The Business Partnership at Work
Our working committees are the engine that drives the success of the Somerset County Business Partnership. They bring together hundreds of volunteers to plan, design, and execute
an extensive menu of programs, activities and member services. The needs of our members drive and guide our committees and assure quality programs that produce tangible results. We invite our members to join one or more of our committees. Take advantage of an opportunity to participate, gain business intelligence and refine leadership skills, while supporting the success of our committees. Your involvement can yield many business benefits. Members may attend any committee meeting, either to share or gain information, or to network with peers or work on tasks. To receive meeting notices, agendas and minutes, simply indicate your choice on the membership
application, or get in touch with the contact people listed below under each Focus Area. See our events calendar for specific meeting dates.
Committees work under each focus area as listed below:
Public Affairs |
Tourism |
Economic & Community Development |
Member Value & Engagement |
Ridewise
develops and advocates public policy and legislative positions that have an impact on the business community. Co-Chairs: Sheila Breeding 908-252-5034 and Jim Laskey, 908-722-0700. Contact Takeena L. Deas to learn more and to sign up for one of these committees:
Environmental Health & Safety Committee conducts programs on pertinent issues as they pertain to economic impact and quality of life. Chair: Ed Seliga, 609-466-4495.
Legislative Affairs Committee serves as the unified voice of business in the local, state and federal legislative process and provides members the opportunity to influence policymakers. Co-Chairs: Sheila Breeding 908-252-5034 and John Donnadio 609-278-3911. Contact: Takeena L. Deas, 908-218-4300 Ext. 28.
Shared Services Coordinating Council saved taxpayers nearly $13.7 million in 2005 through a collaboration of county, municipal and school representatives from 19
member towns, 20 member school districts, Raritan Valley Community College, Vo-Tech and Somerset County Educational Services Commission. Contact: Peter Wright, 908-218-4300 Ext. 11.
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promotes the county as a destination featuring community events or points of interest. Chair: Jason Reader, 732-509-4501. Contact Kimberly Winters to learn more and to sign up for one of these committees:
Culinary Invitational (October) conducts an open-to-the-public fundraiser event for the Business Partnership and member non-profit organizations; at the same time showcasing area restaurants, caterers, vineyards and beverage distributors.
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leads efforts to ensure that smart growth programs/initiatives create economic vitality for Somerset County businesses and communities. This Chamber focuses upon business retention, expansion, and attraction; smart targeted development; infrastructure investment; workforce development; and our One Stop Center for Business and Municipal Assistance. Co-Chairs: Freeholder Rick Fontana, 908-231-7030 and Tim Comerford, 973-430-6458. Contact John Maddocks.
Program Priorities
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oversees the implementation of business development programs that benefit members. Chair: David Wolfskehl. Contact Diana Sieberg or Bob Lantelme to learn more and to sign up for one of these committees:
Attraction/Retention Committee promotes Business Partnership membership and services to the business community.
Events Committee provides quality control for all BP events to ensure that our programs
maintain high quality standards in keeping with our BP branding and run consistent with
our mission. Co-Chairs: Rich Reitman, 908-526-1390 and Rose Evans, 908-755-2401.
Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon Committee raises awareness among our members and investors about organizational accomplishments and returns on investment, acknowledges new directors and officers, and provides a business social opportunity. Awards recognize businesses and individuals from member companies and entrepreneurial students for outstanding business achievements.
Business Card Exchange Committee coordinates monthly after-hours networking opportunities for members and guests to expand business development. Chair: Richard Canter
Citizen of the Year/Quality of Life Committee seeks nominations and selects individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and displayed a heartfelt sense of devotion to volunteering for the enhancement of the quality of life in Somerset.
Golf Outing Committee produces a business/social event and provides marketing
opportunities for members. Chair: Rich Jack
Marketing and Communications Committee develops strategies, guidelines and policies for disseminating information to members and the Somerset County community. Chair: Beverly Rossi
Website Committee analyzes the Business Partnership website and develops recommendations for improvement, determines the focus of the website and how to ensure that the needs of visitors are met, sets guidelines for content, quality control and advertising, explores ways to drive more people to the website. Chair: Rich Jack
Educational Forums Committee plans “how to grow business” educational programs designed to appeal to small and mid-size businesses.
Tax, Banking and Finance conducts three to four forums annually where professional peers network and discuss best business practices and latest developments in the financial services field. Chair: Daniel Gibson, 908-218-5002.
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promotes ridesharing, vanpooling, mass transit options and other alternatives to the use of single occupancy vehicles for commutation. Contact Donna Allison or call 908-704-1011. Chair: Donna LoStocco.
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