Counties to get together to help the economy
Over 350 business and industry leaders, bankers, entrepreneurs and government officials from throughout Southern New Jersey will meet at the Westin Hotel and Conference Center in Mt. Laurel on Friday, September 30 to work in tandem to improve the region’s economy and promote job creation. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and speakers at 9 a.m.
The 6th Annual Tri-County Economic Development Summit, sponsored jointly by Gloucester County, Burlington County and Camden County will showcase the region’s resources in both the public and private sectors, as well as highlight many of the economic agendas and advancements of South Jersey.
This year’s focus will be on the healthcare and education sector and the impact it has on the Southern New Jersey economy. Featured guest speakers at this year’s Tri-County Economic Development Summit will include New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney and the keynote will be delivered by one of our region’s greatest advocates in healthcare and education, George E. Norcross, Chairman of the Board, Cooper Health System and Cooper University.
“The healthcare and education facilities in our region not only serve the needs of the community, but also provide employment opportunities and act as a catalyst for growth in our in our region,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said.
Cappelli also noted our theme “Strength in Numbers” symbolizes why it is important for the three counties work cooperatively in bringing new industry to our region. Instead of competing against each other we work together to bring new industry and to create jobs in our region.
“By erasing the boundary lines of a map and working together we are increasing economic opportunities for today and for our future,” Robert M. Damminger, Gloucester County’s Freeholder Director said. “We are the only counties in the state who join together to encourage economic growth, rather than compete against each other. We see the value in this strategy to attract new businesses, great ideas and investment capital to our region.”
Damminger said that projects like the Paulsboro Marine Terminal and the Rowan Tech Park impact the entire region.
“The jobs that are created through these types of investment will help raise the boats for many,” Damminger said. “There will be ancillary businesses that spin off from creation of the Paulsboro Port that will benefit the entire South Jersey Region.”
Burlington County Freeholder Chris Brown spoke to the regional importance recognizing the leaders in economic development.
“Burlington County is proud to present our Good Neighbor Award to Wiley Mission, whose 70-year presence in Marlton, addressing the needs and quality of life issues of our older population, has earned it recognition and respect throughout the community-at-large,” Brown said. “The Virtua Health organization is our hands-down winner of the Business Expansion Award. Already a major employer in South Jersey, Virtua has weathered the economic storms of the last few years, and is moving forward with the construction of a high profile $96 million Health & Wellness Center in Moorestown. We’re proud to pay tribute to two organizations — businesses — that are focused on meeting the needs of our most important constituencies, and who have succeeded in establishing such a strong foothold and presence.”
In addition to Burlington County’s winners Wiley Mission and Virtua Health and Wellness Center, this year’s Awardees for excellence in Economic Development include:
For Gloucester County:
Small Business Award — Envision Consultants, Ltd. (Mullica Hill)
An established small, woman owned, business headquartered in Mullica Hill NJ. The firm provides professional project and construction management services to parties engaged in various design and construction industry. This company built a new headquarters in Gloucester County with a loan from NJEDA and has had significant expansion in their employee base over the last few years. They are an excellent example of a thriving small business, which is the backbone of Gloucester County’s economy.
Green Award — Ray Angelini Inc. (Sewell)
RAI is one of the largest commercial electrical and solar contractors on the East Coast. Angelini established the company 37 years ago and has grown to become one of largest solar providers on the East Coast. RAI has become a major provider and installer of alternative energies for both large commercial/industrial facilities as well as residential work. RAI has grown from a small business of just 3 employee and now currently employees over 425 individuals. RAI strives to utilize local vendors and employ local people. They are committed to their mission of environmental stewardship.
For Camden County:
Transportation Award — Camden County United We Ride Committee
The Camden County Transportation Management Call Center is a collaborative effort that leverages existing transportation resources in a coordinated manner in order to provide the highest and most efficient services to our transportation disadvantaged residents, including residents where transportation is an employment barrier. Utilizing current transportation providers’ expertise, call center operations, the faith based groups’ touch on the community and state of the art technology the committee has created a one-stop call center and interactive website for residents to utilize when in need of transportation. The project also addresses, through a federated community of transportation brokers, unmet transportation needs by engaging underutilized transportation resources in Camden City and throughout the County.
Workforce Development Award — The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Office and hireAbility (Camden)
The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and hireAbility in cooperation with federal employment recruiters and contractors is holding a series of job fairs aimed at increasing federal hiring of employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. The hiring events, held at the Camden County One-Stop offices, are targeted job fairs with representatives from a dozen federal agencies present to interview pre-screened applicants for available positions within their agencies. The first fair resulted in approximately 20 people with disabilities obtaining positions at federal agencies. The next fair is scheduled for October 27 during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The Tri-County Summit begins with Registration at 8 a.m. on Friday, September 30 with economic overviews, awards and guest speakers from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A networking Business and Resource Showcase will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For registration information visit www.tricountynewjersey.com or call 856–751–2242.
