Chairman's Message

J. Robert Hillier, FAIA

Founder and Principal
J. Robert Hillier 
 

On NPR this week I heard an economist refer to the 3 ½ years of this bad economy and my reaction was, “Has it really been that long?”

It is interesting that in those same 3 ½ years your Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce has, in fact, been thriving; thriving with new Members, thriving with better attendance at our events, and thriving with more stimulating, informative and educational programs. The Chamber’s positives are driven by the fact that it is providing more and better services to your membership at a time when you need it. Whether it’s marketing, “how to”, or simply networking and meeting new customers, more Members are using the Chamber than ever before.

And, in spite of the heat wave, this summer is no exception. Just look at the programs in store for you from now through Labor Day: 

• The Monthly Membership Luncheon Meeting on Thursday, August 5th will feature John Eichert, Principal, Rivermark, LLC, and truly a genius in marketing. Eichert will speak about “Pharmaceutical Marketing, Social Networking, and the Internet,” Intricate social networks can influence everything from our body weight to the drugs we take. “Networks and relationships influence the way the world works,” says John, referring to research conducted by Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler, authors of “Connected: the Surprising Power of Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives."
   
• The Thursday, August 12th Business After Business Networking Reception will be hosted by our friends at Phrog Personal Training Studio, conveniently located at 376 Wall Street in Princeton. You can snack it up and work it off all at the same event.
   
• On Wednesday, August 18th the Business Before Breakfast Meeting will be hosted by Novo Nordisk in their café at 1100 Campus Road in Princeton. Dr. Per Falk, PhD, of Novo Nordisk’s Clinical Development & Regulatory Affairs, will be the guest speaker and will address the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to both employees and their employers. August is a slow month for so many of us because of vacations, but this program is a “must attend”. And in attending this, and all of our programs, there is so much to learn and so many people to meet you can’t lose by coming.
   
• Finally, on the heels of the very successful Mid-Summer Marketing Showcase in Palmer Square Peter Crowley and the Chamber staff now begin planning for the next signature event. Mark your calendars for the Annual Business Trade Fair and Culinary Showcase which will take place at the Westin at Princeton Forrestal Village on Monday, September 27th. With over 100 exhibitors and constant traffic, there will be unlimited opportunities throughout the day for networking and meeting new contacts with food tastings and other attractions you won’t want to miss!

So . . . let me see you there!

Respectfully yours,

J. Robert Hillier, FAIA, PP