Thank You Lucy!

The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 47th annual Reception & Dinner Gala on April 29th at Eagle Ridge Golf Club
In Lakewood. Being honored as Distinguished Citizens of the Year are Stephan and Judi Leone while the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center will be saluted as the Organization of the Year.

The evening will also mark an end to my five years as an Executive Officer on the Chamber’s Board of Directors but much more noteworthy is this gala will be the last with Lucy Greene as President and CEO. The heart and soul of the organization, she announced her full-time retirement at a recent board meeting effective in June. Lucy has given 38 years of service to making the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce a strong advocate for the business community but even more important is the way she’s achieved this.

Through good times and bad she has worked with countless political and civic leaders in a non-confrontational and non-threatening manner…sort of a “kill them with kindness” style. However many have learned not to take her for granted because she has been a very strong leader. What’s also made her so effective is the way she has lived her life…totally dedicated to her family, her church and her community. When Lucy announced her retirement to the board she cited two reasons, the first of which was to serve The Lord in a fuller capacity. She was recently appointed by the New Jersey Conference of Churches to develop prison ministries in various churches of her denomination in the state, a volunteer position for someone who clearly knows the meaning of “volunteerism.” The second reason for retiring was so she and her husband Bob can help and spend more time with their two grandchildren.

The good news is Lucy is not leaving all together and will help with upcoming events and consult where needed and you can be sure she will be needed. So while her journey will take her in a different direction the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will still be a part of her life.
I am among the many that have been blessed with the opportunity to work with her but more importantly call her a friend.