2020 Strategic Plan 2017 Update Cumberland County Improvement Authority 2 North High Street Millville, New Jersey 08332 ...
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Economic D evelopmen
Strategic Plan
2017 Update
ity
Improvement Author
Cumberland County
2 North High Street
08332
Millville, New Jersey
856.825.3700
www.CCIA-net.com
Table of Contents
About Cumberland County 2
Plans and Partners to Promote Growth 4
Background 7
Vision and Beliefs for County Economy 8
I. Business Development and Retention 10
II. Workforce Development 13
III. Marketing and Promotion 15
IV. Redevelopment Projects 17
V. Infrastructure 18
The Priorities 20
A Three-year Matrix 21-23
Promoting New Commerce
and Opportunities 24
Additional Economic
Development Communications 25
1 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update
The Cumberland Economic Development Plan
2017 Update
About Cumberland County
Cumberland County is a growing community of fourteen small cities and towns
located in Southern New Jersey on the shores of the Delaware Bay. It is a place rich
in history and culture. Its industrial heritage was built around the natural
resources of the region and rooted in glass manufacturing, textile production, and
food processing. Today its businesses encompass all the elements of a modern and
diverse economy, including state-of-the-art health care, new technologies, and a
wide range of logistical, service, and other industries. Nationally and internationally
recognized businesses and corporations call Cumberland County home along with
numerous national retailers, restaurants and hoteliers.
There are 157,000 people who call Cumber-
land County home. Its largest municipality
is the City of Vineland, with 61,000 people.
Bridgeton is the County seat and Millville is
central to many of the area’s tourism and
recreation destinations. Each of these three
cities provide a full range of public and mu-
nicipal services including access to industrial
park space, public sewer and water, good
highway access and transportation facilities.
The Cumberland County Utilities Authority is
a regional public sewage system that serves
not only Bridgeton but portions of Fairfield,
Hopewell, and Upper Deerfield Townships as
well. Millville and Vineland each have independent sewage 1 Vineland
authorities. Millville also has a municipal airport, managed by the Delaware River 2 Millville
3 Bridgeton
& Bay Authority that can accommodate planes as large as 727s and other jet and
4 Shiloh Borough
propeller driven aircraft.
5 Stow Creek Township
6 Greenwich Township
The County provides jobs in a full range of industrial sectors, with significant 7 Hopewell Township
concentrations of the resident labor force in manufacturing, agriculture and food 8 Upper Deerfield Township
processing, transportation, retail trade, health care and public administration. The 9 Deerfield Township
County has a long history of agri-business and boasts one of the State’s premier 10 Fairfield Township
11 Lawrence Township
agricultural industries which includes the Vineland Produce Auction; the Rutgers
12 Downe Township
Food Innovation Center; a sizeable nursery industry; vegetable and fruit production;
13 Commercial Township
and specialty plant and produce operations. The 2012 Census of Agriculture 14 Maurice River Township
reported Cumberland County as number one in state agricultural output including
top production value in vegetable and nursery sales as well as the highest labor
payroll in the state.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 2
The County has an expanding tourism and hospitality base with a range of
destinations including such nationally-recognized resources as the New Jersey
Motorsports Park, Museum of American Glass, the Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center,
the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, the Glasstown Arts District, the Wild &
Scenic Maurice River and fishing and boating on the Delaware Bay. New hotels have
been constructed and more are planned to accommodate this growing
demand. Signature names such as Wyngate, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn,
Ramada Inn, Country Inn and others are located throughout the County.
Arts and culture mean business in Cumber-
land! The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study
provides evidence that the nonprofit arts and
culture sector is a significant industry in Cum-
berland County – one that generated $16.7
million in total industry expenditures in fiscal
year 2015. The $9.5 million spent by nonprofit
organizations leveraged $7.2 million in addi-
tional spending by cultural audiences – sup-
porting local restaurants, hotels, retail shops
and more. Nonresident tourism accounted for
two-thirds of the audience spending while the
remaining resident spending was kept locally
rather than spent in similar venues outside of
the county.
