ECONversations: The NJEDA Podcast

In celebration of Black History Month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today posted its latest ECONversations podcast. This month's vibrant conversation centers around topics relevant for Black entrepreneurs and Black business owners, including what it takes for Black entrepreneurs to start a business in New Jersey, hurdles facing minority business enterprises (MBE's) and steps New Jersey is taking to advance a stronger fairer economy. Hosted by NJEDA's Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Michelle Boden, this episode of ECONversations features the following guests: •Terrence Clark - President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New York New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council •Desmond Hayes – Founder of GeoGreens •Ferlanda Fox Nixon – Franchisee, publisher, and editor of TAPinto Denville and Chief of Policy and Government Affairs for the African American Chamber of Commerce •Valarie Cofield – CEO, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC)

Our January 2022 ECONversations podcast focuses on New Jersey's vibrant – and growing – film industry, what attracts film companies to the Garden State and what resources we offer to encourage filmmakers to consider our state. This month's guests include: *Steve Gorelick, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture & TV Commission, *Darryl Isherwood, the NJEDA's new Senior Advisor of Film, Digital & Economic Growth Communications, and *Kenneth Gifford, the founder of the Newark International Film Festival.

Sustain and Serve NJ is supporting the economic recovery of New Jersey's vital restaurant industry while helping to alleviate food insecurity within the state's communities. Sustain and Serve NJ launched in early 2021 as a $2 million program to help New Jersey restaurants keep their doors open and their employees paid throughout COVID and has grown into a $45 million initiative that is on track to support the purchase of 4.5 million meals from over 400 restaurants in all 21 counties. The meals are then distributed to individuals and families that are facing food insecurity. Restaurants participating in Sustain and Serve NJ must have 50 or fewer employees. This month's ECONversations episode is hosted by Tara Colton, the NJEDA's Vice President of Economic Security. Participants include: Coalition on Food and Health Equity Founder and Executive Director Dr. Leeja Carter, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen Executive Director Joyce Campbell, and New Jersey Farmers Cooperative Founder Barbara Wilde.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15 – October 15, 2021, this month's vibrant conversation focuses on Hispanic business owners and the impact they have on New Jersey´s economy. The ECONversations podcast is part of the NJEDA's multi-media campaign to promote New Jersey's small business community. The state's nearly one-million small businesses are truly the backbone of New Jersey's communities, as they provide opportunities, create jobs, drive economic growth, and help make our state a great place to live and work. Hosted by NJEDA Bilingual Communications Officer Alberto Garrido, this episode of ECONversations includes the following guests: * Luis De La Hoz, Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey * Raymond Lamboy, President & CEO of the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA) * Diana Negron, Policy Advisor at the NJEDA * Monica Martinez Milan, Entrepreneur, Master Networker and Franchise Owner

In celebration of National Small Business Week, this month's vibrant conversation centers around the role of New Jersey's small businesses, their impact to the state's economy, and the different ways small business owners have been able to positively navigate the ups and downs of the pandemic. The ECONversations podcast is part of the NJEDA's multi-media campaign to promote New Jersey's small business community. The state's nearly one million small businesses are truly the backbone of New Jersey's communities, as they provide opportunities, create jobs, drive economic growth, and help make our state a great place to live and work. Hosted by NJEDA Program Manager Maggie Peters, this episode of ECONversations includes the following guests: • Dale Caldwell, Executive Director of Fairleigh Dickinson University's Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship • Andrea Kelliher, President & CEO of the Marketing and PR Agency Positive Solutions in Robbinsville • Reggie Hallett, Co-owner of 1911 Smoke House BBQ in Trenton

Another busy Jersey Shore summer is ending, but New Jersey tourism is still going strong! Autumn is a great time to visit our state's wineries, zoos & other small businesses. Our latest podcast explores how New Jersey's towns & businesses benefit from this vital industry. Our guest this month include: * Jeffrey S. Vasser, Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (https://www.visitnj.org/) * Cindy Kunnas, Executive Director of the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce (https://www.lambertvillechamber.com/) * Heather Brown, Owner of Wagonhouse Winery (https://www.wagonhousewinery.com/) * Kate Hartwyk, Deputy Director of the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Kate is heavily involved in the day to day operations of the Zoological Society of New Jersey at Turtleback Zoo. (https://www.turtlebackzoo.com/)

