It all began with a little chatter between friends over coffee at a Park Avenue pastry shop.
“A few of us were meeting and talking about what we could do to help the businesses in the community,” said Ben Goldman, a Weehawken artist and activist. “The idea came about to start a Weehawken Chamber of Commerce. The time seemed right. There has been a lot of concern for businesses that have been struggling, especially since Sept. 11. It’s been a difficult environment for conducting business, but Weehawken has always had great potential for business that is not being fulfilled.”
So Goldman and a few other local business owners and professionals decided to form the first Weehawken Chamber of Commerce. While the group was incorporated last fall, the Chamber’s first official event will be a business card exchange on Monday, March 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Spirito Grill inside the Sheraton Suites Hotel in Lincoln Harbor.
“Especially during this time of economic hardship, Weehawken needs an organization that offers crucial services for the livelihood of our businesses, be they grocery stores, restaurants, financial giants, arts professionals or any of the many other economic sectors in town,” said Goldman, a co-founder of the Chamber whose art work has been shown in many galleries nationwide. “It would also benefit the community at large.”
The business card exchange is an opportunity to meet Weehawken business people and professionals. The Chamber plans to publish a member directory, listing all the various businesses in the town.
“We’re going to generate ideas what a Chamber could do,” said Goldman, who ran unsuccessfully for township council last May under the WIN (Weehawken Initiative Now) ticket. “We’re going to create a directory so everyone knows what’s where. Weehawken is an exceptional place, a place to live and to work.”
Goldman said that there are roughly 400 businesses that call Weehawken home, ranging from UBS PaineWebber (the township’s largest employer) to your average local delicatessen.
“Just name a business and you’re bound to find it in Weehawken,” Goldman said. “Most people think business is only retail, but there are hundreds of other professionals, people with special niches, like performing arts artists, actors, recording artists, areas that have been underexposed. Our goal is to get everyone involved.”
Several local business leaders have embraced the idea.
“I’m very excited about it,” said Barbara Tulko of RE/MAX Villa Realtors in Weehawken, a trustee with the Chamber. “I’ve been doing business in the town for a long time and I love it here. I’m going to be here for the rest of my life. But we’ve never had any central way for businesses to get information. I’m thrilled about it. It’s going to promote new business and keep existing businesses alive. Anything to help this town, I’m in favor of.”
Dana Monahan, the director of public relations for Dry Dock Restaurants, also applauded the efforts.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Monahan said. “I’ve been a member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce for a few years and they’re a great group of people. It’s exciting to be on the ground floor of this venture. It’s long overdue. Aside from the professional benefits, the meetings also have personal benefits. It’s always great to speak with others in the business community, and this way we can deal with each other a little closer.”
Jorge Chaves, a Chamber trustee and the owner of Exclusive Cleaners on Park Avenue, agreed.
“It’s a step ahead for improving our community,” Chaves said. “A Chamber of Commerce provides a chance for new and old residents to get to know our businesses.”
Goldman is certain that the business card exchange will be the first of many different activities sponsored by the Chamber.
“We just have to let people know that we’re here,” Goldman said. “We’re a non-profit, non-partisan organization. I think the businesses are very excited that we’re here and growing leaps and bounds. We’re hoping that all sectors of the business community will participate.”