Its workforce is ready and experienced. County businesses draw labor from a
six-county, southern New Jersey region that includes Atlantic, Camden, Cape May,
Gloucester and Salem counties. Shifts in gaming regulation and local demand for
casino employment have caused many Atlantic County residents to enter the
Cumberland County labor force to seek jobs in other fields. The region also
encompasses a number of educational, residential, and shopping opportunities.
Through the offices of the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, a new
$7.6 million-dollar Center for Workforce & Economic Development was construct-
ed at the Cumberland County College and opened in 2015. This facility provides a
“triangle of partnerships” between the County College, the County Department
of Workforce Development & the Cumberland-Salem-Cape May Workforce Devel-
opment Board, and the Technical High School which is also located on the College
campus. This synergistic operation is unique in New Jersey and allows developers,
existing businesses, and individuals seeking workforce training to have ready access
1 Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit arts supporting organization, conducted the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5
(AEP5) which was released in June of 2017. The AEP5 is the fifth economic impact study of the nation’s arts and
cultural organizations, their audiences and their respective economic impact including jobs, household income and
revenue to local and state governments.
3 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update
to the appropriate workforce education and training organizations they need. It also
enhances the administrative collaboration between the key workforce and training
providers. This partnership improves service delivery, enhances program innovation,
and promotes “one-stop” access to programs, training and economic development
services.
Cumberland County College anchors a network of post-secondary programs. The
College offers programs leading to Certificate and Associate degrees in Arts, Fine
Arts and Science as well as an Associate degree in Applied Science. The College has
partnerships with Colleges and Universities that enable students to earn bachelors
and masters degrees the on-campus Shirlee and Bernard Brown University Center.
The College’s Division of Professional and Community Education provides
educational and training services to community residents and employers both
on and off campus.
The newly completed, full-time Cumberland County Technical Education Center
has seen its first cycle of incoming freshman during the 2016-2017 academic year.
CCTEC offers career-readiness programs to begin a career directly after high school
as well as dual college credit enrollment through Cumberland County College for
students to continue their education at either a two or four-year
institution after high school.
Cumberland County has a good quality of life. Affordable
homes as well as high-end housing can be found throughout
the County and region. Shopping at the Cumberland Mall and
other regional centers is complemented by unique retail outlets
such as the Millville Arts District and The Ave main street district
in Vineland. And of course, there is world-class entertainment
and shopping at the gaming venues of Atlantic City, less than
an hour away.
The County has a good network of roads and highways and a
transit system that is on the brink of a major expansion. Rail freight service is offered
throughout the County by both Conrail and the Winchester & Western Short Line
Railroad. Highway access to the County and region is provided by NJ Route 55 – a
four-lane limited access highway and a host of regional State arteries. New Jersey
Transit operates three bus routes that
traverse the County, linking the area with Atlantic City, Cape May, Philadelphia and
points in between. The County’s close proximity to Philadelphia and its strategic
location in the New York to Washington corridor are significant strengths.
Both New Jersey Transit and the Port Authority Transportation Corporation (PATCO)
have been developing plans to expand mass transit services in southern New Jersey.
Rapid Transit, Express Bus Service is being proposed for the Route 55 Corridor. The
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 4
PATCO light rail network is actively planning service to Woodbury with proposed
extensions that will link Glassboro and other nearby communities to Philadelphia.
Ultimately, the intent is to extend this service to Cumberland County.
This document is a planning tool that builds on the existing foundation of the
Cumberland County economy and the characteristics of the community. It
establishes a vision of the future and outlines those concepts and priorities that
will be the basis for the County Economic Development Board’s strategic decisions
over the coming five years.
Plans and Partners to Promote Growth
Say YES to Cumberland County
The County wants a range of partners and
support for its Cumberland YES Initiative. YES is
a commitment to the County’s current and future
family of businesses to bring whatever resources
are available to promote business development
and expansion and to foster a helpful and
business friendly environment.
