CHAMBER CONNECTION

June/July 2008

Welcome New Members:

    Baumgart’s Cafe

   Business Strategies Group, LLC

    Elite Wines & Liquors

   Law Offices of James D. Toll, LLC

July 2008    

July 10 – Networking Breakfast

July 29 –Newark Bears Family Night

Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce

25 S. Livingston Ave., 2^nd Fl, Suite E

Livingston, NJ 07039

Phone:

(973) 992-4343

Fax:

(973) 992-8024

E-mail:

info@livingstonchambernj.com

We’re on the Web!

www.livingstonchambernj.com

July Networking Breakfast

Summer Entertaining

Sponsored by:

     Join us at the July 10^th Networking Breakfast and become a better summer host with this very special presentation by our Breakfast Sponsor, Wine Legend.  Carol Berman, Director of Wine Education for Wine Legend, will discuss which wines are appropriate with grilled fare, suitable wines for wedding parties and other such occasions as well as what to serve at your large backyard gathering or small dinner party.

     The Monthly Networking Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM and is held at Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club, 100 Walnut Street in Livingston.  LACC Members $10, Non Members $15.  A continental breakfast is served.  

Newark Bears Family Night

July 29^th!

     It’s okay to mix business with pleasure!  Combine some great networking with family time at our second annual Newark Bears Family Night.  Join us on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 6:00 PM for a two hour all you can eat buffet in the Riverfront Stadium Prudential Picnic Den.  See the Newark Bears vs. the York Revolution starting at 7:05 PM.  Bring family, friends, clients or guests and enjoy some great summer fun at this beautiful ball park. 

     Only $15 for LACC Members and their guests.  Non-members may attend for $25 per person.  To register or for more information contact the Chamber office.  Giveaways provided by Valley National Bank.  This event is sponsored by:

www.thewilshiregrandhotel.com

LACC Directory of Members

Almost Complete

     The 2008/2009 Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce Directory of Members is at the printer!  Directories should be completed and distributed within the next few weeks.  To avoid deletion of your business listing before the final printing, make sure your 2008 Membership Dues have been paid.  If you are unsure if you paid your dues, simply email or call the Chamber and we will let you know right away.

New Jersey Chamber News

     Visit www.njchamber.com to view the New Paid Leave Law Q & A Fact Sheet. While you are there check out the Everything Jersey: Business-Statewide Conference & Expo.  The event is on October 28, 2008 at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset.  View the many packages offered to see if one suits your business needs. 

Market Your Business in a

Sluggish Economy

     Whether you believe that the economy is beginning to recover depends on to whom you listen and how the current economy directly affects your business.  If economic sluggishness is making you nervous as a small business owner, plan a more aggressive approach to sales and marketing. 

     While you always want your products or services to meet the needs of the customers, this designation becomes more significant in a sluggish economy as the purchase of “luxury” items declines.  Therefore, if your product is not considered a necessity, you need to market it as important to your customer as possible.  You need to solve a problem, satisfy a need, or make life easier in a cost-effective manner. 

     You should also build a marketing plan of customer support.  “Going the extra mile” is a cliché, but it’s necessary to extend yourself and your business to meet thoroughly your customers’ needs.  This means stepping up customer service and communicating regularly with customers through newsletters, emails, and mailings.  Don’t oversaturate your marketing campaign with product features, but stick closely to how your product or services are helpful and cost-effective.  More than ever you want to maintain your relationship with existing customers who will be there when the economy takes an upturn. 

     In addition, find solutions to problems in your community. You can market yourself effectively and show your concern by getting involved in community activities, particularly those where spending has been cut.  For example, sponsor activities or donate supplies to an after-school program or event in your neighborhood.

     During a slow economy people are also seeking reasons to feel good.  Provide them with attractive offerings, both in appearance and in value.  Use creativity to meet their needs while making them smile and relieving stress.  A marketing campaign that uplifts its potential customers can differentiate itself from products that are otherwise the same.  Remember, not only do you want the customers to buy what they need, but you want them to have a reason to buy it from you.

                                         - www.allbusiness.com

The Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce is successful, primarily because its volunteer committee members bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the many Chamber programs and activities during the year.

Whatever your interests, you can find challenging opportunities for community involvement by working as a volunteer member of the chamber.

Make a difference...

get involved!