MODC Business Journal

Consider Monmouth and Ocean Counties

as Your Next Business Location

Your Regional Business Advocate A Catalyst For Positive Change

Monmouth-Ocean Development Council

1 Monmouth-Ocean Development Council

IntroductionFor generations, the Jersey Shore Region of Monmouth and Ocean counties has drawn visitors from near and far to enjoy its incomparable beaches, rolling waves and gentle bay breezes. Entertainment and relaxation were first and foremost in the minds of those who traveled for summertime recreation “down the shore.”

While the Jersey Shore Region continues to be New Jersey’s leading travel and tourism destination, Monmouth and Ocean counties have become one of the state’s fastest growing regions, with an exceptional quality of life spotlighted by Money, Fortune and Reader’s Digest for its desirability as a place to live, learn, work and enjoy its recreational opportunities.

Today, those opportunities include much more than swimming, boating and fishing along the region’s ocean beaches and Barnegat Bay, or visits to the boardwalks at Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant, or Fantasy Island in Beach Haven. World class golf courses, extensive county park systems, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, the Lakewood BlueClaws at FirstEnergy Park, canoeing in the Pine Barrens, performances at the Surflight Theater in Beach Haven plus tours and tastings at the region’s respected wineries are just a few examples of the great places to go and things to do year-round in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The Jersey Shore Region has truly become more than a summer destination. The same qualities that attracted people to visit on their vacations have spurred both residential growth and business development. Monmouth and Ocean counties are now recognized for the quality of their healthcare and educational institutions, and for the diversity and dynamism of their business communities.

For more than 45 years, the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC) has worked with both public and private entities to promote balanced and orderly growth in the region. Capitalizing on the convenience and accessibility provided by the transportation network serving Monmouth and Ocean counties, leveraging the region’s inviting geography and highlighting its historic, cultural and recreational riches have helped MODC contribute to the region’s continued development.

Even in today’s difficult economic times, Monmouth and Ocean counties have experienced ongoing investment and growth that underscore the region’s desirability for residents, businesses and visitors alike. The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council is proud to showcase the exciting things happening in the Jersey Shore Region that will keep Monmouth and Ocean counties in the New Jersey spotlight.

Ben Waldron

Executive Director

Monmouth

Ocean


Continued Growth in

While economic challenges remain on the minds of

consumers and executives nationwide, businesses

from Monmouth and Ocean counties see indicators for

optimism and growth.

Data indicates that the Jersey Shore region is still a premiere place to conduct business. In 2011, the nation’s three major bond-rating agencies, Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, announced that Monmouth County retained its AAA status for the 12th year in a row.

The New Jersey Department of Labor also reports that the Coastal Region of the state, which includes both Monmouth and Ocean counties, is expected to add nearly 70,000 jobs by 2014, making it the fastest growing region in New Jersey. Specifically, Monmouth County is projected to grow by 9.4% and add 25,000 jobs by 2014 to remain the largest county in the Coastal region. Ocean is expecting to grow by 15.1%, making it the fastest growing county in the region and the second fastest in the state.

How has an area best known as a summer vacation destination become one of New Jersey’s bright spots for residential and commercial growth? Many factors have contributed to the transformation of Monmouth and Ocean counties from second homes, vacation rentals and seasonal businesses, to one of the most desirable places in the nation to live, work and recreate. However, the following reasons the primary factors for the region’s continuous success and growth:

Location, Location, LocationIt’s tough to beat the Monmouth-Ocean region’s strategic

location between the New York and Philadelphia metro regions. Over the years, many people from these areas who first experienced the Jersey Shore as summer visitors have relocated their families and businesses to Monmouth and Ocean counties. People and organizations continue to follow this migration to capitalize on the opportunities the region’s convenient location provides. Construction projects are continuously in development and include medical complexes, office parks and flex space, hotels, retail centers and more. Demand for housing and services remains strong throughout the region.

