Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce
names Andrew Cripps new executive director

WILDWOODS-- The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Andrew J.Cripps of North Wildwood as its Executive Director, effective Jan. 18.

"The chamber is extremely proud and happy to welcome Andy Cripps as our new executive director," said Linda J. Williams, president.  "We were looking for someone who will bring knowledge and experience to our rapidly growing organization, and who has the beat of the Wildwoods in his heart.  We feel Andy is the right person to manage the chamber, to work with other organizations on the island and throughout the region, and to help us extend our growth into the new millennium."

Cripps has worked in marketing and public relations for more than 10 years.  He was public relations director and associate director of development at the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville, Atlantic County, for the past four years.  He was responsible for the museum's marketing, publicity and community outreach, and assisted the museum's director with fundraising and grants writing.  He has also worked as communications director of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in Cape May, and as public information association at WHYY, Inc. in Philadelphia.

A 1979 graduate of Wildwood Catholic High School in North Wildwood, Cripps has a master's degree in Public Relations and a bachelor's degree in Communications from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.

"Having grown up and spent most of my life here, I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to contribute to the success of tourism and the year-round business community of the Wildwood," Cripps said.  "The enthusiasm and energy of the chamber's members, combined with new business investment in the island and a state-of-the-art convention center, have me excited about our future."

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce is the island's leading business organization, with more than 400 members.  Its offices are located in the Information Center at Schellenger and the Boardwalk in Wildwood.  For information, phone the chamber at 729-4000, or visit its website at www.gwcoc.com.