The Go Bergenfield DA is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of business property owners, business owners, residents of the borough, and borough officials.

 

The newly constituted board of trustees is committed to achieve the following goals:

  • Improve the overall business climate

  • Bring more business and tourism into the borough

  • Breathe new life into the brand of Bergenfield

  • Attract new interest into Bergenfield

One of our innovative retail programs and special projects, to positively impact all stakeholders, is the “Visit and Win” sticker program to encourage widespread business visitation.  We believe this program along with several others to be launched throughout the year will create a new dynamic for Bergenfield.

With new board membership in place, supportive borough officials and a new executive director, we are excited to begin the work that all have been longing to see come about.

The Go Bergenfield District Alliance (GBDA), a Special Improvement District, is a public, private partnership forged between the business community and the Borough of Bergenfield.  We have been working diligently over the past few months in partnership, to put together a variety of programs and projects that will significantly impact our stakeholders and the community at large.

  • New Social Media / Public Relations / Marketing
  • An innovative Retail program
  • Business Clearing House program for new business development
  • Real Estate listing and marketing for business attraction
  • Resident Survey for retail attraction and promotions
  • Upgrading Cleaning Services
  • Increased Banner program
Member Resources
Programs and Initiatives
Official Documents

Go Bergenfield District Alliance Board Members

Norman SchmelzMayor
Norman Schmelz has served as the Mayor of Bergenfield since November 2013 and was reelected to a four year term in 2015. Having grown up in Bergenfield, he and his wife. along with their three girls have graduated from the Bergenfield School system. Mayor Schmelz is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He has served in as aspects of Manufacturing and Operations and is currently employed as an Environmental Health & Safety Manager. Mayor Schmelz is proud to be the Mayor of his hometown and is very involved in all areas of his community. He can be seen at every occasion in town including local sports games, school functions and volunteering opportunities. Since being on the Bergenfield District Alliance, he has fought hard to have special events that involve the entire community and the Business District.
Cindy SpoerlAppointed - Resident
Cindy Spoerl is a fourth generation Bergenfield resident who is married and raising her son, the fifth generation, in Bergenfield. Cindy and her family are very active in the community through volunteering and many relatives are also members of Bergenfield’s emergency services. Together, they have been volunteering for over 425 years. Cindy is the owner of multiple small businesses and believes that “you get out of your community what you put into it,” which is what drives her to be so engaged with community organizations and have such a strong voice on the Bergenfield District Alliance.
Thomas O’ReillyBusiness Owner Rep
Thomas (“Tommy”) O’Reilly has been the proprietor of Tommy Fox’s Public House, located at 32 South Washington Avenue in Bergenfield, NJ for the past 20 years. His goal for Tommy Fox’s has always been for it to be a true “Public House” at the heart of the community, offering something for everyone young and old. As service to the community is important to Tommy, he has previously held the position of president of the Bergenfield Chamber of Commerce and is currently a trustee for the Council of Irish Associations, as well as a member of the Bergenfield Municipal Alliance.
Stephanie Dello RussoProperty Owner Rep
Bill TompkinsBusiness Owner Rep
Bill Tompkins, owner of Peters Camera Shop, located at 38 S. Washington Avenue, was born and raised in Bergenfield, NJ. He graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1974 and received a degree in Commercial Photography from the New York Institute of Photography. Tompkins bought Peters Camera Shop in 1986 after working for the previous owner. With a passion and talent for photojournalism since 1970, he continues to pursue freelance photography with he work appearing in newspapers, magazines, books and calendars. His son, Chris also shares his passion for photojournalism. Peters Camera Shop has been in business since 1947 and is one of the last real camera shops in Northern New Jersey. The store specializes in both traditional film and digital photography, custom framing and carries a large selection of used photography equipment for purchase.
Sam MatthewsProperty Owner Rep
Galo GriljalvaBusiness Owner Rep
Robert RussoProperty Owner Rep
Michael HubschmanProperty Owner Rep
Rafael MarteAppointed/Council member
Corey GalloBorough Administrator