The Small Business Voice Volume 4, Issue 2 August, 2008 STATE BUDGET IMPACTS ON SMALL BUSINESS: NJSBDC successful in restoring funding

The State Legislature and Governor Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) Thirty-one State Legislators, many of enacted the $32.86 billion State Budget network had its funding level reduced by whom are members of the respective (FY 2008-2009) by the June 30 constitu - half. The Legislature’s stepped-up efforts Assembly and Senate budget committees tional deadline and appropriated $600 averted total NJSBDC program de- as well as those who hold key leadership million less than last year's fiscal budget. funding that the Governor had initially posts, sponsored and co-sponsored budget According to the Governor's office, "this is proposed. NJSBDC has been an official resolutions to restore full funding of $1 only the sixth time since 1951 the state partner of the State’s commerce agency for million to the NJSBDC (see list below). budget has spent fewer actual dollars than at least 20 years with vast infrastructure to However, $500,000 in funding restoration in the previous year. It is far and away the deliver significant services to the small was agreed to during negotiations between largest actual dollar, year-to-year reduction business sector. This 30-year non-profit legislative leadership and the Governor, his in state history." The State's fiscal program, which provides comprehensive team and the State Treasurer. environment and debt situation catalyzed services to entrepreneurs and small "A 50 percent cut to our program will increased cooperation between the business owners, results in substantial prove to be a real challenge to our legislative and executive branch on curbing economic impact to the State’s economy. network," Brenda B. Hopper, NJSBDC State Government spending, which This network of experts, with in-depth state director stated. "But, we are grateful included $2.9 billion in cuts. This year's private sector experience from various to the Legislature in taking the lead to budget successfully reduced the reliance on industry sectors and business ownership, restore our state funding and the one-time revenue sources by 90 percent. serves almost 22,000 small businesses and Governor's action to meet them half-way." Many programs received State-funding start-ups annually through one-to-one "It's unfortunate the state didn't fund reductions or funding was entirely counseling, training, loan packaging and them at a higher level," James Kocsi, Small eliminated. The Small other vital technical assistance. (Continued on page 3) NJSBDC Network Extends Its Thanks to Small Business Clients, Partners, and Supporters As budget hearings occurred and the and the Governor's office at different director added. "Our grassroots support budget document was being formulated periods during the budget cycle. They was so wide and broad. It was in Trenton (March-June), clients, also wrote letters-to-the editor to inform democracy in action and we were all partners and other supporters learned of members of the public about the effects quite encouraged by it." the fact that the NJSBDC stood to lose on job creation and retention if program NJSBDC's federal funding partner, its entire State funding. Many NJSBDC funding was not restored. the Small Business Administration supporters and beneficiaries of the "We were heartened to know about (SBA), through James Kocsi, New Jersey network's initiatives took a stand and let the depth of support we had from our (Continued on page 2) the Governor and his office and State state and regional partners as well as our Legislators know of their sentiments small business clients," said Brenda In this issue: about the proposed Governor's de- Hopper, NJSBDC state director. "They NJSBDC Annual Procurement funding plan. They argued passionately certainly weighed in on this important EXPO ...... 6 for NJSBDC funding restoration. matter at the right time." Legislative Update ...... 8 More than 2,000 e-mails, letters, "We tried to let as many people New NJSBDC Staff ...... 10 and phone calls from NJSBDC clients, know as possible through regular partners, and members of other business communications and updates," Deborah From The Lab to The groups were generated to state legislators Smarth, NJSBDC associate state Marketplace ...... 14

1 NJSBDC Network Extends Its Thanks to Small Business Clients, Partners, and Supporters (Continued from page 1) district office director, and Michael to state elected officials; their board also business owners around the State. Pappas, regional administrator for passed a resolution calling for funding In addition to the support of various Region II, also assisted in communi - restoration for NJSBDC. The chamber regional SBDCs' partners statewide, cating key concerns and facts regarding is a pro-active partner of the NJSBDC several Boards of Freeholders took the impact of program state funding at the College of New Jersey. NJSBDC action, also. Freeholder chairman Tomas losses on federal funding support levels. at Raritan Valley Community College J. Padilla of the Bergen County Board of They raised the consciousness of advisory board member Gail Rosen, Chosen Freeholders wrote a letter to the potential decision-makers on these CPA, was instrumental in communi - chairs of the legislative budget significant issues. cating and further facilitating support committees and copied the Governor. Two regional and state partners of from legislators representing Somerset Freeholder director Sonia Rosado of the NJSBDC took the first steps, also. Both County. In addition, the Urban League Passaic County Board of Chosen the Commerce and Industry Association of Hudson County and Rising Tide Freeholders wrote a letter to Governor of New Jersey (CIANJ) and the New Capital, Inc. that partner with the Corzine as well as the two budget Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) NJSBDC at New Jersey City University committee chairs, Senator Barbara issued public statements and their added their voices to the campaign to Buono and Assemblyman Louis efforts were noted in The Press of save NJSBDC funding. Greenwald. Their board also passed a Atlantic City and other newspapers. The New Jersey District Export resolution calling for full funding The Board of Directors of CIANJ Council (NJDEC) sent a letter to restoration. David B. Crabiel, approved a resolution calling on the legislative budget committee chairs. freeholder director of the Middlesex Governor and Legislature to restore full They also alerted their members for Board of Chosen Freeholders, initiated funding to NJSBDC. Both Richard further action, knowing about the and helped get a county board Goldberg of the CIANJ board of services the NJSBDC international resolution passed to restore full funding directors and CIANJ President John trade specialty program provides to for NJSBDC. Galandak announced their actions at a small businesses, which want to enter So many more individuals and May legislative dinner held at the the import/export markets. groups did so much for the cause of Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in Clients and supporters like Charles small business owners during this Rutherford. Evans and Jerry Silberman of Corporate budget process. To all of you who chose Maxine Ballen, president and chief Turnaround and Mike Moran of Moran to become involved with the process, executive officer of NJTC, also offered Media Group in the Bergen County the NJSBDC network thanks you and her council membership's support along region, also did their part to broadcast will not forget your strong actions on with Ethan Hasbrouck, NJTC director their views on the matter, emphasizing our behalf and the small business of government affairs. Their members the impact that NJSBDC has on small owners of New Jersey whom we serve. were alerted to the news, in view of the council's strong partnership with NJSBDC's technology commercial - THANK YOU TO ization program and the assistance to NJSBDC SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH SUCCESS science-technology firms provided by the NJSBDC network. In fact, at AWARDS LUNCHEON CO-SPONSORS: NJTC's 2008 annual meeting at the Forstage Country Club on July 17, Ballen publicly stated that the council was pleased to learn of the partial reinstatement of state funding for NJSBDC agreed to by the Legislature and Governor. The Mercer Chamber of Commerce, headed by Michele Siekerka, pro-actively participated in the campaign by writing letters to the editor and having their members send letters

