In 1976 Fred & Toshi D’Elia and a handful of friends founded the North Jersey Masters as a running club that would be “dedicated to the improvement of the individual road and track runner by providing professional coaching within a supportive club environment …By running in groups with others of similar speed and by learning training techniques through shared experiences, members dramatically improve and reach their potential. We race ourselves, other members, other teams, or just run for pleasure.” Three decades later the NJM is Bergen County’s premier running club and still adheres to the basic tenets on which it was founded. The title of “Masters” however, has changed in that it now reflects excellence rather than age. Today the NJM is larger, younger, and more competitive than ever before. It is nearly 600 members strong with runners from all age groups, beginner to competitive, male & female. Our members participate in all events that include the word “run”: track, cross-country, road running, biathlons, triathlons, and marathons. The Club’s services are not only geared towards its basic mission, but to create an environment that can build a community of runners who will develop lifetime friendships. To that end, the club has identified communications and club activities as the key components to our success.