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Your input and ideas are needed for the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization's(SJTPO) transportation study. Please read the message from Jennifer Marandino, Executive Director of the SJTPO, and provide your ideas.

My name is Jennifer Marandino, and I serve as the Executive Director of the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO), the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties.

As part of our mission to improve transportation throughout the region, we work closely with our state and local partners to support planning efforts that enhance mobility, strengthen the economy, and improve quality of life.

I am reaching out to ask for your assistance in sharing an important public engagement opportunity with your members and stakeholders.

In mid-June, NJ TRANSIT launched the Southern New Jersey Transit Market Study and began collecting public input through a survey and outreach events. The study is evaluating current and future transit needs throughout South Jersey and will help identify opportunities to improve bus service, address mobility gaps, and better connect residents, employees, students, businesses, and visitors across the region.

Your perspective, and that of your members, is invaluable. I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and to share it through your newsletters, email lists, social media channels, and other communications. Broad participation from the business community will help ensure the study reflects the transportation needs of employers, employees, customers, and the communities you serve.

Project Website: Southern New Jersey Transit Market Study | New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation

Public Survey: South Jersey Transit Market Study Survey

Thank you in advance for helping us maximize participation in this important regional planning effort. A broad range of feedback will help NJ TRANSIT better understand existing travel patterns, identify unmet transportation needs, and plan for future transit improvements that support South Jersey's residents, workforce, and economy.

Jennifer Marandino, P.E.

Executive Director

South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization

817 East Landis Avenue, 2nd Floor

Vineland, New Jersey 08360

(856) 794-1941 ext. 208 | www.sjtpo.org

THE BRIDGETON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONGRATULATES ITS MEMBER, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS AND CUMBERLAND AND SALEM COUNTIES AND DONNA BENNETT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ITS BOARD AND STAFF.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties (BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties) was recognized at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) National Conference for its exceptional work in community development.

Conference co-chairs Carol B. Tomé, chief executive officer of UPS, and Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank family of businesses, made the event possible through their unwavering support. The annual conference featured numerous speakers, including Martin Luther King, III, Brittany Hodak, and Frankie Russo.

“We are honored to be recognized by the entire organization, and we are tremendously grateful for our amazing board of trustees,” said BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties Board of Trustees Chair Erin Feldman Mendez. “The commitment of our board members to personal accountability has generated more scholarships, human connections, and brighter futures than ever before.”

CHAMBER / CDC OPEN HOUSE HELD ON JULY 29

The Chamber / CDC Open House and Business Networking event was held on July 29, 4:30 to 7 PM at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building and Chamber / CDC office.

More than 50 visitors shared food, cool treats, photo booth, and displays by Chamber members and Chamber committees, and networking.

We also heard about five area businesses, one from each participating municipality. The speakers included Bridgeton's Mayor Albert Kelly and UEZ Director Stephanie Gonzalez who introduced Quings SIPS, represented by owners Lashe and Kat Bedford Davidson. They talked about how they started and are expanding their fresh lemonade-based beverage business.

Deerfield Township Mayor Abigail O'Brien who introduced Terra Nonno Winery represented by Adam Pipitone and A.J. Mendolero. AJ highlighted the family history and how farmland dating back two generation became a vineyard and a beautiful winery with delicious wines and facilities for parties and events.

Hopewell Township Mayor Robin Freitag introduced Spinelli Jewelers represented by owner Marc Spinelli. Marc soke about the business, its history, its services and products, and his and his employee's dedication to serving their customers. The recently moved to their new location in Hopewell Galleria on Rt. 49 in Hopewell.

On behalf of Stow Creek Mayor Dale Cruzan, Jr., Tony Stanzione, Chamber CEO, introduced Giovanni's Collision Express, represented by owner Nick Pessolano. Nick explained the business services he offers from his location on Rt. 49, just west of Shiloh in Stow Creek.

Deputy Mayor Joseph Spoltore introduced MaxxFit Performance Center, represented by owners Jeffrey & Betsy Lovell. They talked about the services that are unique to their fitness and health business and praised their team and customers for making the business a success. They stressed that they are locally owned and managed and have built good relationships with their customers.

The businesses who tabled at the open house included Marlise Counsellor - Mary Kay Consultant, Glory Be Bookkeeping, LLC, LaLa Beading Creations, The Passion Professor, Nikki Halter Photography, who also provided her photo booth, and Good Dog Therapy.

The event was co-chaired by Stephanie McGhee and Nikki Halter. Tony Stanzione, Chamber CEO and CDC Executive Director, moderated the business spotlights, and Laurie LaTorre, Chamber Member Services Director, highlighted the value of Chamber membership and talked about upcoming Chamber meetings and events.

Check out upcoming Chamber, Member, and Community Events

www.CumberlandGrows.com/events

The Dog Days of Summer is our Chamber Foundation's fun, summer, fundraiser, benefitting the Cumberland County Sheriff Department's K9 Unit. This year, it includes live music by Whiskey Sunset! Join us on August 12 at Cedar Rose Winery. Sponsors and raffle basket donations are welcomed, too. Bring your dogs along, too.

www.tinyurl.com/BACCDogDays.

Thanks to our newest sponsors of Dog Days of Summer: Marlise Counsellor- Mary Kay Consultant, Freitag Funeral Home, Tedesco Engineering, LLC and Deerfield United Methodist Church. They join Newfield National Bank, Deerfield Elks Dogs of Honor, and OceanFirst Bank as sponsors.

Thank you to Our Premier Chamber Partners