2 STATE BUDGET IMPACTS ON SMALL BUSINESS: NJSBDC successful in restoring funding (Continued from page 1) Business Administration New Jersey "While we won't have the same level of Members of the Assembly Budget district office director, said. "A 50 percent resources to invest in our direct services to Committee: cut by the state is quite severe, and they are small business owners and entrepreneurs, it Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman going to have to make some cuts in their could have been a lot worse had half of (Chair), Assemblyman services, without a doubt." NJSBDC's funding not been restored," Gordon Johnson, Assemblywoman Nellie Since the program is a federal-state- Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC associate state Pou, Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, educational partnership, the NJSBDC director, commented. "It's certainly going Assemblyman (Vice-Chair), and network leverages federal, state, and other to have a real impact on the number of Assemblyman Joseph Vas. sources of funding to maximize small business owners we can get to, and that in Members of the Senate Budget & business resources. Hosts of the regional turn we expect, will impact on overall Appropriations Committee: centers located throughout the State also economic impact outcomes for the State." Senator Sandra Cunningham, Senator Teresa contribute to the program. If the The Legislature had made great strides M. Ruiz, Senator Paul A. Sarlo (Vice- Legislature had not as aggressively acted to over the past four fiscal years in doubling Chair), Senator Brian P. Stack, Senator push for funding restoration in light of the State funding for small business assistance Shirley Turner, and Senator Joseph Vitale. Governor's total proposed de-funding, services through NJSBDC. In fact, last Members of the Assembly Commerce NJSBDC would have lost as much as year's enacted State budget increased and Economic Development $831,000 in federal Small Business NJSBDC funding level by $200,000 to $1 Committee: Administration (SBA) funds. The loss of million. Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula, federal funds has been averted with half "We think that actions speak louder Assemblyman Albert Coutinho, the State's funding level being reinstated, than words." Hopper stated. "Evidently, Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt, and provided that hosts of centers maintain the Governor's economic growth strategy Assemblyman Joseph Vas (Chair). their current funding level. issued in 2006, which called for small Members of the State's congressional business as a strategic priority and made Members of the Assembly delegation who sent letters to the established small businesses a key Appropriations Committee: Governor advocating that he re-consider component in the plan, is not matched by Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (Chair), his proposed State funding reduction in this year's budget experience, especially as Assemblywoman Valerie Vanieri-Huttle, light of the severity of federal funding cuts it relates to the investment level in small Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski,and that would follow, included Congressman business assistance and services." Assemblyman , Jr., Donald Payne, Congressman Christopher Deborah Smarth indicated that the Other resloution co-sponsors: Smith, and Congressman Rob Andrews. Business Employment Incentive Grant Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo, Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC associate Program (BEIP), which gives incentives to Assemblyman Jack Conners, Assemblyman state director, testified before the Assembly companies that create new jobs, generally Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Assemblywoman Budget Committee at its June 18 public goes to medium and larger size businesses. Elease Evans, Assemblyman Douglas H. hearing concerning the introduced state The Governor actually proposed an Fisher, Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, budget legislation (A-2800 Greenwald, appropriation of $179 million for BEIP Assemblywoman Grace L. Spencer, Pou, Schaer, Roberts, Buono). "I wanted grants and the budget as approved into law Assemblywoman Linda R Greenstein, to personally thank those strong advocates increased that amount to $194 million. Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver, and of our program who have stood by us over "Small businesses create sustainable Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith. the years, like Budget Committee and long-term jobs in communities across Members of the Republican Caucus Chairman Lou Greenwald and the State," Smarth said. "We need to also who wrote letters of support to their Assemblyman Joseph Cryan and several look at investment in small business respective chairs of the Assembly and other key advocates," Smarth said. assistance which inevitably creates new jobs Senate budget committees also included: "Without their understanding of the true that are sustainable over time. There Senator Anthony Bucco, Senator Christopher value of our program we certainly could should be a real public policy discussion on ("Kip") Bateman, Assemblywoman Mary Pat not have advanced, to the extent we did, this point by our elected decision-makers." Angelini, Assemblywoman Denise P. Coyle, the cause of small business owners over the Budget resolution sponsors and co- Assemblyman Richard Merkt, Assemblyman past few years." Other longstanding sponsors, calling for the full $1 million David P. Rible, and Assemblyman David advocates of the program include: in restoration, included: Wolfe. Assemblyman Joseph Vas, Assemblyman Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson- "We are heartened by the groundswell Upendra J. Chivukula, Assemblyman John Coleman; Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore of support by key legislative leaders at such Wisniewski, Assemblyman Rick Merkt, Jerry Green. a difficult time," Brenda Hopper said. "We Senator Christopher ("Kip") Bateman, truly appreciate their commitment to the Senator Anthony Bucco, and Senator Paul small business owners of the State." A. Sarlo.

3 NJ Small Business Development Centers Network Celebrating Its 30th Anniversary: Annual Small Business Growth Success Awards Luncheon Set for December 5, 2008 at Forsgate Country Club very year NJSBDC sponsors its new Internet technology, expanding supported NJSBDC's mission and annual Small Business Growth Success capabilities over the Web. cause are duly recognized for their EAwards luncheon but this year is even "We are looking forward to bringing efforts." Smarth stated. "Due to the more special because 2008 marks the in more corporate sponsorships this Legislature's commitment to NJSBDC network's commitment and assistance to small year," Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC and the assistance we provide to small business and entrepreneurs for three decades. associate state director and organizer of business, the network was able to Last year's event was one of our best the event, stated. "We hope to gain a increase its funding over the past few ever," Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC state few new sponsors. Over the past several years, and had it not been for them, director, said. "With more than 300 in years the sponsorship list has included funding restoration in the FY 2009 attendance and a great slate of small such firms as Verizon, PNC Bank, State budget would not have been business clients being recognized, we PSE&G, Turner Construction, and possible during a time of major fiscal hope that this year's special gathering NJBIZ. This is one way of increasing constraints." will even prove better." the leverage effects of our federal and "We're hoping for a packed house Every year, the 11 centers of the state funding sources to deliver direct like prior years and encourage key network serving different regions of the services to small business across the corporate leaders to participate and state, nominate their best candidates for State. It also gives us the opportunity to learn about the impact our organization awards, indicating their business growth honor our small business clients who has with regard to small business accomplishments and how their center have made sizeable gains in their suppliers of products and services to specifically helped them achieve their development and growth, impacting on their corporations," Hopper said. success. Oftentimes some key guests the State economy." The network is scoping out include past clients of NJSBDC who Over the past few years, this potential keynote speakers at this time. have made tremendous innovations in program has incorporated a new To remain updated on how to purchase the technology area and other sectors. component to the Luncheon, which ads in the Luncheon program book, Last year, Datatek's executives attended. includes recognition of key State event sponsorships, and obtaining Datatek, with some assistance from Legislators and members of the State's tickets to the event, please refer to the NJSBDC's technology commercial- congressional delegation, who have NJSBDC's official website, ization initiative several years ago, was taken actions to enhance the NJSBDC www.njsbdc.com. Information about able to win federal grants to help with mission for the small business sector. this great annual event will be posted as its commercialization of a technology "We want to make sure that those developments occur. product IPv4-IPv6 transformer that key State public policy decision-makers Special offers and discounts are also merges old Internet technology with on both sides of the aisle who have being provided for early registrations.

IT’S OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! NJSBDC INVITES YOU TO SAVE THE DATE Friday, December 5, 2008 LOCATION: The Forsgate Country Club Monroe Township, N.J The New Jersey Small Business Development TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Centers Recognizes the Achievements of Businesses Register online at www.njsbdc.com or Making a Difference at the call Maria Torres at 973-353-1927. NJSBDC's Business Growth Success Awards NJSBDC Where Businesses Go to GROW ww.njsbdc.com) Luncheon (Details of invited keynote speakers at Co-sponsored by: Verizon and PNC Bank

4 NJSBDC Business Growth Success Awards 2008 Program Book Advertising Opportunities

A special edition program guide is being created to mark our NJSBDC Business Growth Success Awards 2008 event, featuring:

*Keynote Speaker to be announced

See www.njsbdc.com for information concerning luncheon program developments!

The program book will be distributed at the December 5, 2008 awards luncheon and throughout 2009 to public policy decision-makers and private entities.

