Atlantic City, NJ – January 30, 2023 – The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, Brigantine Chamber of Commerce, Margate Business Association, and Somers Point Business Association are proud to announce the formation of the Affiliated Business Associations (ABA) of Atlantic County.
The purpose of the ABA is to bring together the local business associations under one name to provide information, updates, and a coordinated calendar. Under the ABA, each business association retains its local identity and membership but has access to more regional information through collaborative efforts.
“The Affiliated Business Association of Atlantic County (ABA) paves the way for a more productive and organized collaboration on initiatives that are important to our businesses and to our region,” according to Michael Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber.
The partnership is a model that enhances and expands regional capabilities and opportunities for economic development among local chambers – and allows for the successful promotion of business associations in the entire Atlantic County region, Chait said.
Ken Schaffer, immediate past president of the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce, said, “There’s strength in numbers, and by combining resources, ideas, and simply opening the channels of communication between local business associations, it’s a win-win for all.”
“Creating the Affiliated Business Associations of Atlantic County is such a great concept as an extension of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. Michael Chait is very proactive and innovative in helping raise the bar for all businesses in the region,” Schaffer said.
Each business association is unique to its respective areas, which makes the ABA an important tool for advocacy, networking, and special events, Schaffer also said.
While local chambers and membership-driven business associations provide events throughout the county each year, there has never been an organized calendar of the events and dates for each organization.
Schaffer said many local business and community events happen on the same date and time. In the past, those conflicts forced people to choose which event they will attend.
“A benefit is we will be sharing a common calendar, so we don’t have competing community events two miles apart on the same day and time as our neighboring communities,” Schaffer said.
“Many of these events rely on the same pool of attendees and sponsorship support. Collaborating and scheduling accordingly, will complement one another with better scheduling and cross promotions rather than competing as we do now as independent entities,” he said.
Chuck Wescott, board member of the Somers Point Business Association says sharing information between business associations is key to a great relationship among all the businesses in the area.
“The Somers Point Business Association is proud to be a founding member of this new alliance, the Affiliated Business Associations of Atlantic County, and looks forward to sharing, informing, and educating our collective memberships. The opportunity to work collaboratively with the other pro-business organizations in Atlantic County will surely add to our current successes,” Wescott said.
Downbeach businesses also are joining in the collaboration under the ABA.
“Michael Chait and the chamber have done an outstanding job bringing these established associations together to provide a more effective exchange of information, better networking, and a greater unified voice for the business community,” said Anna Maria Blescia-Courter, executive director of the Margate Business Association.
“These are exciting times,” said Maria Sacco Handle, president Brigantine Chamber of Commerce. “We are creating a collaborative environment for regional business leaders to maximize their talents, experiences, and resources for the greater good of Atlantic County.”
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About The Greater Atlantic City Chamber
Since 1914, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber is dedicated to creating a favorable economic climate with meaningful services for the business community. Together we work to foster growth in the region’s economy by creating a better business climate and a higher quality of life.
About Brigantine Chamber of Commerce
The Brigantine Beach Chamber of Commerce has served the Brigantine business community since 1926. As a barrier Island, our unique Chamber plays an intricate role, attracting tourists and creating events that serve the entire island community. In addition, we offer educational opportunities and work closely with our local government, advocating for our businesses and contributing to economic growth for the entire community.
About Margate Business Association
The Margate Business Association creates events, promotes the economic growth and encourages the physical revitalization & welfare of the businesses and Bay District of Margate. This includes the advancement of the Margate Community through local scholarships, providing assistance to local governments, residents, and organizations situated in the City of Margate, the County of Atlantic, and the State of New Jersey.
About Somers Point Business Association
The Somers Point Business Association (SPBA) is an organization that promotes, protects, and supports the development of a strong business environment in Somers Point and the surrounding communities. We have been the Voice of Somers Point Businesses since 1983.