For Immediate Release:
February 24, 2014
Smitteez joins Façade Improvement Program
Custom sportswear store receives $1,845 check
KEANSBURG, NJ – The Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program recognized Smitteez Sportswear for recent upgrades today.
“Smitteez is being given a check for $1,845 for a new awning,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “Every Façade Improvement Program check helps make a needed improvement to a local business. This is the fifth check presented so far.”
Located at 224 Main Street in Keansburg, Smitteez Sportswear is a custom screen printing and embroidery apparel store that also specializes in sports official’s apparel, equipment and accessories.
Smitteez owner Jim Smith and marketing associate Mike Elbrecht accepted the reimbursement check from Arnone.
The program is part of the successful Grow Monmouth initiative that is utilizing HUD Community Development Block Grant funds to help improve the look of privately held commercial buildings located in HUD eligible areas of Monmouth County. No County funds are being used for the program.
HUD eligible areas include all or part of 26 of the County’s municipalities. Eligible municipalities are: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck (Naval station only), Deal, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Hazlet, Highlands, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Manalapan, Matawan, Neptune City, Neptune Twp., Ocean Twp., Red Bank, Shrewsbury Twp., Tinton Falls (naval station only), Union Beach and West Long Branch.
Asbury Park, Long Branch and Middletown businesses are not eligible for this program because those municipalities receive designated HUD Community Development Block Grants directly.
“No matching funds are required from the business,” Arnone said. “We have now dispersed $8,969 out of a total of $85,000 that has been set aside for this program, so businesses should apply now.”
For more information about the Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program please contact the Division of Economic Development at 732-431-7470 or visit the Grow Monmouth section of the County website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
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