Quality of LifeTalk to anyone who lives in the Monmouth-Ocean region and

quality of life will quickly enter the conversation. This means more than just easy access to your favorite beach or bay shore. Top-rated schools, a strong real estate market including the large percentage of vacation rental properties, quality healthcare and an impressive arts and cultural scene all contribute to a quality of life recognized by several national magazines as among the best in the nation.

Educated WorkforceAccording to statistics from the US Census Bureau in 2011,

residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties are among the state’s leaders when it comes to the percentage of population who are high school graduates and those that have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. It’s not by chance that per capita personal income is also high in the region, with Monmouth County ranking fifth

out of New Jersey’s 21 counties. The region’s higher education community, including Monmouth University, Georgian Court University, Brookdale Community College and Ocean County College supports the needs of the business sector. The community provides academic programs as well as professional training, development and certification programs, along with other continuing education opportunities in tune with the needs of today’s workforce.

Transportation ConnectivityThe transportation network serving the Monmouth-Ocean area

is critically important in efficiently and effectively moving people and products. The region’s highways facilitate travel to New York, Philadelphia and points between and beyond. The same holds true for passenger rail services including NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line, connecting PATH trains to Manhattan and access to Amtrak’s interstate train service. Commuter bus and ferry services, international airports in Newark, New York and Philadelphia plus regional airports in both Monmouth and Ocean counties add to passenger mobility. Commercial rail freight is served by important regional lines overseen by CSX, Norfolk Southern and Conrail.

TourismIt all started decades ago with beach resorts in Monmouth and

Ocean counties, but the impact of the travel and tourism industry is more important today than ever before. Tourism is New Jersey’s third largest industry and was responsible for 4% of the NJ economy in 2010.

While the tourism industry is just one component of the region’s increasingly diverse economy, it is a multi-billion dollar industry with $7.7 billion spent on food, $5.9 billion spent on retail, $3.9 billion spent on entertainment, $11.5 billion spent on accommodations and $5.4 billion spent on transportation in 2010 in New Jersey. That impact is recognized and supported by the State’s Division of Travel and Tourism through grants and other resources provided through its Destination Marketing Organization


Monmouth~Ocean Regionprogram, by the Freeholders of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and by individual communities working hard to capture their share of travel and tourism expenditures in the region. In fact, nearly 310,000 jobs in New Jersey are supported by tourism expenditures.

Regional AdvocacyThe Monmouth-Ocean region has benefitted greatly from the

advocacy of business, environmental and development-focused organizations that have protected vital interests and resources and provided valuable guidance and assistance that have contributed to orderly, intelligent growth and development plus the conservation of natural resources.

The Jersey Shore Partnership, founded in 1991, has advocated for the coastal region to ensure that the shoreline in Monmouth and Ocean counties can be enjoyed by generations to come, and that the residential and business communities of the region are protected against damaging storms and other threats both natural and man-made. Today, the Partnership’s impact on issues ranging from tourism to infrastructure and economic development continues to keep regional interests top-of-mind.

Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute and the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium have also played a key role in understanding how growing urban and suburban development along the Jersey coast can be managed effectively to balance the needs of residents, businesses and the environment.

Diverse EconomyThe positive economic outlook for the Monmouth-

Ocean region, and its tremendous assets and resources, are attracting a healthy and diverse mix of businesses. Growth beyond the travel and tourism industry, in the small business sector, education, healthcare, technology and environmentally-focused businesses, has

contributed to a vibrant economic mix that bodes well for the future of the Jersey Shore region.

Effective Urban Enterprise Zones, BID’s & SID’s

Asbury Park and Long Branch in Monmouth County, and Lakewood in Ocean County, have benefitted from Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) designations that have provided resources, professional support and programs that have spurred redevelopment projects and encouraged business and real estate investment. Benefits like business tax credits, sales tax incentives and exemptions, plus financial incentives like grants and low interest business loans, have helped return the historic resort towns of Asbury Park and Long Branch to their former prominence and have helped Lakewood reenergize its business community.

