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Ambassador Committee

CCSNJ's Ambassador Committee plays an important role in attracting and retaining Chamber members. Ambassadors supplement the Chamber staff's efforts in outreach to new members, to ensure that all members feel welcomed at Chamber events, and to educate members on how to maximize their memberships.

MEET OUR AMBASSADORS

R-Harbinson-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Building your network is very important. Every meeting you take shouldn't be about selling. Instead of always saying "this is what I offer", ask "how can I help you". The more you give and stay humble, the easier it is to ask."

AMBASSADOR CHAIR

Ryan Harbinson

Director of Business Development

Clearbridge Branding Agency

P: (856) 332-2705 | #WheresHarb

B-Barry-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Think of the Chamber as an opportunity to grow your personal network. Look beyond the way someone could help you directly. Make connections (and friends) and be able to refer and introduce them later. The Go-Giver is the way to make lasting connections."

Brian Barry

Development Director

Catholic Partnership Schools

P: (856) 338-0966

Rita-Bohus-Web-HS

Ambassador Tip

Have some fun while networking!


One of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelo is "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Be interested in what the other person is sharing and make them feel special while having a fun time getting to know someone new.

Rita Bohus

Regional Manager

American Executive Centers

P: (854) 988-5500

J-Catrambone-HS

Ambassador Tip

"It is theorized by psychologists that our level of respect for an individual grows exponentially when our level of engagement with them grows. Yet, it's not always easy to just walk up and engage, right?

With that in mind, I offer my proverbial checklist of a good networker's traits during the tie of engagement. Try one at your next event:

1.) Genuine Transparent & Sincere - Leads to an immediate increase in your "social currency." So often this type of person comes to mind quickly and likely receives a referral to a potential consumer.


2.) A Good Listener - Shows interest and enthusiasm for their topic of conversation.


3.) Helpful - Think deeply of ways you might assist the person with whom you are engaged.


4.) Thankful - Nothing surpasses the attitude of gratitude. This includes offering a gracious exchange at an event as well as (if possible) a handwritten note subsequently."

Jim Catrambone

Executive Director

The Joseph Fund

P: (856) 576-7012

M-Commisso-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Don’t look for the short term sale, look for the long term partnership."

Mike Commisso

Major Account Executive

Docutrend Imaging Solutions

P: (609) 678-8859

S-Cooper-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Never walk into an event loud and acting like you own the place. Walk in quietly but confidently and know you own the place. It's great if people say about you, "Do you know such and such" but it's better when they say "You need to know such and such". This isn't a High School and this isn't a popularity contest this is the business world and if you're sincere it will be appreciated."

Steve Cooper

Business Development Manager

COIT Cleaning & Restoration Services

P: (856) 566-0700

H-DiDonato-HS

Holly DiDonato

Business Development Manager

Peck Brothers Roofing, LLC

P: (201) 708-3282

N-Echt-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Whether you are a new member, or a member who has joined the Chamber just as social distancing and Zoom became our new vocabulary and way of life, I encourage you to stay connected on our weekly calls and virtual meetings. Try new topics to expand your circle and never be afraid to reach out to someone you shared a meeting with, even if you just listened in. Also, remember to check the attendee list for new connections. Getting introduced to other members and growing your circle of influence during these challenging times is what the Chamber does best. We are connectors, and understand because we have all been a new member too."

Norma Echt

Marketing Director

SERVPRO of Cherry Hill/Mt. Laurel

P: (856) 662-2772

M-Eisen-HS

Ambassador Tip

"When I attend chamber events I try to make only one or two new contacts. I feel that it is not the right approach to try to collect as many business cards as you can. It is more productive to have conversations with people and then get their card to schedule a time for a one on one in the future. I always reach out to new contacts either the same day or the next day to schedule a meeting. You shouldn't shy away from meeting someone just because you don't think that you will do business with them. You never know what could arise from a new business relationship."

Marc Eisen

Financial Advisor

PNC Bank

P: (856) 810-3277

R-Horner-HS

Ambassador Tip

I have been a member of this Chamber for 25 years. It is the single most important resource I have for developing new clients in my business. The way it can become that for your business is by taking the time to develop connections here. Go to as many events as you can. I typically attend at least 1 per week. Don’t try to pick what you think will be a good event. They are all potentially events where you might meet your next best client."

Rick Horner, CLU, ChFC, RICP

Financial Advisor

Northwestern Mutual - South Jersey

P: (609) 332-3952

M-Jakubowski-HS

Ambassador Tip

LISTEN

When serving in a business development role or attending a networking event, it is so easy to get distracted with your brain focused on the next comment or mind stuck on your "sales pitch" that you do not truly appreciate the new connection you are making. People typically enjoy talking about themselves and sharing their stories... the more you learn about them the more likely you are to build a relationship that can create opportunities down the road.

