Letter from the Chairman

2016 is now history and we jump right into 2017. It is interesting that one of the greatest party nights of the year is on the last night of the last day! That can make fora foggy, groggy first day of the New Year — as instead of reviewing and setting resolutions, you are nursing a hangover and eating everything and anything to soak up the alcohol! We also take time to reflect on the previous year — 2016 — the good and the bad! And we look forward to making the next year — 2017 — a great year! Happy New Year!

As we all know we are heading into a period of expected change. There is a new president in town and his campaign has promised change — “Make America Great Again.” Already we are hearing how great this year is going to be. People are feeling good about the election, the market, and the upcoming year. Remember, there have not been any changes to tax laws or regulations, policies, procedures, or anything! In fact, the president is not even finished with setting up his cabinet!

However, that doesn’t seem to stop people from forecasting 2017 as a successful and great year! So what causes this? Why the optimism? The election was fairly close — it was not a landslide by any means. As I listen to friends, clients, network associates, and others speak, I get the feeling that is mostly due to CHANGE! As an accountant, I tend to be organized and consistent, looking forward to life coming at me in an orderly fashion — not a big change embracer!

What I have heard is that many people were not happy with the Affordable Care Act and other government programs. In addition, people were feeling that the U.S. economy was stagnating and did not come out of the recession with vigor. Not to mention (although it seems like I just mentioned it), any scams or scandals that may or may not have occurred. All of this adds up to what I refer to as the “fed up” vote! U.S. voters looked at their lives, the economy, the programs and the candidates and said let's vote for a different candidate and a different party! The current party has had a long run and voters were fed up and frustrated with many things — voters felt it was time for a change.

It seems to me that this is similar to a football team that had a lot of talent but had a bad year. Who is the first person to go? That's right —the coach! We have brought in a new coach with no experience and different outlook to run the country!

Therefore, now that the election and the many hours of “truth in advertising” commercials are behind us, we need to drive ourselves, our company, our community and our country to success! There are a lot of great opportunities out there and now it is time to put our best effort forward. Boy I hope this works! Whatever happens, I wish each of you a happy and prosperous new year!

There continue to be a lot of great events and programs at the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Take a look at our calendar on the website and I hope to see you at an event soon!

Chamber Luncheon — on January 5 the New Year began at our monthly luncheon with David Hill, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of NRG Energy, Inc. giving us some great information and insight on NRG Energy, Inc. and the energy sector. He spoke about some of the programs they are working on as they relate to renewable and fossil-fired electricity.

David also expanded upon the choice to be a founding sponsor and host of Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. It is a tremendous opportunity with worldwide visibility, and they are looking forward to this momentous occasion.

On January 24 we had our “Meet the Board” evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mercer Oaks in Princeton Junction. It was a great opportunity to meet our Board members and discuss your current thoughts and issues along with where the Chamber is headed. It was an evening of food, fun, networking and engaging conversation!

To you the reader — I really appreciate you taking the time to read this column. Take care and make it a great day!

Further information about the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce can be found by checking our website at www.princetonchamber.org or calling the chamber at 609-924-1776.

February Events at the Chamber

Monthly Membership Luncheon, Thursday, February 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Princeton Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 100 College Road East, Princeton.

Young Professionals Networking at the Winery, Thursday, February 9, 6 to 8 p.m., Crossing Vineyards & Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown, PA.

Trenton Economic Development Breakfast, Friday, February 10, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Trenton Country Club, 201 Sullivan Way, West Trenton.

February Business Before Business Breakfast, Wednesday, February 15, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Nassau Club of Princeton, 6 Mercer Street, Princeton.

Women Mean Business, Thursday, February 16, 5 to 7 p.m., Miele USA, 9 Independence Way, Princeton.

February Business After Business, Wednesday, February 22, 5 to 7 p.m., Mrs. G TV, Appliances & Sleep Center, 2720 Route 1, Lawrenceville.

Independent Business Alliance Workshop: Harnessing the Power of Your Message, Friday, February 24, 7:30 to 9:45 a.m., Nassau Club of Princeton, 6 Mercer Street, Princeton.

2017 Mercer County Economic Summit, Tuesday, February 28, 5 to 7:30 p.m., The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 South Post Road, West Windsor.

Save the Date: featured February Event

2017 Mercer County Ecenomic Summit & Awards Reception, Tuesday, February 28, 5 to 7:30 p.m., The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 South Post Road, West Windsor/

The 12th Annual Mercer County Economic Summit and Awards Reception addresses the theme of “Preparing for the Changes Ahead.” Join us for an evening of networking, economic updates and a celebratory reception honoring two businesses for their contribution to the vitality of Mercer County.

