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Get Results with Ocean County’s Original
Business Networking Organization

Because word of mouth is the most valuable—and trusted—means of promotion, OCBA is devoted solely to referring business to fellow members. Each year, thousands of leads and referrals are exchanged within the group. These referrals don’t come automatically, however; they’re earned through the mutual respect our members have for one another.

Once you’ve joined OCBA, you’re virtually guaranteed business from members and their circle of contacts. What’s more, you’ll have fun in the group and discover a whole new world of friends and business associates.

How OCBA Works
Only one person per business category is permitted to join, thus eliminating competition between members. OCBA applicants must meet certain requirements and are carefully screened before being accepted for membership. After joining the organization, each member is required to take the OCBA Ethics Pledge and attend meetings on a regular basis.

OCBA Meetings
OCBA generally meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Quality Inn in Toms River. Click here to view the meeting schedule. Each gathering begins with casual networking, followed by lunch and a business meeting. The afternoon culminates in the all-important "craft talk," in which a member speaks about his/her business and answers questions from the group. During the last few minutes, members publicly thank one another for business they received or referred.

Interested in Joining OCBA?
We’re now accepting applications for new members. If you’re interested in joining, click here to get in touch with our membership representative, or download a membership application immediately. For more information, call 1-866-606-OCBA.

Don’t delay. Once your category is filled, you will no longer be eligible for membership. To view which categories are currently taken, check out our Membership Roster.

A Brief History of the OCBA
By Roger Lees, member since 1982

More than a quarter century ago, in March 1980, a handful of local business owners gathered at the Howard Johnson's Lodge in Toms River to form a novel business association. This small group included Victor Roccki, Sr. of E.F. Hutton; accountant Bruce Bowe of Jump, Bowe and Associates and real-estate appraiser Marie Godwin of Godwin Appraisals.

Patterned after a model used by the Monmouth County Business Association, the Ocean County Business Association would differ from local, non-business service organizations in that its sole purpose would be to conduct and refer business within the group. In addition, OCBA's founders wanted the organization to be comprised of qualified business people and have category exclusivity~that is, only one person from each business category could join.

OCBA was a success from the start. Dave Connolly, a local lawyer, came to the first meeting, joining Roccki, Bowe, Godwin and several others. From this nucleus, the organization grew in both size and reputation.

For more than 25 years, the Ocean County Business Association has gathered the finest business owners in our community to create and refer business. It has moved into this century as vigorous and motivated as it was when those few founding fathers (and mother) met at Howard Johnson's more than a quarter century ago.

I have really enjoyed being a member of the OCBA. Not only have I received many referrals, but I have had the opportunity to develop important business relationships that are key to every business. The networking is done in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of doing business with OCBA members and have always received excellent service.

Knoll Acupuncture
Barbara Knoll
Member since 1984

 Ocean County Business Association
Phone: 1.866.606.OCBA
E-mail: info@oceancountybusinessassociation.com

Linda O’Donnell and Lisa McComsey
Flying Turtle Marketing
Voted Members of the Year for 2008 - 2009