Testimonials

“This is my fifth year as a member.  To me, the greatest benefit is getting to know the other business owners in the Chamber through involvement in committees and monthly meetings.  When I need services or supplies for my restaurant, I call the business owner and I get better deals than if I’d called a stranger.  The other members are always helpful whenever I call them.

I originally joined as a way to help my community.  I’ve hosted Chamber meetings at my establishment and have met many contacts through networking.  I would tell new members, especially those with small businesses, to join a committee or a special interest group.”

-Ted Chang, President, Cathay 22 Restaurant

“Gateway membership has greatly helped me with governmental regulatory issues that affect my business.  Jim provided me with key contacts in state government when I didn’t know who to speak with.  The chamber helps me fight for fair legislation.  The business seminars are also good when I need general information.”

-Edul Daver, President, AcuPowder International

“I always try to partake in the special offers provided by the Affinity Partners.  I also make discounts available to other members through the Chamber Connection.  Much of my business comes from fellow Chamber members.  I’d rather do business with a Chamber member than an unknown entity.

I first joined in the mid-eighties.  I didn’t participate very much and eventually let my membership lapse.  I rejoined in 1990, but this time I made an effort to get involved.  I joined a committee, attended the networking events, and volunteered my services.  I made friends and customers, and eventually I chaired a committee, became a board member, a member of the executive committee, and Chairman of the Board.

It is important to understand that the benefits you will get out of membership depend on the effort you put in.  You can’t just join and then sit by the phone and wait for orders.  When you create a presence, your business will increase.”

-Chazz Collette, President, CMC Printing Graphics Communications

“Our association with the Chamber has been extremely rewarding.  The combination of innovative marketing programs as well as networking opportunities has helped our business grow.  We get direct business through exposure the Chamber has given us, and it has opened doors.

The cost of membership is the best bargain out there.  The savings with the Affinity Programs alone can pay for membership.  Chamber membership is a very proactive way to help companies grow their business.  We’ve been a member since 1992, and it’s rewarded us many times over.”

-Ian M. Grusd, CCIM, Principal, Re/Max Commercial Real Estate, LLC

“Membership in the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce is valuable to Comcast in many ways.  First, it provides an outstanding forum through which we can communicate with the business community and with local, state, and federal officials.  Second, the Chamber’s advocacy on issues of importance to the business community helps create an environment where businesses can succeed.  Third, the Gateway Chamber provides a wide range of resources that are beneficial for both new and established businesses.”

-Pete Lyden, VP Public Affairs, Comcast

“We’ve realized significant cost savings through the Chamber’s Affinity Programs.  The events are a great networking opportunity to meet other businesses.  And, in the political arena, we have the opportunity to hear about key issues that affect our business so we know what’s going on.  You can’t afford not to join the Gateway Chamber.”

-Andrea Karsian, Vice President, Toresco Enterprises, (automobile dealerships)

“Membership allows you to be engaged with the business community at all levels.”

-Bill Sanders, Executive Director, Portraits of Patriots

“The Gateway Chamber of Commerce has been a wonderful source of new friends, new clients and interesting programs for our firm. The Chamber owes a great debt of gratitude to its highly professional staff, and the dedicated members of the Board of Directors, who dedicate a considerable amount of volunteer time to its activities. Our firm is proud to be associated with the Chamber, and I am particularly gratified to be this year's Chairman.”

-Frank Ferruggia, Partner, McCarter & English

“In my many years in business I have worked closely with many organizations, but never have I experienced the strong sense of commitment to my professional needs that The Gateway Chamber of Commerce has consistently performed for me. Jim Coyle and his entire staff have ‘raised the bar’ when it comes to measuring service providers. They have always made me feel as though I was the most important member of the chamber and offered advice and guidance in both business and personal matters. I will always credit a large part of the successful launching of my business to my association with The Gateway Chamber of Commerce.”

-Eric B. Segal, President/CEO, Security Business Solutions        

“Being part of the Gateway Chamber of Commerce is an invaluable business resource.   My experience over the past year has been extremely positive.  With such a large collection of companies in the Chamber, the networking possibilities and business opportunities are vast.  The selection of business-related seminars is more than sufficient.  Jim Coyle's staff is prompt, courteous, and professional.  As far as I am concerned, it's a win-win-win situation; me, FEDEX and the Chamber.” 

-Tom Peitz, FEDEX Corp.

“I have been fortunate to have been selected as an Affinity Partner in conjunction with the Chamber and have witnessed Jim in action.  His drive and focus have produced valuable assets for the Chamber membership, have resulted in explosive growth and have benefited all of the participants.  We at Grinspec value Jim's professionalism and friendship and hope to continue assisting him in expanding the Chamber to new heights.” 

-Bob Gutterman, Grinspec of New Jersey 

“The Chamber has proved time and time again to be a great networking tool. We don't just get new business from our membership we make new friends.”

-Linda Hundley, LJ Engraving & Signs

“As one of the largest businesses in Union County, Schering-Plough is proud to be a part of the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce.  We recognize the importance of relationship building among businesses in the area and we have found for many years that the Gateway Chamber has served as a primary conduit between our company and the broader business community in Union County and beyond.  The first rate quality of the Chamber staff has made the organization highly effective in it efforts to further the common goals of Union County businesses.”

-Joseph Starkey, Schering-Plough Corporation

“Through the Chamber I have not only been able to see myself grow personally, but by meeting the people behind the driving forces of economic progress in our region, I have also been able to grow my business. I have been able to successfully bridge the gap between technology and the business community needs. Finally, whenever I am in need of any services, I naturally try to think of which Chamber member could best provide me with the necessary assistance. I would not think of doing business with anyone else if the service can be provided within the Chamber, and as large as the Chamber is, that situation seldom arises.  In short, my experience with the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce has been wonderful, and I'm glad to be a part of it!”

-Rob Leslie, Computer Solutions Unlimited

“The Occupational Center has been a member of the Chamber for over seven years. As a non-profit community based agency serving disabled citizens the Gateway Chamber has created valued added services to help us strengthen our business which is helping people.”

“The impressive savings I got on my auto insurance through Gateway's Affiliate deal almost paid for my membership itself ! Add to that new business and viable connections, and membership in this chamber is simply a no brainer. It's far and away the best investment I've made this year!”

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