On August 3, 2010, the city of Orange saw a first-of-its-kind event for local businesses. At a casual breakfast meeting at 7:30 in the morning, for the first time, business owners came under one roof and opened up themselves to new ideas to unite and grow local businesses. There were more members present than expected.

The purpose of the meeting was for businesses to unite and help each other in the future. The discussion was a great success, as the business owners met and got to know each other.

The contribution from Local Talk and Sandwiches Unlimited were appreciated by everyone. The meeting itself was very smooth and well organized, and we will try our best to continue the momentum by arranging another breakfast meeting pretty soon.

 

According to Richard Groves, Jr., the following are the areas highlighted as most important during the round table discussions.

Promoting each other through collaborative efforts:

Communicate vendors' activities by distributing material via other businesses on town

Faxing correspondence

E-mailing others with vendor promotions

Marketing: Develop a target marketing initiative

Create an e-mail list for customers

Customer Service:

Developing a policy for a welcoming employee attitude and atmosphere

Maintaining a clean environment

Create Business Opportunities:

Government Contracts

8A

Hub Zone

Port Authority/NJ Transit

Ideas for a future meeting: Market businesses on the town website, hard copy to businesses about businesses.

Hosting such events at other locations, workshop topics with specialists in that particular area (i.e. government contracts process and requirements, city cable spotlight on businesses)