A Brief History of the J.A.C.C.

At the beginning of the century, a small but dedicated group of business people and civic leaders came together to create a Chamber of Commerce for Lower Middlesex County. The mission of the infant chamber was to “promote business and community outreach”.

The Jamesburg Area Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in March of 2001. The group elected a board of directors and its first officers. Dayton business owner, Linda Garcia, was elected the first Chamber president. By the end of its first year there were seventeen members. Meetings were held at the Jamesburg Borough Hall.

In 2002 with the membership increasing to twenty-six, the Jamesburg Area Chamber of Commerce created a web presence and took on a variety of new projects to fulfill their mission. December “Holiday Nights” was created. Downtown Jamesburg was opened three evenings before the holidays and a variety of special events were coordinated and advertised including two evening historic tours conducted on horse-drawn carriages. The Chamber also organized the first Mardi Gras dinner dance that winter, a fund raiser created provided a college scholarship for an area graduating senior.

In 2003, the Chamber moved its meetings to Monday morning that included breakfast at Lisco’s Country Café. New officers were elected and Allan Brown of Gandy and Brown Century 21 became the new Chamber president. A variety of committees were formed to take on the projects of the growing Chamber; membership, finance, beautification, website and events. Added to the continued and successful holiday nights and Mardi Gras, the Chamber beautification committee successfully began the process of making the downtown of Jamesburg a more inviting place.

In 2004, after many successful membership drives, the regional Chamber had over sixty members. Meetings were moved to the Jamesburg Fire House. Chamber meetings now include speakers as well as networking opportunities. The Jamesburg Area Chamber of Commerce not only continues its mission and outreach, but has a membership that is truly representational of the area.