Page 6 - midJersey Business - July/August 2015

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MIDJerseyChamber.org
President’s

Message

SOCIAL-PROFITS ARE A

CATALYST FOR THE ECONOMY

O

ur economy is home to a large volume of social-proit organizations that
have stimulated tremendous growth in our region. A relatively novel and

loosely deined term, the concept of a social-proit is gaining more atten-
tion than ever before. This type of organization, traditionally referred to as

non-proit, characterizes a company that exists for the public good, holds
a speciic social purpose, and generates independent revenue to fulill its

mission. Social-proits ofer wide-reaching programs and services that have a direct and
tangible impact on the community. As charitable causes have come into full focus, there

has been a surging amount of participation in this sector and the MIDJersey Chamber has
witnessed it irsthand.

The MIDJersey Chamber boasts the largest contingent of non-proit members in the
state. The Non-Proit Executive Council (NPEC), an expansive MIDJersey network of

social service and community organizations, represents not only our most robust committee but a driven
group that relies on cross-collaboration and resource-sharing. The NPEC connects organizational leaders,

raises awareness for key issues facing business and social welfare, and promotes a common benevolent
interest. This group is a microcosm of the large presence of these types of organizations dispersed through-

out the state. It is a sector that our Chamber is particularly cognizant of
because of its widespread, tangible impact on the business environment.
Social-proits offer wide-reaching
According to a 2014 joint report conducted by Rutgers, Isles Inc., and
programs and services that have the MIDJersey Chamber, there are more than 2,500 non-proit orga-

a direct and tangible impact on nizations operating within Mercer County and approximately 44,000

the community.
in New Jersey alone. There is an intrinsic social and societal value to
these organizations. They often tackle some of the most glaring and

challenging issues we encounter in our community.
This issue features David Grant, author and former CEO of the Dodge Foundation, which is one of

New Jersey’s most distinguished charities. During his tenure, the Dodge Foundation awarded close to
$200 million in grants to countless organizations and causes. In September, the Chamber has invited

Grant to speak at our General Membership Luncheon dedicated to social-proits. This will assuredly be
a spectacular event that unites the for-proit and non-proit communities for the advancement of better

business. Additional details will be released soon.

Robert D. Prunetti

President + CEO
Robert@MIDJerseyChamber.org

4 midJersey business.com