Organized in 1950, the Greater
Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, non-govermental,
partnership of business and professional people dedicated to advancing
the economic, civic and cultural welfare of Fort Lee and surrounding
communities.
The
Chamber has long been a leading proponent of the business community
on a broad range of issues that affect economic growth and prosperity.
The Chamber works within the community doing all the things small
businesses simply cannot do individually to assist in improving
the local business and civic environment.
MEMBERSHIP
The Greater Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce is one of the more active
and prestigious chambers in Bergen County. Approximately 1/3 of
its members are based outside of Fort Lee. This diverse membership
composition includes premier Fort Lee and regional businesses,
including major corporations, retail and professional businesses
and community leaders. The Chamber’s leadership is rooted
with outstanding citizens and business leaders at the forefront
of the organization.
GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT
The Chamber’s mission is the advancement of civic, retail,
commercial and professional interests of the Borough of Fort Lee
and vicinity, Bergen County and New Jersey. The Chamber is non-partisan
and non-sectarian and does not support or endorse candidates for
public office. However, the Chamber provides a forum for its members
and has committees that focus on issues including parking and
traffic, beautification, legislation and retail business. The
Chamber also works closely with the Fort Lee Mayor and Council
through its iaison. It also represents business via its membership
in the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, New Jersey
State Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States.
INFORMATION SOURCE
The Chamber provides business and community information and referrals
to people from all over the United States. It publishes a yearly
Community Directory and Retail and Professional Guides for distribution
to area residents and businesses (no cost). The Chamber welcomes
new residents to Fort Lee via its “Welcome Bag” program,
and provides business referrals upon request.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Chamber is a strong supporter of many community events, including
the Annual Ragamuffin Parade (held around Halloween). The Chamber
hosted a Mayors’ Conference in 2005 and a Legislative Breakfast
in March 2006 (open public forums) to discuss present and future
plans that would impact the economic health, growth and progress
of the area. The Chamber has a long tradition - nearing its 40th
year - of honoring outstanding community and business leaders
as “Person(s) of the Year”. The Chamber has been the
facilitator for important fund drives, and shares a close relationship
with area community organizations, including local schools, veterans’
organizations, historic and tenant associations and religious
groups.
For example, the
Chamber has spearheaded a donation drive to supply the Fort Lee
Volunteer Ambulance Corps with an ice machine for use on emergency
calls. (Previously, the Corps received donated ice from local
businesses on a per call basis.) The Chamber also disburses scholarships
for various collegiate disciplines and provides an opportuntiy
for 2 local juniors to attend Foundation
for Free Enterprise's "Learning
About Business" program to explore issues such as: How
the Market Works; Profit and Loss; Competition; Inflation; Comparative
Economic Systems; International Trade – Global Opportunities;
Leadership – Ethical Business Decision-making and other
significant issues.