Be a part of this keepsake and guide to business resources in New Jersey. Special discounts apply for limited time period. Event Sponsors include: Verizon, PNC Bank

Unit Size Rate Full Page (8 ½ X 11 in) $500 ½ Page $250 ¼ Page $125 Business Card Listing $65

Publishing Schedule

Ad Closing: Friday, October 17, 2008 Ad Material Due: Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 (electronic or hard copy submissions accepted) Issue Date: Friday, December 5, 2008 For More Information Contact Maria Torres at 973-353-1927 Or visit www.njsbdc.com

5 This Year's NJSBDC Annual Expo Hits Some High Notes

his year's NJSBDC-sponsored annual Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC state director, Procurement Expo was held on June Dr. Sandra Bloomberg, dean of the T19 at New Jersey City University College of Professional Studies at NJCU, (NJCU) in Jersey City, the host institution for Stephanie Burroughs, NJSBDC the regional center of NJSBDC serving small procurement program director and business owners of Hudson County and some program organizer, and Glen Garth surrounding communities. representing Skanska USA Building, Inc. Key financial and in-kind sponsors Barbara O'Neal, regional director of of this event included Skanska USA NJSBDC at NJCU and her office, assisted Burroughs in arranging and Building, Inc., Capital One, PSE&G, EXPO Attendees Schering-Plough, NJ Transit, the Port organizing all program logistics along Authority of New York and New Jersey, with promoting the program and The program focuses on different sectors and PPG World Headquarters. marketing it to the center's clients and including the construction industry and There were more than 70 exhibitors trainees. She and Huyen Le were valued building trades. this year providing information to small participants in the program. Some seminars offered at this year's business owners on how to access Expo included: "Doing Business with contracts with their organizations along Skanska USA;" "Contracting with the with a number of small business Federal Government;" "Marketing Your exhibitors also seeking to do business General Services Administration with the small business community. Contract;" "Getting on the GSA About 400 government and corporate Schedule;" "Supplier Registration-First executives, entrepreneurs and small Steps to the Corporate Procurement business owners took advantage of the Process;" "Doing Business with the State great benefits accruing from the eight of New Jersey;" "Understanding the sponsored workshops and six industry Rutgers University Purchasing Process;" roundtable sessions. These breakout and a construction panel provided an sessions focused on key topics to overview of regional opportunities. empower business owners with the Stephanie D. Burroughs In addition to workshops and knowledge and know-how to capture Director of Procurement Programs seminars, a special matchmaking session NJ Small Business Development Centers procurement opportunities at the for small business owners and vendors federal, state, and commercial level. "It is important for the SBA to also occurred. There were 120 Those addressing the large group participate in events like the matchmaking appointments scheduled included Michael Pappas, regional Procurement Expo because it gives us at which time business owners had the administrator of Region II, the federal the opportunity to help small businesses opportunity to meet with potential Small Business Administration (SBA), begin the procurement process," said buyers of their products and services Mike Pappas, SBA regional adminis- from both the public and private sector. trator. "The Government "We're hoping that these face-to-face is the largest purchaser of goods and matchmaking meetings eventually result services in the world so it is vital we get in the consummation of great financial the word out to small businesses. We opportunities for those small business want to ensure small businesses are aware owners participating at this event," of the opportunities in the procurement Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC state director, area." stated. Over the years, the procurement Commenting on the procurement program of NJSBDC has established process, "It has always been a slow strategic partnerships with federal and process, but you have to stay in the state programs as well as global game," Stephanie Burroughs said. corporations to help small, minority, and "While networking is essential, firms women-owned businesses to take need to develop a track record of Michael Pappas advantage of opportunities in successfully filling small contracts, thus, Regional Adminstrator U.S. Small Business Administration government and corporate America. building their reputation."

6 "In light of 2008 EXPO State Govern- ment's emphasis Keynote Speakers on awarding more State contracts to small, minority and women business owners, and given NJSBDC's specialized experience in this area, we look forward to working with the State's Office of EXPO Attendees Networking Supplier Diversity Sandra Bloomberg, Ph.D. at Treasury to make Academic Dean, College of Professional Studies The NJSBDC procurement program works even greater strides in the procurement area," with all 11 NJSBDC regional offices to counsel stated Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC associate state and train small, minority, and women-owned director. “We’re always eager to help and partner businesses to guide them through the for maximum growth in the small business sector.” procurement application process and help them "It's very important for minority and women- appropriately apply for the right kinds of projects. owned businesses to secure contracts because they Burroughs stated that NJSBDC either sponsors usually go to the big companies," said Brenda or participates in about 25 of these types of Hopper, state director of NJSBDC. "We help procurement events each year so as to better minority and women-owned small businesses enhance firms' chances of making a contract gain certification, obtain financing and we show breakthrough. them how to market themselves. We invest in "We offer one-on-one individual counseling these companies, and the reward and return on on procurement processes for public and investment is great when they win contracts." government - both state and federal - agencies. In 2007, the NJSBDC program facilitated We help businesses define their target market, about $64.48 million in private, state, and federal and we make special referrals based on their level contracts for small business owners receiving of expertise and capabilities," said Burroughs. counseling and training benefits. Brenda B. Hopper "Many people go into State Director, NJ Small Business business but they have to build Development Centers their skills over time to pull out the manager and entrepreneur in them. We're here to teach, train, and show small business owners how to build those key qualities that are central to building a successful and long- standing business," said Barbara O'Neal of NJSBDC at NJCU. State Government is enhancing its efforts at trying to increase the number of contracts and the overall value of State contracts being awarded to small, minority, and Glen Garth Principal Garth Business Solutions, Inc. women-owned businesses. Rutgers Exhibitor at NJSBDC EXPO Meadowlands, Jets & Giants Stadium (representing Skanska USA Building, Inc.)

7 Legislative Update

CONGRESSIONAL - STATE LEGISLATIVE AND The Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) program will largely help reduce FEDERAL EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE BRANCH the State's workforce by 2,000 positions BRANCH DEVELOPMENTS DEVELOPMENTS and is expected to save $91 million. Only 10 percent of the vacated Federal Appropriations for National State Budget and Related Legislation positions can be backfilled. Other SBDC Program Enacted pension and health benefit reforms were The full House Appropriations A $32.86 billion State budget was made including, raising the retirement Committee released the FY 2009 enacted on June 30. This budget age from 60 to 62. These modifications financial services appropriations bill on reduced spending by $600 million, the are expected to accrue savings and June 25, providing for an appropriation second largest cut in spending year-to- protect the solvency of the public of $110 million for the Small Business year in New Jersey. Unlike prior employee pension system. Development Center national program. budgets, there are no "Christmas tree" The budget also delays the This funding level is $12.9 million items or additional appropriations for scheduled phase out of the Transitional higher than FY 2008 funding and legislators' home district pet projects. Energy Facilities Assessment (TEFA) $22.9 million over the President's Property tax relief through tax which was to occur in 2009-2010. By budget request for FY 2009. The rebates received an increase assuring extending it to 2013, the State expects legislation will continue through the that 90 percent of homeowners to raise $62 million to earmark for legislative process. Last year's congres - continue to receive their rebates. hospitals, nursing homes, and Medicaid sional fiscal appropriations were not Reductions were made in charity recipients. finalized until December 2007. care, municipal aid, higher education, On other budget related matters, the Assembly and Senate passed SCR- Small Business Administration (SBA) and the operating budgets of executive Office of Advocacy Releases Report departments in State Government. 39 Lance/Watson-Coleman/ The SBA's Office of Advocacy released However, $614 million more was Albano/Milam/Doherty/Dancer which a June 23 report alluding to the fact allocated for preschool to grade 12 proposes to amend the State that “while high impact firms only education, of which $515 million is Constitution requiring voter approval make up about five percent of firms considered direct aid to school districts for any state borrowing by independent with employees, their effects are huge," under last year's new funding formula. state authorities backed by state annual creating America’s new jobs and growth. Both the Department of Personnel appropriations to pay down the These firms are on average around 25 and the Commerce Commission were principal and interest on such bonds years old and are not predominantly eliminated but key functions transferred issued. high-tech, but they exist in every region appropriately. The proposed Commerce Commission Abolished but of the country. These firms are further elimination of the Agriculture Large Savings not Realized defined as those whose sales have at Department did not transpire. The S-1980 Smith B./ O'Toole/ Vas/ least doubled over a four-year period total de-funding by $1 million of the Lampitt, which abolishes the New and have an employment growth NJ Small Business Development Jersey Commerce Commission, passed qualifier of two or more. Centers was averted with half of its the Assembly and Senate on June 23. funding restored through strong The Governor signed the measure into Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance legislative support (Specific coverage on law on June 30. The law transfers Requirements for Small Business how this budget impacted the Extended for One-Year Period various functions to the New Jersey NJSBDC and small business owners The U.S. Securities and Exchange Economic Development Authority, appears in a separate article on page 1). Commission (SEC) will provide small NJEDA. The budget appropriated $194 businesses with additional time to The law creates the Division of million for the Business Employment comply with section 404(b) auditor Business Assistance, Marketing and Incentive Grant Program (BEIP) for attestation requirements, proceeding International Trade within NJEDA firms that create jobs, an increase over with a cost-benefit study of this which will oversee the Office of the initially proposed $179 million for section's implementation. these grant incentives. (Continued on next page)

