Marlene Asselta, President, Southern New Jersey Development Council

Marlene Asselta, president of the Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC), spoke with Invest: about how the Council supports the growth of the business community in the region. “There is a spirit of cooperation and unity among the southern eight counties of NJ; which translates to increased economic development, more jobs, and more opportunities for growth,” she said.

What have been some recent highlights or achievements for the Southern New Jersey Development Council?

The Southern New Jersey Development Council is a nonprofit organization working within economic development and government affairs.  SNJDC serves as a unified voice for both the public and private sectors, aiming to influence the trajectory of sustainable development and enhance economic opportunities in Southern New Jersey. We help businesses avoid unnecessary regulation and understand how to comply with those that are mandatory. 

What are the economic development priorities for the SNJDC, and how do these align with the region’s growth objectives?

We have a unified approach in South Jersey regarding economic and business development, job creation, healthcare, education, and transportation. Through our organization and our partner organizations, we bring the elected community and business community together to resolve issues. In transportation, for example, we have the Glassboro – Camden Line [GCL] light rail project that would travel from Camden to Glassboro. When the GCL arrives at the Walter Rand Transportation Center hub in Camden, which is also going through a massive $250 million renovation, riders can travel onward to Philadelphia or New York City. These projects enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Large infrastructure projects are complex, and local residents may not recognize their benefits. It is the Council’s role to provide information and answer questions from the community.

How is the council helping the region navigate the hold on the offshore wind project and the challenges it brings? 

The primary concern is the roadblock in front of our offshore wind projects. This new industry can be a game-changer for the state of New Jersey, the eastern seaboard, and the entire country. We facilitated programs to train people for jobs in offshore wind. We developed community outreach programs to educate residents about the economic benefits and opportunities offshore wind will bring to South Jersey, and spoke with elected officials on the local, state, and federal levels to inform and educate them. 

The loss of offshore wind is a huge setback for clean energy nationwide and for meeting the energy demand in New Jersey. We have seen the hostility towards renewable energy out of Washington, D.C., and believe it is not a well-thought-out position. It indicates the leadership in the federal government doesn’t understand the complexities and benefits of offshore wind and clean energy, or pursuing a true “All of the Above” strategy. 

With the current pause on offshore wind development in South Jersey, the Development Council is working to highlight and promote additional methods of clean generation. Our recent Energy Conference brought together legislators and top officials in the energy sector to discuss stop-gap measures, improving our energy grid, and the future of clean energy in South Jersey. 

How would you describe the South Jersey business environment, and what makes it an attractive location for businesses and residents looking to relocate?

Our eight-county region includes Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic counties. Each county has an economic development director or professional who works to improve business opportunities. If a particular project is not working, we can work towards removing roadblocks and providing information to all parties concerned. It goes a long way to strengthening the entire region in all respects. 

We also boast an excellent education system on all levels. Our local universities are doing tremendous work. The recent ribbon-cutting for the new Fossil Park at Rowan University is an example of forward-thinking education. 

We have one of the strongest hospital networks in the area that is finding new and innovative programs and initiatives to better deliver healthcare. It’s visionary thinking, and I see it happening throughout South Jersey.

The Development Council is not too involved in retail – our memberships tend to be midsized and larger corporations. However, you’ll see an expansion of retail businesses throughout the region. Our local chamber partners work more directly with these small businesses. 

What initiatives are in place to support wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the region, considering their impact on agritourism and local economies?

Several financing programs within the NJEDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture support the growth of the craft beverage industry. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries are flourishing. They play a significant role in South Jersey tourism and are a big part of the local economy. Breweries and wineries don’t just sell their services as a destination; their products sell outside of the region and state. These small businesses are a big part of the community and an attraction for both locals and tourists. 

What is your outlook for South Jersey’s development for the next three to five years? What are the council’s main priorities for that time frame?

It’s an interesting time, and it’s difficult to predict. We have challenges coming out of Washington, with little leadership coming from the executive and legislative branches. We also have a new governor, which could change things altogether. In spite of these challenges, we are stable in how we work together to improve our current business climate while attracting new businesses. I’m optimistic for the region, but I’m aware of potential changes in Washington that could be a detriment to New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy did a superb job in the past eight years. We’ve seen a lot of growth and opportunity while also working through the COVID pandemic. New Jersey is in good shape, but we must keep our eye on what’s happening at the federal level that could throw us off track. 

Families are able to grow in New Jersey. They’re able to do things they weren’t capable of 10 years ago. Our minimum wage is higher than in many other states. We are working to make more improvements to the lives of residents, particularly in bringing in businesses that will support good-paying jobs and give opportunities to future generations.