Location: 3 Plaza Dr, Toms River, NJ 08757 [Directions]
Website: https://oceancountybusinessassociation.com
Phone: 866-606-6222
What makes the Ocean County Business Association the best business networking group in NJ?
The Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) is the Jersey Shore’s premier business referral and networking organization, built on one foundational principle: the most powerful source of new business is a trusted personal referral. Since 1985, OCBA has brought together carefully screened business professionals from across Ocean County — from Toms River and Brick to Lakewood, Point Pleasant, and Long Beach Island — to exchange qualified leads and build lasting relationships that drive real growth.
Unlike general networking events or social business clubs, OCBA operates with clear structure, real accountability, and an exclusive membership model that protects every member’s category. Thousands of referrals are exchanged among members each year.
About the Ocean County Business Association
OCBA was founded on the belief that word-of-mouth referrals outperform any paid advertising. The organization operates as a structured referral network, not a chamber of commerce and not a franchise chapter. It is an independent, community-rooted association with deep ties to the Ocean County business community.
Members meet twice monthly at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Toms River. Every meeting is a working session — members introduce their businesses, share qualified referrals, and strengthen the personal trust that makes those referrals convert. Some members have maintained their categories for more than 25 years, a testament to the genuine return on investment OCBA delivers.
All prospective members are carefully screened before joining. Every member agrees to uphold the OCBA Code of Ethics, ensuring the network remains trustworthy and high-quality for everyone in it.
Exclusive Category Membership
OCBA enforces a strict one-member-per-category rule. Once a business category is filled, no competitor may join. That means if you are the OCBA member for your industry in Ocean County, you are the only person in the room who does what you do.
This exclusivity is one of OCBA’s most valuable features. Members refer business to each other with confidence, knowing there is no internal competition. Open categories are available now — view current openings or apply for membership.
“The OCBA is a dynamic group of established trusted professionals in Ocean County who operate with integrity and help support local businesses and charities. As a new member, we’ve been impressed with the Ocean County Business Association, with the genuine, relationship driven culture and commitment to strengthen the business community in Ocean County.
As a third generation local business, Sea Cure Moving, we value partnerships based on trust and professionalism and OCBA provides an environment to foster those connections and opportunities. Highly recommend this group for anyone looking for a trusted business or any business professional looking for authentic networking, resources and community support.”
– Tara McQuaid, Sea Cure Moving
Membership Benefits
OCBA membership provides Ocean County business owners with consistent access to qualified, warm referrals from colleagues who know and trust them personally. Additional benefits include:
- Exclusive representation in your business category — no competitors allowed
- Twice-monthly networking lunches at the Clarion Hotel, Toms River
- Listing in the OCBA Member Directory — used by consumers looking for vetted local businesses
- Feature opportunities in Ocean Life Magazine, OCBA’s annual publication with a full member directory and expert articles, published since 2019
- Guest speaker presentations covering business, marketing, legal, financial, and industry topics
- Visibility through OCBA events, blog spotlights, and social media
- Participation in the Annual Charity Golf Classic and other signature events
Business Networking Meetings in Toms River, NJ
OCBA holds structured referral networking lunches twice each month at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Toms River, NJ. These are not casual mixers. Each meeting follows a format designed to maximize productive referral exchanges and member introductions.
Guests are welcome to attend a meeting before applying for membership. To request a guest seat at an upcoming lunch, visit the guest request page or call 866-606-6222.
Ocean Life Magazine
Each year, OCBA publishes Ocean Life Magazine — a full-color annual publication distributed throughout Ocean County. The magazine includes the complete OCBA Member Directory and expert articles written by member business owners covering topics relevant to Jersey Shore consumers and business professionals.
Membership includes the opportunity to be featured in the magazine, providing additional visibility beyond the meeting room. View past issues in the Ocean Life Magazine Archive.
Who OCBA Serves
OCBA is the right fit for business owners and professionals who rely on relationship-based selling and want a steady stream of warm, qualified referrals. Members come from a wide range of industries, including:
- Legal, financial, and accounting services
- Insurance and real estate
- Healthcare and wellness professionals
- Home improvement and contracting
- Marketing, technology, and consulting
- Retail, hospitality, and personal services
OCBA serves the full Ocean County business community, including Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, Point Pleasant, Barnegat, Manahawkin, Beachwood, Bayville, Forked River, Waretown, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, and surrounding Jersey Shore communities.
What Sets OCBA Apart
OCBA has operated continuously since 1985 — a track record that reflects consistent, real value for its members. Long tenure in a referral group is only possible when the referrals are actually coming in. Key differentiators include:
- One member per category — your competitors cannot join
- Devoted entirely to referrals, not general socializing
- Carefully screened membership that protects network quality
- Twice-monthly structured meetings, not occasional events
- Deep roots in Ocean County with a trusted community reputation
- Ocean Life Magazine for additional member visibility
- Annual Charity Golf Classic connecting business and community
Join the Ocean County Business Association
Business owners across Ocean County who want consistent referral business, trusted professional relationships, and a respected community network are encouraged to apply for membership or attend a guest lunch.