Founded in 1914, the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the Chamber program, bringing together representatives from nearly 100 local and regional businesses for a morning of updates, insights, and community engagement. The event opened with a Flag Salute led by Rob Shay, Veteran and Business Owner of Pineland Brewing. Board Member Lori Pepenella opened the meeting, welcomed attendees and acknowledged the presence of Ocean County Commissioners, Director Frank Sadeghi, Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, and Commissioners Robert S. Arace, Sam Ellenbogen, and Ray Gormley. She acknowledged elected officials in attendance such as Mayor of Stafford Township Robert Henken, distinguished speakers, and members of the 112th Board of Directors. She extended appreciation to event sponsor Atlantic City Electric, part of the Exelon family, as well as the Ocean County Tourism & Business Advisory Board for their continued commitment to supporting growth throughout the region. 

Economic Outreach Director and 2026 Board Facilitator Blaise Scibetta introduced the morning’s speakers and provided updates on the Chamber’s strategy, sponsorship opportunities, including upcoming initiatives such as the February 19 Heart Month CPR Training, upcoming Women in Business events, March 12 Career Fair, March 16 Pre–St. Patrick’s Business Social. and FIFA World Cup event happening this summer in Southern Ocean County. 

Assemblyman Greg Myhre of New Jersey’s 9th Legislative District addressed attendees with a statewide perspective on the economic and regulatory issues shaping New Jersey’s business climate. Ocean County Director of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi followed with updates on county-level initiatives, collaboration with services and supporting sustainable county educational growth, economic development and planning.

Stafford Township Police Chief James Haldenwang, spoke about the department’s commitment to community‑oriented policing and well‑being through public safety. He was joined by Manchester Township Police Chief Antonio Ellis, President of the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association, who discussed regional traffic incidents and their impact on both businesses and families.

Keynote speaker Kristopher Krzyston, Vice President and Environmental Regional Market Leader at T&M Associates, shared insights from more than three decades of environmental consulting. He provided an overview of the latest NJDEP NJREAL rulings, outlining anticipated implications for both residential and commercial planning and development, and answered questions regarding the scope of this legacy regulatory framework. Atlantic City Electric–Exelon representative ShayLa Salter also addressed attendees, highlighting ongoing efforts to support affordability and community assistance programs.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber Board of Directors include Elizabeth Giglio, Barlow Buick GMC, Laura Benson, Berry, Sahradnik, Kotzas & Benson, Michele Collins Davies, Faces 4 Autism, Marie Daley, Beasley Media Group, Michele Cuff, Southern Ocean Chamber Association, Tanek Hood, Reynolds Landscaping, Daniel Long, Health Village Imaging, Carl Maslag,Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center, Shawn Zakar, Ocean County College, Christina Ulinski Ping, The Residence at Stafford, Danielle Roselli, Manasquan Bank and Lori Pepenella, Southern Ocean Chamber Association, encourages the community to stay connected by following @southernoceanchamber and @LBiregion, and by tuning in to its weekly podcast, the LBI Region Report Podcast on WBNJ.

You can watch the State of the Chamber speakers on the Southern Ocean Chamber YouTube channel. 

Additional information on sponsorships, community programs, and upcoming Chamber events is available at www.visitlbiregion.com. Full coverage of the State of the Chamber program can be viewed online thanks to support of WBNJ. For inquiries on 2026 activities, contact the Chamber Kate Krier Business Outreach Coordinator and Office Manager and Audrey Peak Office Assistant at 609‑494‑7211 or visit the office at 703 Mill Creek Road, Suite G, Manahawkin, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.