Being thankful, especially at this time of year, is not just about acknowledging your blessings and being grateful for the good things in your life. It’s also about finding ways to spread those blessings around. For the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and its members like Betti Russo, this is an everyday occurrence. We got the chance to speak with Betti about some programs the Chamber of Commerce has run in the past, and some that they’re looking forward to in the future!
Q: The Oakland Chamber of Commerce is a big force in charity work in the community. Can you talk a little bit about some previous projects and the impacts they’ve had?
A: This year, we’ve launched new initiatives to strengthen community and business ties, including sponsored bingo at the Oakland Senior Center, and tailored services during Senior Citizen Week.
We collaborated with Oakland Girl Scout troops and local businesses, resulting in vibrant spring murals by the troops, courtesy of U-Paint Studios and Visions Federal Credit Union. We also joined hands with Oakland Recreation for the annual Fever Pitch Parade, marking the end of baseball season. Teacher Appreciation Week was marked by our facilitation of gift donations to a few of Oakland’s elementary schools, thanks to partnerships with local PTOs.
We also introduced 'Restaurant of the Month' and 'Restaurant Week.' We're proud of our strides in fostering business relationships and eagerly anticipate furthering these connections in the future.
Q: What ideas or inspiration led to the Restaurant Week initiative being introduced?
A: We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to support our local businesses! As we were wrapping up last year, I learned that our chairperson was interested in adding some new initiatives to the Chamber's lineup for the upcoming year. When I heard that the idea of Restaurant Week was being considered, I was all over it! I was honored to be given this responsibility.
Q: As the Director of Restaurant Week, what do you think is its most exciting aspect?
A: We decided to expand Restaurant Week into a monthly event with the addition of Restaurant of the Month, in which one restaurant is selected and highlighted throughout the month with extra social media exposure, a video interview with the owner, and a blog for our website, to name a few things.
This gives me the opportunity to work one on one with each of our member restaurants. I get to collaborate with the owners, learn their backstory as well as their mindset and business philosophy, and other little intricacies about the restaurants that I wouldn't have otherwise known.
Q: What are some of the restaurants that were featured in this year’s Restaurant Week?
A: Here's our lineup!
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Cenzino Ristorante
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Bagel Supreme of Oakland
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French Oak Bar and Grill
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Lenape Valley Diner
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Mike’s Dog House
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Harvest and Ale
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Jackie’s Bread & Bakes
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Soulfully Vegan
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Cafe L’amore
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Oakland Diner
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Juniors Pizza & Subs
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Frank’s Pizza
Q: You’re not only an acting member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, but the brokerage that you're affiliated with, Keller Williams Prosperity Realty, based out of Wayne, has a new location in Oakland as well. What are some of your favorite parts of the community here, from the perspective of your business and your involvement with the Chamber of Commerce?
A: My husband and I previously lived in Ringwood for 20 years and raised our family there, and I always enjoyed giving back to my community. Having been in Oakland for just 4 years I was eager to immerse myself in the community and the Chamber provided the perfect opportunity for me to do that. The new addition of Keller Williams Prosperity to Oakland at 383 Ramapo Valley Road was an added bonus!
When it comes to business, nothing could be better than working and serving the community where I live, especially with the support of an incredibly successful brokerage behind me. I've been in real estate for 14 years, specializing in home-stating and luxury home marketing, and I believe that servicing my clients at the highest level is paramount. I also believe that educating my clients and community about everything real estate is essential and I strive to do that every day, because whether you're making a move or not, real estate is everyone's business. My motto has always been "Do What You Love and Love What You Do" and I believe doing that with people I have developed a know, like, and trust relationship with is essential. Collaborating with the Oakland Chamber of Commerce is a natural fit for me.
Q: Is there anything else coming up for the Oakland Chamber of Commerce that Northwest Bergen residents should know about?
A: We’re welcoming the return of our Toys for Tots event in early December, in collaboration with Operation Toy Train and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. This fun event takes several months of planning and collaborating with our local businesses and community. After a successful turnout this year, we are also hoping for Restaurant Week to return and continue to grow for many years to come!
With great initiatives like these designed to bring friends and neighbors together, it’s no wonder Betti and other Oakland residents feel so deeply connected to the community!