The Greater Atlantic City Chamber hosted its State of Economic Development: Opportunities for South Jersey event. We welcomed a packed house with business leaders, innovators, and community advocates who brought an incredible, electric energy from start to finish.
From transformative state-level investments to targeted neighborhood revitalizations, the entire morning provided an inspiring look at the immense economic momentum building right here in our region
Strategic Visions: The Keynote Presentation
We were deeply honored to feature a fantastic keynote presentation by Mary Maples, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Maples delivered an insightful, high-level overview of the Authority’s strategic priorities and economic momentum across New Jersey.
Our attendees gained direct insight into critical funding resources driving major projects forward—from the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant and the A.R.T. (Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation) Program to the impactful Aspire and Historic Property Reinvestment initiatives. Her presentation laid out a clear, promising blueprint for how state resources are actively aligning with local needs to foster sustainable, long-term growth across South Jersey.
Grassroots Impact: Organizational Spotlight
Following the keynote, the energy kept rolling as we turned our focus to powerful grassroots community work. Alice Woods, President of the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation (Chelsea EDC), took the stage to share an inspiring organizational spotlight.
Woods highlighted the incredible initiatives and community-driven projects making a tangible difference right now in the Chelsea neighborhood. It was a phenomenal reminder that successful regional economic development relies heavily on strong neighborhood foundations and community empowerment.
An Inside Look at Developing Atlantic City
The day was capped off by a powerhouse panel of local developers who gave the audience exactly what they were looking for: a genuine, unscripted, and candid “inside look” at what it takes to build the future of Atlantic City.
Moderated expertly by Kenneth J. Calemmo, Chief Operating Officer of Cooper Levenson and Chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee, the panel featured trailblazing voices who are actively shifting the local landscape:
- Brian H. Zoubek, President/CEO of Zoubek Properties
- Mark Callazzo, Managing Partner of RMS Capital
- Keith Groff, Residential Developer for Lighthouse Row
The developers shared an honest window into their daily operations, navigating everything from market realities to urban revitalization. Rather than a dry, scripted corporate presentation, the panel felt like a genuine, forward-looking conversation. They painted a picture of an incredibly positive future for Atlantic City, rooted in unique developments—like the innovative projects happening in the Orange Loop container park and high-quality regional housing spaces. The room loved every single minute of it!
We extend our deepest gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law, for their steadfast leadership and support.
A huge thank you as well to our Premier Sponsors:
- Atlantic City Electric
- Fulton Bank
- South Jersey Gas
- Triax57.com
And to our Supporting Sponsors:
- AtlantiCare
- Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)
- OceanFirst Bank
Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and contributed to the incredible atmosphere.
