Bringing together local businesses, creative voices, and community leaders to celebrate, support, and shape the spirit of Asbury Park. For more than a century, the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce has served as a central force behind the city’s economic vitality. From supporting small businesses to producing events that draw 1000’s of visitors each year, the Chamber plays a key role in connecting the entrepreneurial, culinary, and creative communities that define Asbury Park.
Leading that effort today is Matthew Whelan, who stepped into the role after years working within the organization. Whelan followed former Executive Director Sylvia Sylvia Cioffi, whose leadership helped guide the Chamber through a period of tremendous growth. Building on that strong foundation, today’s leadership continues to evolve the Chamber while remaining rooted in the same spirit of collaboration and community.
Supporting Whelan is Paige White, who helps coordinate the many moving parts that keep the Chamber’s events and member services running smoothly. Leadership with Creative Roots In a city famous for its music and arts scene, it’s fitting that the Chamber’s leadership shares those creative roots.
Matthew Whelan is also a musician and performs with the local band Jimmy Shoez & the Magooz, a group well known in the Asbury Park music scene for its high-energy performances
and classic rock influences. Jimmy Shoez & The Magooz is a 5-piece rockin' cover band that plays a wide variety of hits. They are known for playing beach rock and hosting lively performances. Matt’s involvement in the local music community gives him a firsthand connection to the culture that fuels the city’s identity.
Paige White also brings a performer’s perspective to her role at the Chamber, and that shared creative background helps shape how the organization approaches its programming. The result is
a calendar of events that feel distinctly “Asbury” a blend of business, food, music, and community. In Asbury Park, business isn’t separate from culture it’s part of the same creative ecosystem.
A Community Like No Other
That sense of connection is something long recognized by former Executive Director Sylvia Cioffi, whose years of leadership helped shape the Chamber into what it is today.
“Prior to taking the position as Business Development Director with the City of Asbury Park, I was fortunate to serve as the Director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce for many years. That role gave me the opportunity to get to know so many of our local business owners and managers.
What sets Asbury Park’s business community apart from other shore towns is its true sense of community and support. Our businesses come together like a family celebrating each other’s
successes and standing by one another through challenges.”
Her words reflect what many in Asbury Park already know: collaboration is not just encouraged here it’s part of the culture.
Signature Events That Showcase the City
The Chamber’s events are one of the primary ways it supports local businesses. Rather than traditional trade shows or formal business conferences, these gatherings invite residents and
visitors to experience the city firsthand while discovering new restaurants, shops, and services.
The Asbury Park Restaurant Tour
Among the Chamber’s most popular events is the Asbury Park Restaurant Tour, an annual spring tradition that highlights the city’s dynamic culinary scene. Participants travel from restaurant to restaurant sampling signature dishes prepared by local chefs. The event gives diners a chance to explore establishments they may not have visited before, while restaurants gain valuable exposure to hundreds of potential new customers in a single afternoon.
Spring and Fall Wine Tours
Another beloved Chamber event is the Wine Tour, held twice a year in both the spring and fall. Much like the Restaurant Tour, the Wine Tour offers a moving culinary experience, guiding
guests through participating restaurants where they sample wines paired with specially prepared appetizers. Each stop introduces attendees to new flavors, new wines, and often, new favorite places.
AsburyFest
AsburyFest, held annually in Bradley Park, serves as a joyful kickoff to the summer season. With live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, and family friendly activities, the event brings together residents, visitors, and local businesses in a way that truly reflects the spirit of Asbury Park. Drawing thousands each year, AsburyFest creates an important platform for small businesses to connect with both locals and tourists, reinforcing the Chamber’s mission to celebrate and support the community.
Celebrating Excellence: The Carousel Awards
Among the Chamber’s most distinguished events are the Carousel Awards, an evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations that have helped shape Asbury Park into the vibrant community it is today. Often described as the city’s own version of the Oscars, the event brings together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for a night of celebration, reflection, and connection. With cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, and a touch of glamour, the Carousel Awards honor those who exemplify the spirit, resilience, and vision that continue to drive Asbury Park forward.
First Fridays: Energizing the Downtown
One of the Chamber’s newer initiatives, First Fridays, brings additional energy and foot traffic to Asbury Park’s downtown business district. On the first Friday of each month, shops, galleries, restaurants, and businesses extend their hours and offer special promotions, live music, and unique experiences. The program encourages people to explore the city together, rediscovering familiar places while uncovering new favorites.
These evenings often spark collaboration restaurants partner with artists, retailers host pop-ups, and musicians perform throughout the city transforming an ordinary night into a shared
community experience.
More Than Events: A Connector for Growth
While the Chamber is well known for its events, its role goes far beyond programming. The organization serves as a vital connector bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and city
leadership to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and support sustainable growth. Through networking events, member programs, and ongoing collaboration, the Chamber helps amplify local voices while fostering partnerships that benefit the entire community. These efforts don’t just celebrate the city they directly support small businesses and contribute to year-round economic vitality.
Building Connections: Monthly Networking Events
Beyond its large-scale events, the Chamber also hosts monthly networking gatherings at local businesses and restaurants throughout the city. These events have become a favorite among members, offering a more personal and consistent way to connect. Each month, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community members come together in a different setting whether it’s a restaurant, retail space, or venue creating opportunities to build relationships in a relaxed and welcoming environment. For many, these gatherings are more than just networking they’re a way to stay connected to the heartbeat of Asbury Park’s business community. In fact, many members say access to these events alone is reason enough to join, drawn by the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another in meaningful ways.
The Energy Behind Asbury Park’s Success
What makes the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce so effective is its ability to reflect the character of the city itself.
Asbury Park has always been a place where music, food, creativity, and entrepreneurship intersect. Under the leadership of Matthew Whelan, with the support of Paige White and the
Chamber’s dedicated board, the organization continues to cultivate that vibrant spirit through experiences that invite people to connect in meaningful ways. Perhaps the Chamber’s greatest success lies in its ability to bring together the people who call
Asbury Park home with those discovering it for the first time. Locals rediscover their neighborhoods, visitors uncover hidden gems, and each interaction strengthens the fabric of the
community. In a city defined by its energy and creativity, the Chamber ensures that growth never comes at the expense of community but instead strengthens it.
What sets Asbury Park’s business community apart from other shore towns is its true sense of community. Our businesses come together like a family celebrating each other’s successes and standing by one another through challenges.”
What makes the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce effective is its ability to reflect the character of the city itself.
The Chamber ensures that growth never comes at the expense of community but instead strengthens it.