It's summertime, and, as Governor Murphy has promised, it's a Jersey Shore Summer! We're focusing this month's podcast episode on Jersey Shore tourism and the impact that the state's recovery from COVID is having on local economies. This month we're speaking one-on-one with our participants: • Christina Fuentes, Managing Director of Community Development & Small Business Services at the NJEDA • Carl Spatocco, Owner of Cape May Peanut Butter and Smithville Peanut Butter, gourmet food stores in Cape May County, as well as the Inn at the Park, a bed and breakfast in Cape May • Chris Clayton, Owner of the Margate Dairy Bar and Burger • Patty Barber, General Manager of the Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park • Dana Lancellotti, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association

In celebration of Pride Month, our latest ECONversations podcast focuses on New Jersey's vibrant LGBTQ+ community, the important role its members have in the Garden State, and resources available to LGBTQ+-owned businesses. This month's episode is co-hosted by NJEDA Diversity and Inclusion Analyst Kyle O'Donnell and Communications Officer Alberto Garrido. Kyle and Alberto are joined by: • New Jersey LGBT Chamber Vice President of Supplier Diversity and Certification Steven Garibell. https://www.njlgbtchamber.org/ • Confections of a Rockstar Bakery owner Kimmee Masi, who has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Asbury Park. https://www.confectionsofarockstar.com/ • CITI Medina, Founder of the collaborative workspace Equal Space and the marketing agency Medina = Citi, both located in Newark. https://equalspace.co/

NJEDA Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Bodden describes the history of the holiday & reminds us that the journey toward racial justice & equality is far from over.

In honor of Mother’s Day this month, we're talking about what the State of New Jersey is doing to increase access to maternal and infant health for mothers and babies of color. Specifically, we delve into Nurture NJ, a statewide, multi-agency campaign committed to driving down the maternal/infant mortality rate, particularly among Black and Brown mothers and infants, and to ensuring equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. This episode is guest hosted by NJEDA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden. Michelle is joined by First Lady Tammy Murphy, NJ Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Lisa Asare & NJEDA Executive VP Tara Colton.

In celebration of Earth Day, our latest ECONversation podcast focuses on Governor Phil Murphy’s ambitious plan to make New Jersey 100 percent clean energy by 2050. This episode, guest hosted by NJEDA's Brownfields & Sustainable Systems Director Elizabeth Limbrick, features panelists discussing the bold steps – and whole of government approach - that the Garden State is taking to achieve this goal.

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to highlight and promote the many small business owners, entrepreneurs and government leaders impacting our New Jersey's economy. In celebration of the month, our guests talk about their journeys as women in leadership roles and offer advice for other females starting out in their careers. They also discuss resources for small business owners throughout the state.

Remediation has historically been a major barrier to successful brownfield redevelopment projects because of the lack of funding sources available to support site assessment, planning, and cleanup. On this episode, host Tai Cooper and our guests discuss New Jersey's newly-launched $15 million Brownfields Loan Program and other resources available to developers and communities seeking to remediate these sites.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) continues its Black History Month celebration by focusing this month's podcast on New Jersey’s 80,000 Black- and Brown-owned small businesses and the contributions they make to our state's economy. They also discuss ways the NJEDA has worked with our partners in the public and private sectors to develop programs and initiatives with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind. This month, our host, Tai Cooper, is joined by the NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan and its first-ever Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Bodden, as well as John Harmon, the Founder/President/CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and Small Business Owner Tara Dowdell, who has been helping the NJEDA spread awareness of our COVID-Relief programs.

New Jersey has led the nation in the State’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a suite of programs that provide direct financial support for businesses and workers as well as training and technical assistance to help impacted business owners address their immediate needs and make the necessary changes to operate safely during the pandemic. COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on minority-owned businesses and businesses in historically disadvantaged communities. The state’s response includes a particular focus on supporting the recovery of these businesses. On this episode of ECONversations, host Tai Cooper is joined by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, NJRA President and CEO Leslie A. Anderson, and NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman for an in-depth discussion of New Jersey’s response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to prepare for a stronger, fairer recovery.