Keynote Address: Dr. James W. Hughes, Dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University

Economic Development Report: Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. Followed by the 2017 Mercer County Economic Impact Award Presentation

Contact Kate Stevens regarding sponsorships and vendor tables — Kate@princetonchamber.org or 609-924-1776.

Save the Dates: March Events

Sustaining Sponsors 2017

With great appreciation, the Chamber thanks the following companies and organizations who have shown their support and loyalty to the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce by becoming Sustaining Sponsors. Our Sustaining Sponsors enable the Chamber to advance to a level which allows the resources for greater benefits and enhanced programs events to our Members and the business community.

PLATINUM

Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb, Capital Health, Domain Computer Services Inc., Fox Rothschild LLP, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, NJM Insurance Group, Novo Nordisk, PSE&G, RWJ University Hospital Hamilton, RW Bamabas Health, TD Bank, Thomas Edison State University, Wells Fargo Bank, WithumSmith+Brown

GOLD

BlackRock, Borden Perlman Salisbury & Kelly, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Grand Bank, HBK CPAs & Consultants, Investors Bank, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Northfield Bank, NRG Energy, Inc, PNC Bank, Princeton University, Rue Insurance, Studio Hillier Architecture/Urban Planning/Design, Szaferman Lakind, Verizon, Trenton Thunder

SILVER

1st Constitution Bank, Eden Autism Services, Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative, First Bank, Howard Hughes, Leigh Visual Imaging Solutions, Mercer County Community College, NAI Fennelly, Peapack Gladstone Bank, Princeton Air Conditioning, Princeton Athletics, Princeton Global Asset Management, Sam's Club, Santander Bank, Sun National Bank Center, The Bank of Princeton, The Mercadien Group, The Provident Bank, V.J. Scozzari & Sons, Inc.

BRONZE

Caliper, Creative Marketing Alliance, ETS, Hyatt Regency Princeton, JM Group, Maclean Agency, Mrs. G TV, Appliance and Sleep Center, Paychex Inc., Princeton Internet Group, Inc., Princeton Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Sandler Training AGT & Associates, Inc., SES, Sound Choice DJs, St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center, StimulusBrand Communications, United Way of Greater Mercer County, Virtua

Welcome, New Members

Alpine Business Systems, Inc.

Asher Taxi & Limousine, LLC

Brenda Bray, LLC

Crossing Vineyards & Winery

DeSimone Orthodontics

Diamond's Restaurant

HHG Development Associates LLC

Keepsake Carpets

Masters of Media, LLC

Michael Spillane Design

Oaks Integrated Care

Princeton Senior Resource Center

Princeton Wealth Management Group

Shine and Inspire

Sourland Mountain Spirits

Storytelling Arts, Inc

Synergetic Sound and Lighting

The Roebling Museum

Virtua Express Urgent Care

Yardley Inn

Interested in Joining the Chamber

Did you know that more than 60 percent of our member businesses have 25 or fewer employees? What does that mean? This means that these small businesses need resources — resources many of our Members are ready, willing, and able to provide.

If you haven't taken the time to attend one of our events, now's the time to step forward and join the Chamber! We provide our nearly 900 members with quality services, which include networking and marketing opportunities that will enhance their ability to run a successful business.

Chamber Events: Receive invitations to attend nearly 100 events each year, including networking receptions, luncheons, forums and special events.

Awareness Building: Increase your visibility by participating in Annual Chamber trade show events, awards galas, and golf outings.

Destination Marketing: Automatically become a Member of the Princeton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau with Chamber Membership.

Continued Growth through Diversity: Embrace regional diversity through growing partnerships such as the Capital Region Minority Chamber of Commerce and the Women in Business Alliance.

Customer Referrals: Be recommended. Each week the Chamber receives inquiries asking to be referred to a business which will meet their needs.

Brochure/Business Card Display: Display your brochure and/or business card at the Chamber office, at no additional charge.

Chamber Website: Build your online presence through the Chamber website, a leading resource to find out about Princeton region. The site profiles all Chamber members.

Business Directory: Get published in comprehensive listing of more than 800 member businesses published annually. Additional advertising opportunities are available.

Newsletter: Gain exposure by being featured in the Chamber's monthly U.S. 1 newsletter.

Direct Mail Options: Purchase a mailing list of the full Chamber Membership or have your flyer inserted into the Chamber's monthly events calendar mailing.

The Chamber celebrated the holidays with its December Business After Business networking event at the Princeton Airport.

The Chamber kicked off its first Luncheon of 2017 with Champion for Business, Hal English of Grand Bank, and speaker, David Hill of NRG. Pictured are Chamber President and CEO Peter Crowley, left, Hal English, David Hill, and Chamber Chairman Rick Coyne.

Champions for Business