The Inn at Ocean Grove

MID-JANUARY 2010

 

FIRST SATURDAY ASBURY PARK...the night to see and be seen

With the New Year upon us, we at the Chamber are challenging ourselves to rejuvenate First Saturday and need your help.  The theme of the next event is Mardi Gras which will be held on  February 6, 2010 from 6 - 10pm.  Here are ten things you can do to promote the event as well as your business.

1.  Download the poster from www.asburyparkchamber.com/firstsat.asp  and hang it in your store

2.  Stock postcards and give them out in shopping bags and with guest checks.  Restaurants could do a huge part if they included a postcard with each guest check. Postcards are available for the coming month in the Passion Group office; they can be picked up anytime Monday - Friday, 8:30-5:00. They will even print a poster for you upon request. (Contact Mike Hollemans @ 732-897-1111 x 103 with questions.)

3.  Use the downloadable artwork to create your own FSAP themed email blast and send it out to your patrons as your weekly email (maybe have a FSAP coupon to track progress).  

4.  Decorate and offer something special that ties into the theme of the month.  (wine & cheese, 20% off, Buy One Get One, etc)  

5.  Formulate your strategy for the upcoming event and then let us know what it is so we can include it in our marketing plan.

6.  Become a facebook fan, spread the word!!!  www.facebook.com/FSasburypark 

7.  Volunteer to help steer the ship, we are looking for more committee members.  In the words of Tom Gilmour - "GET INVOLVED" 

8.  Attend the next meeting on Tuesday, January 19th at 3pm at The Passion Group

9.  Donate a gift item or gift certificate for the Basket Drawing.

10.  If nothing else...BE OPEN!!!

As you can tell, we are very excited with the direction FSAP is headed going into 2010 but we can't do this alone. We need everyone's support to give the visitors a great experience so they return again and again. 

 

 

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Please join us at McLoone's Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Avenue on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.  Special drink prices will be $4 Coors Light or Budweiser, $6 Holly Crest Wine and $7 Asbury Sunrise.  The chef will be serving passed Hors d'oeuvres, Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Crostini, Vegetable Crudite Platter and Rigatoni w/ Marinara Sauce.

The cost is $10 for Current Members, $20 for Non-Members and FREE if you renew your membership for 2010 or join the Chamber that night.  We are now accepting MC and VISA in addition to cash/checks at the door.  On the evening of the event, please have a business card and
exact change/check ready to help facilitate registration.  Toavoid waitng in line, pre-registration is suggested and appreciated.  Call 732-775-7676 or email cindi@asburyparkchamber.com with the names of people attending for nametags.  Membership benefits and application/renewal form can be found at www.asburyparkchamber.com

 

 

EGGS AND ISSUES

Thanks to everyone who attended January's sold out breakfast meeting.  City Manager Terry Reidy gave an excellent talk about the Asbury Park and the Culinary Center provided a beautiful breakfast.  We apologize to those of you who were shut out of the event and are taking steps to make sure everyone has a fair chance to attend in the future.      

 

Our next Eggs & Issues will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at The Culinary Educational Center located at 101 Drury Lane (next to APHS).  Our guest speaker will be Police Chief Mark Kinmon who will cover the topics of safety, improvements, crime rate and new projects.       

 

Don't delay, RSVP today!  Our last breakfast sold out.  Seating is limited to 40 people and pre-payment is required to reserve your seat.  RSVP and pre-pay by calling 732-775-7676 with your MC/VISA.  First come, first served.  The cost is $10 for Current Members, $15 for Non-Members.  The program schedule will be as follows: 
                              
                                          8:00-8:15    Registration & Networking 
                                          8:15-8:30    Breakfast is Served
                                          8:30-8:45    Guest Speaker
                                          8:45-9:00    Q&A
                                          9:00-10:00  General Membership Meeting 

 

 

JOIN A COMMITTEE

The following committees along with their Chairs were recently established and we are looking for participation from our membership.  If you are interested in joining one of these committees or can help in any way, please email the Chair with COMMITTEE in the subject line. 

 

2nd Annual Classic Car Show - Deanna Crompton - drubano66@yahoo.com 

APCC Office Relocation - Greg Demaras  greg@conovernj.com
Board/Membership Diversity - Maureen Mulligan  maureenmulligan@coastalhabitat.org
First Saturday Asbury Park - Cindi D'Onofrio - cindi@AsburyParkChamber.com

Marketing - Jackie Pappas - jaxblue28@hotmail.com

 

 

BEST OF THE JERSEY SHORE

Metromix's  "Best of the Jersey Shore" contest is underway. Click on the link below and vote for your favorites. ASBURY PARK venues and establishments have been nominated in a number of categories.  You can vote once a day from Monday, January 11 thru Sunday, January 24.   
http://www.jerseyshore.metromix.com/bestof

 

 

PAID PARKING

Parking Meters will go back on line January 18th. The city will ease back into enforcement to make it as convenient as possible.

 

 

HAITI EARTHQUAKE

As I am sure everyone is now aware, Haiti suffered a major earthquake (Magnitude 7) which has devastated parts of the country and a majority of the capital city Port au Prince. Asbury Park is proud to include Haitian Americans as as part of our diverse community, many who have been personally affected by this recent tragedy. I ask that you join me in lending whatever support you can to assist with providing comfort and support to our neighbors and/or to the relief effort. Below is how we can help:

 

 

CINDI'S TWO CENTS

If you have already renewed your membership, thank you very much for your support!  2010 Membership renewals were due January 1st.   Avoid a lapse in your membership and paying non-member event prices by renewing ASAP. The Chamber needs the support of our members to get through these tough times.  Marketing and advertising cost money.