The revitalization of downtown business districts in Red Bank, Toms River and Freehold are examples of how a Business Improvement District (BID) or Special Improvement District (SID), funded by assessments on commercial property and business owners in the district, can benefit local businesses, residents and visitors to those communities. From façade improvement programs, to clean and safe quality of life initiatives, to parking and traffic studies and marketing programs and services, these business organizations are helping draw visitors that support local merchants and retailers and the customers they serve.

The Monmouth-Ocean region continues to provide distinct advantages for its business community. Because of its primary location, educated workforce, transportation capabilities and ongoing regional support, Monmouth and Ocean counties will continue to be a bright spot for New Jersey’s economic growth.


Beyond the BeachFour Seasons of Recreation and Entertainment

Cleaner water and beach replenishment efforts in recent years have added to their allure, giving priceless enjoyment to local and visiting sun worshippers as well as water sports enthusiasts who all continue to enjoy what the beach communities in Monmouth and Ocean counties have to offer.

Yet, there is much more to see and do in the Jersey Shore Region beyond those beaches, including sports, entertainment and arts venues that can compete with the sun, sand and surf for the time and interest of local residents and tourists alike at any time of year. Add dining and accommodations, ranging from quaint to cutting-edge and you’ve got an incredible mix of fun and business opportunity.

“We have it all in Monmouth County,” notes Jeanne DeYoung, Monmouth County’s Tourism Representative.

“From our three historic lighthouses to an extensive county park and trail network, and top thoroughbred and harness racing at Monmouth Park Racetrack and Freehold Raceway, there’s something for everyone.”

The open spaces of the inland western areas of both Monmouth and Ocean counties also provide wonderful experiences for locals and tourists, including visits to local farms and wineries, kayak tours on Barnegat Bay, and canoeing on the waterways of the Pine Barrens.

In spite of today’s difficult economic times, much of the region has witnessed steady residential and commercial growth, with location playing a key role in the success of the travel and tourism industry in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, nearly one third of the nation’s population can reach the Jersey Shore Region, using direct highway

��

��


The beaches of Monmouth and

Ocean counties have long been

recognized as top New Jersey

travel and tourism destinations.

connections and less than a tank of gas. The Jersey Shore Region is also accessible via a mass transportation network that includes NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line trains, buses and ferry service from Monmouth County to Manhattan.

Fuel prices have certainly contributed to a rise in requests for Monmouth and Ocean county vacation travel information from New Jersey residents who are planning to stay closer to home. A drop in requests from out-of-state visitors can similarly be attributed to the high cost of gasoline and economic concerns. On the other hand, weakness of the American dollar against the Euro and other currencies drives increases in requests and visits from abroad.

An ambitious three-year program to attract motor coach tours to visit Ocean County’s many recreational, historic and cultural sites

as part of overnight visits to the region was also recognized by a matching grant from the state. With the support of Ocean County’s Freeholders, the Ocean County Tourism Advisory Council has produced a color catalogue, direct mailings, familiarization tours and other marketing initiatives targeting group tour operators.

Barbara Steele, Ocean County’s director of public affairs/tourism, notes that this program and other travel and tourism initiatives can provide benefits across the economic spectrum, as visitors spend their time and dollars on food, lodging, entertainment and shopping during their stays throughout the year.

Steele adds that many “weather resistant” entertainment options exist throughout the region, providing rainy day alternatives for

Continued



summer beachgoers as well as year-round opportunities for local residents and visitors.

“The Tuckerton Seaport; The Museum of New Jersey Maritime History in Beach Haven; or Insectropolis, a family-friendly “bug museum” in Toms River, are interesting and fun alternatives in both beach and inland communities,” Steele adds.

Many visitors would consider shopping and dining at Pier Village in Long Branch as top-notch entertainment in its own right. Open year round, it’s a striking example of revitalization efforts that have seen new residential development, restaurants, shops and other amenities return to the historic Monmouth County beach resorts of Long Branch and Asbury Park.