The Cumberland County Improvement Authority
is a multi-faceted agency charged with providing
economic development support for Cumberland
County by the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The Authority provides the financing, technical
assistance, pre-development, development,
redevelopment and management expertise for all
aspects of business planning, construction, and
operations.
When the Cumberland County Improvement
Authority says YES, it has the track record to
demonstrate success. Members of the Author-
ity staff have worked closely with national and
international firms to find suitable sites for their
businesses and have helped local companies
secure the resources they need to remain viable
or expand their operations. Saying YES to Cumberland County provides a great
business market; a quality labor force; excellent financing; and a range of incentives
that can bring you the success that your business deserves.
5 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update
One of the great strengths of Cumberland County is the partnerships that have
been formed to promote economic growth and development. This is one of the
things that distinguishes Cumberland’s team of economic development experts
from other areas of the region. Partnering agencies work together to assure new
companies that they have the assistance they need to locate in the County; that
existing businesses have the resources to expand; and that jobs and economic
growth are an integral part of the County’s agenda.
Partners provide access to funding as well as technical resources for job training,
infrastructure, equipment, and other development needs.
The County’s current partners include:
• Cumberland County Government and Board of Chosen Freeholders
• Educational Organizations
• Local Governments
• One of only 14 Federally recognized
Empowerment Zones Interested parties can also access the CCIA Website at:
• Workforce Training Organizations
• Industry Groups www.cumberlandyes.com
• Small Business Advocates
• New Jersey Talent Networks
There are also partners in public and commercial lending, public utilities, non-profit
organizations and service providers that are committed to making a business’s future
in Cumberland County a prosperous one. It is the intent to organize these partners
into special “support teams” that can respond to various issues as needed including
business attraction, business retention, workforce development, marketing,
redevelopment, or renewable energy.
The easiest way for any firm to get the help it needs is to
contact the Cumberland County Improvement Authority at
(856) 825-3700 x1233. That will enable the caller to get in
touch with the Director who can answer questions about:
• Bringing a new business or industry to the County;
• Expanding an existing operation;
• Finding financing and development incentives;
• Dealing with regulatory or permitting issues;
• Meeting labor force needs;
• Relocating to the County;
• Finding a place to live, or
• Planning a visit.
Cumberland County Workforce and Economic
Development Center atrium
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 6
Context of this Plan
This plan is an update to the County’s Economic Development Strategy for Action.
This is a planning document; it provides a broad framework for establishing policies,
identifying projects, and setting priorities. This document does not provide a
tracking mechanism for projects. This detailed information that charts progress,
defines benchmarks, and provides a means to track projects is included in an Action
Agenda which is an ancillary document that complements this plan.
Background
For many years, Cumberland County has had one of the highest rates of unemploy-
ment of any county in the State. The decline of the County’s traditional manufac-
turing base in glass, textiles, and food processing contributed to this situation.The
County’s isolation was also a contributing factor since prior to 1989, it had no major
hour lane highway access.
Going back to the 1980’s, which saw the peak of economic distress in the County,
much has been done to remedy this situation. Empowerment Zone Designation was
secured which not only provided considerable funding to address a range of eco-
nomic and social issues, it helped significantly to promote the County as a place to
do business. A renewed thematic, systematic approach to development and rede-
velopment in the County is helping to focus resources on attracting and retaining
businesses that will thrive in south Jersey:
Healthcare Aeronautics
Manufacturing Retail
Agriculture Hospitality, Arts & Culture, and Tourism
7 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update
VISION
Cumberland County will continue to provide a strong and diversified economic base, an
integrated educational system, a quality workforce and the locational advantages that
We Believe
leverage public investment with private sector growth.
MISSION
Cumberland County will promote our competitive advantages, expand job
opportunities, invest in education, workforce development and physical
infrastructure, and provide business assistance to generate private sector growth and
partnerships to enhance the regional quality of life.
