What’s Right with America Presenter Dave Maxwell of Edward Jones Investments.

Wedgwood Country Club welcomed over 40 Chamber members and guests on June 15 at our monthly networking luncheon sponsored by Dave Maxwell of Edward Jones Investments. For those of you who don’t know, Edward Jones is a full-service brokerage firm headquartered in St. Louis. For the 11th year, Edward Jones was named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 on the magazine's Best Large-sized Company list. Dave has been a financial advisor for over 30 years, and while he understands fully the frustrations of investors given that state of our nation’s economy, and the effects this remarkable downturn has had on individuals and businesses, he also understands the importance of putting our country’s predicament in perspective. In a handout titled “What’s Right with America”, Dave wants us all to remember the following: The United States:

• Owns 34 % of the world’s equity market capitalization
• Is the largest importer of goods
• Owns 25% of the gross world product
• Has a gross domestic product larger than the four next largest economies (Japan, Germany, China and Great Britain)
• Own the most cars, trucks and motorcycles per capita in the world
• Drive on the most extensive highway system
• Produce the world’s largest supply of electrical energy
• Is a leader in technological breakthroughs
• Accounts for 37% of all Nobel Prize Winners
• Has the strongest military
• Donates the most to charities and gives more than twice as much as the next closest country
• Has won the most Olympic gold medals
• Has the most airports
• Has the most billionaires
• Has 8 of the top 10 universities in the world
• Has the most internet users

The Chamber thanks Dave Maxwell for reminding us that sometimes the greatest tragedies serve no better purpose than to more deeply unite our nation.

Cinco de Mayo – Before Business Breakfast at Cardinal Village

One of the Chamber’s most loyal members, Cardinal Village, welcomed over 35 members to our May Before Business Breakfast networking event. The primary purpose of the breakfast was to invite members to their BBQ fundraiser which was held on June 4, 2010 benefiting the Washington Township Firefighters and the Burn Foundation. The Chamber congratulates Cardinal Village on a successful event and thanks them for being such an integral part of our Chamber and the community. Cardinal Village offers a comprehensive, highly regarded Assisted Living Program with exceptional service and personalized care in a homelike environment for residents requiring assistance. To meet the individual requirements of each resident in the assisted living community, there are five personalized levels of care available, based on the need for assistance with activities of daily living and medications. Additionally they have an independent resident community offering spacious garden apartments in a comfortable and secure environment. To find out more, or to schedule a tour, please contact Kathy Michel at (856) 582-5292 or email Kathy at kmichel@cardinalvillage.com.

MILT THOMPSON Addresses Chamber at Membership Drive

One of the best-attended luncheons of 2010 took place on May 18, when over 70 members and guests joined us at Wedgwood Country Club to meet Milt Thompson of the Philadelphia Phillies. Here are some facts you may or may not know about #25:

MANAGING/COACHING CAREER

• 2010 is his 7th season as a Phillies coach and 6th as hitting coach; previously served as the 1st base coach in 2004
• Served as a coach on the 2009 NL All-Star team
• In his 5 seasons as hitting coach (2005-09), the Phillies lead all NL clubs in HR (1,034), RBI (3,983), runs (4,183), XBH (2,727) and total bases (12,399)
• In 2009, the Phillies led the NL in HR (224), runs (820), doubles (312), RBI (788) and SLG % (.447)
• In 2008, the Phillies led the NL in HR (214), finished 2nd in RBI (762) and SLG % (.438) and tied for 2nd in runs (799)
• In 2007, the Phillies led the NL in runs (892), RBI (850), extra-base hits (580), triples (41), total bases (2,605), walks (641) and SLG % (.458) and finished 2nd in HR (213)
• In 2006, the Phillies led the NL in runs (865), RBI (823), walks (626), OPS (.794) and total bases (2,542)
• In 2005, his first season as hitting coach, the Phils finished 2nd in the NL in runs (807) and improved their batting average and OBP (.270 & .348) from the previous season (.267 & .345), while lowering their strikeouts (1,083 from 1,133)
• Joined the staff on 9/30/03 as first base coach and outfield/baserunning instructor, his first major league coaching position
• Spent 5 seasons as an instructor in the Phillies' minor league system as a coach with Reading (AA, 1998-99) and as the minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator (2001-03)
• Began his coaching career as TB's minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator in 1997

PLAYING CAREER

• Played 18 years of pro ball, including over 11 years in the big leagues with the Braves (1984-85), Phillies (1986-88; 1993-94), Cardinals (1989-92), Astros (1994- 95), Dodgers (1996) and Rockies (1996)
• Only postseason experience came with the Phillies in 1993
• Hit .313 with 6 RBI in 1993 World Series and set a Phillies record with 5 RBI in Game 4 at Veterans Stadium
• Originally selected by Atlanta in 2nd round of 1979 draft

PERSONAL

Milton Bernard Thompson... Four daughters, Torri, Jennifer Brooke, Courtney and Alyssa... 1977 graduate of Zadok Magruder High School (Washington, DC), where he played baseball, football and ran track... Attended Howard University where he played baseball... Played Little League and American Legion baseball... Hobby: Listening to music.

Members spent the majority of the luncheon asking questions and asking for Mr. Thompson’s perspective on everything from “Why did Cliff Lee get traded?” to “What words of wisdom do you give players immediately prior to and during game time?”. Milt answered every question with a smile and with a real sense of pride in his team. There is no doubt that he loves the sport and has goals of being a manager in the future. He said the players today are much more talented than when he played. Some pieces of advice he often gives to the Phillies: “Relax and trust your ability”, “The game will adjust to you, however, you also have to adjust to the game”, “Beat the teams you should beat”, “Every time you put on a uniform, you come to do your job”. When asked about Charlie Manuel’s approach to gearing up for a game, Milt says Charlie’s most important requirement is that you “Be on time and play hard”. Seems obvious, but being able to keep your head in the game begins with being on time. When asked about the Flyers run for the Stanley Cup, Milt commented, “It’s just their year.” Sorry, Milt. During the luncheon, Milt passed around his Phillies 2009 National League Championship ring and the 2008 World Series ring for members to hold. The luncheon was a real treat and the Chamber sincerely thanks Milt Thompson for spending time with us.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

Infinity Title Agency, Inc.
Stacie Jones
310 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell
856-727-0818
33 East Main St. Unit 2 Moorestown

Hampton Inn – Turnersville
Kimberly Jones
5800 Black Horse Pike, Turnersville
856-228-4200