Celebrating 40 Years of Service to the Business Community

The Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1964 through the efforts of Fred Adams, Fred Buntenbach, Carl Fleming, Joe Ostrower, Vince and Peter Ricciordone, Ed Schlatter, Clyde Scott, Bill Short, Claire Steimling, Nick Venezia and others. It was established for the community to give business the special sevices it needed and to utilize business expertise in community development. The small group of business, professional and civic leaders had the help of Ed Trio as organizing chairman and Winfield Finn as organizing secretary.

As the group developed, the assistance of Mayor Walter Zirpolo was sought. Professional Chamber of Commerce managers were brought in to provide expert advise. Pledges of support were made, officers elected and the chamber was moving toward reality. Bill Short was elected the first president. As a visionary, Bill saw the value of a chamber and stated, “Your chamber is here to stay and is going forth in greater service, daily, to our community and members. It is truly the Mainstream of Progress.” This statement sums up the past, present and future of the Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce.

Carl Fleming served as Chair of the first selection committee charged with the task of finding the new chamber’s first executive. Roger Johnson was selected as the chamber’s first professional executive vice-president and began work on February 15, 1965.

After securing office space, a program of action was developed which would ensure the growth of membership. At that time progress was measured daily. With the help of dedicated members, the chamber grew from a bare office to one fully staffed and equipped. The chamber continued to expand with valuable programs, seminars and service provided to the community.

In 1971, the Board of Directors launched a program to help the disadvantaged. Administration of the National Alliance of Businessmen became the responsibility of the chamber. After thirty-four months, twelve thousand persons found meaningful jobs. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized the special efforts of various committees and programs of the Woodbridge Chamber and the National Alliance of Businessmen used someprogram as models.

In 1991, the chamber founded the Woodbridge Township Education Foundation, Inc., to foster a commitment by the business community to the school district. Mini grants, a Nature Trail, mentoring,“Business & kids” partnerships and the Excellence in Education program recognizing teachers and support staff, are but few of the many programs supported by the Foundation.

As we begin our 40th year, we look back on all the accomplishments of our chamber and renew our commitment tothe community. As the leading business organization in the community, we will continue to meet the challenge of providing a strong voice for issues concerning our members and in the economic growth and development of Woodbridge Township.

With your help, we will continue to serve the Woodbridge Metropolitan area with all the resources available, thereby ensuring that your chamber will carry to fruition our motto, Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce – The Mainstream of Progress.

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