Chamber 'Gives Back' With Annual Picnic

The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual informal meeting and picnic at Smith Park, Monday, for members and prospective members to mingle, discuss their accomplishments and introduce some new ideas.

Food was provided by Jeremiah's Gourmet Deli and Catering in Lake Hiawatha as well as Anthony Franco's in Parsippany.

About 30 Chamber members gathered under the pavilion and helped themselves to a light dinner as Chamber President Robert Peluso and Executive Director Craig Schlosser to talk about upcoming programs.

“The Chamber is on a journey to help businesses, residents and volunteers,” said Peluso. “The picnic is a way to give back to them and let them enjoy the ambiance of the park.”

The Chamber, which started in 1956 is now up to more than 200 members, he told the crowd.

Peluso and Schlosser reviewed the success of the shopping local campaign and greater Parsippany rewards card and introduced a new enhanced membership program.

The enhanced membership allows chamber members to earn points with the chamber that can be turned in for different benefits.

“Your hours volunteering with the chamber adds up to points you can use to sponsor an event,” Peluso said.

“Time is money and money is time,” said Schlosser, who went over ways to earn and use points. “The only way you can have a successful membership is to get involved.”