WEEHAWKEN - The Edgewater Business Alliance, the chamber organization for businesses in the greater Edgewater area, held its first annual Summer Luncheon on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at Spirito Grill in Weehawken. The guest speaker was visionary business leader Arthur Imperatore, Sr. of the New York Waterway Ferry, Dry Dock Restaurants, and formerly APA Trucking.

The luncheon was a terrific success and was attended by over 100 guests, including such dignitaries as New Jersey State Senator Gerald Cardinale; Kay Nest, Chairperson of the Fort Lee Parking Authority; and Steve Monetti, Executive Director of the Parking Authority.

Although many in attendance anticipated discussion concerning the expansion of ferry service into Edgewater, Mr. Imperatore instead regaled the crowd with tales of the development of the waterfront, including one story of how his staff had to patrol the then-abandoned tracts with guns to chase off threatening squatters. As for Edgewater ferry service, Mr. Imperatore did state his belief that it was for the Borough to ultimately decide, but that his company would be fully prepared to handle the challenge. Mr. Imperatore also drew applause when he indicated his intention to extend ferry bus service northward into Edgewater and Fort Lee in the future.

The EBA would like to acknowledge its appreciation and gratitude to Jacqueline Soto and Jennifer Nieves of Dry Dock Restaurants, for their wonderful cooperation and assistance in making the event such a success. For more information on the Alliance, please visit the EBA web site at www.edgewaterbusinessalliance.com.

8/9/02