The Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its new location on Main Avenue.
By DENISE HERSCHEL
The Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its new location at 39 Pilgrim Pathway in the historic district.
It was previously located at 81 Main Ave.
The ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location was attended by approximately 150 people including Neptune Mayor Tassie York and Neptune Deputy Mayor Rob Lane as well as members from community groups such as the Ocean Grove Home Owners Association, Ocean Grove United and the Historical Society of Ocean Grove.
Jessie Thompson, executive director of the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce, said she is excited about their recent move.
“We moved into 81 Main in 2016. It was a beautiful office and it served us well. When the opportunity came for us to relocate we moved because the new space was more centrally located in the business district. Our new office’s set also allows us to host events and gatherings inside. We didn’t have that option before due to space limitations.”
The grand opening featured food provided by The Downstairs Kitchen in Ocean Grove and a photo booth from Goodwin’s Good Time Photo Booth.
Thompson said that the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit dedicated to fostering a vibrant, year-round, seaside business community in and around historic Ocean Grove.
“I began my journey with the chamber in 2018 as the events director and in 2019 I transitioned into my current position as executive director. We have one part-time employee Jackie Lyon.
The seasonal Neptune Tourism team comprised of Carol Bernard, Danielle Daly, Linda Herbison-Lopez and Jackie Lyon are also based out of the office. The OGACC has a board of directors made up of 10 local businesses owners,” she said.
“The chamber is always busy! Really our busiest time is the fall event season into the holiday season. We host a large amount of events during this time of year. The chamber also decorates the business district as well as the Christmas tree on Main Avenue for the holiday season. If you are in town you might see us on a ladder somewhere on Main Avenue,” she said.
“We are excited to bring back our Summer Stroll Art Show with Main Avenue Galleria on July 20,” she said. “ It’s an art show on Main Avenue with live music. (We are also) is working on community-based events, such as a seasonal farmers market, food drive for our local pantry plus more.”
The chamber’s next event is the Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine, at Auditorium Square Park.
To learn more about the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and their upcoming events go to their website at https://www.ocrangrovenj.com or call their office at 732-774-1391.