Funding for new infrastructure, industrial parks, workforce development, marketing and
transportation and investments in social capital have helped to mitigate unemployment, spur
new investment, and promote the County as a great place to live, work, and do business.
The Vision for the County Economy
Every County and every community are different. Cumberland County’s vision for the future of
its economy is predicated on certain beliefs. These beliefs are rooted in the comments heard
from industry; the opinions of its leadership; and a commitment to a bright future for all of its
residents and businesses.These beliefs are essential in helping to set priorities and guide the
actions that County Government will take to grow the economy.
A Framework of Beliefs
We Believe that ensuring a good Quality of Life is critical to a prosperous future. This phrase
obviously implies different priorities to different people. Put as simply as possible, ensuring a
good Quality of Life in Cumberland County means expanding family sustaining job opportu-
nities; enhancing recreation, entertainment and other services; and maintaining a balance by
protecting the critical natural spaces and unique resources that make the County special.
We Believe that our County Labor Force must be Top Notch. Clearly, to continue to shift the
economic base of the County away from its traditional, manufacturing roots toward a more
technology-oriented and innovation-based economy, the need for superbly trained, educated
and qualified labor is a key requisite.
We Believe in Investing in New Technology and a “Green” Future. Whether it is renewable
energy manufacturing; new technology that advances existing industrial operations; or an op-
portunity to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, Cumberland County should do whatever
is possible to foster a business climate that is committed to these possibilities.
We Believe Development should be Responsible and Sustainable. Building a sustainable
community means that there must be a balance between the social, economic, and
environmental needs of the community. Business needs a welcoming and supportive
environment in which to grow and prosper. We want to do what is necessary to provide
that opportunity.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 8
We Believe in Providing Efficient and Well-Coordinated Business Services. There are
multiple layers of assistance that can help business and industry address financing,
workforce, site planning and other needs. Our aim is to coordinate these services
through whatever means possible to ensure single points of contact among the
various levels of government and service providers. This will help ensure that new
companies as well as existing businesses get the help and support they need to
grow and prosper.
We Believe that our Resources should focus on those Actions that the Economic
Development Board and its partners in County Government can Influence.
We want the goals and strategies to be centered on issues that the County
government can truly influence. So, for example, while enhancing streetscapes
might be an important aspect of downtown development, such initiatives are best
left to the communities where those neighborhoods or main streets are located.
As a means of implementing this vision, the County is committed to advancing the
following projects and initiatives in the Action Areas identified. These areas include
action items and initiatives for which the County will have clear, prescriptive roles.
The Action Agenda
The Action Agenda outlines an inventory of important initiatives needed to imple-
ment this plan. Support from all partners and stakeholders is welcome. The County
Economic Development Board is committed to providing a forum for other ideas
and suggestions.
The following outline presents five Priority Areas and 23 Goals and 95 Strategies for
implementing the vision for growing the County Economy. These goals and
strategies are aimed not only at new companies but also at maintaining and
expanding opportunities for the businesses and industries already here.
Cumberland County Workforce and Economic Development Center’s business services area
9 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateI. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION
GOAL 1. Promote Business Financing Opportunities and Expand Technical
Assistance Through the CCIA.
Strategies:
1.1 Act as a conduit for providing training, access to programs and
information about business development assistance.
1.2 Work with local municipalities to review, analyze and prepare
assessments of development regulations to establish clear,
streamlined procedures for businesses.
1.3 Facilitate stronger contact with site locators, architects, and realtors
for referrals.
1.4 Business retention effort – more direct outreach.
1.5 Attend conventions specific to each growing sector.
GOAL 2. Stimulate Business Growth in Key Sectors: Healthcare,
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Aeronautics, Retail and Hospitality,
Arts & Culture, and Tourism
Comprehensive Strategy:
The County will be the leader in the promotion and retention of key
industry sectors and in the development of a Business Growth and
Marketing Strategy for each.
