Letter: Loyalty is Spelled NOVEMBER!

They say that, in hard times, our true character reveals itself. How we handle ourselves in those situations… as individuals, as groups… is telling. Although I’m not a native of this fine state of New Jersey, November made me PROUD to live here. November was hard, and New Jersey rolled up its proverbial sleeves. 

Twitter was abuzz with the helpful hints and suggestions offered by well-intentioned citizens who were in the know about such important issues as gasoline lines, and downed wires. The Town of Westfield blasted Twitter updates almost continuously, keeping citizens informed of mayoral and town council updates.  Then came our area businesses. Those earliest to open immediately utilized social media to spread the word that they were powered, and WARM. That is when the pride I feel, as the chief executive of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, also swelled. We are privileged to count many of the early responders among our members: Sir Speedy; Westfield United Fund; 102nd Cavalry Family Readiness Group; Bohemian Raspberry; Westfield Area Y; Evalyn Dunn; Magic Hands Skin & Body; Track Three Media; Mattress Factory; Gold Medal Fitness; Cherrybrook; Parti-licious; and Sage Eldercare. Since my home never lost power, I felt obliged to do what I could to help. I immediately set up our @GWACC_NJ chamber Twitter account, so the chamber could be part of the solution, re-Tweeting important information being shared by citizens, press, PSE&G, and the towns.

Loyalty is central to the effectiveness of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC), as a business model. In good times, we “sell” relationships, offering our current, and prospective members the opportunity to extend their networks, and circles of influence. We benefit from the good fortune of having both for-profit, and non-profit members.  There are so many synergies to be realized with our neighbors. So, the GWACC practices, and preaches, thinking of our neighbors FIRST when it’s time to make a buying decision. GWACC is about supporting the local economy. The GWACC serves the communities of Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, and Westfield. 

Current and future members are encouraged to contact me directly, hrobinson@westfieldareachamber.com, for more information about joining our loyalty effort!