By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
BRIDGETON, N.J. — At 21 East Commerce Street here, representatives of The Urban Enterprise Zone along with Bridgeton Chamber of Commerce hosted a Merchant Support Meeting that will become a monthly event for merchants in Bridgeton.
Stephanie Gonzalez along with Minerva Alvarado were adamant about having an event like this for merchants in Bridgeton to take advantage of programs and initiatives designed to help businesses thrive.
“The purpose of tonight is getting everyone together merchants and community,” said Gonzales. “We want to be able to bring these amazing programs and benefits that all the initiatives that I invited tonight are going to offer our merchants and our city members as well.”
Sunshine Clothing and La Mixteqita were just a couple of businesses that came out to the event ready to listen to what was offered.
Lori Carlin represents Atlantic City Electric, and she shed light on the small business direct install program that she feels merchants need to take advantage of.
“If you go forward with an energy efficiency project to upgrade your cooling, lights, and measures you can get 70 to 80 percent of that covered with your own money you paid into it,” said Carlin. “If the other 20 or 30 percent is too tough to put forward it’s zero out of pocket because Atlantic City Electric offers zero percent financing.”
The program director of Laeda, Jamila Powell, also made time to visit Bridgeton and offer some of her services to merchants because Laeda favors the small business owner, offering business counseling or business training.
Kevin Rabago, the business administrator for Bridgeton, also addressed merchants who came out, emphasizing how important it is for the relationship between Government and the people to be strong.
“I think it’s important that we connect with them as often and regularly as we can to hear their concerns because you can’t respond to the community’s needs if you don’t know,” said Rabago.
The Merchant Support Meeting in Bridgeton was definitely What’s Good in South Jersey this week and because of Minerva Alvarado and Stephanie Gonzalez, meetings like these will continue on a monthly basis.
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