Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Be Part of the Change. Help Shape Atlantic County’s Economic Future.

What matters most to you as an Atlantic County resident and/or property or business owner?

Participate in the Atlantic County Action Now initiative by providing input for use in the development of a countywide economic development action plan.

Atlantic County Action Now is a cooperative effort of Atlantic County government and the Atlantic County Improvement Authority in partnership with AngelouEconomics, a nationally recognized firm specializing in strategic economic development, to create an action plan to broaden and diversify our economic base.

Since January 2015, the AngelouEconomics team has met with over 400 local stakeholders and eight industry focus groups. But now its attention turns to the public to provide input in determining a new direction for Atlantic County focused on partnership, regional cooperation and economic diversity.

“This is an opportunity for those with a vested interest in Atlantic County to share their ideas,” explained County Executive Dennis Levinson. “This initiative is founded on the belief that we have the collective talent and ability right here in Atlantic County to best shape our economic future. I strongly encourage everyone to complete the online surveys and attend the public forums that will be held as part of this project.”

“It’s your county and your future. We need to hear your concerns, what it is you want, and what you believe needs to be done,” he added.

Two online surveys are now available at www.atlanticcountyactionnow.com. One is for residents and one is for businesses. They contain both multiple choice questions and those that require a written response. Hard copies of each survey are also available at the 10 branches of the Atlantic County Library System. Locations and hours are available at www.atlanticlibrary.org or by calling (609) 625-2776.

“By taking 10 minutes to join in the survey, people who live and work in the area can help the county develop a new road map to a strong economy in the years ahead,” said Angelos Angelou, founder and principal executive officer of AngelouEconomics.

“We plan to hold three public community forums,” added Levinson. “All are welcome to attend, but comments must be limited to the topic at hand - identifying the best ways to diversify our economy; create good paying jobs; attract residents, visitors and businesses.”

The first public forum is scheduled for Thursday, February 26 from 6 to 8 PM at the Walter Edge Theater, Atlantic Cape Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. Two additional forums will be held in March. Their locations and dates will be announced once they are confirmed.

Levinson also acknowledged members of the community who are serving on the Atlantic County Action Now steering committee, chaired by Leo Schoffer of Schoffer Enterprises.

“The steering committee was formed in January and is assisting AngelouEconomics in establishing local economic development priorities, performance measurements and project oversight,” said Levinson.

“Our hope is that this steering committee will eventually become a self-sustaining regional planning entity that promotes cooperation and job creation,” according to Schoffer.

For more information about the Atlantic County Action Now initiative, please contact Howard Kyle, Chief of Staff to County Executive Dennis Levinson, at (609) 343-2201.

County News