• Board to focus on external marketing of the County.
• Organize a strategy that targets new investments at certified
sites where infrastructure and site suitability can foster new
development.
• Identify available locations for prospective companies/industries.
Key Sector Strategies:
Healthcare:
2.1 Support the development of medical and healthcare related
businesses – suppliers, equipment, labs, etc.
2.2 Promote the advantages of Cumberland County for the
development of ancillary healthcare services as a fundamental shift
in the model of continuum of care focuses on better patient
outcomes, lower costs and enhanced patient experience through
provision of services such as rehabilitation facilities, assisted
living complexes, professional medical offices and other projects
that will meet the changing needs of the area’s population.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 10Manufacturing:
2.3 Promote Food Technology and Food Specialization.
2.3.1 Construct Food Specialization Center.
2.3.2 Facilitate the expansion of existing food industries.
2.3.3 Promote partnerships with Rutgers Food Innovation Center.
2.4 Develop targeted locations for businesses in each sector.
2.5 Promote advanced manufacturing training and availability of skilled
labor force.
Agriculture:
2.6 Develop locations where new technologies such as
Horticulture/Hydroponics can locate.
2.7 Establish and maintain a market-certified sites list for
agricultural uses.
2.8 Work with agricultural community to explore new marketing
channels and promote new venues for selling and distributing
farm products.
Aeronautics:
2.9 Work with DRBA to strengthen Millville Airport and ancillary research
and related industries.
Retail:
2.10 Expand retail venues that offer unique shopping opportunities in
response to expansions of housing and recreational opportunities in
the County.
Hospitality, Arts & Culture, and Tourism:
2.11 Pursue resource based ecotourism opportunities on the rivers and
Delaware Bay.
2.12 Integrate Hospitality, Arts & Culture and Tourism opportunities with
CCC and related internships.
GOAL 3. Identify Prime Industrial Land for Development and
Advocate for Local, County and State Designations.
Strategies:
3.1 Create Certified Sites Criteria and Process for Identification and
Implementation of a Certified Sites Initiative.
11 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateGOAL 4. Maintain an Accurate Business Directory.
Strategies:
4.1 Continue the bi-annual business directory update for County
Businesses.
GOAL 5. Promote Environmentally Compatible Bayshore Development.
Strategies:
5.1 CCIA can assist in coordinating additional public projects such as the
East Point Lighthouse renovation project.
5.2 Prioritize Bayshore projects considering regional impacts and explore
annual implementation as funding becomes available. The dredging
initiative is the first project to consider under this 2017 plan update.
GOAL 6. Develop a sustainable Business outreach and expansion program
for existing businesses.
Strategies:
6.1 Assist small business entrepreneurs by facilitating access to loans and
grants, training, business expansions, and promotion.
6.2 Create a database to track outreach and follow-up for existing
businesses.
6.3 Develop a consistent, reliable visitation program for existing
businesses.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 12II. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The foundation to any successful business is its workforce. Together with its partner
agencies, the county will obtain and invest public resources in developing a regional
skilled and unskilled workforce to promote family sustaining jobs that are in demand
in the current labor market. Advancing the technological skills of the workforce will
provide a competitive advantage for the existing and potential county businesses.
GOAL 1. Develop a marketing program that specifically highlights
the available workforce and cooperative training
opportunities in connection with educational opportunities.
Strategies:
1.1 Promote Cumberland County College as the portal for all workforce
development training to assure eligibility for financial assistance.
1.2 Develop a resource guide between CCC, CWED and CCTEC of local
companies who offer coop programs, internships, or certificate
programs for students or recent graduates. The Guide should
identify collective/overlapping needs for training such as Wastewater
Treatment Certification or Advanced Manufacturing Certifications.
It should also clarify the new streamlined process which begins with
CCC as the umbrella organization for training enrollment.
1.3 WFD to partner with county elementary and high schools to explore
career options sooner.
1.4 Identify regional priority needs for training that are linked to
available jobs.
