Lumberton Businesses Must Think About Regional Planning for Success in Economic Development

Regional planning is required for future long-term success in economic development, the Director of Burlington County, Economic Development and Regional Planning told the Greater Lumberton Business Association

Lumberton, NJ (PRWEB) June 23, 2005 -- Mark A. Remsa, Director of Economic Development and Regional Planning for Burlington County, NJ, was the featured speaker at the June meeting of the Greater Lumberton Business Association held at the Runway Cafe in Lumberton, NJ. He discussed his views on the future of some local municipal townships and their impact on the growing Burlington county business environment at the meeting, which was attended by an overflow audience.

"If you are going anywhere in Burlington county you need the township committees to be on board with what you are doing," said Remsa, who has been working in planning and economic development for the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders since 1995. "How one area thrives is different from another because of the dynamics of the area and how well municipal townships are planning ahead. Springfield, which is rural has different economic development and planning issues than Lumberton, because it is moving from a rural/suburban to suburban position right now."

"In some areas of Burlington County, growth occurs naturally, which is the case with CVS in Lumberton, NJ. CVS expanded its facilities by constructing a new 500,000 square foot facility that straddles Lumberton and Hainesport, adding to its existing 1 million square foot distribution facility," said Remsa. "At other times our group networks with relocation specialists to bring business into an area."

Whitesell, who has built office space in Lumberton recognizes the easy highway access and good-quality labor force as well as diverse housing in the area. "The Route 38 corridor extending from I-295 to the vicinity of Rt. 206, which includes Lumberton and Hainesport, is experiencing growth with new businesses and housing," commented Remsa.

The Burlington County Economic Development and Regional Planning Department helps communities attract new businesses and helps businesses grow in the county. Its mission is to provide services that are important for job retention and job growth thus improving quality of life in Burlington County. For more information go to the departments website http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/departments/economic/.

The department is divided into four separate offices: Economic Development; Regional Planning; Community Development; and Workforce Investment Board/One Stop Career Center.

Economic Development Office

Financing: It arranges low-interest loans, and creative financing packages to bridge financing gaps and improve access to capital for small and mid-size businesses and not-for-profit borrowers. The Economic Development office provides a range of gap financing loan programs with interest rates ranging from 0% (for Route 130 and Urban Enterprise Zone target areas) to one percentage point below the prime rate.

Real Estate Development: It offers real estate development advisory services to public and private sectors to facilitate new investment in areas where such economic activity otherwise would not occur and in industrial sectors important to Burlington Countys economy.

Regional Planning Office

Regional Planning: The office develops long-range plans for accommodating present and future needs of Burlington County residents and businesses by balancing growth and development with preservation.

Community Planning: It offers services to assist municipalities in preparing their local planning documents, e.g., master plans, zoning ordinances, redevelopment plans, etc.

Community Development Office

Affordable Housing: The office administers federal programs that assist in making housing more affordable to Burlington County residents.

Housing Rehabilitation: It administers federal programs for making homes safe and code compliant in which low- and moderate-income households reside.

Community Projects: It administers federal programs that help improve the infrastructure of qualified communities of need.

Workforce Investment Board/One Stop Career Center

Training and Support: The office provides training for persons seeking employment and desiring to improve their job-related skills. It also helps match employers with potential employees.

Additionally, Barry Lefkowitz, GLBA President stated that speakers such as Remsa will be highlighted at each membership meeting in order to assist our members with their own business growth and development and develop an overall understanding and picture of how our community fits with the County.

The next meeting of The Greater Lumberton Business Association will be held on September 13, 2005 at the Flying W Restaurant. The group will also have a booth at the upcoming Burlington County Farm Fair in July to provide membership material and answer questions.

For more information on the GLBA and its meetings please visit http://www.lumbertontwp.com/glba/.

Greater Lumberton Business Association

P.O. Box 250

Lumberton, NJ 08048

Website - http://www.lumbertontwp.com/glba/

Phone: (609) 267-2855

Attached photographs by Lou Trefz, CameraWorks

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