Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce

On June 14, 1928, a dozen Red Bank businessmen signed the papers of incorporation for the Chamber of Commerce of Red Bank. These founders are all long gone, as are many of their businesses, but one name is as well known in our organization today as it was 70 years ago - Maurice Schwartz, founder of M. Schwarz & Sons, Chrysler Plymouth dealers on Front Street. Third generation Jon and Jim Schwartz run the business today.

Other signers of the original document were Robert S. Johnson, first president of the Chamber in 1928; George D. Stine; William A. Sweeney, Chamber president from 1929 to 1932; Abram M. Kridel, (Kridel's men's clothing, later Natelsons); Frank P. Merritt who owned Merritt's Machine Shop on Mechanic Street; Dennis H. Applegate, Jr. and Kenneth H. McQueen, president of the then Merchants Trust Company, which became First Merchants National Bank which became Midlantic National Bank which became PNC/Midlantic and is now PNC Bank.

The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce exists to serve current members and to attract new business to the area. Everything we do is designed for the benefit of our over 600 member firms. We have been helping the business and professional people of our area since 1928. We are also a Resource Center of the U.S. Small Business Administration, a member of the NJ State Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.