City, August 14 Blue Claw Crab Races with race starting at 11 at Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars

Elevate your free time with some discussion and a peek into New Jersey's past, take in Slide Shows and Talks at 80th Street Fire House in Harvey Cedars at 7pm in July, the New Jersey Museum of Maritime History in Beach Haven is open daily for tours and comprehensive exhibits on the area's coastal heritage, Friday mornings, reserve your space for the free, award winning Behind the Scene Dock Tours at Viking Village in Barnegat Light, See the most extensive gardens that are miles out to see in the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens and or the original lens to the Barnegat Lighthouse at Barnegat Light School House Museum both at 5th St and Central Ave in Barnegat Light or the Beach Haven Musuem on Englside Avenue in Beach Haven. Stop in at the world famous Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center and walk the 1/4 mile jetty from the bay to the ocean.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce invites visitors and residents to patronize local businesses, but also enjoy the many events and activities that have been scheduled by local organizations and municipalities to help enhance your stay and make your summer budget friendly. The chamber operates a visitor center year round Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm and Summer Saturdays until 2pm at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom 609 494 7211 or go online to visitLBIregion.com.

Long Beach Island Named one of the Top Ten Beaches In New Jersey

Lori Pepenella — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:23:26 -0700

LBI announced as a top beach at State of the Shore Media Event. 18 miles of family and fun ranked high in popular poll conducted by New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant.

LBI was extremely proud to claim a top spot among the honored beaches at the Eight Annual State of the Shore Media Event held in Sandy Hook on May 27. On hand to accept the award was Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director and Rick Reynolds, Executive Director of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

Long Beach Island, is a barrier island that can be accessed by Exit 63 on the Garden State Parkway and is home to several oceanfront municipalities including Barnegat Light, who was just recently nominated as one of Arthur Frommer's Coolest Small Towns in America. Several upcoming events are June 4-6 Lighthouse International Film Festival, June 12-13 the Jersey Shore Fine Art Festival and LBIfest.

The poll ran for several months and was promoted through the Chamber and it's Destination Marketing Organization through social media and email campaigns as well as several press releases and chamber membership support. For more information on this award winning location, visit the chamber's 2010 NJ Governor's Award winning website visitLBIregion.com or contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 265 West Ninth St, Ship Bottom 609 494 7211

Top Ten Things You Can Do At The Long Beach Island Region to Enjoy The Unique Jersey Shore

Lori Pepenella — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:23:49 -0700

It has been a long winter, and summer is finally here! LBI Region is features one of a kind events, free activities and classic shore surroundings. Take a look at this list and start planning some memorable moments during Summer 2010

If you think you have experienced all there is down the shore, then the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has to disagree. Representing the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore for over 95 years, the Chamber never runs out of suggestions for visitors looking to do the new and different. Come share our summer with us, and our fall for that matter. Don't forget to bring your camera and stop into our visitor center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom or go to our website visitLBIregion.com, a 2010 New Jersey Governor's Award for Tourism Excellence

Name that bird: download or pick up the brand new Southern Ocean County Birding Map at the chamber's website or visitor center. This gives you places, seasons and species to be on the look out for.

Visit a clam: Follow the ReClam the Bay clam trail and visit upwellers to learn about how growing shellfish is cleaning the bay www.reclamthebay.org

Sail on an historic schooner: AJ Meerwald NJ's classic tall ship is sailing into Beach Haven July 25-27. Enjoy sailings, deck tours and environmental fun facts as she makes Beach Haven her port of call. Want to get married this July, check out NJWedding.com and enter our Tie the Knot on a Tall Ship Contest!

Go Behind the Scenes: Take a Dock Tour at Viking Village, the largest fishing fleet on the Eastern Seaboard. Free tour takes place every Friday morning during the summer, register at Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 609 494 7211

Be part of the Cabaret, as Surflight presents the award winning musical August 17- Sept 4 for matinee and evening performances, call box office for tickets availability and pricing (609) 492-9477.

Become a buccaneer: Join a motley crew of Pirvate Wrestlers, jugglers, musicans and artisians as Historic Barnegat welcomes its annual Pirate's Day celebration happening Rt 9 and East Bay Avenue on September 11 609 698-0080

Bring home a Bass: Register for the 55th Annual Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic and spend the fall earning thousands of dollars in prizes.

