Hoboken and Hudson County Chambers of Commerce unite

HOBOKEN – The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce are merging to form a larger, integrated organization, according to a press release disseminated on Oct. 14. As part of a three-year agreement, Hoboken Chamber members will be able to enjoy all the benefits of a Hudson County membership.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce,” said Maria Nieves, president and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. “As a result of this partnership, our combined organizations will represent nearly 500 members from across the county. We expect this partnership to usher in greater diversity of programming and services for our members.”
“We’re joining to better serve both memberships.” said Greg Dell’Aquila, president of the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce, who also serves as a member of the board of directors for the county chamber. “Over the past several months, the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce has been examining ways to improve upon what we offer to our community and how to ensure long-term sustainability while the Hudson County Chamber has been looking at ways to grow into a truly regional chamber.”
The boards of both organizations recently approved the new partnership. The full-time staff of the Hudson County Chamber will manage the back-office operations of the Hoboken Chamber, which was largely run by volunteers before the merger. Hudson County members will also be able to attend Hoboken Chamber events at discounted member rates.
Chambers of Commerce nationwide are under increasing pressure to demonstrate value as online communication and networking groups increasingly offer the access to politicians and sense of community they were historically known for.
Both Nieves and Dell’Aquila see merging as a way to increase the reach and services of their chambers while maintaining the unique identity and needs of each community.
Founded in 1888, the Hudson County Chamber is one of New Jersey’s oldest regional chambers of commerce. It currently represents 450 members, facilitates forums with local, state and federal officials, and provides a platform for business networking and partnerships.