This is The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce

by Jennifer Ersalesi

Chamber members Dick Allen, Kristen Meredith and Dan Meredith

The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce has been a part of Rutherford since 1927. Over the past few years, they have been working hard to further strengthen their efforts within the community and make the community more aware of their presence. Their mission is to improve and strengthen the economy within our town and enhance the quality of life for the community and the area. With a new Board and new members, the Chamber has been sponsoring many events in town.

“This is Rutherford” interviewed some of the Chamber’s members, Dan Meredith (Allstate-Dan Meredith Agency, LLC) and Alice Allen (Kipp & Allen, LLP), to learn more about their accomplishments and their future endeavors.

TIR: The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce has really been active throughout the past year. It seems that there is so much planned for 2019 as well. What are the goals of the current Chamber?

DM: To build a healthy, friendly, business environment in Rutherford. Bringing together the businesses of Rutherford with the goal of promoting the collective voice of Rutherford businesses. The purpose of the voice is to grow small and large business, from the shopping districts to offices to the home-based contractor. Businesses helping other business achieve common goals, and together doing good by giving back to the community.

TIR: With such positive goals, it seems that a Chamber of Commerce is vital for any town, especially our growing community. Why do you feel the Chamber is so important?

DM: Because an active Chamber engages the community it serves by helping to create concerted action by businesses, supporting community events and increasing the value of the borough by creating a great place to live and own a business.

TIR: What are some of the projects that the Chamber has been involved in over the last year?

AA: We have been busy this year with networking events and the Holiday Parade through the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce Community Fund, Inc., a recognized 501(c)3 charity. Additionally, we are proud of the scholarships that we have granted and other community support grants.

TIR: Uncorked at the Castle is a big event for the Chamber. When will that take place? Tell us more about this event.

DM: This event raises money for the scholarships given out each year to graduating seniors from Rutherford and St Mary’s High Schools. Uncorked at the Castle is a not for profit event happening April 12th. Local businesses will donate their time, food, and of course wine for this event. Uncorked at the Castle will be held for the second year in a row at the Iviswold Castle. Built in 1869 and on the Felician University Campus, the venue could not be better to hold an event like this. All proceeds will be donated to the Rutherford Community Fund for the Chamber Scholarships.

TIR: The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce seems like the type of group that many local businesses might be interested in joining. Is the Chamber still trying to find new members? How can those who are interested get involved?

DM: Yes, the Chamber is growing, and all Rutherford businesses are welcome to apply. If you would like to join the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, please contact Alice Allen for an application at: aallen@kippallenlaw.com. Also, please make sure to visit us on our Facebook page to learn even more about past, current and upcoming meetings and events.

The current members of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce are:

55 Kip Center

AW Van Winkle & Co.

BCB Your Community Bank

Better Homes & Garden Real Estate Coccia Realty, Inc.

Boiling Springs Group, Inc.

Boiling Springs Savings Bank

Brosnan & Clark Orthodontics

Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home

Cleary Reid, LLC

Cliffhanger Productions, Inc.

Country Whimsey

Dan Meredith Agency, LLC

Delta Building Services Corp.

Edward Krawiec & Associates, Inc.

ERA Justin Realty Co.

Felician University

FFC Mortgage Rutherford

Kearny Bank

Kipp & Allen, LLP

Law Offices John F. Hipp, LLC

Levine Eye Center

Maiello & Manzi Insurance Agency

Meadowlands Museum

Meadowlands YMCA

Park Floral Designs

Philip J. Obiedzinski, DPM, PA

Planet Sun, Inc.

Prime Time Chem Dry

Professional Insurance Associates, Inc.

Quality Automall

Rutherford 365, LLC

Rutherford Pancake House

Ryan Financial

State Farm Insurance

Superior Trade Print Specialties, LLC

The UPS Store

TM Ryabak & Associates, PC

Varrelmann’s Bake Shop

William Neumann Photography