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In this second issue of the Chamber online newsletter, I would like to thank all the members who volunteered for our 4th Annual Chili Cook Off held on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Everyone did a great job representing the Chamber and our County. Kudos to you all and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, June 20 at the Volunteer’s Appreciation Dinner at Carolina Blues, who just happens to be our featured business this month.
Our featured charity is People for People a wonderful organization that is managed by Paul and Bernadette Blackstock and extends a helping hand to anyone in the County who has fallen on bad times and needs that extra boost just to keep their head above water. The Blackstock’s work tirelessly for this County through their involvement with People for People as well as with our Chamber. Please take the time to read about the organization and the amazing things People for People does for the region.
In addition to highlighting members, I hope you find the article on our featured benefit informative. As you know, the Gloucester County Chamber offers its members several amazing benefits. New Hire is one of those benefits for anyone looking to streamline its hiring process. Click here to view all our benefit information.
As we enter the summer months, the Chamber continues its networking events. The next Chamber event is the annual Networking Barbeque, which will be held on August 27, 2009 at the Wedgwood Country Club in Washington Township. The barbeque will be followed by our annual Golf Tournament on September 11, 2009. Click here to check out our calendar of events.
And finally in this second issue of the Gloucester County Chamber’s online newsletter, we offer business tips provided by several of our members and a special article focusing on Facebook.
On behalf of the board, I hope everyone enjoys the warm weather as we enter the dog days of summer. We hope that the information we provide to you will help move your business forward.
Best regards,
Les Vail
Chairman of the Board
Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce
Thought for the month:
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
-Walt Disney
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Genius from a Dorm Room
It started one Tuesday night in 2003 in the college dorm room of Harvard sophomore Mark Zuckerberg and has developed into one of the most popular websites worldwide. With over 200 million users, Facebook has become one of the most visited social networks offering people (and the businesses or causes they represent) the opportunity to keep up with friends and fans, upload pictures and videos, share links, and more. Facebook is on a seemingly successful mission to give people around the world the power to share and connect.
How to Get Started
So how can you and/or your business connect with the millions of other Facebook users? Start by getting your own personal profile or account. Signing up is free and easy. If you don’t have an account, consider signing up today at http://facebook.com. To learn more about the basics of getting started with Facebook, be sure to visit Facebook’s help center and review the “Getting Started Guide”. Also, take some time to review the “Privacy” section where you can learn about the power of Facebook’s privacy settings and how you have the ability to choose who can and can’t see information you post to your personal profile. Facebook makes it fun and safer to share information online but, if you’re a business person, a personal profile is really just a beginning.
Connecting with Pages and Groups
Facebook is more than just a fun website for college kids. It helps you connect with friends and family in meaningful (and some not so meaningful) ways. After you’ve signed up you can quickly find and stay in contact with friends, co-workers, and even old classmates who are already on Facebook. But your personal profile is just one way to connect with your network. Through your personal profile you can also create Pages and groups.
Pages
Facebook describes Pages as: “distinct presences that are optimized to represent a business, and are separate from user profiles. Like profiles, they can be enhanced with applications that help the organization communicate with and engage their fans, and capture new audiences virally through their fans' recommendations to their friends.” To create a page on Facebook visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php.
Anyone can create a Facebook Page that showcases their business or organization and that helps them to interact with fans and customers apart from their personal account. Pages are a smart choice for many businesses seeking to have a presence on this popular social networking site. Through Pages businesses can update fans easily, share pictures and videos, measure page analytics, allow fans and customers to participate in discussions and more.
Groups
While Pages are created to represent businesses and are distinct from personal profiles, groups are better understood as extensions of personal profiles. Groups are directly linked to the group administrator(s) and are created about almost any topic to bring people together to share opinions and information regarding that subject. Unlike Pages, groups are limited to 5000 members, cannot add applications, do not have analytics, and show updates as coming directly from a personal account.
While Pages are generally a better choice for businesses, groups can be very useful for individuals who desire to bring people together to share about a particular subject. Visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/create.php to create your own group on Facebook.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do sign up for your own profile. If you are concerned about your safety on the internet or “old friends” finding you, then make good use your privacy settings. If you are really concerned or just don’t want a personal Facebook account, consider signing up for business account to manage the page(s) you’d like to create.
- Don’t sign up for more than one profile or account.
- Do create a page for your business, update your page with useful information and engaging applications, become a fan of your page and share it with your network.
- Don’t confuse a personal profile for a page. Personal profiles are for people and Pages are for businesses.
