Key Speaker

The Honorable Jeff Van Drew

U.S. Representative (NJ-02)

Discussion Summary

On October 23, 2024, Representative Jeff Van Drew joined U.S. Travel, Cape May County Department of Tourism and Southern Shore Region DMO along with legislative and local business leaders for a Travel Works Power Hour at the Cape May Winery. The discussion focused on travel’s essential contributions to the region’s businesses, workforce and economy. Local issues that were discussed included support for small businesses, wind turbines and the New Jersey coast, distribution of the NJ state occupancy tax, and permits and regulations related to NJ PACT: Protecting Against Climate Change.

Attendees

  • Jody Alessandrine, Director and CEO of Cape May MAC
  • Louis M. Belasco, Executive Director of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority & Wildwoods Convention Center
  • Deborah Bass, Cape May County Department of Tourism & Southern Shore Region DMO
  • Leonard Desiderio, Mayor of the City of Sea Isle City & Director of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners
  • Tracey Dufault, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce
  • Michele Gillian, Executive Director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Barbara Jones, President of Cape May County Chamber of Commerce
  • Michael Lacy, Sassafras Design Marketing Agency
  • Antwan L. McClellan, Assemblyman, Legislative District 1
  • Zachary Mullock, Mayor of the City of Cape May
  • Andrew Newhart, Senior Director of Government Relations, U.S. Travel Association
  • Jenny Olson, Director of Tourism and Public Information for the Borough of Stone Harbor
  • Shirley Phinney, Owner & Operator of Elaine’s Cape May Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Clothing Boutique
  • Derek Robinson, Port Captain, DRBA
  • Jennifer Shivers, Assistant Director of Ferry Operations, DRBA
  • Betsy Sole-Simpson, Owner of Cape May Winery
  • Michael Styles, Director of Marketing for the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism
  • Doreen Talley, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May
  • Michael L. Testa Jr., Senator, Legislative District 1
  • Diane Wieland, Chairperson of Southern Shore Region DMO
  • Omarey Williams, Tourism Director for the County of Cumberland

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