2016 Board Elected

I’m pleased to announce the new officers and Board of the Tenafly Chamber.

President
Christine Evron,Touchstone Computer Services

Vice President
Pat Lamson, Chez Cheeze

Treasurer
Paul Stefanowicz, Finding Legacies

Secretary
Karen Kleinman, Keller Williams Town Life

Board Members

Alan Dweck, Support-A-Circle

Carol Schulter, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades

Despina Kolokithas, Alma Bank

Julian Payraudeau, La Promenade

Karen Kleinman, Keller Williams Town Life

Khalid Mansoor, Healthway Natural Foods

Marlyn Friedberg, Friedberg Properties

Pat Lamson, Chez Cheeze

Rafael Abrahamyan, Cooktique

Sept 2012 Minutes Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Chamber Minutes September 19, 2012 

· Jon Warms gave a report on the upcoming Tenafly Council meeting and some of the important topics to be discussed at the 10/23 meeting.

·  Pat gave the treasurer’s report: $5,516.12 in the chamber’s account—all bills paid.

·  Pat gave the membership report @ 42 current members.

·  Prorated membership was reviewed again confirming that new members joining during the course of the chamber’s fiscal year will be prorated by quarter. The prorated membership is only applicable to new members, not renewals of membership.

·  BID report was given by Bob. BID is approving the by laws at their Wed., Sept. 20th meeting.

·  Update of the street fair was given by Bob. The town is requesting payment for police overtime pay for the extra security. Jon Warms is checking with the Mayor and council on the change in policy. There are 50 to 60 vendors expected to participate.  The chamber is expecting to get money back from Daryl Walker from the vendor fees.

·  Carol reported on the success of the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce reusable shopping bags. They were a big success and very well received by the new residents and the Mayor. The Chamber Bucks were appreciated by the attendees as well.

·  $350 in chamber bucks was given to the new teachers at the luncheon given by the Rotary Club.

·  The Town Wide Community Sale was discussed. Christine will report back at the next chamber meeting on the progress of the plans for the event. The last weekend in April or May is being considered.

·  Halloween event was discussed. There will be trick-or-treating in the downtown area.

·   A Halloween Art contest will be promoted in the Suburbanite using the last of the free space the chamber earned. The ad will include space for the children’s artwork. Chamber members will be contacted to volunteer as drop off points for the artwork. The artwork will be displayed in participating store windows and parents and residents will be encouraged to choose their favorite. The will be a prize  for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age category. Chamber bucks will be used as prizes.

·  The Kid’s Night Out is being planned for Spring 2013 on a Friday night. Some of the activities mentioned were Drawing, Make your own pizza and sports contests.

Meeting was adjourned at 8pm.

Attendees:  Pat Fedele, Marlyn Friedberg, Christine Evron, Jon Warms, Bob Kutik, JoAnn Carr, Richard Moller.

March 2012 Minutes Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Chamber Minutes March 7th, 2012

 ·       Beth Lippmann, the Executive Director of the Tenafly Business Improvement District, was the guest speaker. Beth gave a brief history of the origins of  BID ‘s explaining they were created in  the late ‘80’s as a way to help downtowns compete with malls. The Tenafly BID’s marketing program was discussed including the April Taste of Tenafly marketing campaign. Beth also discussed why the internet and lack of credit is discouraging furniture, gift shops and clothing boutiques (stores with inventory)  from opening.

·       The Tenafly BID was established 1 ½ years ago. They have created an online directory, plan to create signage, and implement marketing programs. Marketing programs include help for Tenafly business owners on how to use the internet and Facebook to market their businesses. The BID meetings are the 3rd Monday of every month at the Tenafly Borough Hall and 6:30 pm; Tenafly Chamber Members are welcome to attend.

·       Membership report, 5 paid members as of March 7th.

·       Treasurer’s report, $6,528.94 currently in chamber account

·       Promotions Committee report: A list of the promotions for the year were included in the membership mailing. The first of the promotions, Tenafly loyalty program, was explained by Bob. Shoppers can stop at designated stores with their March receipts from purchase made at any Tenafly businesses and get back 10% of the total of their March purchases in up to $50 in Chamber bucks to be spent in the month of April in chamber stores only.

·       April plant-give-a-way. Chamber will purchase 200 plants to be distributed to participainting chamber stores to use as gifts to their customers during Friday and Saturday on Passover/Easter weekend—April 6 & 7.

