FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kevin Friedlander, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, (732) 266-3885
Christine Irving, Sun National Bank, (856) 466-0267

Download Walk to Washington media reservation form (PDF)

Sun National Bank Co-Host of 72nd Annual State Chamber Annual Walk to Washington

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Sun National Bank is the co-host sponsor of the 72nd Annual New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Walk to Washington and Congressional Dinner, scheduled for January 29 and 30 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

“The Walk to Washington has a rich history and we are honored to have Sun National Bank as our partner for this proud New Jersey tradition,” said Joan Verplanck, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “This should be an exciting trip considering all that is taking place in Washington with the new Obama Administration. We also expect New Jersey’s gubernatorial and Assembly candidates to use our event to help kick-off their campaigns.”

In past years, the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, PSE&G, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, BP, Wachovia, Bank of America and Prudential have served as co-host sponsors.

“We are honored to join the list of premier New Jersey companies that have hosted this time-honored, New Jersey-specific event,” said Thomas X. Geisel, president and CEO, Sun Bancorp, Inc. and Sun National Bank. “Networking is at the foundation of any successful business and this event puts a unique twist on networking across industries, with all levels of government and with all types of organizations. As a New Jersey Bank, this is one way we can support so many of our customers, fellow businesses and the leaders that make New Jersey great.”

Every January, close to 1,500 of the state’s most influential business, non-profit, legislative, civic, media and community leaders board the chamber’s 18-car chartered Amtrak train for a day and a half of some of the greatest networking opportunities New Jersey has to offer. The Walk to Washington begins late Thursday morning when the train leaves Newark and picks up passengers at Metro Park, New Brunswick, Trenton, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del., while heading toward its final destination at Union Station in Washington.

At 6 p.m., the Chamber hosts a packed reception at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, and then dinner follows at 7 p.m. in the magnificent ballroom. The Congressional Dinner, as it is known, honors the 15 members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. Governor Corzine, U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, and Congressman Chris Smith, the dean of the New Jersey delegation, have all been invited to speak. The train leaves Union Station late Friday morning for its return to New Jersey.

“People return year after year because they know they can collect more business cards in a day and a half than most can in six months. It’s that beneficial of an experience, especially for those with sales positions,” said Verplanck. “During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to hit the pavement and meet face-to-face with as many potential clients as possible.”

Download Walk to Washington media reservation form (PDF)

Click here for more information on the event.

Dec. 28, 2008