A Heartfelt Thank You….

It is with mixed emotions and heartfelt thanks that I write my last column as President and CEO with the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce. Just in case the grapevine has not made it to your business door… I have accepted a new position as the Assistant Commissioner for Economic Growth and Green Energy with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. I would like to dedicate this last column to all of you who have made the last 6+ years at the Chamber absolutely fabulous and an experience that has well positioned me to accept my new responsibilities.

To our Board of Directors- thank you for allowing me the chance to serve as the Chamber Executive and steer our Chamber forward. You have ALWAYS given me the discretion and power to consider new initiatives and implement new programs. Over 5 years ago we rebranded our Chamber, said that we would “best connect Chamber members with the resources and opportunities they need to realize their goals” and I truly believe we do that every day. Your guidance and support have enabled me to be a strong leader and advocate for our business community. Together we have framed our Chamber as a model of vision, innovation and best practices… an outstanding organization that our members can truly feel proud to be part of. A special thank you to Tim Losch, Don Loff, Jeff Perlman and Sherise Ritter- your leadership as Chairs of our Chamber has transformed this organization and personally has helped me to develop into the leader I am today.

To our membership- thank you for the privilege of being your advocate. Each and every day I worked on making connections for you, whether individually, or as a collective business community. I take pride in the momentum in our Chamber and the fact that we can be action oriented, but have fun too! From the array of volunteers, interns, Committee and Chapter Chairs to the thousands of participants in our events and programs- I hope that you have, and continue to, benefit as much as I have from our relationships and all that the Chamber has to offer. Always remember that “connections” are the key and our Chamber is THE PLACE to make connections that will last a lifetime.

To our staff- Liz, Joe, Janell, Jude, Orsola, Belinda, Alysia and Jillian…what a team!!! Our Chamber’s mission is carried out by each and every one of you day in and day out….and you do it with passion, conviction and an overwhelming sense of pride. Thank you for all of the great brainstorming, teamwork and fun. I have learned so much from each of you! Together we did some amazing things and our membership is so very fortunate to have each of you on their team. I know you all will take this Chamber to the next level and that you will remember what we always said about “success”…. :) A special “shout out” to Liz, my true right hand- I have never experienced such synergy with anyone before as I have experienced with you. You are the BEST!!

So- from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for the opportunity to “connect” to each and every one of you!!! Don’t be strangers. I am just around the corner in Trenton working hard at fulfilling my personal mission of making our home, New Jersey, strong and sustainable for us all.

Reflecting on a great experience, acknowledging great people and looking forward to taking the next step toward reclaiming NJ’s rightful spot as the #1 place to do business...what could be better!

MRCC…Get Connected. Get Results