The Jersey Shore Premium Outlet in Tinton Falls offers upscale outlet shopping with an impressive collection of 120 designer and name brand outlet stores, offering substantial discounts.

Special events are another hallmark of the Jersey Shore region, as both counties and individual communities embrace the destination marketing concept to attract visitors throughout the year. Ocean County’s award-winning Chowderfest in October finds hotel rooms full, restaurants booked, and the local business community smiling.

KaBoom! Fireworks on the Navesink River in Red Bank has become a July 4th tradition that draws more than 50,000 people to experience 10,000 fireworks shells exploding to a choreographed mix of popular and patriotic songs, and to enjoy food and drinks provided by dozens of vendors.

For the more athletically inclined, water sports ranging from fishing, boating and sailing to water skiing, kayaking and kite surfing are available for expert and novice enthusiasts. The region’s many fine golf courses include Monmouth County’s Hominy Hill in Colts Neck and Howell Park in Farmingdale, both ranked in the top 50 public golf courses in America by Golf Digest. Tuckerton’s Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis was named one of the best golf courses in New Jersey by price by USA Today. Prefer to enjoy a hot dog and peanuts at the ballpark? The Lakewood BlueClaws call the city’s FirstEnergy Park home.

Surveys conducted with visitors demonstrate clearly that those who experience what New Jersey has to offer have a much higher opinion of the state than those who have never been. A visit to either Monmouth or Ocean counties for the expected summertime beach experience or the unexpected travel and tourism opportunities of the region’s coastal and inland communities will surely push those favorable statistics even higher.


Economic ConcernsStephen Reed, CPA, Managing Director of Cowan, Gunteski’s

Tinton Falls, New Jersey office stated, “Overall, businesses in Monmouth and Ocean counties are not quite as optimistic as they were a couple of years ago, but they are still hopeful. Business executives in the bi-county region have higher expectations for their own industries than they do for the U.S. and New Jersey economies. This is evident in the percentage of businesses that project an increase in sales and profits for the current year.” More than 130 business executives from the Monmouth-Ocean region responded to the electronic survey. They represented organizations from various industries, both large (more than 100 employees) and small (less than 10 employees) and with annual revenues ranging from under $1 million to more than $10 million.

U.S. EconomyThirty-five percent of executives surveyed expect the U.S.

economy to improve next year. While this is slightly lower than last year, Monmouth-Ocean executives were somewhat more optimistic than their counterparts throughout the state. According to the New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s (NJBIA) Annual Business Outlook Survey, 23 percent believe the U.S. economy will do better in the next year.

New Jersey’s EconomyBusiness executives in the Monmouth-

Ocean region feel nearly the same about the state’s economy. Thirty-eight percent feel there will be some improvement in the state’s economy. New Jersey business owners as a whole feel less optimistic than those in the bi-county region about the state’s economic outlook, according to the NJBIA Business Outlook Survey. Only 22 percent see it getting better while 41 percent expect it to be the same and 37 percent predict it will get worse.

Business ConcernsThe cost of doing business (87%) and health insurances

costs (87%) are at the top of the list of important issues faced by executives in the bi-county region. Last year, property and state taxes topped the list at 91 percent. According to the NJBIA Business Outlook Survey, New Jersey is seen as worse than other states in taxes and fees (89%), controlling government spending (71%), attracting new business (73%), controlling healthcare costs (74%), the cost of regulatory compliance (64%), and attitude toward business (64%).”

Business Outlook Trends


The recent Business Outlook Survey, conducted by the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council in conjunction with Cowan, Gunteski & Co., P.A. found that certain areas of the economy picked up slightly while others were still fighting just to break even.

Monmouth and Ocean counties were more optimistic about profits, salary and performance than New Jersey was as a whole. The results of the survey were compared to past MODC surveys and a statewide study conducted during the same time period by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

Investment & Expansion Thirty-eight percent of respondents plan to expand their

business in the bi-county region while 17 percent plan to expand their business outside of New Jersey. Sixty-four percent of respondents describe the bi-county region as either a very good or good location to expand their facilities.