Matt Jakubowski

Producer

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

P: (856) 866-3245

E-Kimenhour-HS

Ambassador Tip

"I remember my mom hammering into me to write thank you notes after birthday parties and graduations; you need to let people know that you recognize them and are thankful for them showing up. I've naturally let that carry over into my professional life. Once you meet someone, don't wait to reach out, follow up as soon as you can, even if it's a simple, "Hey it was nice to meet you!". Taking that initiative and common courtesy does more than you think."

Emma Kimenhour

Philanthropic Gift Director

Volunteers of America

Delaware Valley

P: (856) 854-4660 ext. 101

J-Martin-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Personally and professionally, we are all part of group emails, texts, and chats and sometimes our replies are just intended for the primary sender. Please take the extra few moments to reply back to just that person and read your response just one more time before you hit send. The other recipients may not want multiple replies inundating their inbox and replies that are just meant for the sender can go out to "all" and could cause problems down the road. Even worse, they could be re-posted, re-tweeted on social media without any context or rebuttal. Once something is out there, it is out there! So next "reply"; think, respond, review and send it only to those who you want to read it."

James E. Martin

Vice President, Relationship Manager,

Business Banking,

Santander Bank, N.A.

P: (267) 675-4904

G-Principatio-HS

Ambassador Tip

"CCSNJ has been a valuable channel for developing new prospects for our business. As an example, late last year at a Chamber event, I casually met a representative from a local manufacturing company which I didn't even know operated in South Jersey. I learned that they were a new Chamber member, looking to build their connections in the local business community. So, I offered to help them make connections with other manufacturers in the region, and invited him to lunch. In return, the representative offered to introduce my company to a few of their senior executives. By going the "extra miles," my networking not only helped them, but helped me make a connection with a new prospect for our company!"

Eugene M. Principato

President

The Marketing Difference LLC

P: (856) 465-7372

R-Richard-HS

Ambassador Tip

”…regarding networking, I just try to be natural. Listen to people, find people you have common values with…remember how to make  friends? Not everyone's going to be your best friend, and that's OK! Most South Jersians are good people and you may be able to help each other…"

Raegen Richard

Financial Advisor

Edward D. Jones LLP

P: 856-477-2047

H-Sanderson-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Take time to learn about the people with whom you are going to meet. Research their website, or LinkedIn before your call. This will help you generate questions for your meeting and show that you have done your research and are well prepared.”

Heather Sanderson

Business Development Manager

DocuVault Delaware Valley, LLC

P: (856) 853-5160

R-St-Maur-HS

Ambassador Tip

"After we build a relationship with a client, or a "strategic alliance partner", we go on to make new connections. It's important to touch base on a regular basis with those we have met in the past. Plan to make a quick phone call to say hello...or send an email with a flyer for an upcoming Chamber event that you plan to attend. Invite them to join you.

Just as we have all learned that it is more effective to keep existing employees than to search for new, the same principle holds true for the relationships we build through networking.

Remember...it's all about "relationships". Best place to start them is at CCSNJ."

Rich St. Maur

Managing Partner

Coordinated Project Solutions LLC

P: (856) 983-5470 ext. 101

D-Suleski-Web-HS

Ambassador Tip

“Be Approachable"
It all starts with a smile. A key factor to networking is to be welcoming. A warm smile signals that you're approachable, making it easier to start conversations."

David Suleski

Chief Executive Officer

#TechStarters

P: (877) 932-0040 ext. 3118

B-Webb-HS

Ambassador Tip

“At most Chamber events, attendees have an opportunity to stand up and introduce themselves and their business to the group. Make sure you practice your 15 second commercial before the meeting so the group can get a good understanding of the services that you provide and the types of clients that you are looking for!"

Bill Webb

Account Executive

Saratoga Benefit Services, LLC

P: (856) 630-8398

B-Wiese-HS

Ambassador Tip

"Networking is interacting with others to exchange information and expand contacts. Schedule time weekly to stretch outside your comfort zone and attend events. Be strategic when making new connections. Take the time to build genuine, trusted relationships. Spend your time nurturing and growing relationships over time. Once you make connections and help others, they will respond when you have a need. A strong network supports and advocates for you. To be successful, ask for help and assistance as you look to grow your business. New to networking? Look for a Chamber Ambassador with the blue badge at an upcoming event! We are here to help you."

Bridget Wiese

Vice President, Store Manager

Republic Bank

P: (856) 983-0586

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