8 Legislative Update (Continued from previous page) businesses incur in executing business Paid Family Leave Mandate International Trade and Protocol, operations. New Jersey became the third state in Office of Business Advocacy, and the the nation to mandate up to six weeks Office of Marketing and Tax Exemptions Promoting Renewable of paid family leave for all employees. Energy Systems Communications; the Motion Picture Under the law, which was signed by the The Legislature in June passed Senate and Television Development Governor on May 2, employees can Committee Substitute for Corporation is considered "in but not receive two-thirds of their pay, up to a S-241, 394, 710, 1098 Adler/ of" the new division. maximum of $524 per week. In order Bateman/Smith/Sweeney/Haines, Under the law, the Office of to pay for the program, there will be an providing for a property tax exemption Business Services, formerly the increase in payroll taxes on all workers for the use of renewable energy Division of Development for Small beginning January 2009. Paid leave for systems, which are commercial, Businesses and Women's and Minority employees begins in July 2009. Small industrial or mixed-use in nature. Such Businesses, is officially transferred to employers with 2-49 employees would systems extend to alternative energy the Treasury Department. Also incur no legal liability if they do not sources such as solar, geothermal, transferred to the State Department are hold open the position for an employee hydropower, and other such the functions, powers and duties on leave under this program. mechanisms. The bill is intended to relating to tourism improvement and provide incentives to residents and Bolstering the Construction and Real development. business to save energy through Estate Industries during Economic According to a fiscal statement alternative sources other than the Downturn prepared by the non-partisan Office of power grid. The Assembly and Senate passed Legislative Services, the elimination of A-2867 Greenwald/Malone/Cryan/ the Commerce Commission and the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund Biondi/McHose/ Sarlo/Van Drew, transfer of certain tasks to NJEDA only Kept Solvent entitled "The Permit Extension Act of recognize a savings of $475,000 as a Both the Assembly and Senate 2008." Due to the national recession result of final budget language unanimously passed S-1698 and its further impact on the State's appropriating $500,000 to the Buono/Kean T./Greenwald economic downturn, the real estate and NJSBDC. The initial savings had been Milam/Schaer, providing a supple- construction industries are being hit projected at $975,000. mental appropriation of $260 million hard. In order to prevent unnecessary from the past 2008 budget surplus in Expansion of Healthcare Insurance costs related to delayed projects for order to avoid an automatic tax and Reforms to Increase Affordability which municipal, county, and/or State & Access increase on employers caused by permit approvals have already been S-1557 Vitale/Singer/Cohen/ shrinking or depleted balances in the authorized, this law extends the time Greenwald/Ramos/Burzichelli/ UI fund. This law will augment the period for a permit so that approvals Moriarty was approved into law on July fund balance, thereby, preventing a that may be expiring prior to the 7, 2008 after having passed both trigger for tax increases on employers. completion of such construction Houses of the Legislature on June 23. Unemployment payments to laid-off projects, can be automatically extended The law attempts to increase affordable workers are funded by both employer during this national recession period. healthcare coverage by first expanding and employee contributions in payroll Such an extension prevents the the New Jersey Family Care program. deductions. The Governor approved additional expenditure of time and The bill mandates that all children in the legislation into law on June 19. monies to re-initiate such a permit the state have health coverage through This problem concerning low approval process. the State or private coverage and adopts unemployment reserve balances is other reform measures, including confronting many states across the revisions to the small employer nation. insurance markets to increase afford- ability. This is the first phase of a N J S B D C A SSOCIAT E S TAT E D IRE CTOR comprehensive reform package moving D E B ORA H S MA R T H worked as a government relations towards universal healthcare coverage consultant and taught political science courses at the college for all state residents; healthcare level. She worked for the for more than a dozen years developing policy in diverse issue areas, insurance costs are rising and represent including economic development. one or the greatest costs small

9 Regional Centers Add Talented New Staff NJSBDC at Bergen Community College (BCC) Vincent Vicari is retail co-op program at BCC where he which has delivered educational the new assistant embarked on a long career in sales and resources to remote and distributed director at the management at Sears, Roebuck and populations. These systems have New Jersey Small Company in both hard and soft line enhanced teaching, advisement, and Business areas. access to educational content Development He brings private and public sector throughout the state of New Jersey. He Center at Bergen management successes from retail, has already applied his penchant for Community industrial packaging, grocery, technology by updating the Bergen College (BCC). convenience, and food retailing as well SBDC website with new and novel This position had been unfilled for as in closely held family businesses. In features and utility to enhance the several months until Mr. Vicari was addition, he has successful management overall client experience. hired in late May. In this capacity, Mr. experience in higher education; he Mr. Vicari has published and Vicari assists in the management of recently served as director, University presented in domestic and international daily operations of the center, Centers of Sussex, Morris, and Warren venues on these topics resulting in counseling of clients, teaching of classes County, bringing baccalaureate multiple awards on the use of telecon- and the development of new programs. programs to the Northeast area of New ferencing, consumer issues, serving Mr. Vicari is a lifetime resident of Jersey. remote populations, and distributed Bergen County and holds an M.B.A. Mr. Vicari also has extensive learning. from National University in San Diego, academic experience. He has taught at a Vincent's favorite quote borrowed a B.A. from William Paterson College, number of community colleges and from Apollo 13 "failure is not an and an A.A.S. from Bergen Community Universities in Marketing and option" which seems quite fitting as he College. Management sciences. He has counsels clients towards success in His work experience began in the engineered new uses of technology, business in his home in Bergen County. NJSBDC at Centenary College Assistant director brings new skills to center The NJSBDC was the owner of Green Star Services, the New Jersey Association of Women at Centenary LLC a virtual assistant firm remotely Business Owners (NJAWBO). College now providing administrative support to Mary Adelman was also the prime includes newly other businesses. Her multi-faceted organizer of the Entrepreneurs' Boot appointed career in numerous companies of all Camp, co-sponsored by NJSBDC at assistant sizes gives her experience in sales, Centenary and the Sussex-Warren director, Mary operations, and marketing. Chapter of NJAWBO. "Thanks to Adelman, who Immediately prior to joining the Mary working closely with Dolores has extensive Center, she helped the center transition Stammer, our Regional Director, it was business and during the search process for a new a huge success and we look forward to training experience. Subsequent to the assistant director. hosting the event next year," said Dr. January 2008 retirement of Jim Smith, Mary has made many contributions Heather Dunham, Dean of Business the Center's former regional director, by filling training voids, most notably and Education for Centenary College. Dolores Stammer, who had been in Quick Books training in Sussex Serving small regional businesses for assistant director, succeeded Smith as County. Her numerous contacts with 30 years, the Center is also assisted by the head of the center. Mary Adelman various business and economic office manager Berni Beers with 18 filled the vacant "assistant director" development groups have had a years of SBDC experience. Dorothy position. positive impact on the Center's Williams staffs the satellite office in Mary Adelman brings many diverse outreach efforts to assist underserved Dover, and Kathleen Coleman helps skills to the New Jersey Small Business business communities. She also serves staff the newly established Newton Development Center at Centenary. on numerous boards, and served as satellite office. Prior to joining the NJSBDC, Mary state vice president of membership for