Additionally, only 18 percent plan to increase their workforce

next year in the Monmouth-Ocean region which is up slightly from last year. Executives in Monmouth and Ocean counties continued to invest in productivity with increases in information technology, training and development and improvements in production equipment and facilities.

For more information regarding the MODC Business Outlook Survey, please visit www.modc.com or contact the MODC office.


Education & Healthcare

Local employers require an educated workforce; in turn, those workers demand quality healthcare facilities and services. There’s a natural synergy between the educational and healthcare communities in Monmouth and Ocean counties, with goals and resources combining to meet both business and residential needs.

Not surprisingly, the bi-county region’s leading employers are its healthcare and educational facilities. And continued growth in each sector, including new facilities and expanding programs and services, shows no sign of slowing down despite broader New Jersey and national economic concerns.

“The mission of community colleges to address the educational and economic development requirements of the counties we serve enables us to respond quickly to emerging trends or critical needs,”

says Marie Lucier-Woodruff, Executive Director-Business & Community Development at Brookdale Community College.

New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey , an alternate route teacher education program that addresses the statewide teacher shortage by helping individuals with bachelor’s degrees become licensed teachers without completing a traditional teacher training program, is an example of how the educational community has stepped up to address a problem with far-reaching implications.

Brookdale’s Department of Experiential Learning adds hands-on workplace opportunities for student interns to “learn on the job” and receive mentoring that contributes to better job preparedness. “Students who take part in internships with local business often are in a better position when it comes time to secure a job” adds Lucier-Woodruff, noting that one third of all high school graduates in Monmouth County planning on attending college enroll at Brookdale.

To support lifelong learning in the bi-county region and to take advantage of the region’s growing population of active and educated older adults, Monmouth and Ocean’s colleges and universities offer training programs for those in their 50’s and beyond, who are looking to change careers or return to the workforce.

The New Jersey State Board of Nursing’s approval of the Georgian Court University-Meridian Health School of Nursing, makes earning a four-year nursing degree convenient while helping to address the escalating nursing shortage in New Jersey and nationally. Georgian Court University offers a new $26 million Wellness Center Complex on its campus.

Brookdale Community College and Ocean County College also offer programs and resources to support the region’s increasing number of small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, both schools have Centers for Business Training that provide on-site assessments and comprehensive training, education and development programs for employees to help businesses and other organization’s improve their productivity and competitiveness.

A new academic building on the campus of Ocean County College is further proof of the region’s growing population and corresponding demands on its workforce. State and County funds have contributed to the 32,000 square foot addition, completed in 2009, which includes computer laboratories, classrooms, office space, staff and student lounges and other amenities.

Students can now earl a four year degree from Kean University by attending classes on the campus of Ocean County College.

The growing business and residential sectors in

Monmouth and Ocean counties have placed considerable demands on the region’s

educational institutions and healthcare providers.

Partners with Business

Continued


GROW. WISELY.

Companies of all sizes are looking to drive growth. To grow wisely, you need an advisor who really knows your business...and knows you. Who can deliver tailored solutions that create opportunities, maximize efficiency and help your bottom line.

EisnerAmper is that advisor. We roll up our sleeves to get to the bottom of your toughest challenges, so you get the advice and strategies you need to create sustainable growth.

Let’s get down to business.TM

EisnerAmper LLPAccountants & Advisors

Independent Member of PKF International

www.eisneramper.com

Wayne Tessler, [email protected]


www.cpcbehavioral.org | www.highpointschool.org732-842-2000 x4221

� Addiction Recovery Services

� Employee AssistanceProgram (EAP)

� Outpatient Counseling andPsychiatric Services

� Residential Services

� Special Education School

CPC’s High Point School(K-12 special education):1 High Point Center Way,

Morganville

Counseling Centers: � 270 Highway 35, Middletown

� 37 Court Street, Freehold

� 1088 Highway 34, Aberdeen

Helping children, teens, adults, and familiesfor over 50 years with behavioral health and

special education services that promotewellness, recovery and productive lives.

