MANALAPAN – BizConnect – a new series of business resource information programs designed to help local businesses find the necessary resources to help them thrive in today’s troubling economy – kicked off yesterday with a hundred participants attending a free session sponsored by the Monmouth County Department of Economic Development & Tourism.

 

The featured speakers, Joseph Constance and Laura Wallick from the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Business Assistance and Incentive Programs, provided attendees with usable information on more than a dozen state financial, incentive and assistance programs.

 

To date, the NJEDA programs in Monmouth County have invested $26.3 million, leveraged $30 million in business investment and created 117 permanent jobs along with 536 construction jobs.

 

“We want to assist people with finding solutions to the challenges facing Monmouth County businesses in this difficult economic climate,” said Freeholder Deputy Director John D’Amico, who oversees the county’s Department of Economic Development & Tourism. “The NJEDA and the county’s economic development department can help the business community identify resources today and put them to work tomorrow.”

 

“The county is refocusing its resources to be more responsive to the needs of the business community,” said John Ciufo, administrative department director for Planning, Economic Development and Regulatory Affairs. “The county’s economic development effort will connect business people with resources and we are working to remove the impediments to doing business with government.”

 

Future BizConnect sessions are being planned. Information will be posted on the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.

 

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