On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber held its Annual Meeting of Membership at the historic Renault Winery. The event provided members with valuable insights into the Chamber’s strategic initiatives, economic development agenda, and leadership transition, highlighted by the introduction of the new Chairwoman and updates on the Chamber President search process. Attendees also enjoyed robust networking opportunities with fellow members, Chamber staff, and regional leaders.
Outgoing Chamber President Michael Chait welcomed guests, expressed appreciation for the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, and announced Barbara DeMarco as the incoming Chair of the Board, succeeding John Heinz.
New Chairwoman Barbara DeMarco recognized John Heinz for his leadership over the past two years and reaffirmed the Chamber’s mission: to cultivate a favorable business environment, deliver impactful advocacy, and provide meaningful support to its members. She recognized the new Chamber members and outlined a vision for building a collaborative, interconnected business community focused on economic resilience and policy influence. DeMarco emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to advancing regional initiatives like South Shore economic development, sustainability, and delivering exceptional value to its members.
Leadership Consultant Jane Asselta presented the strategic roadmap for the Chamber’s presidential search, which will begin in July. She also encouraged members to engage more deeply with the Chamber to unlock new opportunities, expand their networks, raise their visibility, and help shape the region’s economic and business landscape.
The Chamber also spotlighted several upcoming events, including the Visit Atlantic City Airshow Soar and Shore Festival on July 15–16 and the Business Excellence Awards on November 13. Additional highlights included ongoing membership orientations, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and the Policy Impact Series, which connects members directly with policymakers and in 2025 included State Senator Michael Testa, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Senator Vince Polistina, and Assemblymembers Don Guardian and Clair Swift. Members were also reminded of the Chair’s Council Meetings held this year featuring gubernatorial candidates, including Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill.
Board Member Lance Landgraf updated attendees on the activities of the Economic Development Committee, which equips members with tools and insights to drive regional progress. He discussed recent enhancements to the NJ Economic Development Authority’s ASPIRE program, which includes additional benefits for Atlantic County. Landgraf also recapped the Chamber’s April Leadership Series event, Investing in Atlantic City, held in partnership with the Urban Land Institute (ULI). He provided an overview of the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) Program, which offers a 100% tax credit to businesses contributing to nonprofit-led revitalization efforts, requiring at least 60% of funds to support housing and economic development, with the balance advancing broader neighborhood improvement goals.
As Chair of the Public Policy Committee, Barbara DeMarco also outlined key legislative and policy priorities for the Chamber to advocate under the next gubernatorial administration. These include opposition to North Jersey casinos, modernization of the Atlantic City Convention Center, expansion of the NRTC program, and continued support for the state’s Film Tax Credit Law. She stressed the importance of addressing the needs of Atlantic County’s farming and fishing industries and invited members to provide feedback on what the Chamber should stop, start, and continue doing to serve them more effectively.
For more information about the Greater Atlantic City Chamber and upcoming events, visit www.acchamber.com or contact info@acchamber.com.
