As executive director of the resort’s largest business organization, Cripps has had a front-row seat to watch the Wildwoods’ resurgence as a primary tourist destination and the accompanying economic growth for local business.

When asked what is the best things about the Wildwoods, "Our beautiful beach, or the Boardwalk with more rides than Disneyland are wonderful resources that attract hundreds of thousands of vacationers each year," said Cripps. "But what I value most about the Wildwoods is that it's a great place to live.

"I grew up here, in the house my wife and I live in today. I went off to work in Philadelphia, and then up in Atlantic County, thinking that I would need to move away from the Wildwoods to have a meaningful career. I discovered, however, that the hectic pace of an urban center didn't offer the fulfillment of being part of this community.

"We're not a big city; not even a suburb. There is a different way of life here. We have our own pace and our own priorities. We don't live here to be close to ‘big business.’ We live here because we love it here, and we put that above the ‘rat race.’ That's why my parents and grandparents moved here, and that's why I stayed."

Businesses in the Wildwoods are generally locally owned, not just branches of huge conglomerates in New York or Texas, said Cripps. "When you call local businesses, you're usually talking right to the owner, part of the local community. It's person-to-person interaction. You know the person you're dealing with can make decisions, and puts his or her reputation on the line with every deal. That's important."

And the future? What’s in store for the Wildwoods?

"I see the Wildwoods already reinventing itself, building a distinct identity. We're beginning to embrace the colorful and fun aspects of our own history, particularly the heyday of the '50s and'60s.

"That is the value of the Doo Wop movement. It's not just preserving a bunch of old motels, diners and restaurants. It's realizing that the Wildwoods were at their best when everything was big, splashy, and even a little tacky, and that a lot of people still love that aspect of our island. That identity is already putting the Wildwoods on the same travel magazine pages as Miami and Las Vegas.

"I see the new Convention Center stretching our tourist season deeper into the spring and fall. I'm also delighted to see the new plans for downtown Pacific Avenue, a two-way street again, with '50s-style "retro-futuristic" fixtures, and the potential to become a regional Mecca for shopping, dining and entertainment. Now that Coney Island and Atlantic City's boardwalks have really faded away, I see the Wildwoods Boardwalk gaining international recognition as America's last great, thriving boardwalk. I also see our island facing the challenge of preparing its infrastructure to handle the growth of our tourism-driven economy. Foresight, planning and leadership are needed now to guide our island into a bright future."

For those considering purchasing property or opening a business in the resort of the Wildwoods, Cripps says he tells potential investors to consider carefully and intelligently, but to get in soon while real estate is relatively affordable and interest rates are low.

"I am not the only one who foresees a wave of prosperity for our island," said Cripps. "Commercial properties are changing hands at a tremendous rate, and local planning boards are swamped with new projects requesting approvals. ‘He who hesitates is lost.’ And, of course, to give your business the best chance for success, be sure to join the Chamber of Commerce.

One of the Wildwoods’ Truest Believers

Andrew J. Cripps
Executive Director
Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce

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