The world was a very different place in 1914, but the founders of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce had the foresight to establish an organization that would represent the business community locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Since its early years as the Long Beach Island Board of Trade, the businesses of the area has gathered to support innovate initiatives that help bring commerce into the region. Our Chamber’s mission is to foster positive growth, while enhancing life for visitors and residents alike.

Dating back to May 1914, businesses saw the need to work together to provide the best possible environment to all who come to our shores. Our organization brings business people together to make great things happen. The determination of local business leadership has made a remarkable impact on shaping our region, including responsible growth of infrastructure from schools, roads, and the introduction of automobile bridges in 1914 and 1959. From creating the first tourism promotional brochures in 1938, opening the doors to its visitor center in 1942, creating Miss Magic Long Beach Island in 1958, starting Chowderfest in 1989, going online with the area’s premiere information website in 1996, to planning the first Wedding Road Show in 2009, which has rebranded the region as a wedding destination over the course of the past decade.

In 2010, the Chamber of Commerce was first to champion the Shop Small Saturday Movement to its members, which has now grown Thanksgiving Weekend demand substantially. In 2014, it became a globally accredited Destination Marketing and Management Organization, one of 200 across the world. In 2017, it partnered with the Office of Homeland Security to bring the first Hometown Security Seminar for businesses in time for the busy summer season and also created the first POP UP chamber meetings to showcase vacant commercial space. In 2018, it established the first brew trail in the state as well as became a Trusted Google Verifier to help our members stand out.

The 105 committee has created special #thrivein105 events throughout the anniversary year. Members of the 105 Anniversary Committee are: Chelsea Kulp Shore Brake Cyclery, Jonathan Giglio, Giglio Awning, Dawn Simon of Swing Graphics, Peter Sullivan, Breakerzine, Erik Stromborn of Beasley Media Group, Jennifer Quinn of The Wireless Experience/Fantasy Island.

Lori Pepenella