President's Message Fall 2007

By Lonnie Gietter

by Lonnie Gietter

As my President's term comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve this past year.  Because of the tremendous efforts of our dedicatd volunteer board of directors, committee chairs and our outstanding office staff, especially our Office Administrator, Caroline Woodruff, the various municipal services including the Police Department, the volunteer Fire Department and Public Works, we have been able to accomplish a multitude of events this past year.  These events included Townwide Garage Sales, Car Cruise Nights, Spring Street Fair, Memorial Day Parade, Country Fair, a Golf Outing, Winter Festival Parade, Holiday Tree Lighting, and nine ribbon cuttings.  The large number of ribbon cuttings symbolize to me the continued interest and opportunity that business owners see in our borough.

This past year I have organized several "Discover Metuchen" forums to raise awareness of the threat that outside businesses pose to our future and it seems to be working.  Numerous business owners, elected officials and residents commented to me and others that the Chamber is making a difference in Metuchen.  There are a couple of initiatives in the works to further develop the downtown including the Stop & Shop redevelopment and the New Street corridor.  The number of ribbon cuttings we've seen this past year demonstrates that Main Street is thriving and will continue to do so.  We need to continue to Think Metuchen First for all our shopping and service needs.

We reached a major membership milestone with a record number of more than 300 Chamber members.  This proves that businesses see the rewards a Chamber membership brings to their own business and the community at large.  If you're a Chamber member, I thank you for your support, and if you're not, I urge you to join.  The rewards are immeasurable.  Our town is a special place to live and work.  I've heard this comment time and time again.

It has been a privilege to serve as President this year, and I plan to continue to assist the Chamber in any way I can.  I wish everyone a healthy, happy, prosperous holiday season and New Year.