Long Branch Chamber members share advice to help businesses grow

On Wednesday, October 9, the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce sponsored a panel discussion and mini expo featuring six Chamber members sharing their perspectives on “Marketing in the New Normal”. Over 60 business owners and community members gathered at Charley’s Ocean Grill to hear how businesses define the “new normal” and how to implement tactics and measure results for success. 

Lisa Borghese, lending officer of American Colonial Bank and President of American Colonial Bank Anthony Giordano present an iPad Mini to the drawing winner Jennifer McWhirter. The iPad was donated by American Colonial Bank. To the right is Chamber President Howard Steel of Stelair Design.

“Marketing in the New Normal” was the theme for a panel discussion held at Charley’s Ocean Grill, Long Branch.
Moderator Pauline Poyner, of Heritage House, Sotheby’s Real Estate, asked panelists how businesses define the “new normal” and how to implement tactics and measure results for success. Expert panelists included Michael Ciavolino of Shore Creative Group; Jeff Gould of Action Media; Lisa Kanda of Elkay Corporate Advisors; Robert LaBella of Jamm Printing and Patty O’Neill of The Link News. Each panelist discussed strategies, success stories, and ways to help businesses to grow and succeed in the “new normal”. Attendees also had the opportunity to submit questions to the panelists.
The Expo provided a great setting for both business to business and business to consumer outreach and sales.
For upcoming events and how you can be included contact the Chamber 732-222-0400 or info@longbranchchamber.org.

Mike Ciavolino is Founder and CEO of Shore Creative Group, a full service integrated marketing solutions provider servicing local and regional clients in the financial, healthcare and business-to-business industries.
Prior to opening Shore Creative Group here in Long Branch in 2008, Mike spent 25 years working on Madison Avenue at Bernard Hodes Group, which is part of Omnicom, the world’s largest communication organization, and Lewis Advertising Agency in Newark.
Mike has managed and implemented marketing and advertising campaigns for Fortune 500 companies such as Nabisco, Host Marriott, Boston Scientific, Financial Resources Federal Credit Union, Atlantic Health System, Ericsson Corporation and UMDNJ.
Lisa Kanda is President and Chief Results Officer at Elkay Corporate Advisors, LLC. With over 25 years of experience in marketing communications, business consulting and coaching, she brings a new perspective to helping businesses understand new techniques and proven strategies with a focus on getting your return on investment for any initiative you pursue. She is a sought after social media speaker sharing proven tools and tips to help her audience take action by making content relevant and actionable right away. Her work has spanned a variety of industries including professional services, education, nonprofits, technology, retail, publishing, energy, banking, insurance, government and family owned businesses.
Lisa is an instructor for the Small Business Development Center, teaching six social media workshops each semester. She is a Board member of the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, serving as chair of the marketing committee. She received her MA in Corporate and Public Communication from Monmouth University and her BA in Communication from the University of Dayton.
For over 25 years, filmmaker Jeffrey Gould has been providing corporate and healthcare clients with quality video productions. From educational-marketing videos, to content-rich social media clips, to independent film shorts, his passion for visual storytelling is infused into all of his projects.
Jeffrey has assembled a talented team of professionals who work together to create powerful, compelling videos that grab the viewer-and keep clients coming back again and again.
Action Media Productions has received numerous industry awards and accolades for the videos they’ve produced for both local and national businesses and non- profits. This type of recognition is always wonderful. But the most rewarding aspect of the work is the development of long-standing relationships with clients and the appreciation they show when the final product exceeds their expectations.
Jeffrey has also produced a number of independent film projects and was the executive producer, cinematographer and editor for the psychological thriller short “Baggage”, filmed on location in Long Branch He is currently in pre-production on three films.
Patricia Booth O’Neill has been a successful business woman in Long Branch for over three decades. A graduate of Long Branch High School and Brookdale Community College, where she still takes classes, Patty opened the Atlantic Karate Academy in Long Branch in the early 1980s. She was a member of the USA Karate team and traveled all over the world, and retired from competition ranked first in the United States and second in the World.
Twelve years ago Patty started The LINK News and closed her karate school because the success of the newspaper business began to take up more and more of her time. The Link News is now a household name, covering Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, West Long Branch, Oceanport, Ocean Township, Eatontown and Sea Bright. “I have been fortunate enough to love every endeavor I’ve tried,” O’Neill said. “I have great people working for me making The LINK a successful operation. Robert LaBella purchased Jamm Printing in 1994. Jamm Printing has been a household name since 1972. New York City, Florida, Long Island and Northern New Jersey are homes to LaBella’s family involved in the printing/graphics business. “We’ve touched every part of this business, from sales, marketing, accounting, typesetters, press people, bindery and owners.”I guess you can say we have ink (and toner!) in our blood!” We offer black and white to full color printing, copying and mailing. Jamm Printing sets itself apart by having a highly experienced staff and marketing people that have a personal service attitude.

The highlight was the iPad Mini Giveaway sponsored by Colonial American Bank. To enter the drawing, participants needed to visit all the expo tables and have them stamped, with all completed entries included in the drawing. Jennifer McWhirter of  was the winner of the iPad Mini.