- Do remember to keep the social in social networking. Interact with your friends and fans in real and human ways.
- Don’t forget to visit http://facebook.com/samuraivirtualtours and become a fan.
- Anthony Ruiz, Owner, Samurai Virtual Tours
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Follow me on Twitter.
Become a fan of Samurai Virtual Tours on Facebook.
Visit our blog to experience some of our latest 360° images and more.
People for People Foundation was started by the Mullica Hill, Sunrise Rotary Club in 2003. It all came about when Rotary International asked each of the clubs to come up with an ongoing community project as one of the ways to celebrate Rotary’s 100th anniversary.
The Club came up with THE idea of helping people who are normally SELF SUFFICIENT, but for whatever reason have run into hard times. So in February 2003 they had their first planning meeting. In April of that very year the group had incorporated with a 501c3 and helped 25 families in their first couple of months as a foundation. Their goal was to assist 20 families a year. Since 2003, they have actually helped NEARLY 1000 families; a far cry for their initial goal.
People for People aids families with limited GRANTS for SUCH ITEMS AS utilities, car repairs, MEDICINES, food, medical supplies, and other LIFE essentials as well as act as advocates to help THOSE IN NEED find the maximum help possible through other HELP PROVIDER, BOTH TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITION. They help those who do NOT REDIALY QUALIFY FOR TRADITIONAL GOVERNMENT AND CHARITY PROGRAMS AND DO not know where to TURN. They are in the business of lending a hand to people that will have an immediate impact on that person or family’s life.
The Foundation is very well known in Gloucester County and works in conjunction with government agencies, ELECTED OFFICIALS, church GROUPS, service clubs, and fraternal organizations. Below are 2 case studies to give you an idea of how they help.
Case Study I: A father was referred to PfP for help for his son. He had throat cancer which caused him to loose his voice. He needed a man-made voice box, which the family could not afford. People for People went into action. They contacted and work with other organizations and philanthropic individuals to raise the money needed to provide the gift of voice once again to this man’s son.
Case Study II: A young family’s baby had a serious illness. In order to stay alive and be healthy, this baby needed special formula. The family’s health insurance would not kick in for 30 days and the family could not afford this very special formula at a cost of $ 220.00 / week. PfP, as well as others, purchased enough formula for this family until their own health insurance was available to cover the costs.
Executive Director, Bernadette Blackstock, said the goals of the foundation are to continue their growth to help more people in Gloucester County and increase their staff to 2 full time intake people to expand their reach.
As A 501c3 organization, People for People does not rely on any government funding or receive funds from large charities such as the United Way. Their funds come entirely from charitable donations from local businesses and individuals that want to help and are always looking for ongoing financial support.
The Board of Directors has come up with the idea of the 200 + Club as a means of providing ongoing income. They are seeking 200 +companies (both large & small) to donate only $ 200.00 per year. For membership into this 200 + club a business gets:
- name listed on website (5000 hits/ month)
- name IN Ad in Gloucester Times AS A 200 PLUS MEMBER (end of month)
- NAME OF BUSINESS ON ALL PFP EVENT PROGRAMS
For more information about People for People, visit their website; www.pfpfoundation.org.
- Susan Freiberg, Proforma ABF Direct
This Chamber Benefit is worth almost $2,000.00
From now until December 31, 2009, all Chamber members can take advantage of this important Chamber benefit by using the “NewHire™” web based employee application recruiting program. With unemployment as high as it is, the time has never been better to find those special employees you have always been looking for at a cost you can afford!
In the last few weeks there have been many, many articles in the business press about recruiting, all having a common theme: businesses are soon going to be in the market looking for new and replacement employees. In the Wall Street Journal of May 11th and the Economist reporters focused on the effect of higher unemployment on the number of very qualified candidates applying for jobs. Even Career Builder is seeing over 100 views per hour for newly posted administrative jobs! With the Chamber benefit, you should be looking now before everyone jumps on the bandwagon!
What is the Chamber benefit? You can use the NewHire™ web based employee application free until December 31, 2009. FREE! That means you can have all the benefits of the NewHire™ software process that will help you find better qualified and better quality employees for your business. The GCCC has been promoting and pushing this benefit all year and even with the poor economy, you should at least find out NOW what this benefit is and how you can use it when you are ready. Or should you be ready now. Remember, you do not have to hire anyone now but take advantage and see who is out there that could really, really help your business organization!