1.5 The Workforce Development Team should continue to screen
incoming industries to determine their employment needs.
1.6 Focus on Regional Events to get organizations such as the South
Jersey Chamber or the SNJ Development Council to host events in
Cumberland County.
GOAL 2. Link transportation routes to existing job centers
Strategies:
2.1 Encourage New Jersey Transit to increase routes and access to its bus
system serving Cumberland County
2.2 Publish routes on the web and make more accessible to public
2.3 Increase promotion and outreach of existing routes.
2.4 Review and adjust routes as needed.
13 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateGOAL 3. Determine workforce skill needs by Industry Sectors
Strategies:
3.1 Increase communication and coordination among partners to
promote the WDB capability to connect employers to employees and
customized employee training programs.
3.2 Identify transitional skills for occupations within the County to
increase economic resiliency of the workforce.
3.3 Implement soft skills training as well as methods of coping with
generational differences in the workplace.
3.4 Hold industry round table discussions or form Advisory Boards
around each sector/talent networks and identify Industry Valued
Credentials for local job opportunities.
3.5 Utilize local Chambers of Commerce to reach out, maintain, and
document communication with existing businesses to build
relationships and make connections.
3.6 Create partnerships with industries for prison reentry job
development.
3.7 Work in partnership with NJIT & NJDOL in the Targeted Industry
Partnerships (TIP) program.
GOAL 4. Enhance collaboration between Workforce Partners by building
on the locational and programmatic synergy of the Economic
Triangle (College, TEC, and CWED)
CWED
Strategies:
4.1
Integrate SJEDD findings on viable
industries within the district to
guide educational programming
decisions and increase the
skill levels of employees
within the region. Economic Development Triangle
Innovation & Collaboration
CCC
CCTEC
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 14III. MARKETING AND PROMOTION
A strong and coordinated marketing program is required to
professionally present the County’s opportunities, assets, destinations,
and services. (To be distinguished from internal operations and County
Economic Development and Redevelopment efforts)
GOAL 1. Expand and coordinate the use of the
Cumberland YES! Branding Campaign to
heighten awareness of business and
entrepreneurial opportunities within
the County
Strategies:
1.1 Bolster positive communication on an
ongoing basis to highlight accomplishments,
ongoing projects, promote resources while
spotlighting testimonials from successful
projects.
1.2 Highlight workforce and training.
1.3 Highlight educational, programmatic, and
locational advantages as well as any
accolades and link them to regional projects
and priorities.
1.4 Participate in regional and national trade
shows and marketing events that are
targeted to our economic base and linked to
potential growth sectors.
1.5 Coordinate marketing materials with other
local and regional business organiza-
tions, such as Chambers of Commerce, with
a similar message and audience and a
common theme such as Love Where You Live.
GOAL 2. Develop a coordinated effort to attract regional commercial
realtors and bankers
Strategies:
2.1 Maintain County database of “shovel ready” industrial properties
and sites available for industrial redevelopment through the certified
site selector.
2.2 Host Familiarization Tours with Realtors and Brokers and build
ongoing relationships.
2.3 Hold regional events that draw attention to the area from
developers, bankers, realtors and site locators.
15 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateGOAL 3. Coordinate a regional marketing effort with municipal economic
development professionals
Strategies:
3.1 Establish goals and objectives through regular communication with
liaisons to help them meet their goals.
3.2 Integrate Cumberland YES! Campaign and Love Where You Live
into municipal marketing initiatives, websites, marketing materials
and social media communication.
3.3 Advocate for municipal priorities and advise integration into
appropriate planning sources.
3.4 Create a Cumberland mobile app that promotes local businesses,
tourism, and development opportunities.
GOAL 4. Review marketing plans for the Bayshore and begin implementation
Strategies:
4.1 Attract recreational related support businesses through
destination marketing.
4.2 Work with County and Bayshore partners to facilitate the
development of Bayshore Tours with regional and
national tour operations.