·       A June raffle is being organized—a pair of Yankee tickets will be raffled.

·       Glow necklaces will be distributed at the Tenafly Fireworks again this year.

·       An October street fair, Person of the Year are being planned.

·       Christine Evron suggested a Chocolate Expo or possibly “Where’s Waldo”.

·       The chamber plans to take the Mayor and Council up on their offer to allow the Tenafly Chamber to hold sidewalk sales once a month from May through September.

·       Bob requested permission to hire Daryl Walker to promote the October chamber street fair. Permission was granted.

·       Minutes from the February chamber meeting were approved.

·       Light rail survey sent out but not enough chamber members answered; no letter from the chamber was generated.

New Business:

·       A presentation planned for the April 4th general meeting. The presentation will be on developing a group health insurance plan for Tenafly Chamber members as well as including area chambers.

·       A networking event is being planned for end of May or beginning of June. More details to come.

Meeting adjourned at 8pm.

Attendees:  Bob Kutik, Christine Evron, Jon Warms, JoAnn Carr, Gerry Migliore, Pat Fedele, Khalid Mansoor, Marlyn Friedberg, Maria Binenbaum, Peter Quinn, Pat Lamson, Meryl Fell, Marc Maeri, Beth Lippman, Richard Moller, Jennifer Kleinbaum.

Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes April 4, 2012

Attendees: Bob Kutik-Womraths, Christine Evron-Touchstone Computer Systems, Inc.; Shel Grossman-HR Impact, Izzy Kushner-HR Impact, Danielle Mastricova-Magic Marketer, Scott Porter, Anthony Gordon-Closter CofC, Mike Hamlin-Cresskill CofC, Dan Larson, Gerry-CVS, Maria Binenbaum-Brainstorm Tutoring, Jon Warms-Tenafly Council, Lisa Diamond-Kent Realty

Health Plans for Associations – Izzy Kushner & Shel Grosman, HR Impact
Health Plans for Associations – Izzy Kushner & Shel Grossman, HR Impact

Health plans for small groups (2-50 people) in NJ are priced at the same rates for an equal plan with the same insurance company, no matter the size or demographic of the group (community-based pricing). Joining an association’s health plan may make sense for a sole proprietor unable to form a group or for a business that currently insures one family as a group to meet the minimum of two members.

If an association can get enough members to buy into the health plan to get to a larger group category (50+ people), non-standard plans/pricing can be developed. It is possible, based on the specific demographics of the larger group that the pricing will be better for the group over the community-based pricing of the 2-50 person group. To pursue this option several local Chambers would probably wish to work together.

Work would be required to administer the plan. If a larger group plan were proposed each business would need to pay a month in advance and understand that the business would be immediately dropped if the payment were not made on time.

Insurance agents and brokers evaluate plans and advise businesses at no extra cost to the business. It would be an insurance broker’s job to evaluate how good a deal a proposed association plan would be for each business based on specific demographic information from the business (age, sex, current health patterns).

Joining an association’s health insurance plan would not mean that everyone would be covered completely from day one of a plan. NJ insurance companies are permitted to not cover pre-existing conditions for one year if the condition has not been covered by insurance in the six months proceeding the start of the plan.

Street Fair Update – Danielle Mastricova, Magic Markerter
The theme of the June 9th & 10th Street fair will be Surf’s Up.

Outreach to local businesses include working with professionals to develop marketing opportunities at the Fair, working with local eateries to take advantage of night-time alfresco dining after the fair is closed, working with non-profits, and working with the Borough to develop plans to accommodate client access to caterers while the streets are closed. Special plans include music by Silver Back East, Nick Real and Gina Minks; antique auto parade and event for auto dealers (auto wars); an event for Tenafly eateries (FoodWars), and Fashion shows by local fashion store owners. Tenafly High School, School of Rock and JCC musical groups will be asked to perform. Details are posted on www.TenaflyNJChamberofCommerce.org.

Placing a stage at the center of Washington & Railroad involves some logistical issues such as ensuring that the DPW attends a free certification course to handle the stage and that the joint insurance certificate names Bergen County Parks as a loss payee.

Council Liaison – Jon WarmsThe Council is planning banner polls on County Road. Scott Porter (BID Board Member) encouraged the council to coordinate with the BID signage project.

