Location
Voorhees
Leader
Meredith Lorrilliere, president
Origin
Founded in 1970 to advance knowledge and understanding of topics related to the acceleration of both the quality and quantity of economic growth and employment opportunities through studies and research, training courses and forums, and activities that promote understanding, unification or improved relationships between different economic or ethnic groups.
Mission/Vision
The South Jersey Chamber Foundation’s mission is to advance workforce development and economic opportunity in the region. It envisions a thriving Southern New Jersey where every individual, entrepreneur and business has access to the education, resources and opportunities needed to achieve success. By fostering collaboration, equity and innovation, it strives to create a region recognized for its skilled workforce, strong communities and sustainable economic growth.
Key programs
- South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators: Created in 1991, this three-week interactive program for South Jersey educators builds a link between the business and education communities to give educators the tools to better prepare the future workforce by: familiarizing teachers with key economic, business and public policy issues that impact business and industry; providing teachers with a better understanding of the skills and characteristics their students will need to be successful in the workforce; and, involving participants in team projects to develop curriculum that incorporates the lessons of the Institute in the classroom.
- EmpowerU Certificate Program: A professional development training program exclusively offered to Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey member companies and their employees that offers a wide range of topics designed to help participants achieve professional goals and succeed in the workplace. Companies benefit from enhanced team dynamics and productivity, flexible and convenient professional development, and employee retention and satisfaction.
Biggest event/fundraiser
The SJ Summer Institute Closing Dinner serves as a celebratory event for the class of educators graduating from the program. Held at the conclusion of the program in late July,
Supporters/donors
Atlantic City Electric, Bancroft, Campbell Soup Co., The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Coperion K-Tron Pitman Inc., Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC) 825, Five Below Foundation, IPAK, Jefferson Health — New Jersey, Laura Bishop Communications, Lockheed Martin MS2, Mannington Mills Inc., New Jersey American Water, New Jersey Education Association, Paulsboro Refining Company LLC, PhRMA, PNC Bank, PSEG Nuclear LLC, Radwell International, Ravitz Family Markets, Rizzieri Aveda School, South Jersey Glass & Door, South Jersey Industries, Subaru of America Inc., Wilmington Trust
One more thing
The South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators was created by Dale Choate, plant manager of Mobil Oil, to fill gaps he saw in his workforce. A CCSNJ member, Choate turned the program over to the CCSNJ to facilitate and grow. In its more than 30-year history, more than 700 educators have graduated from the program, impacting an estimated 65,000 students.
How to support
Donors can support SJCF through sponsorship of teachers and programming of the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators, or donations to the SJCF’s workforce development initiatives. Contact Meredith Lorrilliere at mlorrilliere@chambersnj.com.