Go with the Flow: Thundering Surf Water Park opens the Jersey Shore's first flowhouse featring a double flowrider. 609 492 0869 or thunderingsurfwaterpark.com

Climb Old Barney: The recently re commissioned coastal navigation aid recently hit 151 years of guarding the inlet, there is no admission to visit the beautiful grounds and only a dollar to climb to the top of this working lighthouse at Barnegat Light State Park

Let's all go to the Americlam Band Stand during the 22nd Chowderfest, Sunday October 3 at Bayfront Park Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven. Unlimited chowder tasting at the Chowder Cook off Classic as local restaurants compete to be the King Of Clams. Your ticket gets you two votes, one for red and one for white. Plenty of music, food and fun for everyone from 11am to 4pm. VIP and General Admission tickets are available at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. www.visitLBIregion.com

For more information on these plus hundreds more visit www.visitLBIregion.com or call the Chamber office at 609 494 7211. Some events require tickets, so please contact venues directly.

Success on the Orient Express, 2010 Taste Dinner delivers over $54,000 to local food banks

Lori Pepenella — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:26:03 -0700

Event Co Chairs, Dan Taylor from the Anderson Agency and Chef Ian Smith of Ocean County Vocational School are pleased to announce the overwhelming success of the 2010 Taste of Southern Ocean Hunger Relief dinner. The event raised awareness of local hunger relief efforts along with over $54,000 by bringing together local restaurants, chefs and businesses to present an extraordinary evening to a sold out crowd on April 27 at Sea Oaks Country Club.

The evening began with talented performers of Our Gang singing renditions of popular songs in the cocktail reception area which was transformed into a London Train Station, upon entering the main ball room over 180 guests were greeted by conductors, directing them to a silent auction loaded with gift baskets, certificates and one of a kind items representing local businesses and artists. The highlight of the evening was the multi course dinner prepared by chefs representing restaurants who donated their time and talent to help support the seven local food banks in the region which include the Barnegat Food Pantry, Lacey Food Bank, Ocean Community Church Food Ministry, St Francis Food Pantry, Ken's Kitchen of St Mary's Church, St Stephen's Episcopal Church Food Pantry and the Tuckerton Area Inter-Church Food pantry.

The 2010 Taste Committee would like thank everyone whose commitment helped make this a banner year; especially the featured chefs John Limanni of Alchemy Catering, Allen Menegus of Buckalew's, J. Geoffrey Johnson of Cooper Fish, JB Maschal of Country Kettle, Joe Manfre and Scott Coppa of Grapevine, Dave Syminak of Pinziminio, Lou Smith and Mike Creevy of Sea Oaks, Chuck Ostergren and Rich Reuel of Viking Fresh Off the Hook, Paul Dimm of Scojo's, Gary Lesniak and Ian Smith of Ocean County Vocational School, and Liz Reichard of 217 East Main. Special Acknowledgement to this year's generous sponsors including G Anderson Agency and the Anderson Insurance Agency, New York Life, Group Insurance Solutions, Jersey Shore Magazines, Berry, Sahradnik, Kotzas & Benson, Sysco, and Press Communications. A note of thanks to all businesses who donated silent and live auction items and to Our Gang Players and Sound Master DJ for the evening's entertainment.

For more information on the Taste Dinner and the upcoming 2011 event, contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, go to visitLBIregion.com or call 609 494 7211.

June Wish You Were Here Visitor Newsletter is now online

Lori Pepenella — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:59:50 -0700

Find out why we have proclaimed June Art and Leisure month with a listing of festivals and live performances that will inspire your all summer!

Read online newsletter here

Want to get hitched this summer? Be the lucky couple to win a free wedding ceremony this July

Lori Pepenella — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:19:53 -0700

Romance on the high seas begins with the 2010 Tie the Knot on a Tall Ship Contest, where winners can invite guests to witness this one of a kind ceremony on New Jersey's official tall ship the AJ Meerwald while docked in picturesque Beach Haven

May 12, 2010 - Future 2010 brides and grooms have a chance to enter the contest of a life time, a complimentary wedding ceremony aboard the deck of the legendary tall ship the AJ Meerwald while it is docked in Beach Haven, the Queen City of Long Beach Island New Jersey. This breathtaking opportunity for wedding ceremony or vow renewal will take place on Saturday, July 24 and will include Southern Ocean County chamber members to help make the day memorable. The couple will have their wedding presided over by Deborah C Whitcraft, wedding officant and Mayor Emeritus, as well as having it captured in photo by David Toth Photographer and on video by J & S Video Services. The couple will also receive up to 40 custom invitations provided by Stephanie Somodi of Designing Your Most Inviting Day.

There is no fee to enter, just register online at NJWedding.com before the contest ends on June 15, 2010. The winner will be contacted by NJWedding.com by phone or email in time to make arrangements for their dream day. The Tie the Knot on a Tall Ship is sponsored by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, NJWedding.com, Schooner AJ Meerwald, Museum of NJ Maritime History, ReClam the Bay and New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism in honor of Classic Tall Ship Weekend taking place at the Centre Street Dock July 23-26 and to raise awareness to the region's environmental efforts. For more information or to see photos of last year's winning couple; visit njwedding.com/lbi or contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 609 494 7211.

