Dear Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Members:

The second anniversary of the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce ("SECC") is upon us.

Membership: We are now approaching 225 members through the joint efforts of our administrative staff and board member referrals. Each new member receives a permanent plaque to display in their place of business, and the option of having a grand opening or ribbon cutting ceremony, which is published in local newspapers. Board Members, the Mayor and the celebrated business are included in the photograph. We also hand each new member a business card organizer with original business cards of members (that have submitted them) for their reference and a chamber decal for display.

Identity: Smith Design Associates of Glen Ridge designed a beautiful logo for the new "SECC", gratis, as well as letterhead, envelopes, etc. This new logo brings an updated look to the chamber of commerce's identity.

Directory: Through the unprecedented efforts of Mrs. Maria Paladino-Fitz, "SECC" Vice President of Membership and her employer North Jersey Newspapers, publishers of the Glen Ridge Voice, Bloomfield Life and Belleville Times, we managed to distribute 44,000 Spotlight Directories through the above-mentioned newspapers. We also mailed directories directly to businesses in the area. This year's directory was the most beautiful and comprehensive yet. The four cover shot was taken by Mr. Roj Prasad of Web Epoch Interactive of Belleville. The cover composition and layout was done by Smith Design Associates. We still have directories remaining in the chamber office for member use. So, please feel free to pick some up to distribute to your customers or call Donna or Elaine at (973) 748-2000 and we can deliver copies to you.

Website: We continuously post upcoming events, chamber information and new members on our website. We also list all of our members and provide links to our member's website through our Business Spotlight section. You can visit our website at www.suburbanessexchamber.com.

Programs: All of our annual events and networking programs are very well attended. I attribute this strong turnout, which has grown significantly from events in prior years, to be the result of our tri-town membership. If you have not attended any of our vents or programs, you are missing networking opportunities. I encourage all members to try and attend at least one or two programs a year.

In closing, the "SECC" is only becoming bigger and better. Do not forget the fact that we receive calls daily at the office with people asking for a referral for a variety of different businesses. We only refer our member businesses to these people.

I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2005. Please feel free to contact me if you have any ideas or suggestions to further enhance the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce.

Sincerely,