10 Regional Roundup Highlights from a Few of the NJSBDC Regional Centers Smith retires from full- venture. His continued association with this center helps maintain a highly time post from NJSBDC at visible and inspirational presence in Centenary this community, especially as relates to "I thought it was time for me to slow the center's on-going relationship with down from the rigorous full-time pace the Picatinny Arsenal. of leadership, outreach, counseling and "While we all wish Jim much training. I want the flexibility to pursue happiness and a well-earned retirement, my hobbies: hunting, training and we hope that his house hunting in counseling," said Jim Smith. Georgia or the Carolinas will proceed While Jim Smith retired from his slowly so that he'll continue to work with us for many more months," High School students of Biz Ed Program interact full-time post in January, he continues with Gary Rago, Director of NJSBDC at Rutgers- to be the lead counselor/trainer at the Dolores Stammer, regional director, Camden (far right) stated. County College of Morris (CCM) introduction to collegiate business affiliate offices at both Randolph and NJSBDC at Rutgers- education - - illustrating that business Headquarters Plaza, focusing on both Camden Sharing Business is both fun and exciting. the SEA program and the Gary Rago, regional director of the Entrepreneurial Certificate Program, Knowledge with High NJSBDC at Rutgers-Camden, (ECP). His extensive experience in School Students presented an interactive overview of a commercial banking enhances the business plan and the business The NJSBDC at Rutgers-Camden has center's quality of assistance it can planning process during this year's participated in the "Biz Ed" program provide to business owners who are summer program held during July 7- for several years in collaboration with seeking funding. He is also well known 17. Students also work with Rutgers the Rutgers School of Business - throughout the community, especially instructors to examine the disciplines Camden. The project focuses on as it relates to the SBA veterans of accounting, marketing, finance, and providing 25 outstanding high school assistance program for aspiring management as well as learning about students in the tri-county region entrepreneurs. As a disabled veteran, he the role of technology in business (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester) serves as an inspiration for other operations. veterans seeking to regain control of with a singular summer program their lives and launch a new business designed to give them an intensive (Continued on page 13) NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College (BCC) Middletown Marketer Joins done that. She's done it all." events, press parties, trade shows, NJSBDC at Brookdale In her 25-year career in marketing, fundraisers and community outreach Jackeline planned, directed and designed programs. She performed similar duties Jackeline Mejias- marketing programs for an international for the Eastern Monmouth Area Fuertes of publishing house. She went on to Chamber of Commerce - plus full Middletown has establish Alpha Omega Direct Marketing database management, membership been appointed & List Services for small and moderate retention and expansion, customer and assistant director businesses. She created all marketing and member services and sponsorships. of the New Jersey sales materials, organized marketing Throughout her career, Jackeline has Small Business events and established liaison with the demonstrated abiding interest in the Development Postal Sectional Center to ensure optimal people with whom she works, sharing her Center at customer service for an ever-growing knowledge, experience and entrepre- Brookdale client base for which she also handled all neurial spirit. Community database activity. She brings to her new position a College in Lincroft. "If experience is the At the same time Jackeline served as wealth of knowledge in all aspects of best teacher and the workplace the best assistant director of marketing and public small business management. To top off classroom, we lucked out in adding relations for the Count Basie Theater, her outstanding abilities, she does it with Jackie to our staff," says Bill Nunnally, implementing all public relations related equal facility in English and Spanish. center director. "She's been there and

11 Recent NJSBDC Survey of Small Business Clients and Other Businesses Indicate More Government Actions Needed to Enhance State's Business Climate he New Jersey Small Business responded "no," while 28.1 percent said they executive indicated: "I think the Governor and Development Centers (NJSBDC) and the "didn't know," and only 5.2 percent said "yes" government are making it increasingly difficult TRutgers Business School MBA and to this question. for small businesses to survive in the state." Undergraduate Team Consulting Program When asked: "Do you think the The majority of survey comments were (Newark and New Brunswick) collaborated Governor's economic policies are good for not positive. "There was a general dissatis- on composing and sending an appropriate small business?" Small business owners and faction with State Government's policies as survey relating to small business services and operators answered in the following way. they impact on small business," Deborah assistance preferences as well as the business Those responding "yes" represented 7.7 Smarth, NJSBDC associate state director, said. climate in New Jersey. percent of respondents; 48.5 percent said "We need to work together in order to The survey, which was sent to NJSBDC "no;" and another 43.9 percent admitted they assure that these kind of sentiments are clients and additional small businesses "didn't know." reversed in the near future," Brenda Hopper, around the State, asked them for their There were some 283 respondents, who NJSBDC state director stated. "Small business opinions and sentiments on the State's actually provided individual comments in owners need to stay and grow here in New economic development policies and its effects addition to their answer to these two multiple- Jersey." on business owners. choice questions. Some of these responses are This survey's findings and other business The survey results analyzed and released highlighted further. One respondent wrote: surveys point to the need for positive reforms in April-May, underscored that small "Small business owners feel the in the business climate. New Jersey's businesses are generally not convinced that Administration doesn't understand small continued loss of private sector jobs State Government is doing everything it needs businesses." Another respondent said: "New throughout the first half of this year requires a to do in order to advance small business Jersey seems very hostile to small business." strong public-private partnership commitment success. Yet, another business owner indicated: "I to turn around the tide. The State lost 4,200 One survey question posed included: "Do heard the Governor may cut the budget for the private sector jobs in June bringing the State's you think enough is being done by New NJSBDC, and other small business resources. total job losses in this sector to 14,400 Jersey's government for the state's businesses That would be very bad for business through the first six months of 2008. Public to succeed?" An overwhelming 66.7 percent development." Finally, another business sector job gains, however, continue to occur.

NJSBDC Executives Will Attend National Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) September Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois

JSBDC, as part of a national network of This year's conference (September 2-5) providing new insights and perspectives SBDCs, is represented at the annual will be held at the Hyatt Regency on the concerning standard operating procedures Nnational association conference. The Riverwalk, Chicago. This gathering of small and strategic planning and implementation," conference not only sponsors knowledge- business experts across the country also Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC associate state loaded informational sessions concerning best features special training sessions concerning director stated. practices of assisting small businesses and the Franklin Covey Leadership Series; this The conference course and seminar entrepreneurs on diverse topics and business curriculum provides SBDC counselors with offerings empower staff to tap new sources of needs but also provides the opportunity for the opportunity to enroll in some intensive information that directly impact on their job state directors and associate state directors to training programs so that they can become responsibilities. This is especially helpful share their stories and experiences certified trainers to instruct these courses in when the national association and federal concerning how their respective networks their respective states as a way of imparting funding partner, the SBA, encourage contend with the many challenges such non- great tips on best management techniques for consistency in standards and rules across the profits face in delivering quality assistance to small business owners. This learned national network concerning such issues as the small business sector. knowledge also provides the opportunity for information collection and analysis, budgetary "It's really about enhancing the way we do potential SBDC program income by offering and programmatic aspects. business," Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC state these specialized courses. Gary Rago, regional Additional highlights of seminars that will director commented. "It provides us the director for NJSBDC at Rutgers-Camden, is a be offered at the conference include: opportunity to raise important questions, certified trainer and has offered this course to "Turnaround Strategies for Distressed share answers, and identify trends that we are businesses in his center's region. Businesses;" Counseling the Small Business all experiencing around the nation, and how "Besides accessing the conference's CEO - What Every CEO Needs from their CFO;" we best can serve our small business clients to formal professional development opportu- "The Successful Family Business;" "Recession have maximum impact." nities, informal networking with peers of Proofing the Business;" and "Veteran-owned other SBDC state networks is invaluable to Business Programs;" etc.

