MBA/From left, Michael Collins, MBA President Ed Berger and Dr. Joseph Berretone.
MARGATE Several dozen business owners gathered Wednesday evening at the Greenhouse Cafe to mingle, enjoy refreshment and learn what's in store for the Margate Business Association this year.
In addition to conducting its annual events, such as Le Tour de Downbeach, Beachstock, Thrilling Thursdays, Wine Tasting and the Fall Funfest by the Bay, the association has expanded its offerings to include the Speed Bag Saturday cor hole event on April 9 and the Locals Only Beach Bonfire May 21 at a location to be announced.
MBA President Ed Berger invited members of Sustainable Downbeach to share information about the upcoming ban on the distribution of plastic bags approved by the NJ Legislature that will go into effect on May 4. As part of the MBA's Bag It Forward campaign, the association will be distributing string enclosure bags that can be used for shopping, walking or while riding a bicycle.
MBA/Ventnor Green Team Chairwoman Diane Birkbeck and Sustainable Margate Chairman Steve Jasiecki talk about the upcoming NJ bag ban.
Ventnor Green Team Chairwoman Diane Birkbeck provided business owners with a list of online resources they can visit to learn more about the bag ban and what bags and takeout containers to use. She encouraged them to communicate with their customers about the new law, which is designed to reduce the use of plastics that in beachfront communities can have a negative effect on marine life.
Business owners also learned about a program that allows them to participate in a group insurance program for their employees.
MBA/Margate business owners chat at the MBA's spring social held at the Greenhouse Cafe.
Other new programs under consideration include a Sunset Sip and Savor event in October, and a Welcome Wagon program that would provide new property owners with coupons to area shops, the MBA Margate calendar, a string bag and information about events and businesses in the city.
The board also introduced the MBA's new social media manager, Christina Hegenbart, who is a recent graduate of Stockton University's media and public relations degree program. Hegenbart will amp up the MBA's social media presence and working with business owners to promote their offerings
For more information about the MBA, see margatehasmore.com or contact Executive Director Anna Maria Blescia at 609-822-1129 or email [email protected].
