Ambassadors
Greater Atlantic City Chamber Ambassadors
What is the purpose of the Ambassadors?
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber Ambassadors are a volunteer group of recognized professionals who interact with fellow Chamber members in an effort help them maximize their membership. They are one of the first points of contact for all new members. As a representative of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, ensuring that new and current members have a great experience is the primary role of an Ambassador.
What does an Ambassador do?
Ambassadors are volunteers who help promote the the Greater Atlantic City Chamber business community and support chamber functions. Projecting a positive image, assisting with volunteer roles at events, and reaching out to welcome new members are among the primary activities of an Ambassador. Examples of Ambassador tasks include: calling or visiting with a new member over coffee, inviting members to events, assisting with the event registration table or greeting attendees, and holding the ribbon at ribbon cuttings.
Why become an Ambassador?
Being an Ambassador is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to increase visibility for you and your business. The most important role is to adopt new members and help onboard them to the Greater Atlantic City Chamber and its benefits. This is also an exceptional way to build business relationships with members. And, because the role includes volunteering at events, you’ll often be seen in the published photos, have the distinguished role of introducing members to each other, and celebrate with new and expanding businesses at their ribbon cuttings. If you plan on attending events anyway, or have been wanting to build your business contacts, being an Ambassador just makes sense.
What is expected of an Ambassador?
- Complete and return the Ambassador application
- Meet once per month as a committee
- Adopt new members and complete a welcome checklist
- Volunteer at chamber events
- Obtain at least one donated gift that can be used as a giveaway at a Chamber event
- Stay well informed about the Chamber’s benefits and services
Meet Our Ambassadors
Clem Thomas
Owner & Founder, Versutia Solutions
Founder and owner of Versutia Solutions since 2006. Growing up in Galloway Twp, NJ, Clem is a 2003 graduate of Drexel University in Philadelphia. He currently resides in Mays Landing with his wife Eileen and two children. Clem spends his personal time volunteering for his community, serves as a Lieutenant & Rescue/Recovery Diver for the Township of Hamilton Dive Team and also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Mays Landing Fire Department.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining the Chamber?
“If you’re going to join just to add your name to the chamber roster, fine, go ahead, we appreciate the donation. However, don’t expect a return on that ‘investment.’ Joining is simply step one, but if you really want to see a return, then you need to engage. You need to come out and meet other businesses owners. I always tell people that: “People do business with people they like” – that is what networking is all about. People can’t grow to like you because you appear on a chamber membership list. They grow to like you because they’ve sat and talked with you, and have developed rapport with you, and feel that you will take care of their need properly with whatever product or service you are offering.”
Contact Clem: clem@versutiasolutions.com | 609.778.4600 ext.103
Daren Perone
Director of Business Development, SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City
Daren has been a member of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce since relocating here in 1984. He was the Owner/Operator of Triangle Reprocenter in Atlantic City until 2004, and The UPS Business Center in the Atlantic City Convention Center until 2014. He has been with SERVPRO for 5 years, and handles all of the Business Development and Marketing services for his territory. SERVPRO is an emergency services businesses,and Daren takes pride in helping homeowners and business owners get their properties back to normal in a safe, efficient, and time sensitive manner. Daren lives in Mays Landing and has 2 children that are both married – Son John Daren who lives in New York, and Daughter Nini, who lives in Rhode Island, and just became a Mom, making Daren a Grandfather for the 1st time. Daren is active as a Spinning Instructor at several local fitness centers, enjoys traveling to visit his children, and is active in many local groups and organizations as a volunteer.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining the Chamber?
“Daren believes that it is our Civic Duty to be a member of your local Chamber and get involved in a reciprocal fashion…to return the favor of business and friendships made over the years is both paramount and gratifying. The AC Chamber has benefiited everyone in some way,and the number of contacts and friendships he’s made has contributed to his success. The Leadership Team at this local Chamber is second to none,and he encourages people to come out and attend an event. You’ll be surprised what you get out of this group.”
Contact Daren: dperone@servproeggharbor.com | 609.412.4606
Mike Devaney
Owner, Calico Promotional Products
Mike is the owner of Calico Promotional Products serving the Business Community since 1976. He has been a member of The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce for five years and has represented the Chamber as an ambassador for the past three years.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining the Chamber?
I cannot stress enough the importance of the connections made by networking with fellow business professionals. The Chamber meetings and events offer the perfect atmosphere to make not only these invaluable business connections but also friends. Sharing knowledge and experience with the business community generates insight and avenues for growth that can’t be found anywhere else. My advice is to join.
Contact Mike: calicoent@verizon.net | 609.641.4654
Rocco Pagano
Rocco Pagano is the founder of Online Profitability. Since 1999 he has impacted people through a mentoring program where he provides guidance on how to grow income while protecting assets.
Rocco believes in the spirit of volunteerism. He has volunteered for several causes growing up in Philadelphia and continues to volunteer in Atlantic County. He believes that the backbone of any great organization is the unwavering commitment of its volunteers.
As a volunteer with the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Rocco has contributed to improving events, communication, and membership efforts.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining the Chamber?
You cannot afford not to be a member of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber. Your membership provides you with the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse range of businesses. It is the responsibility of each Chamber member to maximize those opportunities. Our Ambassador’s take great pride in assisting all members make those important connections.
Contact Rocco: roccojpagano@gmail.com | 609.412.5702
What do our Ambassadors say?
“As a Chamber Ambassador I urge members to be involved and manage their membership for the greatest benefit. I enjoy helping new members get the most out of their experience with the Chamber as well as promote them in a positive way to give the best exposure.”
“With volunteering so much to my local community, I felt it was important to also give back to my business community. I’ve been a member of the AC Chamber for at least 5 years, so I wanted to get more involved. I felt this was a great starting point to help bring more businesses into the chamber which benefits the entire business community.”
Volunteering
If you are interested volunteering your time on any of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber committees,
please contact:
Debbie Walker
Assistant to the President
(609) 513-6688
dwalker@acchamber.com
Connect With Us
PO Box 748
Northfield, NJ 08225
(609) 345-4524
info@acchamber.com