12 NJSBDC at Bergen Regional Roundup Highlights from a Few of the NJSBDC Regional Centers Community College (Continued from page 11) The initiative also allows students to NJSBDC at William interact with leading area executives who offer tips concerning career paths Paterson University (WPU) and perspectives about job, business, Faith-based conference draws large and economic trends. crowd The New Jersey Small Business "Make no mistake: this initiative Development Center at William serves the business community as much Paterson University hosted its first non- as it does these students," said Mitchell profit and faith based conference which Koza, Dean of the Rutgers Business was held on May 13. This co- Vince D'Elia, regional director of School - Camden. sponsored event, with the Passaic NJSBDC at Bergen Community At the completion, they receive County Workforce Investment Board College, leads the "Building and certifications at their graduation (WIB) and WPU's Continuing Financing Your Business" seminar in ceremony for their participation. Each Education Department drew over 150 coordination with SBA;Harry Menta, student in a winning team also receives participants consisting of faith based, public affairs specialist of the SBA New a laptop computer for presenting a community and health organizations. Jersey district office, is seated. strategy for resolving a real-life business The schedule consisted of an opening issue. keynote speaker, eight workshops, "It's a very rewarding feeling to networking lunch, and a closing panel NJSBDC at The share my real-world experience with discussion. There were two tracks to these students," Gary Rago stated. follow: new non-profits and established College of New Jersey organizations.

NJSBDC at Centenary College

Counseling Session at Centenary College Peju Aurole, Owner of PTY Incorporated and Counselor Dorothy Local contractors attend a special Williams seminar (sponsored by the NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey) offered bi- annually concerning how to do business and obtain contracts with the County of Mercer.

Group shot from 2008 Boot Camp: Regional Director of NJSBDC at Centenary College, Dolores Stammer; Dean of Business and Education, Dr. Heather Dunham; Assistant Director, Mary Adelman share a moment at the 2008 Business Boot Camp

13 FROM THE LAB TO THE MARKETPLACE PITCHING FOR SUCCESS reduction in operating costs, mitigation of discriminatory risk, compliance with The Venture Association of NJ (VANJ) regulatory requirements, and reinforce is one of New Jersey's leading their "great place to work" status. entrepreneur and investor networking Following the Olympics, Randy organizations. In addition to monthly reviewed and critiqued the Executive luncheon meetings (except August), in Summary of FlexPath's business plan and Parsippany, VANJ sponsors a semi-annual anticipates reviewing their revised plan. Entrepreneurs Expo and Elevator Pitch He is also supporting their efforts to Olympics held in May and October. Each Meryl Rosenthal, President, Founder and CEO of FlexPaths, took second place at VANJ May 2008 obtain equity financing. Expo features approximately 35 Elevator Pitch Olympics. companies that are typically actively Bluenog the first quarter of 2007, NJSBDC seeking financing. Bluenog is a software and solutions Technology Commercialization consultant Companies exhibit during the company that provides an integrated suite Randy Harmon arranged for NJSBDC to morning of the Expo. At noon there is a of content management, portal and be a supporting organization for the Expo luncheon featuring a moderated panel of business intelligence software. It's a cost- and Olympics and offered to help venture capitalists and angel investors who effective, enterprise-caliber solution that exhibitors improve their pitch. He discuss various aspects of venture cuts application development time and prepared an elevator pitch template that financing. Following the investor panel infrastructure management costs by 50 was distributed to exhibitors and made there is an Elevator Pitch Olympics, which percent. These products enable you to do himself available to critique and assist tends to be the highlight of the day. things such as pay your credit card bill entrepreneurs in strengthening their draft. Each exhibiting company gets two online and enable businesses to automat- minutes to present their elevator pitch to FlexPaths ically onboard a new employee. The the investor panel and the audience, Three exhibitors took advantage of this company leverages open source software which often proves to be among the fastest heavily, which is one of the hottest areas in two minutes of the presenter's life. The opportunity in preparation for the May 2007 Expo and one of them, Bluenog, IT today and is an area of focused investor panel assesses and evaluates investment. presentations on a 10-point scale. Each Corp. of Piscataway, NJ won the Elevator company receives two scores. The first is Pitch Olympics. Given the initial success for the quality of the presentation and the of this initiative, Randy offered this service second is for the likelihood that the again for the October 2007 and most business will successfully raise equity recently the May 2008 Olympics. Six financing dollars. The winner receives a companies took advantage of the service trophy, recognition, publicity and this spring and Meryl Rosenthal, increased visibility, which should provide a president, founder and chief executive officer of FlexPaths took second place. boost to their financing efforts. Scott Barnnett, co-founder and COO of NJSBDC has enjoyed a long-term FlexPaths® is the knowledge, resource Bluenog, Inc. partnership with VANJ in the delivery of and opportunity center for workplace flexibility. The company provides web- In preparation for the Olympics, business development and financing NJSBDC consultant Randy Harmon seminars prior to their luncheon meetings. based workplace flexibility solutions serving both corporations and individuals. critiqued multiple iterations of Bluenog's With the return of the NJSBDC pitch and had several conversations with Technology Commercialization Center in FlexPaths® leverages scalable web technology and content aggregated from company co-founder and chief operating flexibility experts. officer Scott Barnett. Over the ensuing One of FlexPaths® products is an months the company received term sheets internal portal that deploys a flex from two venture capital firms. In repository to C-suite, HR, managers, and January 2008, Bluenog closed on a $4 employees. The second product is offered million investment by New Spring Capital externally to help companies brand and of Radnor, PA. According to Scott, the recruit diverse talent and help individuals Elevator Pitch Olympics was the springboard to their success in obtaining Scott Barnnett, co-founder and COO of Bluenog, Inc. find and excel at flexible employment. scores big and wins May 2007 VANJ Entrepreneurs FlexPaths® helps corporations realize a financing. Expo and Elevator Pitch Olympics.

14 NJSBDC Ft. Monmouth Project Steps into High Gear This Fall

s much as we want to believe the rumor individuals' needs and timelines. "It was marketing effort may include an open mill, it is highly unlikely that wishful just the logical thing to do," noted Hopper. house this fall to showcase to the Athinking or strong lobbying will reverse "With the closing not taking full effect community the services and programs the the government's decision to close Fort until 2011, it's still 'business as usual' for NJSBDC and its partner organizations Monmouth. Hundreds of millions have already most people. As more functions and have to offer established and aspiring been spent in conjunction with the BRAC decision people begin to leave the area, the sense of business owners. Although it is early in the to move Fort Monmouth's mission to Aberdeen, urgency and demand for information will planning stages, the open house may Maryland. By 2011, all mission and garrison heighten." feature staffed information booths as well as functions will be consolidated there and elsewhere. In addition to moving the grant's end short seminars geared towards providing Nevertheless, the rumors, and the fact that the bulk date, the Fort Monmouth project team has useful advice and generating subsequent of activity still takes place at the fort uninterrupted, other ideas aimed at generating interest in visits with NJSBDC consultants and staff. have had a dampening effect on NJSBDC's the NJSBDC. To induce more impacted Asked about an overall theme or focus specialized Fort Monmouth Transition Services. individuals to learn about entrepreneurship of the marketing strategy, Kurocka offered As you may recall from the last and small business strategies, the NJSBDC, simply "that behind every threat, there is newsletter, the NJSBDC received a one- in conjunction with Brookdale likely to be at least one opportunity. That's year grant from the federal Small Business Community College (BCC), its regional the message we want to send to the Fort Administration (SBA) aimed at maximizing center located at BCC, and the Fort Monmouth community." The primary resources and providing assistance to those Monmouth Resource Center, will begin to target audience for the message and Fort small businesses and employees who will be offer a set amount of tuition-free business Monmouth Business Transition Services affected by the closure. Feeling that the real startup courses to individuals, with the includes the displaced Fort Monmouth impact of the closing will not be felt until proper authorization. Funding for these worker or contractor, who may have 2011, the NJSBDC recently sought and will stem from the grant, and will attract thoughts or ideas about starting his/her was granted a one-year extension on its individuals, who are curious about own business, and the current small SBA grant. Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC entrepreneurship, but have concerns about business owner, who has relied on Fort state director, and Deborah Smarth, the cost. Monmouth and its workers to sustain associate state director, agreed with Fort The project team is also working on a his/her livelihood. Monmouth project manager Ed Kurocka major marketing campaign to promote and For more information, visit that extending the period through July of publicize the NJSBDC in the Fort www.monmouthbiz.com. 2009 would correspond more closely with Monmouth footprint. Part of the