Chamber show expands to thirty minutes this summer

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:32:43 -0700

How many local Chambers of Commerce have their own half hour TV program? The only one we know of is the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. The project began modestly in July 2009 to introduce vacation home owners, hotel guests, and visitors to the many exciting options they have while in our region, and to encourage them to return. Partially funded by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism through the Destination Marketing Organization, Beyond The Beach contained interviews, cooking segments and promotional announcements for Chowderfest and other Chamber events. Due to its popularity and overwhelming response, the Chamber plans to expand this concept into a full-fledged TV program for Summer 2010.

Beyond the Beach 2010 will present segments about The Beach, The Bay, Mainland Attractions, Boating and Fishing, Food & Drink, Shopping Options, LBI-area Weddings, Kids & Family Stuff, Entertainment, The Arts, Chowderfest, Accommodations, Real Estate, and Health & Fitness. The Chamber will also ask participating members to submit their own ideas for feature segments, and the best ones may be included in the program. Beyond the Beach will air 10 times every day on LBI channel 22 for 14 weeks, from June 29 thru Chowderfest weekend, Oct.3. In addition, Beyond the Beach segments will run on the home page of the Chamber's award winning website, VisitLBIregion.com. The site averages over 30,000 unique visits a month in the summertime.

According to Chamber of Commerce Destination Marketing Director Lori Pepenella, "We are always looking for new and creative ways to promote Chamber events, activities, and members. Michael Paul, the producer of LBI TV, produced several Beyond the Beach TV segments for us last summer that worked out quite well. The feedback was so positive, this year we're inviting all our members to participate. Segments from Beyond the Beach 2009 can be seen at LBITV.com.

"The combination of airing 10 times daily on LBI TV, and "on demand" 24/7 on our website makes Beyond the Beach a very powerful venue for Chamber members' messages. Participants are free to use their Beyond the Beach video clips and photos on their own websites, Facebook and email. Beyond the Beach is a cooperative marketing opportunity where participants share in the costs and benefits. And it's affordable for business of all sizes" added Rick Reynolds, Executive Director of the Chamber. Beyond the Beach 2010 will be produced by long time Chamber member Michael Paul & Associates. MP&A has a 25-year track record of successful marketing projects for the LBI area, beginning with the Regional Directory in 1985. MP&A has produced LBITV on LBI channel 22 since 2002.

For more information on Beyond the Beach, contact MP&A at 609-294-2111, or the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, 265 W Ninth Street , Ship Bottom, 609 494 7211.

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce announces Young Professional Group

Lori Pepenella — Sun, 02 May 2010 08:26:31 -0700

Join the new Young Professionals group at their first networking event May 26 at Daddy Os

An idea whose time has come is what co-chairs Casey Coppoinger of the Lakewood BlueClaws and Skye Gibson of Merrill Lynch and chamber board member; bought to the Business Event Committee this past March. Citing the need for the emerging leaders to meet, mingle and share resources, the Young Professional group will begin to evolve as the newest group to represent the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

"A fun evening has been planned," says Coppoinger, "just to bring people out for a great time, to get to know each other. There is no cover charge to attend, cash bar and some light hor d oerves have been arranged." The event will be held May 26 beginning at 5:30 at Daddy Os Bar/Restaurant in Brant Beach. An RSVP would be appreciated to the chamber office by calling 609 494 7211 or via email to lpepenella@sochamber.com.

The Young Professionals range in age from 21 to 40, and is open to every business who would like to get their staff involved with networking, and representing their company on a different level. For more information about the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce visit their office at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom or go to visitLBIregion.com.
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Rock the Vote for LBI and Barnegat Light!

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:30:35 -0700

It is coming down to the wire for top ranking and national recognition. Arthur Frommer's Coolest Small Towns and NJ Top Ten Beaches up for grabs.

Barnegat Light is the only New Jersey Town to be in the running for Arthur Frommer Travel Magazine's Coolest Small Town in America. With the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse, Viking Village and their fishing fleet, beautiful beaches, architecture and great places to eat, shop and stay it is easy to see why Barnegat Light was nominated. Voting closes on May 9; so please go online http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/CST2010.html.

The 3rd Annual New Jersey's Top 10 Beaches Survey, will rate LBI and the 47 other shore communities. Last year, LBI won for best family vacation and #2 best beach overall. Vote online at www.njtoptenbeaches.org .

For more information on the Long Beach Island Region, visit the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce online at www.visitlbiregion.com or in person at 265 West Ninth Street Ship Bottom NJ.