On Wednesday morning, Lakewood business and governmental leaders joined a special Legislative Breakfast at the Harrogate Community event hall, at which several recently elected officials in the region were introduced to Chamber members.

Chamber Director Menashe Miller, who serves as Deputy Mayor of Lakewood, introduced State Senator Carmen Amato Jr., who represents the 9 th District (which includes parts of Toms River; Berkeley; Barnegat; and other Southern Ocean County municipalities) since 2024; as well as Ocean County Commissioners Ray Gormley and Sam Ellenbogen, who were elected to office in November 2025.

State Senator Robert Singer, who represents Lakewood and neighboring municipalities in the 30th District, introduced Senator Amato as an experienced motivated leader who brings renewed energy and vision into the Senate. “Carmen is a breath of fresh air and has his eye on the ball,” Senator Singer exclaimed.

Calling small business “the backbone of Lakewood; Ocean County; and the State of New Jersey,” Senator Amato stressed the need to fight to lower costs for both businesses and families; and pledged to work with Governor Mikie Sherrill and legislative Democrats and Republicans to accomplish that goal. “New Jersey is losing its competitive edge,” Senator Amato warned. “We thrive most when we focus on affordability and public safety.”

Deputy Mayor Miller thanked the newly elected officials for joining this event and working together with the Chamber to assist local businesses; stimulate the economy; and create jobs.

He also thanked New Jersey Natural Gas for sponsoring the event; and noted that several new prominent businesses recently joined the Chamber, including: Norcast Media; Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital; and French and Parrello Associates.

Following the presentations, attendees networked on a personal level, forming and honing relationships that will continually lift the regional economy and beyond. “The Chamber serves as the primary vehicle where businesses and government work together effectively to get things done,” says Deputy Mayor Miller. “We look forward to continue working together with both our longstanding members and those who recently came onboard to ensure that the Lakewood economy’s brightest days are still to come.”