The NJSBDC Network Welcomes New Chief of the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology The NJSBDC network welcomes since 1994. He is the founder and chief Peter R. Reczek, Ph.D. as the newly executive officer of Quintess appointed executive director of the New Biotechnology, LLC, a firm specializing in Jersey Commission on Science and intellectual property management and Technology (NJCST). The network has drug discovery and development. He also partnered with NJCST for more than 15 previously worked as Drug discovery years in assisting science-technology firms director at Bristol Myers Squibb. with their diverse needs relating to In a recent interview with NJBIZ technology commercialization, financing reporter Thomas Gaudia published on and other aspects of business development Peter R. Reczek, Ph.D. July 21, Dr. Reczek commented that in and growth. light of the funding cut made to NJCST's experience at both the administrative and Dr. Reczek has more than 20 years of budget, he "would like to see more public- research level. He served as an associate experience in biotechnology with a private consortia" and that the professor in the Molecular and Cellular specialty in pharmaceutical discovery. Prior Commission will "try to work to actually Biophysics department at the Roswell Park to becoming chief of NJCST, Dr. Reczek increase the number of programs that are Cancer Institute, Division of the State had extensive academic and industrial funded by alternative sources." University of New York in Buffalo, NY

15 NJSBDC News Abounds…. ver the past several months, the NJ proposed slash of NJSBDC was money that would be far better spent on Small Business Development mentioned saying that his plan "to slash supporting the state's small businesses." OCenters (NJSBDC) network state funding for the NJSBDC is short- The Herald News on June 2 received good media coverage in daily and sighted at best." published its editorial saying "The state weekly newspapers across the State. As one of An NJBIZ article by Scott Goldstein program should not now be punished for its the targets of the Governor's proposed state on June 2, "Codey aims to restore overwhelming success. It would be a shame budget spending cuts, Brenda Hopper, Small-Business funds," mentioned to discontinue support for such a reliable NJSBDC state director, and Deborah Smarth, Senator Codey's push for restoring funds financial friend, indeed, a job generator, at associate state director, met with daily to the NJSBDC program, saying "You a time when so many New Jerseyans are newspaper editorial boards to present the full want to help small business too … facing employment uncertainty." facts concerning the value of the program to the sometimes we focus on the larger ones." A May 23 Star-Ledger article by State's economy and job creation efforts. On July 21, NJBIZ, in its section Beth Fitzgerald, "Small business "This was a successful media tour," entitled BIZ Spotlight Small Business, program bracing for budget squeeze," Hopper said. "Our dialogue with these featured an article by Shankar P. in quoted Jim Kocsi SBA District Office newspapers' editorial page editors, which executives Brenda Hopper and Director and Deborah Smarth of business writers, and publishers or Deborah Smarth talk about ongoing NJSBDC concerning the impact cuts associate publishers opened the door for efforts to fill funding gaps as a result of would have on business services. The public dialogue and leveraged support the State funding slash as well as provide article also pointed out that small for NJSBDC's cause to restore its state data on the NJSBDC program's return businesses with fewer than 5 employees funding level." on investment to the State as a result of grew by more than 700,000 workers The organization's executives, its funding. The article also referenced (2001-1007) while firms with more than accompanied by NJSBDC communi- outreach to the State Legislature and the 1,000 workers lost 1.2 million jobs cations consultant Angela Harrington of tremendous support for funding during that time. Harrington Communications LLC and restoration received in return. Hugh Morley of The Record on relevant regional center directors, The Press of Atlantic City published June 4 quoted Brenda Hopper, focused on the rate of return on the an article on April 24, "SBDC: Corzine commenting about how NJSBDC was State's investment in this program and budget would end funding for happy to be on Senate President Codey's NJSBDC small business deliverables and counseling services," emphasizing that radar screen and how total de-funding the impact they have on job retention the Governor's elimination of funding would also result in federal funding cuts. and creation. would result in a loss of matching federal The Hunterdon Democrat ran a "We were successful in getting our funds. "Business News and Views" column on important message out to members of The Home News Tribune published July 17 entitled "State Cuts Its Help for the press so that they could objectively its editorial on May 29. Entitled "State's Small Business." The column quoted look at what was being done by the Small Business Centers Wrong Place Dr. James W. Hughes, Dean of the Governor's proposed budget and weigh to Slash," the editorial went on to say: Bloustein School of Planning and Public that against our network's longstanding "Should the Governor come to his senses he Policy at Rutgers, by saying: "Most jobs productivity and economic impact for will work diligently to strike a compromise are created by small businesses, so a lack the State," Smarth stated. "We were with Assembly and Senate lawmakers to of funding for small business will make pleased that three daily newspapers and maintain a generous chunk of the it much more difficult for the state's one business newspaper published program's funds." labor market to turnaround." The editorials supporting funding restoration The Courier News on June 2 column's writer, Al Warr, further for our small business program." published its editorial, "State Should questions the State's decision to cut NJBIZ published their point of view Think Small on Budget," taking the NJSBDC funding by stating: "They are a in an April 28 "Save Business position that "State budget planners major force in the creation and growth of Development Centers" opinion piece should be able to find the million dollars small businesses." which stated: "Cutting out SBDC funding needed to restore funding for the NJSBDC would be a foolish economy particularly program." It further emphasized that "the when the state is in or near recession and centers further one of Corzine's stated goals to foster small business growth to improve has been shedding jobs." And again, on (Continued on page 19) June 9, NJBIZ staff published an article the state's future," and that in the overall entitled "Put State Money on Small $32 billion state budget, "there's at least a Business" in which the Goveronor's million dollars being wasted somewhere,

16 s ew P Atlantic City News ier-N Cour The r e s s

C l i p s C o n t a c t t h e N JSBDC Headquarters and Administration Specialty Programs

Rutgers Business School Dynamic Growth 973-353-1936 49 Bleeker Street E-Business Services 800-432-1565 Newark, NJ 07102-1913 International Trade 800-432-1565 973-353-1927 Procurement Services 973-353-5960 www.njsbdc.com Technology Commercialization 973-353-1923 [email protected]

