Wildwood, NJ (February 23, 2018) – International tourism expert, renowned author and CEO of
Destination Development Inc., Roger A. Brooks, will serve as a keynote speaker at the Spring
Small Business Summit…Focus on Tourism set for Tues., May 8 at the Wildwoods Convention
Center.
Brooks will return to the Wildwoods for the third time in seven years as part of a joint initiative
between Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce (GWCOC), Cape May County Department
of Tourism, Southern Shore Regional Destination Marketing Organization (SSRDMO), Greater
Wildwood Tourism and Development Authority (GWTIDA), Wildwood Tourism Development
Commission (WTDC) and Wildwood Downtown Business Improvement District (WBID).
“The focus of my presentation will be tourism, the Southern New Jersey Shore’s primary
industry, and downtown – where most of the spending takes place,” said Brooks.
“I was in Cape May County just two weeks before Hurricane Sandy hit, and it was tough to
watch the news as it unfolded. It will be great to be back to experience, first hand, how resilient
the people and communities are along the shore and to help take Wildwood to the next level,”
he added.
“It is always wonderful and exciting when a group of business organizations can come together
with a common goal in mind and work until it is achieved. We have spent over six months
planning this event and working on every detail of Mr. Brooks agenda, to get the most
information and guidance from him while he is in town.”, stated Tracey DuFault, Executive
Director of the GWCOC.
Cape May County Department of Tourism Director Diane Wieland will start the day and present
the annual Cape May County Tourism Report. The Department hosted Brooks in 2011 and
2012, “I was excited about the opportunity to work with the Greater Wildwood Chamber of
Commerce to bring Roger Brooks back to Cape May County” said Diane Wieland, ”Tourism in
Cape May County has grown through his teachings and guidance”.
Business seminars throughout the day will focus on practical ideas and business trends from
leading experts from Stockton Small Business Development Center and Atlantic Cape
Community College. Each seminar will have an emphasis on tourism and the small business.
Seminars include such topics as Developing a Marketing Plan to Seize the Revenues,
Identifying and Targeting Your Customer in Today’s World, Using Data for Decision Making and
Marketing Without Money. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be on hand to discuss funding, grants and lending
options for small businesses.
The Summit will be open to businesses, organizations and municipal governments free of
charge. Pre-registration is required. Registration is being handled by GWCOC at
www.gwcoc.com.
During his visit, Brooks is also scheduled to meet with Wildwood Stakeholders from the
sponsoring organizations as well as representatives from the City of Wildwood to have a good
old-fashioned roll-up your sleeve work session focused on continuing efforts to revitalize
Downtown Wildwood. “We are each committed to doing our part in helping small businesses
become successful and providing our tourist what they want,” Dufault said. “The City of
Wildwood is looking forward to working with Roger Brooks during his visit in May. We are open
to any suggestions or ideas he brings to the table that are in the best interest of our business
owners, residents and tourist” stated Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, “Mr. Brooks is coming to
Wildwood because he is simply the best at what he does. Our town deserves the best and the
local business organizations and the City of Wildwood is committed to giving that to our town”.
“I attended one of Mr. Brooks’ seminars in the Spring of 2016 and I was convinced that he
knows what residents, business people and city administrators need to focus on to turn our
downtown around,” said WBID Board President, John Donio.
“Since Brooks first appearance, we have incorporated some of his ideas in downtown Wildwood
including the addition of Byrne Plaza, the incorporation of outdoor seating and helping to
enhance the curb appeal of properties in the business community,” said Donio.
“Mr. Brooks offers no magic elixir, nor does he promise miracles. He offers common sense
solutions to typical issues that face all downtowns and he does it in an entertaining way,” Donio
added.
“I encourage all tourism leaders and businesses owners to attend this conference. The
information that will be presented throughout the day will be invaluable. The timing is perfect to
positively impact the 2018 season.” Diane Wieland stated.
For additional information, contact the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce at 609-729-
4000.
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