The ping of driver meeting golf ball. The smell of fresh cut grass. The chirping of birds. And a beautiful golf course. This was the setting for the 4th annual N.J. Chamber Golf Challenge on May 18, where business leaders plied their skill on 18 holes at the elegant Bedens Brook Club in Skillman.

Awards were presented to the top performing foursomes but it was the networking that took place - at brunch, on the course and finally at an awards reception - that made the day a success. "This was a great way to get to know each other better and to network with people representing diverse interests," said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
   
In addition to the round of golf and the networking contacts, each participant received a series of gifts including a towel, a golf shirt and a wood framed photo of his or her foursome as a keepsake.

The Chamber Challenge trophy etched with the names of each year's champions remains on permanent display at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Trenton.

The winning team in the 'lowest gross' category was Jim Schulz, Leslie Hayling, Terry Sawyer and Glenn Smeraglio, representing the New Jersey Dental Association.

The winning team in the 'lowest net' category was Glenn Mekles, Mark Larner, Jeffrey LeBenger, Robert Booth, representing Summit Health Management.

A special thank you to Barnabas Health, the golf outing's premier sponsor. Additional thanks to event sponsors Investors Bank, JCP&L and QualCare.