R e g i o n a l C e n t e r s SBDC at Bergen Community College SBDC at Richard Stockton College in Atlantic City (Bergen County) (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties) CIARCO Learning Center 35 South Martin Luther King Boulevard 355 Main Street, Room 121 Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Hackensack, NJ 07601 Regional Director: R. Joseph Molineaux Regional Director: Vincent D’Elia 609-347-2174 201-489-8670 SBDC at Brookdale Community College SBDC at Rutgers Camden (Monmouth and Ocean Counties) (Camden, Gloucester, Salem & Burlington Counties) Library, Room 246, 765 Newman Springs Road Waterfront Technology Center Lincroft, NJ 07738 200 Federal Street, Suite 435 Regional Director: Bill Nunnally Camden, NJ 08103 732-842-8685 Regional Director: Gary Rago 856-225-6221 SBDC at Centenary College SBDC at Rutgers Newark (Sussex, Morris and Warren Counties) (Essex County) 400 Jefferson Street 43 Bleeker Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840-2100 Newark, NJ 07102 Regional Director: Dolores Stammer Regional Director: Dr. Tendai Ndoro 908-852-1400 ext. 2136 973-353-5950 SBDC at Kean University SBDC at The College of New Jersey (Union County) (Mercer & Middlesex County) 1000 Morris Avenue, Willis 301 200 Pennington Avenue, Forcina Hall 447 Union, NJ 07083 Ewing, NJ 08628 Regional Director: Mira Kostak Regional Director: Lorraine Allen 908-737-4220 609-771-2947 SBDC at New Jersey City University SBDC at William Paterson University (Hudson County) (Passaic County) 20 College Street 131 Ellison Street Jersey City, NJ 07305-1520 Paterson, NJ 07505 Regional Director: Barbara O’Neal Regional Director: Kate Muldoon 201-200-2156 973-754-8695 SBDC at Raritan Valley Community College (Hunterdon and Somerset Counties) Route 28 & Lamington Road North Branch, NJ 08876 Call NJSBDC Today! Regional Director: Larry Jenkins 908-526-1200 ext. 8516 SMALL BUSINESS CLIENT TESTIMONIALS Client Quotes “Our company needed assistance updating manager, and salesperson, I had never "We followed NJSBDC's advice and wrote our QuickBooks business records. Because been a business owner. Lorraine Allen of winning proposals." of NJSBDC's expertise and timely the NJSBDC at the College of New Jersey Alan Stultz, Business Development assistance, we are now able to better helped me understand that certification as Manager evaluate our business and our job costing is a woman-owned and small business would DATATEK APPLICATIONS INC. much more effective! Thank you NJSBDC help me to grow my business. She was Somerset, NJ extremely helpful and patient as she guided at Raritan Valley Community College.” "Many minority and women business Danielle Pallito me through the certification process with all its details and requirements. Similarly, owners say they have greatly benefited from DESANTIS CONSTRUCTION NJSBDC's workshops and programs. I'm Somerset, NJ I received invaluable guidance from Lorraine as I went through a subsequent thankful to the NJSBDC. If it wasn't for "The NJSBDC has been an incredible application process so that I could become NJSBDC's outreach, I would never have source of support. They have provided me an Eligible Training Provider for the NJ attended the workshops and obtained the with guidance and expertise, specifically in Department of Labor and Workforce contract with Skanska to complete the accounting and bookkeeping, and have Development. I would have given up temporary water system for the stadium (at been instrumental in my development as a without her consistent and reliable the Meadowlands)." business owner. It's nice to know that the reassurance and assistance." Enrique Trabal, President community has such a valuable resource Sharlene Vichness RICKY PLUMBING available." LANGUAGE DIRECTIONS, LLC. Lodi, NJ Karin Wessel Roseland, NJ "I would like to highly recommend CANDY BOUQUET NJSBDC to any entrepreneur or existing Bridgewater, NJ "I truly hope you all take advantage of this free help. I did, and my meeting with business. We have found mentoring "Thank you for providing the NJ Small Vince D'Elia at the NJSBDC at Bergen opportunities, guidance through Business Development Centers. It is Community College alone saved me paperwork and opportunities for business unbelievable that this great opportunity hundreds of dollars in lawyers' fees." all through the always cheerful and has been around for so many years…. I Walter Majchrzak optimistic guidance of the NJSBDC, discovered the NJSBDC at the College of Wallington, NJ especially from Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, NJ by chance, and now I am taking full assistant director of the Monmouth/Ocean advantage of all it has to offer." "As a result of NJSBDC's training and SBDC at Brookdale Community College Mary Innocenzi consulting assistance, I learned how to and Stephanie Burroughs, director of THE VILLAGE LEARNING prepare a winning proposal which has led procurement at NJSBDC." CENTER to our current growth in defense Maureen Jerolis Pennington, NJ contracting." SERVICE SIDE AIR Dr. Jerry Chung, CEO and President Freehold, NJ "When I started my language training FRONTIER PERFORMANCE business in 2005, I realized that although POLYMERS CORPORATION I had been a teacher, accent specialist, Dover, NJ

NJSBDC News Abounds…. (Continued from page 16) had worked for corporate accounting In addition, throughout the months Many small business clients of for IBM, relocated to New Jersey a few of April, May and June, many news NJSBDC also took to their pens and years ago and started his own business articles about NJSBDC appeared in the computers to send off letters-to-the- with the help of the NJSBDC program The Press, The Record, the Star-Ledger, editor concerning executive branch at the College of New Jersey, a host. His Trenton Times, Courier News, NJBIZ, action that would have de-funded this letter to the editor published in the New Jersey Business Magazine, the key non-profit provider of compre- Star-Ledger on June 10 stated: "The Philadelphia Business Journal and the hensive services to small business. state must continue to fund the centers to Hunterdon Democrat. One such small business client, give small business a better chance to Alfred Stephens from Somerset, who succeed." It was a homerun!

19 Brenda’s Blog Don’t Underestimate Fact: A recent study by the Kauffman governmental public policies are actually executed. Investment in the Small Foundation, which focuses on small business issues, As you may be well aware, the Governor's Business Sector indicated that small businesses have higher produc- proposed budget de-funded our program, a move tivity levels and faster productivity gains than more that seemingly contradicts making small business a Fact: There are 828,400 small businesses in mature businesses, particularly in the early years. key component of the Governor's own economic the State of New Jersey. Sixty-nine percent "More than one-third of job creation is due to the growth strategy. But thanks to the might and (573,100) of them are non-employer or sole entry of new establishments." support of the Legislature, and the letters and calls proprietorships. NJSBDC has been the leader in providing from more than 2,000 NJSBDC clients, partial Fact: Small firms in New Jersey create the comprehensive small business services for 30 years. funding has been restored. income for sole proprietors to live and stay in New As part of a national SBDC network, the NJSBDC No matter how you look at it, the one big lesson Jersey. The majority of jobs for New Jersey residents prides itself on best business practices, like the learned is that we must all work harder and are created by the 31% of small businesses that have Baldridge standards for accreditation-the gold stronger to make sure our public policy decision up to 500 employees. There are 257,800 employer standard for high performing organizations! As a makers recognize and avoid the disconnect between small businesses in the State. federal funds recipient, the NJSBDC network is also what they say about small business and how they Fact: Small business income (as measured by subjected to regular and stringent financial and invest in small business. non-farm proprietors' income) increased by 4.8 programmatic federal compliance audits. New Jersey needs small business and the Small percent, from $33.3 billion in 2005 to $34.9 billion Given the facts, our tough economic times, and Business Development Centers! Thank you for your in 2006. the impact of NJSBDC's strong and well monitored help, your support, and your business. Fact: Self-employment increased from 409,200 programs, it is clear that State Government needs to in 2005 to 431,300 in 2006. Contributing factors increase its investment in small business assistance B R E ND A B . H O PP E R that have led to this growth in self-employment are and services. As this past budget cycle illustrates, we is the State Director of the New the increasing number of layoffs as a result of Jersey Small Business believe that there is a gap in how the State of New Development Centers network. corporate downsizing and restructuring. Jersey policymakers laud small business and what

NJ Small Business Development Centers 49 Bleeker St Newark, NJ 07102 800-432-1565

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