Farmers Market will again be in Tenafly, running from mid-May to mid-October. Opportunities exist for local merchants to get booths at the Farmers Market. Gerry Migliore, CVS suggested encouraging the Farmers Market to work at supplying local eateries.

April 28 – Little League & Girls Rec Softball Opening Day Parade
8:30-10 am – Route will include: George St, Tenafly Road, Washington St, Railroad Ave, Riveredge Road to Roosevelt Commons and then to field.

BID – Bob Kutik, Womraths
The BID will host a special meeting April 25, 6:30 pm Clinton Inn to solicit suggestions and answer questions.

Chamber Networking Breakfasts – Scott Porter
Scott asked for a sense of the meeting in supporting another educational breakfast networking meeting.

Treasurers Report Pasquale V. Fedele, Alma Bank
Deposits : $4,282.50
Expenses: $1,521.6
Tax forms filed March 26, 2012
Currently 29 members have paid their dues; this is a 60% increase over the end of May 2011.

Next Meeting – New Business Reception May 2
New businesses will be asked to come to the meeting to meet other Tenafly business owners and present their businesses.

February 2012 Tenafly Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Minutes General Meeting, February 1, 2012

  • Christine Evron finalized the chamber membership sticker for 2012 and has added a QR (Quick Read) Code to the sticker; when scanned on a smart phone, will bring viewers to the chamber’s website. When scanned, the QR code can also bring viewers to a special promotional page.

 Election results:

Bob Kutik (Womrath’s Book Store) was nominated by Gerry Migliore and has been elected by acclamation.

Carol Schulter (Kaplen JCC on the Palisades) was re-elected as 2nd Vice President and is listed as Vice President until a 1st Vice President is nominated.

Pat Fedele (Alma Bank) was elected as Treasurer.JoAnn Carr (Suburbanite Newspaper) re-elected as Secretary.

Christine Evron, (Touchstone Computer Systems, Inc.) 2-year term remaining

Bill Kapito (Wine Ventures) 1-year term remaining

Marlyn Friedberg (Friedberg Properties), 2-year term remaining

Cathy McCauley (Cooktique) 2-year term remaining

Gerry Migliore, (CVS Pharmacy) Past President 

Scott Porter (Fischer Porter Thomas & Reinfeld Attorneys Law),1-year term remaining

Khalid Mansoor (Healthway Natural Foods)1-year term remaining

o        In the past the Mayor and Council have included $2,000 in the budget to subsidize Tenafly Chamber events. JoAnn will write a letter to be sent to the mayor and council requesting these funds for 2012.

  • Al Cappellini suggested a survey of the Tenafly Chamber membership be taken to ask their stand on the light rail. Christine will put together a survey on the chamber’s website. An e-mail will be sent out to all members asking them to participate in the survey. The results of the survey will be reviewed and based on the responses the Tenafly Chamber will submit a collective response to the DEIF.
  • The BID Executive Director, Beth Lippmann, will address the Tenafly Chamber at the next general meeting on March 7th.

Old Business:

  • Status of the chamber’s tax filing. Gerry will follow up with accountant and get the tax filing wrapped up.
  • $200 check was delivered to the Tenafly High School as a contribution to the Tenafly Music Scholarship fund.
  • Mayor Peter Rustin attending the meeting and spoke about the light rail. Also reminded members about the outdated map the Clinton Inn has been distributing. to guests. Christine Evron is updating the map of the business district for the Welcome Committee and the Chamber.

Goals and Objectives for 2012

  • As the new president of the chamber, Bob Kutik listed the following goals and objectives for 2012: Increase membership, use the website for more visibility, use Suburbanite for more PR. Get information on town’s message board and utilize the town quarterly newsletter.
  • Plan to use the mayor and council’s suggestion to hold a monthly sidewalk sale during the warmer weather. Need to solicit businesses to get them to participate.
  • More co-sponsored events.
  • An Events and Promotions committee was formed, the following members volunteered for the committee: Cathy McCauley will chair, Maria, Al, Bob and JoAnn. Meet and put together a proposed schedule by the March general meeting. Look into buying an e-mail list to use for announcing events and promotions.
  • A Membership Committee was formed, the following members volunteered for the committee: Christine is chairing, Despina, Pat F., Bob, Gerry and Joann. To meet and get out membership mailing before March meeting.
  • A Networking Committee was formed, the following members volunteered for the committee: Bob is chairing, Christine and JoAnn
  • Minutes from the January meeting were approved.
  • Meeting adjourned at 9:02.