Middletown Freehold Aberdeen


SPAM

The Wrightway SpamStop is an external independent spam filter that can be used with Exchange or any client mail server regardless of the platform to scrub email for spam and viruses. We also offerE-mail Encryption.

Spam Filters

Businesses can quickly implement an efficient offsite disaster recovery solution with online backups in a cloud or remote virtual server

Online Backup

Cloud technology solutions allow any company the ability to have cutting edge technology without the cost and expertise.

Clouding Technology

and more!

Services we offer

Tri Net Technology628 Shrewsbury Ave

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

732-383-2524 • trinetteledata.comSupport is available 24 – 7 for any emergency.

Our Virtual Solutions Save Time and Money

Monmouth University, named as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education according to the Princeton Review, offers a multi-purpose activity center (MAC). The facility includes a 4,100 seat arena, bookstore, classroom space and fitness center to better serve the needs of its student population and the region.

Construction and new development are changing the face of the Monmouth-Ocean region’s healthcare facilities as well. The Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus adjacent to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, promotes many health education and lifestyle management programs that are helping individuals across the age spectrum become more proactive in managing their health.

The $300 million expansion and renovation project at Meridian Health’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center contributes to significant physical changes on the healthcare campus in Neptune. Completed in 2009, the project includes upgraded facilities and enhanced capabilities.

The region’s healthcare providers, including the Barnabas Health System’s Community Medical Center and Kimball Medical Center in Ocean County, HealthSouth’s Rehabilitation Hospitals in Tinton Falls and Toms River in addition to CentraState and Meridian, have been leaders in delivering community-based health and medical programs and services.

The cooperation and partnership between the healthcare and educational communities and the business sector is mirrored throughout the Monmouth-Ocean region. Representatives of local colleges and universities are active members of regional business and economic development organizations like the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, notes Brookdale’s Lucier-Woodruff. “We also encourage local business leaders to participate in the review and assessment of academic and professional certification programs through our Academic Advisory Boards to ensure that our schools are in synch with the needs of the business sector.”

This type of regional coordination has helped Monmouth and Ocean counties continue to grow while other New Jersey regions have experienced job loss and business contraction. While the Jersey shore’s beautiful beaches may be the focus of ad campaigns and vacation plans, the region’s leadership in education and healthcare are important reasons behind its enviable quality of life.

Meridian Health’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center North West Pavillion


From tried and true to next and new.

With over 50 print and digital brands, New Jersey Press Media Solutions offers a range of options to help you engage the RIGHT PROSPECTS to achieve your goals. And with new mobile and digital efforts, we’re focused on harnessing the power of emerging media to best serve YOUR BUSINESS.

[ BETTER WAYS TO REACH YOUR AUDIENCE ]

To find out how we can make media work for you, visit NJPressMediaSolutions.com

or call 732.643.3700 today.

New Jersey Press Media Solutions represents more than

50 distinct local print and online media brands, including:


Public Relations,Writing,Communications

Frances KirschnerFrantasy Enterprises, LLCPhone: 732-363-3988www.frantasypr.com

“Our Most Important News Is You.”™

Press Releases Newsletters Consulting

Company Profiles Proofreading Media Kits

Business Profiles Copyediting Speeches

Website Text Social Media Script Writing


Going GreenFrom new programs and products initiated

by large utilities and smaller entrepreneurial businesses, to residential and commercial property owners seeking new ways to contribute to a cleaner environment while cutting energy costs, Monmouth and Ocean counties are at the forefront of statewide and national efforts.

The high level of education and relative affluence of the people of the Jersey Shore region contribute to an understanding of the benefits of solar, geothermal and other alternate energy sources. An appreciation of the impact a clean environment has on local quality of life adds to interest and support. While a slowing business environment and economic concerns may impact their willingness and ability to invest in renewable energy sources, the potential cost savings add contributions to a cleaner environment have spurred many to pursue new approaches.

