With approximately 1,200 members in seven counties, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey already is one of the biggest and best in the state.

CEO Christina Renna, however, feels the chamber’s mission — especially in times of crisis — is to be a resource for all businesses.

That’s why Renna announced the chamber is eager and willing to help all South Jersey businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.

“The CCSNJ is a business organization, but, just as importantly, a community partner,” Renna told ROI-NJ. “Both ‘business’ and ‘community’ are embedded in the CCSNJ’s mission, vision and core values, but we have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

“We were a constant resource to our members before COVID-19 and will continue to be so throughout these trying times and after. However, there are so many more businesses that could also be benefiting from our services — whether it be our virtual legal and small business forums, online networking experiences, virtual conversations with elected officials, or simple social media promotion on the CCSNJ accounts — every little bit helps right now.”

Renna is encouraging all businesses to reach out, either through the chamber’s website (www.chambersnj.com) or by calling her directly at 856-424-7776, ext. 127.

“The CCSNJ is proud of our strong membership base, but we want the greater business community — CCSNJ member or not — to know that we are here to be your resource as COVID-19 continues to impact operations,” she said. “We encourage all businesses in the region to please use the CCSNJ for your business questions or needs. All services, even those reserved for dues-paying members, are available to any regional business, large or small, until the COVID-19 crisis subsides. We are regularly in touch with state and federal agencies, are proud to be a partner with the (Gov. Phil) Murphy administration, and can help point businesses in the right direction, lend advice and resources, or simply be a sounding board.

“We are a true community partner and are available to help ALL businesses. Visit the CCSNJ website — www.chambersnj.com — for our comprehensive COVID-19 resource page with links to government agencies and various advice from law firms, accounting firms and others that can help businesses navigate this crisis. We encourage businesses, whether they are a member or not, to reach out to any CCSNJ team member for assistance. Our contact information is available on the website.”

Renna said the offer defines the mission of the organization.

“The CCSNJ wants to be a partner to business — no strings attached,” she said. “We hope businesses that never heard of us explore the resources we have available and know we welcome them with open arms.”

Below is a letter to the community that the organization is distributing:

Member or nonmember, CCSNJ is here for you

By Christina Renna

The residents and businesses of New Jersey are facing an unprecedented crisis as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on every aspect of our everyday lives. Schools and businesses are closed, people are working from home and social distancing is our new “normal.”

As the South Jersey region’s premiere business organization, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey is also adjusting to the impact of COVID-19. With approximately 1,200 members in the seven southernmost counties of New Jersey, greater Philadelphia and northern Delaware, our sole purpose is to gather businesspeople together to meet, shake hands and encourage relationship building that will lead to business growth and greater economic prosperity. But, just like everyone else, we are faced with a new “normal” as well — simply helping businesses survive.

It goes without saying that small businesses are the backbone of New Jersey’s economy. Eighty-five percent of the CCSNJ’s member companies have 50 or fewer employees, and many are micro-businesses, newer startups or nonprofits. We know they are in desperate need of good advice and assistance. We also know that the region’s larger businesses are faced with unique challenges, both long and short term, and will need a very different type of assistance in the coming weeks and months.

The CCSNJ is proud of our strong membership base, but we want the greater business community — CCSNJ member or not — to know that we are here to be your resource as COVID-19 continues to impact operations. We encourage all businesses in the region to please use the CCSNJ for your business questions or needs. All services, even those reserved for dues-paying members, are available to any regional business, large or small, until the COVID-19 crisis subsides. We are regularly in touch with state and federal agencies, are proud to be a partner with the Murphy administration, and can help point businesses in the right direction, lend advice and resources, or simply be a sounding board.

We are a true community partner and are available to help all businesses. Visit the CCSNJ website — www.chambersnj.com — for our comprehensive COVID-19 resource page with links to government agencies and various advice from law firms, accounting firms and others that can help businesses navigate this crisis. We encourage businesses, whether they are a member or not, to reach out to any CCSNJ team member for assistance. Our contact information is available on the website.

Together, we can help each other navigate this crisis. The CCSNJ is here for you and looks forward to hearing from you!”