 

 

Attendees:  Milap Raikundalia, BrainStorm Tutoring; Maria Binembaum, Brain Storm Tutoring; Christine Evron, Touchstone; Cathy McCauley, Cooktique; Al Cappellini, Cooktique; Gerry Migliore, CVS; Pasquale Fedele, Alma Bank; Despina Kolokithas, Alma Bank; Jon Warms, Borough of Tenafly; Carol Schulter, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades; JoAnn Carr, Suburbanite Newspaper.

 

 

 

 

 

November 2011 Tenafly Chamber of Commerce Meeting Minutes

Minutes General Meeting Wednesday, November 30, 2011

  • Gerry announced he will not be running for the position of president for 2012
  • The non-profit application is still with the accountant and needs to be finalized.
  • Paul Nelson of Tenafly High School and director of the high school’s Key Club attended the meeting to go over the details of the Holiday Parade and Party on December 7th. Key Club members are encouraged to bring a child with them to the event. The parade will start at the Municipal Oval Park, down Washington Street to West Railroad and proceed to the Elks Club. Madrigal Singers will perform; Key Club members will organize games, raffle tickets. Winners of the Tenafly Recreation poetry contest will read their poems. Wells Fargo will provide a Spin the Wheel game with prizes for the children. 
  • Posters are needed for the stores, will be provided by the Suburbanite. 
  • Large posters will be printed at Costco and put up in the front of Tenafly Schools. Christine Evron will order, pick up and distribute. 
  • Key Club offered to help collect the food from businesses after the “Tenafly Gives Back” promotion and will coordinate with the food bank on drop off. JoAnn will send an e-mail out to participating businesses and ask them to contact Bob to coordinate pick up and drop off of food. 
  • There was not a lot of participation on the Tenafly Gives back in monetary donations, but there were food donations. 
  • A $200 donation to the Madrigal Singers scholarship fund was approved.
  • Dates for the street fairs need to be determined.
  • Bob Kutik announced he will be running for President of the chamber for 2012.
  • Minutes from the October meeting were approved.
  • Treasurers report, showing roughly $3,000; bank statement shows $7,000 balance. Gerry and Bill need to meet with the bank to balance the statement. 
  • Pricing for the Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce membership window clings without the year will be researched by JoAnn. Keystone printing was suggested for pricing.

Attendees: Christine Evron, Paul Nelson, JoAnn Carr, Bob Kutik, Gerry Migliore, Maria of Binenbaum, Scott Porter, Marlyn Friedberg. 

May 2011 Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes of General Membership Meeting
May 4, 2011

  • The details of the July Street Fair on Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th were confirmed. JC Promotions will be providing vendors for Saturday, July 23rd. For Sunday, July 24th, Gerry has two of three vendors on board for a Green Car event. $10 for every car a Tenafly Business owner signs up to test drive one of the Green Cars on Sunday, July 24th. The car dealer will give the “test driver” a $10 voucher to spend at the store that registered them for the test drive. Kia, Honda and BMW being approached by Gerry. Forms will be passed out two weeks in advance.
  •  Also hire someone to run kiddie rides, bouncy, petting zoo for Sunday, July 24th.
  • Gerry would like to go to the Kaplen Foundation for funding for a series of concerts with the restaurants to open at night closing off Washington Street.
  • The mayor asked the chamber to donate $500 for bunting for the opening of the new bandstand. The members present at the meeting did not grant approval.
  • Live band at Hyler Park. Hiring Nikki Armstrong approved for $750 for one day, Sunday, July 24th.
  • A amendenment to the first letter to the Mayor and Council asking for permission to use Hyler Park and new bandstand for performances during the street fair needs to be sent to the borough clerk.
  • Last week’s meet and greet was a success.
  • Alan got all paperwork done for IRS and State. Need to submit 501(c)6 application.
  • Two professional speakers will appear at the breakfast meet and greet. Free to chamber members and those that pay their membership by the end of May. Topics: using social networking and traditional marketing.
  • Meeting adjourned. Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 1, 6:30, Clinton Inn.

Meeting attendees: Marlyn Friedberg, Pat Lamson, Peter Quinn, Gerry Migliore, JoAnn Carr, Scott Porter, Suzanne Huguley, Bob Kutik, Jon Warms.