Ed Seliga, vice president of Advanced Solar Products, has been involved in addressing the needs and opportunities in Monmouth and Ocean counties for clean energy since 1991. Working with representatives of JCP&L and New Jersey Natural Gas, government and regulatory officials and other business owners, it was easy to see that the region’s fast growing residential and commercial sectors would require ever greater energy resources. At the same time, limitations on the provision of traditional energy sources because of the local geography, balanced by a tremendous environment for local generation and use of renewable energy sources, suggested the Monmouth-Ocean region would be well–suited to alternative energy strategies. The abundant sunshine that makes the region’s beaches so enjoyable in the summer can also be a clean energy source that is most plentiful at times when demand for electricity to power air conditioners and other electronic equipment is at its peak, Seliga

points out. “Expanding our ‘green collar’ workforce, so that Monmouth and Ocean county-based environmentally focused companies can become national and international leaders in the field, makes sense in terms of job creation, local economic impact and the preservation of the beautiful areas and the

exceptional quality of life in the Jersey Shore region,” he adds.

The green-building trend that is sweeping the nation has also found a home in the Monmouth-Ocean region. According to the US Green Building Council, The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating

System encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of university understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have on immediate and measurable impact on the buildings performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Jack A. Purvis, AIA, an architect in Allenwood, says most of the region’s architectural firms have embraced green building principles. “Achieving LEED certification can be a costly process, but business and commercial property owners can see results like lower energy costs, higher rent from tenants and greater productivity from employees working in an environment with more natural light and fresh air,” he adds.

The incredible natural environment of Monmouth and Ocean counties beaches, bays and waterways, farmlands and

Pinelands – is a fitting backdrop for a region on the leading edge of environmental innovation and

alternative energy trends.

Continued


It’s time for all of us to start saving energy.We have the tools you need.

Conserve to Preserve Business Online: A comprehensive energyresource for municipalities and businesses to manage energy costs.

Conserve to Preserve Dashboard: Residents’ online energy centerto analyze home energy use for customized energy-saving tips.

Conserve to Preserve Community Rewards: Nonprofits and schoolscan earn up to $5,000 with this green fundraiser.

NJNG Speakers’ Bureau: Free presentations for community groupsand schools on energy efficiency, conservation and safety.

Green Energy-SavingResources for the Community

www.njng.com

Conserve to Preserve®


The public sector is getting into the act as well. The Toms River School District has been a leader in the implementation of solar energy technology, and other Ocean County School Districts are exploring and implementing alternative energies as well. The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the installation of solar panel arrays that will produce all the energy needed to light and heat the county’s 43,000-square foot southern complex in Manahawkin, and will provide $40,000 a year in savings. The freeholder board has said that the project is the only the beginning of a long-range plan to make every county office building and complex green-compliant with the goal of saving taxpayers money and contributing to a cleaner environment. “Ocean County’s commitment extends beyond alternative energy sources and conservation measures to include everything from the purchase of green building materials like windows, doors, roofs and non-toxic cleaning products, to the landscaping practices we use,” adds Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari.

New Jersey is one of 27 states, plus the District of Columbia, with Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) mandated by the US Department of Energy (DOE) requiring a percentage of electrical generation to be renewable resources. And while solar wind and geothermal power are the most familiar forms of renewable energy, new technologies are bolstered by other natural and non-polluting power forms.

The Kingsbridge Marina on the Manasquan River is home to one of the more unique energy generation projects under design on the East Coast. There, a renewable energy technology company and independent power producer, is working to harness the power of the Manasquan’s tidal forces to match the marina’s demands for electricity and provide a surplus to sell back to the power company.

The bottom line? As global climate change and the demand for clean and reliable sources of energy continue to impact the world’s growing population, new solutions are required. In Monmouth and Ocean Counties, new ideas are creating opportunities, providing results and contributing to the preservation of the natural environment and exceptional quality of life for which the region is known.

What is MODC?An organization of professionals dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and the business environment through advocacy, collaboration, and education.

