Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce

Honors Excellence in Community, Service, and Success

Ocean Township, NJ – The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce (GOTCC) held their Annual Awards and Installation Luncheon on Tuesday, March 26 at The Renaissance, Ocean Township.

Four local students and 8 community leaders were acknowledged for their achievements and contributions to the Greater Ocean Township Community.

High school seniors, Gloria Smart, (OTHS) Elyse Jannetti, (OTHS) and Avery O’Gorman (Communications High School) and Nyairah Miranda, Neptune High School were the 2026 recipients of the ‘Friends of the Greater Ocean Township Chamber’ scholarships.

This year’s Community Ambassador Award was awarded to Sheriff Shaun Golden in recognition of 25 years of service. GOTCC awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award to Ocean Township Chief of Police Michael Sorrentino, and the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Paul Edelson, Township of Ocean Historical Museum.

Diane Raver was presented with the Community Impact Award by Brookdale President, Dr. David Stout. Outstanding Community Service Award went to the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean in recognition of their 50^th anniversary.   

A standing ovation followed the presentation of two Unsung Hero Awards to Asbury Park Police Officers Dewitt Bacon and Office John Walsh who were honored for their heroic, lifesaving efforts to rescue a child from a burning building last year.

A surprise presentation was made to David Kolakowski, GOTCC Immediate Past President for his Years of Service to the Chamber and his role as President for the past eight years.

Guy DiMemmo, Crystal Dominik, and Marilee Pettit were sworn in as new GOTCC Board of Trustees for 2026. The Friends of Greater Ocean Township Chamber, the 501 (c) 3 arm of the Chamber responsible for raising funds for the scholarship program welcomed President Jason Carris, Vice President Patricia Murch, and Secretary Rose Acerra to the organization.

For over four decades, the Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce (GOTCC), a member-based non-profit organization has promoted the business community in the Township of Ocean and surrounding towns; and given back to the community through a variety of outreach programs.

For additional information contact GOTCC at gotcc@gotcc.org or call 732-660-1888.