Chamber Members Gather At Ross Dock For Annual Barbecue

The Greater Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce (GFLCOC) welcomed members to their second annual “BBQ on the Hudson” Wednesday afternoon at the Palisades Interstate Park Ross Dock Picnic Area.

TD Bank returned as sponsor of the event, which allowed local business owners to interact in a more informal setting, according to program and events chair Margaret Maclay.

“We wanted to do something [to] thank the members for all their support throughout the year and to encourage people to enjoy this beautiful spot, where they can unwind in the middle of the summer when there’s not a lot going on,” Maclay said, adding that it is the ideal environment for establishing and building relationships.

As a chamber member for the past few years, Lucille Skroce, owner of Matisse Chocolatier in Englewood, assists the association by providing a selection of her product, attends the networking events to make connections and aids other local businesses, in addition to growing her own.

Being involved in a chamber of commerce is very important, according to board accountant Hope Player.  She said it’s about knowing your fellow business owners, who provides the services you need for yourself and your clients and who in the community is helping keep it a viable economic development organization.

“The whole idea is to get people together and provide opportunities to meet [and] be able to do business together,” Player said.

Jaime Weiss of Weiss Realty, the chamber’s 2010 “Person of the Year,” called his run “very exciting.” Weiss was also recently nominated to be on the GFLCOC board of directors.

“Looking forward to a long association with the chamber,” he said, adding that he will be introducing the 2011 "Person of the Year" honoree, Albert Buzzetti, at a dinner dance on Nov. 19.

When Mirela Tarabokija joined the chamber a year ago she thought it would be beneficial to do more than just attend meetings, so she got involved with the events committee and helped with food planning and preparation for the barbecue.

“It’s an awesome way for people to get together,” Tarabokija said of the organization.

Board president Ken Bruno, who took office in June, said during the past week, he and several current board members began to implement changes in the way the chamber operates and reinvent it for the new economy.   

From evaluating their business processes, to cleaning out the office, to rebuilding files, to double-checking memberships, they are making sure everything is as organized and efficient as possible.

“I couldn’t do this alone,” Bruno said. “It’s really the staff and the other members and the volunteers, people on our executive committee, on our board of directors -- everyone has stepped up to the plate to help.”

Fort Lee's is a regional chamber (though not officially) and members don’t just hail from the birthplace of American movies. Other Bergen County towns represented include Palisades Park, Cliffside Park, Leonia, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Ridgefield and municipalities to the north, west, south and beyond. 

“We accept memberships from everywhere, and we want members from everywhere as long as you’re a reputable business,” Bruno said.  “We’re a very diverse community.”

The chamber is also reviving the Welcome Bag Program that existed many years ago. Bruno said that if you’re new to the area (as a resident or business), give the chamber a call.

As he looked around, the new president noticed everyone laughing and having a great time. 

“It’s all we can ask,” Bruno said. "One day a year at least you have to relax.”