Who is MODC?Hundreds of influential business, community, and government leaders representing diverse groups throughout the bi-county region.

How does MODC do what we do?Members participate on committees that take action on issues of interest by offering:• Luncheons• Workshops• Seminars• Special Events• Forums for collaborating with Business, Community,

and Government leaders• Resolutions submitted to government officials

regarding issues that affect the region

Why join MODC?• Make a difference in the areas you think matter most• Take advantage of direct access to key decision-makers• Develop long-term and profitable relationships• Facilitate your personal and professional growth

Program Committees• Business Growth & Development• Cultural & Tourism• Economic Development• Energy & Environment• Government Relations• Marketing• Non-Profit• Technology

4814 Outlook Drive, Suite 102, Wall, NJ 07753 732-751-8696

www.modc.com email: [email protected]


Monmouth-Ocean Development Councilwww.modc.com

THERE’S MORE TO THE SHORE. COME SEE.

We work in financial services. In computer software. Medical and diagnostic services. And high-tech.

There’s more to the business climate in Monmouth and Ocean County than summer shore rentals

and surf shops would suggest. According to a recent Census report, Monmouth and Ocean County

are the fastest growing counties in the state. Attractive real estate prices, tax incentives for companies

that qualify and a growing labor force make the area a smart choice for decision makers and

business owners looking to position their companies for the future. If you’re serious about building

your business while creating a higher quality of life for yourself, your family and your employees,

go to our Web site for information about how to get started.


Established in 1994Visit us at http://www.netcetra.com

Data Center24 West Main Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

Sales Office503 Brick Blvd., Ste. 103

Brick, NJ 08723732.262.7888

NetCetra LLC is an Internet technology company started in 1994. We offer design, hosting, programming, Internet marketing (Search Engine Optimization), banner placement. NetCetra also provides Internet marketing strategies to generate leads for your site. Other services include Opt-in email lists, personalized email list blasts and banner swaps.

We also have a data center in Washington state that allows us to host your server in our center and offer 24/7 monitoring and support.

Design, Hosting, Marketing, & ECommerce

Internet Technologies

Standing L-R: Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari,Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little,Freeholder Deputy Director John C. Bartlett Jr.Sitting L-R: Freeholder James F. Lacey,Freeholder John P. Kelly

“Making aDifference”

For More Informationon Ocean County Governmentvisit www.co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Board ofChosen Freeholders

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals offer the most advanced

technology and comprehensive programs to help

you reach your fullest potential. Conditions

treated in our inpatient and outpatient

centers include:

• Amputee

• Brain injury

• Hip fracture

• Joint replacement

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neurological conditions

• Parkinson’s disease

• Spinal cord injury

• Stroke

• Traumatic injury

When it comes to your

rehabilitation, HealthSouth

makes all the difference

in your recovery. Call the

location nearest you.

ExperienceTHe diffeReNCe

©2012:HealthSouth Corporation:517926-03

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls2 Centre Plaza • Tinton Falls, NJ 03269732 460-5320 • Fax 732 460-7446

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River14 Hospital Drive • Toms River, NJ 08755732 244-3100 • Fax 732 244-7790

rehabnj.com

A Higher Level of Care

Joint Commission Disease-Specific CareCertification in Brain Injury, Cardiac,Pulmonary and Stroke Rehabilitation(Tinton Falls), and Brain Injury, Cardiac,Diabetes Mellitus and Stroke Rehabilita-tion (Toms River).

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

From FORTUNE® Magazine, February 6, 2012© 2012 Time Inc. FORTUNE is a registeredtrademark of Time Inc. and is used under license.FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliated with,and do not endorse products or services ofMeridian Health.

Best Workplace. Best Team. Best Care.At Meridian Health, you’re never far from what matters most in your life.

The balance our team members keep between their very full personal andprofessional lives is a priority. Our goal is to take the very best care of our

team members, so they can take the very best care of our patients.

To join our team, please visit our website atmeridianhealth.com

Meridian Health - Back Cover

Documents

MODC Business Journal