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| Strategic Vision For Change |
The Strategic vision for change for the Cumberland County Empowerment Zone still remains the same: Maximizing the use of its resources by reclaiming sites for creative employment opportunities in food processing, scientific glassware, trucking operations, unique types of tourism, high-tech training, back-office operations, and other types of industry suitable to the area; improving special transportation and shellfish processing; enhancing education and recreation for youth; strengthening family values and community support systems; and caring for the elderly and those with disabilities. The strategy, however, to realize this vision continues to be revisited each year due the uncertainty of funding, and the reality of accomplishing all of this vision is diminished by the same.
The present focus of the organization is to seek methods for sustainability in order to continue being the catalyst for change in our empowerment zone areas. This strategy included the CEZC obtaining CDFI certification this past year in order to leverage resources with US Treasury. The CEZC presently has an $8.0 million loan pool that it plans to leverage with funds from US Treasury. The loan pool has been extremely instrumental in spurring small business start-ups in the empowerment zone areas as well as providing subordinate financing to primary lenders for larger projects.
In order to assist our efforts in spurring small business start-ups, we have instituted an 8-week Entrepreneurial Training Program in addition to our Business Assistance Center. The program offers a business plan development curriculum, business operating fundamentals as well as one-on-one counseling. Participants with viable business plans are then able to apply to the CEZC for a loan to start or expand their business.
Another strategy the CEZC plans to utilize is the New Markets Tax Credits. The CEZC obtained CDE certification as a non-profit so that for-profit CDE’s with allocations could invest in the CEZC as a qualified investment. The CEZC has had conversations with these CDE’s and future plans for the second half of 2004 include utilization of NMTC for our own development projects. The CEZC is also considering applying for its own allocation in the future.
The CEZC will also act as developer or co-developer in projects that require public resources in order to bring them to fruition. Projects on the table include developing a browns field site, homeless shelter, food processing incubator, farm-labor housing and community school. The CEZC is pro-active in seeking out additional grants to develop these projects that are not available to the private sector.
In keeping with our original strategy of employing a holistic approach to economic development, the CEZC continues youth enrichment programs under two major grants, Safe Schools Healthy Students and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. The two grants bring in an additional $1.275 million per year to the organization in order to fund our Communities In Schools program and after-school youth enrichment programs. The original strategy of the CEZC anticipated utilizing EZ funds for youth enrichment because the youth are our future workforce. Once a youth reaches his majority, many times it is too late to change behaviors that lead to a non-productive life. It’s much easier to reinforce positive behavior than to change poor behavior patterns. The CEZC has been very aggressive in pursuing outside funding for these initiatives because they are vital to the overall sustainability of the community.
In moving forward, the CEZC will continue to seek out additional resources and creatively leverage the resources it has. The reality remains, however, that the original strategic plan anticipated $10 million per year to carryout its vision for change. Funding has now been reduced to less than $1 million, and even that is not certain in subsequent years. So rather than curing the many problems facing our EZ communities, we are forced to narrow our focus on assisting small business development with micro-loans and technical assistance, developing projects by leveraging our limited funds with additional resources and supporting youth enrichment programs through outside grants. The tax incentives are used as a tool to attract larger businesses to our EZ developable sites; however, we have had limited success due to the fact that there are many obstacles that prevent EZ residents from gaining viable employment. Obstacles such as transportation, inadequate training, childcare etc., cannot be addressed with tax incentives. There needs to be an infusion of funding to eliminate these obstacles and allow EZ residents to become self-sufficient. If the full vision is to become reality, full funding must be restored to the Empowerment Zone Initiative.
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| Community Based Partnership |
Governance Board
The Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation is governed by a 21 member Board of Directors. Eleven members of the Board of Directors are automatically appointed and serve by virtue of their positions - 4 mayors, 3 freeholders, and 4 standing committee chairpersons. The remaining 10 Board members are selected by a nominating committee based upon their ability to represent EZ businesses, social service providers and residents. The Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corp. Board of Directors meets once a month in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The activities and affairs of the Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corp. are conducted under the direction and supervision of the Board of Directors.
