Start 2024 With Business Meeting of the Year

Those doing business in Southern Ocean County can start the year hearing the latest updates, learning more about one of the state's fastest growing industries and network over a full breakfast on Tuesday January 16, 2024. The Southern Ocean Chamber hosts their 110th Annual Chamber Breakfast at The Mainland in Manahawkin.  Invited speakers include representatives from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners as well as an updated Business & Tourism Report from Director Sandra Lazzaro.  Attendees will learn the details of the financial benefits of on location film projects  from Elizabeth Parchment, Director of Marketing  of the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission which falls under the New Jersey Department of State’s Business Action Center. The Commission continues to lead the way of an industry with overall in-state production spending from filmmaking exceeding  $650 million dollars in the past year. Assistant services, catering, transportation, and accommodations are just a few of the local small businesses that could benefit. 

The NJ Film industry created over 8500 jobs in 2022 with more expected as major studios are opening throughout the state.  The Commission is looking for a wide array of residential, commercial, municipal and state properties that might attract a producer’s attention – from  marinas, warehouses to condos, neighborhood eating spots to historic landmarks, newly built homes to rustic farm houses – all properties are valuable in attracting productions to our region.  Attendees will learn how incentives as well as Film Ready programs that have recently launched with much success to regional economies. 

The Chamber will also welcome in the 2024 board of directors, including the new slate of  officers President Jerry Thompson, The Van Dyk Group, Vice President Elizabeth Giglio Barlow, GMC, Second Vice President Carol Holmes, HVI, and Treasurer Andrea Driscoll  of The Sandpaper. This much anticipated event will begin check in at 8am, with program starting at 845. It will feature networking, program, coffee station, juices, breakfast buffet including applewood bacon, maple sausage, scrambled eggs, housemade waffles, assortment of bagels, pastries, fresh fruit and home fries.  The fee is $35 per person with RSVP to the Southern Ocean Chamber office by contacting Kate@sochamber.com or calling 609.494.7211