January 13, 2010

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Teams Up With Local Junior Chambers of Commerce Chapters

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Atlantic City, Orange-Essex and Hudson County chapters of the Jaycees – the Junior Chamber of Commerce – for the purpose of recruiting young people to become the next generation of business leaders. Under a recently-formed pilot program, member companies of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to pay $100 membership dues for their employees between the ages of 18 and 41 to join one of those three Jaycees chapters. As a public service, companies may also choose to pay dues for aspiring young entrepreneurs living in their communities.

“We recognize that our state needs a stable of young, motivated leaders, and this is an opportunity for Chamber companies to support their development,” said Joan Verplanck, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “Jaycees members will become engaged in the work of their community, network with other young professionals and be groomed to become our next generation of leaders.”

The Jaycees, a nationwide non-profit, is a training ground for young professionals and entrepreneurs who want to gain leadership skills by volunteering for community projects, according to Eldridge Hawkins Jr., president of the New Jersey Jaycees and founder of the Orange-Essex Chapter. Hawkins is teaming with Verplanck to create the pilot program.

“Members of the Jaycees learn to organize, learn leadership skills and learn to manage, communicate and budget,” said Hawkins, 30, who is also the mayor of Orange and works as a full-time West Orange police officer. “They become better leaders through civic engagement.”

The Atlantic City Chapter recently sponsored a 40 Under 40 event that recognized outstanding young leaders. And the Orange-Essex Chapter has been involved in creating youth scholarship programs and producing seminars to teach people in the community how to dress for success and how to purchase a home and repair bad credit. Jaycees members also participate in monthly socials, such as dinners, camping trips and golf outings.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce pilot program is designed to initially support the three chapters. Later, it might be expanded to support other Jaycees chapters in Chatham, Cranford, Florham Park, Nutley and Westfield, Hawkins said.

Verplanck is asking Chamber companies to “consider supporting your talent by providing their first-year membership” dues for the Hudson County, Atlantic City or Orange-Essex Jaycees. The company does not need to be located in those cities. “After the first year, you may opt to continue to support or leave it up to the employees,” Verplanck added. “In any case, it’s a wise and small investment. The Jaycees provide a great network for upwardly mobile people who want to improve their world.”

The New Jersey Jaycees are part of the U.S. Jaycees and Junior Chamber International, a worldwide federation of young professionals and entrepreneurs. The Jaycees are active in more than 8,000 chapters in 123 nations and territories.

How to Join

Companies wishing to sponsor individuals within their company for membership in the New Jersey Jaycees can send a $100 check per employee payable to: New Jersey Jaycees, 572 Nassau St, Orange NJ 07050 c/o Eldridge Hawkins. Individuals will have access to membership in the chapter closest to their home or place of business – Orange-Essex Jaycees, Atlantic City Jaycees or the newly formed Hudson County Jaycees. A list with the names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and e-mail addresses of individuals being sponsored must accompany the check.

Benefits of $100 membership:

• One-year membership for those between ages of 18 and 41.

• Covers membership to the local chapter, as well as the state and national organization.

• Instant access to a great network of young people energized to help the community, build leadership skills, and build their business.

• Right to attend any state, regional, and national conferences reserved for Jaycees at minimal cost.

• Other benefits might vary from chapter to chapter.

More information can be found at www.njjaycees.com.