Taking the lead of an organization whose primary goal is to foster and promote the economic well-being of its members, the faltering state and national economy has made his role even more critical, yet, in some ways, increased the need for organizations like his.
"Bayonne is a city in transition," he said. "This has been true for a few years. In the past, we were a blue collar, working class city. While this is still true to some degree, it is changing. We have lost some of our biggest employers, such as Best Foods and Maidenform."
Over the years, Bayonne has seen its economy shift from one based on heavy industry to a more retail based economy. This year, the trend toward retail will get a big boost with the groundbreaking of Bayonne Crossing, a new big box retail mall on Route 440.
"This will be a huge benefit," Duran said, noting that a mall will allow local people to shop in Bayonne and will bring new customers into Bayonne from out of town.
"While some people see the mall as a threat to local businesses, I see it as an opportunity," he said. "Our downtown can benefit from the new customers coming into the city."
Bayonne has been resilient and is perhaps one of the great hidden potentials for the future because it is the last piece of the Gold Coast. Duran believes its location near New York City gives it more of an advantage in dealing with the possible recession.
"People want to live near transportation and services," he said. "Bayonne offers both."
He points to Royal Caribbean's investment in Bayonne. The cruise company, which opened in Bayonne in 2004, has since made the city one of the leading cruise ports on the east coast.
"By relocating here, Royal Caribbean invested in our community," he said.
In the past, the Chamber of Commerce served as a kind of liaison between government and some of the bigger companies. This role has changed slightly as the larger manufacturing companies move out and the city becomes more retail oriented.
Business groups like the Chamber of Commerce, the Bayonne Town Center Management Corporation and the Bergen Point Merchants' Association are active in the community. In the future, the role of these groups will expand with new residential developments and an increased demand for service.
Duran sees development at the former Military Ocean Terminal as significant in improving the local economy. Bayonne will become a destination point, drawn not only by the real estate, but also by the fact that the city seems to host to dignitaries and other people of prominence. Although a private club, the Bayonne Golf Club lends prestige to the city by bringing in important dignitaries, such as former President George Bush.
The prestige of the club makes Bayonne attractive to people and other businesses who might want to relocate or start up a business in the city.
Duran's challenges as head of the Chamber of Commerce are to increase membership and to help the Bayonne business community ban together for common interests. This includes offering advice, providing information and working with local officials.
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