New Jersey’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was established to lead New Jersey’s efforts to promote diverse leadership in government that is reflective of the state’s population and to ensure diversity in appointments, recruitment, and the execution of diversity and inclusion strategies targeted toward greater utilization of minority, women, veteran, and LGBT owned businesses. In this episode of ECONversations, Hester Agudosi, New Jersey’s first Chief Diversity Officer, joins NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in economic development, strategies to ensure equitable and sustainable economic growth, and specific programs that promote fairness in industries from tech to cinema.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is committed to nurturing the development of new technologies and ensuring that the State continues to be a leader in innovation. The NJEDA Technology & Life Sciences Division plays an active role in New Jersey’s vibrant innovation economy, providing low-interest financing through matching loan programs and tax incentives, as well as offering lab and incubator space and networking opportunities for the investment and entrepreneurial community. In this episode of ECONversations, Brian Sabina, Senior Vice President – Economic Transformation, and Kathleen Coviello, Executive Vice President – Technology, Life Sciences, and Entrepreneurship, discuss the wide variety of programs and resources the NJEDA makes available for innovation economy companies, including the recently-expanded Angel Investor Tax Credit. Learn more at https://www.njeda.com/TLSFeatures.

The NJEDA is committed to creating an environment where small businesses can thrive. As part of this commitment, the NJEDA created a dedicated Small Business Services team that works closely with New Jersey’s entrepreneurs and small businesses, with a focus on more comprehensively assisting historically underrepresented firms and underserved communities. In this episode of ECONversations, Christina Fuentes, Director of Small Business Services, discusses the wide variety of programs and resources the NJEDA makes available for small businesses, including low-cost financing, rent support, technical assistance, and much more. Learn more at https://www.njeda.com/small_midsize_business.

The NJEDA’s holistic approach to Brownfields redevelopment is based on encouraging thriving and inclusive urban centers and downtowns, with a focus on reducing poverty and driving economic growth. On this episode of ECONversations, NJEDA Senior Brownfields Advisor Elizabeth Limbrick discusses the NJEDA’s enhanced brownfields loan program, the proposed brownfields tax credit, and other efforts to support contaminated site revitalization.

In this special episode of ECONversations celebrating the one-year anniversary of Governor Murphy’s economic plan, host Tai Cooper sits down with four of the most influential women in New Jersey to discuss how the agencies they lead contributed to building a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy over the past year and what they have planned for the future. This episode features: New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis on the Administration’s efforts to invest in people by improving access to higher education and job training programs; Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver on initiatives focused on driving investments in communities to build vibrant, inclusive main streets and downtowns; Chief Innovation Officer Beth Noveck on making New Jersey a national leader in innovation and building the most diverse innovation economy in the nation; and Executive Director of the New Jersey Business Action Center (BAC), Melanie Willoughby on programs supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Office of International Trade and Investment (OITI) is the lead international business development office in the New Jersey State government committed to promoting the Garden State as a premier business and investment destination. In this episode, Wesley Mathews, Vice President and Director of OITI discusses how the office works with government and private-sector partners to foster innovation and sustainable job growth by widening New Jersey’s global reach and supporting international trade and investment.

The Office of Economic Transformation (OET) is a new office in the NJEDA dedicated to accelerating economic growth in New Jersey by developing and implementing programs that enhance the Garden State’s long-term economic competitiveness. In this episode, Brian Sabina, NJEDA Senior Vice President, Economic Transformation discusses how OET is setting New Jersey up for long-term, sustainable economic growth. Learn more about OET here: https://www.njeda.com/OET

Last October, Governor Murphy laid out his Economic Plan for building a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy. In this episode of ECONversations, NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan joins host Tai Cooper for a conversation about the Plan and the NJEDA’s expanded role as a comprehensive economic development agency. Read Governor Murphy’s full Economic Plan here: https://www.njeda.com/pdfs/StrongerAndFairerNewJerseyEconomyReport.aspx