Please note that attendee list may not be correct

March 2011 Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Tenafly Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2011

  • Gerry asked for a volunteer to take the treasurer’s position on a permanent basis. Bob Kutik of Womrath’s is temporarily covering the position.
  • Marc of the PNC Tenafly branch will ask his manger if anyone at the bank would take on the treasurer’s position. He will also find out if we can get a space on the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce checks for two signatures.
  • The questionnaire was discussed. A question for retailers asking where their customers are coming from—outside of Tenafly? What towns?
  • The Tenafly Chamber has not been classified as a 501C3 organization since 1994. the Tenafly Chamber members need to vote at the April 6th meeting on whether or not to go forward with a new charter as a 501(c)(6). (These organizations are business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, etc. They seek to improve business conditions. They apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.)
  • The Tenafly Chamber of Commerce meet and greet scheduled for April 13th will be moved to a later date.
  • The Tenafly Elks will provide the hall and tables to set up for the meet and greet.
  • The monthly Tenafly Chamber of Commerce meetings will be moved back to the 1st Wednesday of each month.
  • Tenafly Chamber of Commerce member stickers will be ordered after the April 6th meeting.
  • The minutes from the February Tenafly Chamber of Commerce meeting were approved.

The next general meeting of the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce meeting will be Wednesday, April 6th at 6:30 at the Clinton Inn.

Meeting attendees: Gerry Migliore, Marc Macro, Maureen Quinn, Robert Thompson, Pat Lamson, Peter Quinn, Marlyn Friedberg, Suzanne Huguley, Joann Carr, Archondia Dulot.

September 2011 Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Tenafly Chamber of Commerce General Meeting Minutes
September 7, 2011

  • Paula , Director of the Tenafly Business Improvement District gave a report on some of the projects she and the Tenafly BID Board are working on. Including website development, a borough profile and demographics.
  • Police Chief, Michael Bruno, answered questions from attendees. Parking issues were the main topic and problem business owners experience in downtown Tenafly. Ways to correct the parking problem were discussed including a parking garage, tickets, metered parking. Gerry proposed a committee be formed which would include Paula of the Tenafly BID and several volunteers from the chamber to meet and come up with a proposal on ways to correct the problem. Officer Bruno will conduct a parking study. A map of all the available municipal parking lots which consists of 550 parking spaces are available.
  • Cissy of JC Promotions reported on her efforts in preparation of the Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16 Arts and Crafts Fair. She reported that she currently had 40 juried exhibitors and was looking for more Arts and Crafts vendors. Local Artist would be offered a discounted rate of $100 for space for 2 days. A art contest for children will be held during the craft fair. Prizes by age will be awarded. The art will be done on store windows with a Halloween theme. Music for the craft fair needs to be finalized.
  • Jared Greene, president of the 2011-2012 Tenafly High School Student Body, made a presentation on a discount card they are selling as a fundraiser. Businesses can offer discounts to card holders at no charge to the business. The cards and the businesses’ offers will be promoted throughout the school on posters.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:15

June 2011 Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes

Tenafly NJ Chamber of Commerce Minutes of General Membership Meeting
June 1, 2011

  • May minutes approved.
  • Person of the Year dinner discussion. John Barrett needs to be approached and asked if he will accept. Gerry is asking Cathy to run the dinner which is scheduled for November 9
  • Suzanne has organized a free social networking training event June 16 at 6:30, Clinton Inn.
  • First breakfast meeting, Wednesday, June 29th, 7:30 to 9am. Topics, “How to Budget Advertising”. Speaker to discuss PR for non-profits.
  • Street Fair reviewed. Sidewalk Sale starts on Friday, July 22, Sat. July 23rd. JC Promotions will bring in vendors, food, rides. Washington St. & West Railroad Ave. will be closed. Saturday Nikki Armstrong will perform. Sat. cars will be at the circle off Tenafly Rd. Sunday, JCC & School of Rock will supply entertainment.
  • Currently 24 members are paid.
  • Treasurer’s report, $3,920.20 in account. $750 is allotted for Nikki Armstrong.
  • Members need to be called and followed up to renew membership.
  • Professional Chamber division led by Dr. Barnea, Dr. Markowitz and Dr. Papandrikos.
  • Gerry would like to advertise/promote his chamber breakfasts. $10 for non members, $5 for members.
  • Speakers for future meetings were discussed. Tenafly’s Chief of Police was suggested as a good speaker.
  • Schedule next meet and greet for September.

Next general meeting, July 6th.