113-year-old Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce picks first Latino to lead organization
By Jonathan Greene
Published: June 22, 2021
The Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce picked Orlando Cruz to serve as its president, making him the first Latino to serve as the head of the 113-year-old organization.
“I am honored to become the next President of the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce,” said Cruz, who is the husband of school board member Oshin Castillo. “This is an especially important time to work side by side with our members to help guide them on a path to recovery. I look forward to moving the organization forward and working together to strengthen all businesses in our great city.”
Cruz is replacing Jamie Dykes, who held the title of president for the past 20 years.
“On behalf of my fellow board members and myself, we would like to thank and congratulate Jamie Dykes for his 20 years of service to the chamber and wish him the best of luck on the next phase of his life. To Orlando Cruz, we are thrilled to have found an individual who is deeply rooted in Paterson and is committed to working tirelessly on behalf of the business community to make Paterson the best possible location in which to do business,” said George Waitts, chairman of the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce.
Waitts is also the CEO of Crown Roll Leaf.
Cruz previously served on the Board of Directors of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, including a term as chairman of the board. He said he strengthened that organization through “dramatic membership growth.”
Cruz is also the manager for the Downtown Paterson Business District.
The Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce has more than 600 members. It has been representing the interest of the Paterson business community for 113 years.