All members of the Board of Directors also participate in a 65 member Advisory Board. The Advisory Board meets quarterly in its entirety in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Additionally, there are subcommittees of the Advisory Board, which meet each month to discuss applications that will be presented for approval at that month’s Board of Directors meeting. The four subcommittees review the applications from their particular focus area, namely Finance, Stakeholders, Communications and Implementation. The chairperson of each subcommittee is a member of the Board of Directors and reports to the Board on the subcommittees’ recommendations.
Capacity Building
Notwithstanding the challenges posed by reduced Federal funding, the CEZC remains committed to its goal of supporting and building the capacity of local service and non-profit organizations. In so doing, the CEZC supports a myriad of services that are provided to residents of the Empowerment Zone census tracts.
The CEZC has continued its partnership with Cumberland County College to implement the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI). Formed in 1999, the NLI provides training and networking opportunities to neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations and non-profits. Through the NLI, these groups are able to collaborate and create a support system, all of which promotes community growth and sustainability. A variety of technical assistance and training seminars have also been provided by the NLI. In February 2004, the NLI once again offered the Community Capacity Building Series to representatives of community volunteer organizations. This eight-week series offered technical assistance workshops featuring experts in capacity building areas such as developing an organizational plan, grants, and volunteer recruitment. Each of the sessions focused on one of the following topics: Forming a non-profit organization; developing an organizational vision and strategic plan; grants; organizational and meeting management; recruiting volunteers and fundraising; fiscal and risk management; human and local resources; and public relations. In April, the NLI followed up by offering Part II of the Community Capacity Building Series. This four week series is a continuation of Part I and offers a more in-depth prospective on organizational evolution, as well as personal skills development. Participants were awarded 1.2 Continuing Education Units through Cumberland County College upon successful completion of the entire series. Four weekly interactive technical training sessions include the following topics: collaboration building; fund development and planning; leadership styles and motivation; and presentation strategies and techniques. The NLI is a free of charge program offered to active members in neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, or service/non-profit organizations.
The CEZC has also continued to work with the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe to build the organization’s capacity and sustainability. The tribe has expressed an interest in becoming involved in housing development. Such an initiative would build the group’s capacity as well as provide housing opportunities for tribe members. The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe has determined that its goals can best be achieved through participation in the USDA Self-Help Housing Program. Representatives of the tribe met with the National Council on Agriculture Life & Labor Research Fund, Inc. (NCALL), a non-profit organization that offers technical assistance in the area of housing development. NCALL confirmed that the USDA Self-Help Program would provide a much-needed service to the local community. Accordingly, the Lenni-Lenape Tribe intends to submit a formal application to the USDA for participation in the program. The CEZC provides support and technical assistance to the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe in achieving its capacity-building goals.
Given the restraints imposed by shrinking financial resources, collaboration and leveraging has become crucial to building the capacity of non-profit organizations. The CEZC has encouraged and facilitated many of these relationships among groups that provide services to the Empowerment Zone communities. Moreover, the CEZC has collaborated with numerous organizations in working toward its own goals. In the area of workforce development, the CEZC has strong partnerships with Cumberland County College, the Workforce Investment Board and Cumberland County Technical Education Center. In developing projects and providing support to local businesses, the CEZC leverages its resources with various organizations, including the Bridgeton UEZ, Millville UEZ, Vineland UEZ, New Jersey Community Loan Fund, New Jersey EDA, Cooperative Business Assistance Center Corp., Delaware River Bay Authority, and a growing number of banks.
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| Economic Opportunity |
Workforce Development
In September 2000, the Academy of Aviation Science opened at the Millville Airport Industrial Park through the assistance of the CEZC, the County of Cumberland and the Delaware River Bay Authority. The Academy strengthens the overall plan for the Airport by providing a state-of-the-art training program to adult students in aviation mechanics. Scholarships are available for EZ residents. The Aviation Academy is meaningful alternative to a traditional four-year college program and, as such, widens the education and career opportunities available to EZ residents. The presence of the Academy at the Millville Airport is also a draw for companies in the Aviation industry, since it creates a local pool of trained potential employees.
