Washington Township Chamber of Commerce
Annual Membership Meeting & Holiday Luncheon

The Chamber Holiday Luncheon held at Scotland Run and sponsored by Rental Country is always a special event where our members relax over a sumptuous meal and enjoy the camaraderie and festive atmosphere of the season. It is also an opportunity for Wendy Bartlett to review the accomplishments of the Chamber closing out her first year as President. Rental Country sponsored the holiday luncheon for the fourth consecutive year with Bob Brettman leading off the program with best wishes to all present for the holidays.

Bob listed the products and services that Rental Country provides to their customers. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, Rental Country has quickly become one of the largest dealers of power equipment in South Jersey. They have grown to four store locations in South Jersey with their local office located at 6400 Black Horse Pike. Rental Country has a full repair facility, with factory trained technicians, at each store location. As Bob stated, “we can repair just about any type of power equipment, whether it is purchased at Rental Country or elsewhere”. In addition to being a dealer for Honda Power Equipment and STIHL Power Tools, Rental Country is also a dealer for Senco, Briggs & Stratton, Wacker, Emglo, Husqvarna, Partner, Bobcat, Milwaukee, Troy-Bilt lawn and garden equipment, Wright, Dixie Diamond and more. Rental Country also sells new and used equipment, rents name brand equipment and stocks parts for resale. Bob concluded his presentation by thanking the members for their business and stating how important it is for promoting business with one another in this economy.

Next, Wendy Bartlett highlighted the accomplishments of the Chamber since taking office as President in January, 2010. Wendy stated that the accomplishments are a tribute to the support of the Chamber membership, and the hard work of the Board of Directors. Some of these highlights achieved are as follows:

Rick Zammer Business Hall of Fame Award:

In February, the Chamber was pleased to present Ralph Owen of Kiley Owen Associates with the Rick Zammer Hall of Fame Award at the Annual Awards Luncheon. Ralph was this year’s recipient for his participation, support and continued commitment to the Chamber of Commerce.

Speaker Series Luncheons:

Due to the great response we have received in previous years, the Chamber continued its Speaker Series luncheons holding two this year. One in May with invited guest speaker, Milt Thompson, the former batting coach of the Phillies. In addition, a second one in September with Professor John Paul Broussard of the Rutgers Financial and Legal Research Institute. Combined, these luncheons attracted 130 members

21st Annual Golf Outing:

In June our board and golf committee volunteers saw their months of hard work come to fruition with the culmination of our Annual Golf Outing. Wendy announced that the Chamber’s 21st Annual Golf Outing was very successful raising $15,000 despite a tough economy. Our golf outing and our membership dues are what keep the Chamber solvent and enable us to present programs, events and scholarships throughout the year. Wendy thanked all who sponsored, participated and volunteered at this event, which without their help, it would never happen. Wendy asked the sponsors to please keep a golf outing sponsorship in their 2011 budget and that their continued support is greatly needed and appreciated. The date for our 22nd Annual Golf Outing will be held at Scotland Run on Thursday, June 9, 2011.

Scholarship Foundation Distributes Two Scholarship Awards:

In June, our Scholarship Foundation was pleased to distribute a total of $2,000 in scholarship money to two students pursuing an education in business, marketing, or finance. As a result of some member concerns, Wendy announced that the Scholarship Foundation was opening up the requirements for scholarships in 2011 to include parochial school graduating seniors living in Washington Township.

New Chamber Newsletter Format:

The Chamber newsletter took on a new format in June 2010 with advertising opportunities including the new “Spotlight Feature” where a member company can highlight their business. A new Website design including advertising opportunities will be forthcoming in 2011.

Wine Tasting Event:

In November the Scholarship Foundation hosted its 4th Annual Wine Tasting & Food Event at Wedgwood Country Club. Chaired by our Community Events Director, Karen Leason and Dave Gorham, the Scholarship Foundation President together with a tireless wine tasting committee, resulted in an awesome evening with 200 people in attendance. Hundreds of bottles of wine on hand, fantastic food, great live music and just a wonderful night for all who attended. $8,000 was raised with all proceeds going to our Scholarship Foundation. Wendy thanked all who participated and supported the event.

Annual Toys for Tots Drive:

The Annual Toys for Tots Drive last December showed the support our Chamber members have for our great community. Together the Chamber was able to donate 75 gifts, $140 in gift cards and $100 in cash to Mothers Cupboard.

Wendy concluded that the Chamber provided 19 networking events that were attended by a total of 830 members and prospective members throughout 2010. These networking events provide opportunities for members to build lasting business relationships and she urged the members to utilize all the benefits that are offered. Wendy sincerely thanked everyone for their friendship, loyalty and support over the last year. She looks forward to another year as President to increase growth and awareness of the Washington Chamber of Commerce. Wendy and the Board of Officers and Directors wished everyone and their families a prosperous New Year in 2011.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER:

Whiskerz Pet Sitting
Cathy Archer
609-658-8584
www.whiskerzpetsitting.com

TRUE HEALTH INSURANCE

On November 16th at our networking luncheon, Dr. Stuart Garner of Garner Chiropractic discussed True Health Insurance, which is taking care of your own health. Dr. Garner explained to 50 chamber members at Taylor’s Grill and Bar that this is done through good chiropractic care, (surprise! like Dr. Garner offers), but also taking care of yourself through eating right, exercise and lowering your stress level. Chiropractic is an inexpensive way of achieving and maintaining good health naturally without drugs or surgery.

Dr. Garner knows that most people know all those things however; they need someone to educate them about good healthcare, proper food to eat, weight loss, good supplements and most importantly taking care of yourself. Dr. Garner has always been an advocate of Evidence-Based Care (EBC), this approach involves using care plans that are backed by scientific research. While most are aware that scientific research supports the use of chiropractic for conditions related to muscles and bones, many individuals are not aware of research revealing that, because they influence nervous system activity, chiropractic adjustments may prevent a plethora of other conditions. These conditions range from high blood pressure, Multiple Sclerosis, Asthma, Restless Leg Syndrome and depression just to name a few. Dr. Garner is committed to providing patients with the latest cutting-edge research in chiropractic wellness and related fields that will jump-start you on the road to wellness. If you need more energy, want to get rid of nagging health issues or need information on healthcare please call Dr. Garner at 856-582-1717.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

A Bouquet of Flowers
Linda Durning
1305 N. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood
856-232-7742

First Bank Steve Bowen
1020 N. Black Horse Pike, Williamstown
856-728-3400