“When I joined the Township Committee twenty-four years ago, you could fit the entire Chamber of Commerce around one of these tables!”
Addressing an overflow crowd at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception, on Wednesday evening, Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles encapsulated the meteoric growth of the Lakewood business sector, with thriving office towers and successful businesses in all industries – which was literally unimaginable not all that long ago.
A diverse crowd of business, governmental and non-profit leaders gathered at the prestigious Eagle Ridge Golf Club ballroom for the Chamber’s flagship event of the year.
Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller, who serves as the Chamber’s Executive Director, marveled at the vibrancy in the room, which mirrors the unique energy and collaborative nature of the Lakewood-based economy. “Thanks to the great men and women in this room and throughout the local business world, Lakewood has earned a unique level of respect in the business and governmental spheres,” says Deputy Mayor Miller. “The Chamber is glad to be there as a powerful vehicle to assist and support our entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams.”
“People want to do business in Lakewood and advocate for each other,” observed Chamber President Justin Flancbaum. “The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce gets in touch with decision makers and cuts through red tape.”
State Senator Robert Singer thanked the cadre of government officials at the event for their year-round work to support the region’s economy and quality of life. He noted Lakewood’s unique privilege to be represented in Washington by “the Dean of Congress,” Congressman Chris Smith, the primary honoree of the evening.
Congressman Smith was unable to personally attend, as he remained in the Capitol for an emergency vote to reopen the government. He was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Jo Schloeder, who presented Deputy Mayor Miller with an American flag flown over the Capitol in honor of the event and shared with the crowd a special letter written by the Congressman.
Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein thanked Lakewood entrepreneurs and the Chamber for “turning Lakewood into the economic engine of our region” and introduced the next honoree of the evening, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, who, Lichtenstein says, “rolls up his sleeves and gets Ocean County’s business done.”
Commissioner Sadeghi shared his observation that Ocean County’s population is on a trajectory to exceed the population of Bergen County, the State’s most populous County and essentially a suburb of New York City. “The Lakewood economy put Ocean County on the map,” said Commissioner Sadeghi. “The County economy is very much dependent on what happens in Lakewood.”
Lakewood Township Committeeman Isaac Akerman, who serves as Liaison to the Inspection Department, introduced the next honoree, Chief Township Construction Official Jeremy Kuipers. Jeremy manages a department that performs over 40,000 inspections a year, in New Jersey’s fourth largest and fastest growing municipality – with professionalism and efficiency. “Every inspection also has an economic component,” Committeeman Akerman observed. “Someone is getting business from the construction work.”
The next honoree was Dr. Patrick K. Fox, President of the New Jersey Wellpoint insurance company, who has placed a unique emphasis on outreach to Lakewood families, including opening a physical office for Wellpoint in Downtown Lakewood. Deputy Mayor Miller introduced Dr. Fox as a rare healthcare executive who prioritizes patient care above corporate profits. Explaining his strong connection to Lakewood, Dr. Fox remarked, “I have never seen a community come together to help each other in need, like the Lakewood community does!”
Noted community activist Tova Herskovitz, MSW, was the final honoree of the evening. Tova serves as Director of Development and Community Affairs for the “Rising Stars” project, which trains and employs local youth who are outside the school system in the e-commerce logistics field. “I’m very grateful to the Chamber for giving Rising Stars this honor and platform,” says Tova, “highlighting their important work in job training, mentorship and advocacy. This simultaneously enhances our youth’s future prospects as well as the local economy.”
Upon the event’s conclusion, Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes summed up: “Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is an amazing organization, which is keeps all of our merchants working together for the good of our town. Congratulations to the honorees and we appreciate the hard work of all who made this special occasion happen!”