To get a better understanding on exactly how this will work for you, call Stevan Wolf, the NewHire™ Sales Representative at 856-456-0277 and see if now is the time to use the very valuable Chamber benefit. If you do, you can save exactly $1,996.00 in recruiting costs by the end of the year. Not a bad savings! |
Featured Chamber
Business Member
While it’s true that Carolina Blue features some of the best championship quality BBQ you have ever tasted, the menu is decidedly classic American with a contemporary flair. Their fish, steaks and chops are lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection to showcase the amazing flavor and quality of each item. They also offer an extensive selection of innovative appetizers and hearty sandwiches.
What’s their secret to such great BBQ? A lot has to do with the “smoker” that came from Old Hickory Pits in Missouri. The staff at Carolina Blue uses local peach wood from Maccherone Farms to achieve their signature smoke flavor. Be sure to look for the distinct pinkish ring around the edge of our smoked selections. This is a unique characteristic of the smoking process called the “Smoke Ring”. The appearance of which lets the customers know that their food is cooked to perfection.
Dinner guests seated in the outdoor deck and bar area are treated to a mouth-watering aroma that will surely influence their menu selections. Add a raw bar by a fire pit, live entertainment, and the most eclectic beer and wine selection in South Jersey, and even a take-out liquor store, and you have the ideal place to enjoy a summer evening, any day of the week.
Located on Holly Avenue and Lambs Road in Pitman, Carolina Blue Smokehouse and Taproom is a great dining experience. Open Monday to Friday at 2:00 PM, and 12:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, Carolina Blue invites Gloucester County Chamber members to stop by on your way to a shore weekend, or any day of the week.
- Steve Graham, Graham Communications
Did You Know?
Environment Corner
For homes with septic systems, you should have your septic tank pumped out EVERY 18 – 24 months to prevent potentially very expensive repairs, remediation’s or replacements. For homes with 3 or more bedrooms and more than 4 people living in the house, you will need more frequent pumping. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection doesn’t define “frequent pumping”, but with 40 years of specialized septic experience we have found the 18 – 24 month frequency extremely effective. Click here for more helpful information about your septic system.
Joe Garner - General Manager
English Sewage Disposal
The Functions of the On-Premise Sign
"Why should I have a sign?" is a question often asked by business owners. The answer will vary depending on your business type and format. In a highly impulse oriented business, good signage can be the difference between the success or failure of the business. The profile of your trade area also impacts your signage needs. Good signage can increase a business's opportunity for success.
Signs are the most affordable means of advertising for many businesses, and most businesses -- new or not -- don't have a dollar to waste. The United States Small Business Administration Bulletin Number 101 on signage for businesses says, "...signs are the most effective, yet least expensive form of advertising for the small business." What's more, signs are always on the job for you, advertising 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Click here for more information on the importance of signs.
Chris Painter
Astro Sign Company and Outdoor Advertising, Inc.
"Do It Yourself Collections - Take Advantage of Small Claims Court
The Small Claims Section of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, which has a monetary limit of up to $3,000, in most circumstances permits an authorized officer or employee of a business entity, whether incorporated or not, to prosecute or defend claims without the need for hiring a lawyer. Court Rule 6:11 requires only that the authorized officer or employee of the business not be an attorney who is suspended or disbarred, nor one who has resigned. For information about how to represent yourself in court, click here. Forms and instructions can be obtained by clicking here.
Edward J. Kelleher, Esquire
Archer & Greiner, P.C.
- Carol O'Connor, Time to Design
News & Announcements
FREE Business Card Exchange
July 8th at 8:00 am
Host/Sponsor:
Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea
141 Bridgeton Pike, Store D
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Save the Date!
4th Annual End of Summer Networking BBQ
August 27th at 5:00 pm
$20 Members / $30 Non-Members
Location:
J.G. Cook's Carolina Blue
692 Lambs Road
Mantua, NJ 08051
Register Today!
Sponsorships Available!
4th Annual End of Summer Networking BBQ -
(1) $500.00
7th Annual Golf Tournament -
(2) Silver Sponsor $2,500,
(1) Trophy Sponsor $500.00
Join the Golf Committee
The Chamber is looking for volunteers to help out with the Annual Golf Tournament. If you are interested in joining the 2009 Golf Committee, contact the Chamber office at (856) 881-6560.
The Chamber Connection Staff:
Steve Graham
Alaina Onesti
Carol O’Connor
Laura Steinmetz
Randi Woerner
Anthony Ruiz
Susan Freiberg |
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