4.3 Support review and development of feasible options for
infrastructure planning and implementation.
4.4 Prioritize one to two high impact, regional strategies for
economic sustainability of Bayshore region.
GOAL 5. Develop and promote quality of life and amenities that
attract and/or retain young adults
Strategies:
5.1 Assist developers to build housing options that appeal to young
adults and families and complement existing neighborhood amenities such as
high-quality rental options.
5.2 Work closely with the downtown Main Street Programs to develop
localized strategies and economic programs and projects.
5.3 Attract retail and service providers that appeal to targeted age
groups and demographics.
5.4 Define target demographics, where they are and how to get them here.
5.5 Create opportunities for young professionals to be engaged and
aware of county opportunities through programs such as Leadership
Cumberland County and Chamber networking events.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 16IV. REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Within the urban core cities of Cumberland County there are unlimited opportuni-
ties to redevelop both underutilized or deteriorated land and buildings. Over time
and utilizing the available local and statewide redevelopment tools, land and
buildings can regain productive use and contribute to the tax base of the county
GOAL 1. Promote CCIA capacity as a redevelopment entity
Strategies:
1.1 Look beyond Cumberland County for development partnership
opportunities
1.2 Host a Redevelopment/Shared Services Seminar for local governing
bodies and planning boards.
1.3 Promote CCIA project management and redeveloper capabilities by
highlighting redevelopment track record.
1.4 Work with local governments to create “Areas in Need of
Rehabilitation” or “Redevelopment Areas.”
1.5 Integrate individual redevelopment projects into a regional or
county-wide context
GOAL 2. Create a guide to redevelopment for the County that
includes priority redevelopment sites, funding opportunities,
and other key resources
Strategies:
2.1
Market and promote priority redevelopment sites in coordination
with local and regional partners
2.2 Facilitate online access to priority
redevelopment site information
with local realtors, brokers, and
property owners.
2.3 Prepare market analyses that
demonstrate the viability of priority
redevelopment sites for various types
of commercial, industrial,
business or other uses.
2.4 Identify potential funding resources
for local and countywide
redevelopment projects.
2.5 Demonstrate the economic impact of
redevelopment projects with
data from successful projects.
17 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateGOAL 3. Reclaim, Repurpose and Redesign obsolete industrial and
commercial brownfields and greyfields
Strategies:
3.1 Include information on interactive site selector tool regarding key
brownfield sites and their potential for redevelopment.
3.2 Use SketchUp computer graphics to illustrate and market before and
after redevelopment concepts.
V. INFRASTRUCTURE
To maintain a competitive edge, Cumberland County
must continue to invest in its infrastructure, including
roadways, utilities, rail and technology.
GOAL 1. Pursue Funding and Implement
Upgrades to Expand
Access to Optimum Broadband,
Electrical and Telecommunication
Infrastructure.
Strategies:
1.1 Pursue grant opportunities that can be catalysts for new investment
in telecommunications and broadband infrastructure. Get
input from technology students at CCC & CCTEC to
contribute relevant information and content.
1.2 Promote investments in alternative energy and communications
technologies.
GOAL 2. Facilitate extension of water and sewer lines in appropriate
development areas
Strategies:
2.1 Partner with municipalities to conduct feasibility studies on
extensions as grants and funding may become available.
2.2 Work to ensure that existing industrial parks and priority
redevelopment areas have access to a full array of public
infrastructure.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 18GOAL 3. Ensure the integration of priority development and redevelopment
projects in local and regional plans throughout the County.
Strategies:
3.1 Work with local and regional planning and economic development
offices to coordinate commercial and industrial development goals.
3.2 Coordinate County economic development projects with regional,
state and federal funding agencies such as the SJTPO and SJEDD.
GOAL 4. Strengthen the Millville Airport as an economic
development resource
Strategies:
4.1 Work with DRBA and the City to prioritize commercial and industrial
strategies including access to the park, flexible development
regulations and targeted marketing.
