The Northern New Jersey chapter of Skål International brought awareness to the Garden State by holding a tourism networking event at the USGA Museum in Far Hills on June 19. Members from eight Skål clubs attended as did many of the state’s top travel, tourism and hospitality leaders.

The keynote speaker was Grace Hanlon, executive director, New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. Hanlon referenced the state’s new tourism marketing and advertising campaign, and with a nod to the jingle, announced New Jersey is “Stronger than the storm” and back in business. Hanlon welcomed everyone to the Jersey shore to see the recovery from super storm Sandy for themselves. County tourism leaders agreed and broadcast that they are opening their arms to showcase the many tourism opportunities that New Jersey has to offer.

By all accounts the evening was a rousing success. It began with a tour of the USGA Museum which houses an amazing array of golf trophies and memorabilia. From vintage equipment to recent accomplishments golf memories abound. It even showcases the six iron used by astronaut Alan Shepherd on the moon on Apollo 14 in 1971. The building is an architectural masterpiece. It was designed and built by John Russell Pope, the designer of the Jefferson Memorial and The National Archives Building.

Following the tour the group held the networking event with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area. Skal USA President, Tom White, opened the meeting with the Skål toast. Cathy Trementozzi, NNJ Skal’s Director of Public Relations, told the group “we have a golden opportunity to work together to show the world that we have weathered the storm and are open for business.” Trementozzi, who with Skål Secretary, Jim Dwyer, organized the event was overjoyed at the great turnout. Kim Gianetti, assistant manager, marketing and outreach from the USGA, remarked that venues like the USGA Museum are hidden gems and we should be ambassadors to New Jersey tourism and spread the word that it’s a wonderful place for a conference or day trip.

Northern New Jersey Skal President Robert Lowell played a video from Skål International President, Mok Singh, where he explained that Skål aims to be the trusted voice in tourism. Singh also detailed some of the various programs in which Skål currently participates including peace and human rights issues.

Jackie Morales, director, Somerset County Tourism, hoped that the excitement could continue and they build on this event. Members from tourism boards of Somerset, Monmouth, Mercer, Morris, and Sussex counties attended as well as faculty from The International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University, which has oldest hospitality program in the U.S. One of Skal’s objectives is to support schools with tourism programs and have developed Young Skål which allows students network with travel and tourism leaders.

The evening ended with some group photos and many enjoying the Pynes Putting Course which has nine hole circuit and is modeled after the world-renowned Himalayas putting course in St. Andrew’s Scotland. Overall the evening was a win-win for all who attended and there is talk of making the networking meeting an annual event.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Northern New Jersey chapter of Skal International has invited the leaders of travel and tourism in the state to a networking event to be held at the USGA Museum to discuss tourism in the Garden State. Several key state and county officials including Grace Hanlon, the Director of Tourism for New Jersey, and Jackie Morales, Director of Somerset County Tourism will attend and speak at the event. Building on an initiative begun by Somerset County, the group hopes to bring together the various state and local groups in a unified effort to increase tourism in the Garden State. Club member Cathy Trementozzi mentioned “wouldn’t it be great if we could bring together everyone involved in travel and tourism in the state to meet and network and help one another.”

Chapter President Robert Lowell stated, “We are hoping to collaborate with leaders from the state’s Destination Management organizations and county tourism leaders who play a pivotal role in helping to create a positive image for the state of New Jersey.” Lowell also sees the event as an opportunity to build relationships with local colleges and universities who offer Hospitality, Travel and Tourism management programs.

Longtime Skal member Hans van Doorne, owner of Murray Hill International Travel, said that since Skal is a global organization of travel professionals it makes it easier to business around the world. Van Doorne’s company works with a diverse clientele from soccer groups to German music groups. Hans said that “when you need information or assistance in another part of the world, it’s great to have a member in your organization you can reach out to,” and though the travel industry and tourism has been impacted by the Internet he mentioned that a travel expert can really help with the complexity of arrangements and logistics.

“We have a tremendous opportunity at this time to attract and retain business in our state and raise awareness about the plentiful travel and tourism opportunities that we have here in our own backyard,” said Club Secretary Jim Dwyer.

Cathy Trementozzi added, “Skal means goodwill and friendship in Swedish and we are certainly hoping that we can extend our spirit of goodwill to those who are ambassadors of tourism in New Jersey.”

Skal is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship. Skal International has approximately 20,000 members in 450 clubs throughout 85 nations and regions.

The USGA Museum, the site of the event, houses an incredible display of memorabilia from the history of golf in America. The greatest champions and greatest moments of American golf history come alive here. The event starts at 5:30 pm on June 19 and there will be presentations by Skal and by tourism leaders. Attendees may enjoy the adjacent Pynes Putting Course. For reservations please contact Jim Dwyer at [email protected] . The admission fee for the event is US$50.