For more than three decades, members of the Cape Atlantic Business Network have gathered each week to exchange ideas, share local news and help one another grow.
Established in October 1993, the organization began with a meeting of six or seven businesspeople at the original Downbeach Deli in Central Square Mall. Ken Steinberg of Parkshore Development, Daren Perone of Servpro Emergency Services and Greg Sykora of Erco Ceilings were among those who helped launch the group.
Their goal was to create a local networking organization in which each business category would be represented by only one member. It was a concept the founders embraced before national networking organizations became common in the region.
Other early members included Ed Hitzel, Kevin Dixon, Steve Fenwick, Dave Thierman, Tom Sidrane, Ron Mossman, Jim Robson and Jim Malamut.
Several current members have participated for more than 30 years, including representatives of Fireplace People, KY Derby Stores, SJ Hauck, Office Concepts, Copiers Plus, Ryan Insulation and Drywall, Advisors Mortgage and Signarama.
Over the years, the group has met at several familiar South Jersey restaurants, including the former Chi-Chi’s in Somers Point, Center Point Deli on Tilton Road, Shore Diner and La Pizza Tega. Meetings are now held at The Point Diner in Somers Point.
Unlike many professional networking organizations, the Cape Atlantic Business Network does not charge membership dues. Participants pay a flat fee for their own lunch.
During each meeting, members take turns sharing community news, upcoming events and qualified business leads. The organization typically has about 24 people at each gathering, with members working throughout the week to connect colleagues with potential customers and opportunities.
Those referrals have produced significant results. According to the organization, a lead for office space resulted in Parkshore Development selling one of its buildings. Signarama secured a major digital-sign project from a Copiers Plus referral, while Office Concepts recently received a Servpro lead that became the second-largest furniture order in the company’s more than 30-year history.
Members say the organization’s strength extends beyond business transactions. With little turnover, the group has developed long-standing friendships and occasionally gathers for activities outside its regular meetings.
Some participants attend even when they do not have a lead or community update to offer, simply because they value the camaraderie.
“We are people who produce results, and we all have each other’s best interests at heart,” Perone said. “We are people you can count on.”
Prospective members undergo a vetting process designed to ensure they will contribute to the organization. Because competing businesses are not admitted in the same category, openings depend on which professions and industries are already represented.
For members, the arrangement effectively creates a team of nearly two dozen people looking for opportunities for one another every day.
Those interested in learning more about the Cape Atlantic Business Network may contact Perone at dperone@servproteamgibbs.com or 609-412-4606.
