Danielle Norcross stepped into her role as president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber with a clear mission: strengthen the region’s business community by supporting small and mid-sized businesses while helping position Atlantic County for long-term economic growth.
Hired in November and officially beginning Jan. 1, Norcross brings deep South Jersey roots and more than a decade of chamber leadership and business development experience to the role.
A graduate of Rowan University with a degree in communications, Norcross began her career in telecommunications with Verizon before stepping away from the workforce to raise her family. During that time, she launched a home organization business that ultimately led her to chamber leadership.
Toms River Chamber of Commerce hired Norcross in a consulting role focused on modernizing operations and communications. Over the next decade, she steadily advanced through the organization, serving as director of marketing and communications for two years, director of operations for five years and ultimately CEO, a position she held for three years.
During her tenure, the chamber navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while expanding programming, strengthening member engagement and growing its regional presence.
“I was ready for a new challenge,” Norcross said of her decision to leave Toms River for a position with a national association management organization. When that organization prepared to close, she began exploring new opportunities — a search that ultimately brought her to Atlantic County.
Since taking over leadership of the chamber, Norcross has focused on improving visibility, communication and member services. Among her first initiatives are revamping the chamber’s website, streamlining internal processes and strengthening outreach efforts.
Membership is already trending upward. The chamber has added approximately 30 new members this year, bringing total membership to more than 300 businesses and organizations. Part of that growth is tied to a revised membership structure designed to make joining more affordable. In addition to the standard $400 annual membership fee, the chamber now offers reduced rates for sole proprietors and nonprofit organizations.
“We can’t lose sight of small and medium-sized businesses,” Norcross said. Her approach centers on providing practical resources and meaningful business connections. Plans include onboarding tools, expanded networking opportunities and a business “toolbox” designed to help members with day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
Norcross is also meeting directly with local business owners to better understand their challenges and priorities.
One of the chamber’s newest initiatives is a monthly speed networking event held on the second Tuesday of each month at rotating locations throughout Atlantic County. The morning program is designed to create efficient, relationship-focused networking opportunities for members.
Additional committees focused on economic development, nonprofits, women’s leadership and young professionals are also being developed, along with a member ambassador program intended to strengthen engagement and retention.
Regional collaboration remains a major priority for Norcross. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations focused on economic development, workforce training and regional planning to help diversify the local economy beyond gaming and tourism.
That diversification is especially important as Atlantic City continues to face challenges, including ongoing discussions surrounding casino expansion in northern New Jersey.
Still, Norcross believes Atlantic County’s greatest strength is its people.
“There are so many people who are deeply invested in seeing Atlantic City succeed,” she said.
She pointed to business leaders, nonprofits and community organizations already working together to strengthen the region and improve opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Norcross also referenced recent community discussions held at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, where stakeholders gathered to discuss both challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic City and the surrounding region.
She believes public perception of Atlantic City often fails to reflect the momentum and collaboration happening behind the scenes.
“There is a strong grassroots effort here committed to building something positive,” she said.
That philosophy also shapes her approach to chamber leadership. Norcross encourages members to actively support one another by building authentic relationships and prioritizing fellow chamber businesses whenever possible.
“Lead with a give,” she said. “That’s how relationships — and strong business communities — are built.”
Looking ahead, Norcross said her primary focus remains helping businesses not only survive, but thrive.
“The chamber’s role is to support and promote local businesses,” she said. “If we do that well, everything else follows.”
