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Vol. LXIII, No. 1
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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Vol. LXIII, No. 1
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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A resident of Princeton for the past 28 years, Peter Crowley has spent almost four decades in the banking industry, including stints at Citibank, Bank of America, and the Bank of Princeton. He described his recent appointment as president and CEO of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce as “fitting perfectly” with his background. Monday was his first day on the job.
When then-president Karen Colimore announced in October that she would be moving on to become the senior director of development for the Cancer Institute of New York University’s Langone Medical Center, the Chamber began its search for a new president. A committee comprised of local business owners, directors, and others was arranged to recommend a candidate to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“Peter is a highly successful, innovative, and collaborative leader who we are confident will ensure the Chamber’s continued growth and success,” said Lawrence Krampf, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Princeton Communications Group. Mr. Krampf, who was also a member of the selection committee, described the Chamber as a “vibrant and growing organization with a strong financial footing,” adding, “Our Board is committed to continuing the expansion of the Chamber’s programs, activities, and initiatives.”
Given the economic climate, Mr. Crowley remarked that he wants to build on the foundation that already exists at the Chamber of Commerce. “We’re going to keep doing what we’ve been doing, especially looking at things that create value for our members,” he said.
Increasing the membership base, which already includes about 1,000 organizations in the region, and creating opportunities for networking and strengthening relationships between the members are key elements in weathering the economic storm, suggested Mr. Crowley.
Regarding holiday sales, Mr. Crowley said that local merchants “came through not particularly badly,” but acknowledged that there may be challenges ahead.
The Regional Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1960, and is the sixth largest chamber in New Jersey. Hosting networking meetings and professional development programs, sponsoring lectures and fairs, collaborating locally to build relationships between businesses, and spurring travel and tourism in the area are a few of the Chamber’s specialities. Besides overseeing those functions, Mr. Crowley will as president and CEO, represent the Chamber in the region, and report to the Board of Directors.