GOAL 5. Coordinate optimum access to industrial parks and
commercial centers
Strategies:
5.1 Commission a comprehensive, county-wide study of heavily used
transportation routes to determine gaps, viable alternatives and links
to employment centers with funding from SJTPO.
5.2 Continue to advocate for the extension of light rail service to
Cumberland County.
5.3 Expand rail opportunities throughout the County that improve
access to new and existing industrial locations including
improvement and additions of rail sidings.
5.4 Target marketing of sites with rail access.
5.5 Identify funding sources and state or federal agencies providing
funding for infrastructure expansion.
19 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateThe Priorities
The Priorities
The Action Agenda outlined in this plan is an aggressive one, and some of the goals
will take a significant amount of time to achieve. However, the CCIA is well
underway with several projects that work towards accomplishing this goal.
Current Objectives
• Promoting food technology and specialization through construction and
marketing of the Food Specialization Center and obtaining letters of interest from
potential tenants to occupy the center
° Partnering with CCTEC and WDB to provide custom training programs and
skilled advanced manufacturing labor pool
° Work with public and private entities to create food processing relations
beyond the Center by increasing national and international cluster
competitiveness-improving links between companies, suppliers, service
providers, and institutions.
• Premiered the certified sites list to promote shovel ready properties on
June 15, 2017
° Marketing the list to prospective businesses, FamTours, etc.
• Developed a schedule of at least 52 business and industry visits annually
° Recording visits and outcomes in a common database with WDB.
• Acting as a conduit for providing training, access to programs and information
about business development assistance
° Assist/refer 10 businesses annually in obtaining requested services
• Attending targeted Regional and National Trade Shows
° Create venue in which Cumberland County can play host to a
national show
• Hosting promotional events to regional developers, bankers, realtors, site locators
• Promoting CCIA Redevelopment/shared services capacity
° Holding annual seminars for municipal officials for redevelopment and
shared services and implementing follow up projects
• Highlighting the CCIA Track Record & quantification of economic impact of CCIA
projects and accomplishments through an impact analysis in 2017
• Investing in alternative energy and communications technologies through the
creation of the energy hub and data center.
In addition, the Economic Development Board have prioritized initial strategies that
the CCIA staff and consultants reviewed and assembled the following 3-year project
priorities matrix which includes specific actions and measurable outcomes on the
following pages.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 20Top Priorities List 21 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 22
23 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update
Promoting New Commerce and
Opportunities
A comprehensive and collaborative effort to develop the Cumberland County
economy requires the involvement of all sectors of the community. New businesses,
people, and services expand the economic base. The retention of industry is central
to maintaining the job base and opportunity that exists. It is the intent of this plan
to promote these objectives. As identified in the list of priorities, an initial follow up
to this plan will be a Resource Guide that will identify programs and contacts that
will provide support to businesses to locate or expand in Cumberland County. Enter-
ing any of these gateways will provide access to the services, support, programs and
goals outlined in this document.
Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 Update 24Additional Economic Development Communications
available from the Cumberland County Improvement Authority:
Economic Impact Analysis
A formal cost benefit ratio analysis summarizing the $109 million
investments made by the Cumberland County Improvement Authority
during 2014-2017 in nine separate improvement projects.
Resource Guide
A summary of the services and resources available to businesses desiring
to locate and expand in Cumberland County
Incentive Brochure
A briefing of the benefits offered to business and industry featuring
Cumberland County’ s Strategic Positioning, Quality of Life, Workforce
Initiatives and Financial Incentives.
www.cumberlandYES.com
A compilation of information about the economic development advances
and offerings of Cumnberland County, New Jersey
For copies of the materials listed above, please contact the
Cumberland County Economic Development Office, 856-825-3700
or info@ccia-net.com
25 Cumberland County Economic Development Plan 2017 UpdateCumberland County Improvement Authority 2 North High Street Millville, NJ 08332 856.825.3700 www.CCIA-net.com
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