The CEZC maintains its financial support for the Wawa Summer Youth Training Program. The program is a 5-year partnership between Wawa Food Markets, the CEZC, and Cumberland County Office of Employment & Training. The CEZC participates in the program to fund a portion of the cost of transporting EZ youth to shore communities for work at Wawa stores. This program is an excellent example of using work opportunity tax credits to both benefit business and facilitate employment opportunities for EZ residents. This summer, 19 youth residing in EZ communities will participate in the program.
In 2000, the CEZC first approved financial support to Tri-County Community Action Partnership, Inc. (TCCAP) for its Lead Remediation & Abatement Program. The program was created to provide for the abatement/remediation of lead in homes within the EZ census tracts. EZ residents also receive training in lead remediation. By funding the program, the CEZC facilitated the removal of a serious health hazard from many EZ residences. Significantly, CEZC funding allowed TCCAP to gain experience to develop a quality lead abatement program. As a result, the program was awarded a much coveted Lead-based Paint Abatement Grant though HUD. Consequently, the CEZC served as a true catalyst for the sustainability of this program, which will now grow and succeed through alternate sources of funding.
A central focus of the CEZC has been to improve employment training, job placement, and infrastructure for residents of the EZ communities. In furtherance of this goal, the CEZC developed an EZ Resident Workforce & GIS Information Database. The database contains information regarding the skills and needs of EZ residents, which was obtained through a door-to-door survey of the EZ census tracts. The CEZC utilizes this information as guidance and support for its initiatives. The information has likewise proven helpful to the Cumberland County Office of Employment & Training in informing EZ residents of available employment that matches their skills. During the past year, the CEZC and County of Cumberland also made significant strides in development of a countywide GIS system. The pilot system was unveiled at a meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The goal is to expand the system in order to create an on-line source of information for businesses considering relocating to the region. Accordingly, the GIS system is an important tool in the CEZC’s economic development efforts.
The construction industry is thriving in Cumberland County and provides employment for may residents. Cumberland County College formed its Construction Supervision Program with input from local contractors. The program trains students to serve in supervisory positions for contractors. Moreover, eight local construction firms have agreed to hire students from the program as interns. Recognizing that the Construction Supervision Program offers a new training opportunity for EZ residents, the CEZC has agreed to provide scholarship funding for residents participating in the program. Both the college and CEZC inform local residents about the program and the prospects for long-term employment that it provides.
Businesses Assisted
The Employer Tool Kit is a program where the Cumberland County Office of Employment & Training utilizes tax credits as an incentive to hire EZ residents. Businesses are informed about available tax incentives including the Work Opportunity Wage Credit, the Welfare to Work Wage Credit, and the Empowerment Zone Wage Credit. The Cumberland County Office of Employment & Training reported that a total of 121 customers were eligible for tax credits during the past year, 99 of which were eligible for Empowerment Zone tax credits.
With the support of the CEZC and Delaware River Bay Authority, the Millville Airport Maintenance Service Hanger has completed its construction. The hangar is a 40,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant corporate aviation facility, designed to provide aircraft repair and refitting capabilities. In addition, the hangar includes office and workshop space for aviation companies, as well as a new aircraft ramp and automobile parking area. The DRBA, City of Millville and the CEZC are actively marketing the facility to potential tenants through a variety of advertising mediums.
Rutgers Food and Industry Research Extension Center (FIRE Center) provides technical assistance and services related to the farm and food industry. The FIRE Center has served a variety of clients in Cumberland County, including: farmers who wish to develop new markets for products; farmers who wish to create new business through value-added agricultural products; startup companies; and food companies desiring access to new technology, upgrade their quality assurance procedures, and expand or improve their operations. The FIRE Center has also assisted several businesses in obtaining grants for working capital and improvements. To date, the FIRE Center has provided assistance to over 100 businesses, 15 of which are located within the Cumberland Empowerment Zone. This year, Rutgers University has received approval for $1.8 million in the New Jersey State budget to construct a 32,000 sq. ft. facility that will house shared-used processing areas, processing storage and technical support areas, and an administrative and education support area. The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station will also contribute financing for the project. The CEZC will serve a developer for this facility, which will be located in the Florida Avenue Industrial Park within the Bridgeton Empowerment Zone census tracts. Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in Spring 2005.
The CEZC is proud to announce the opening of its Business Assistance Center. Following the close of the Small Business Administration One-Stop Center in the Cumberland EZ, the CEZC began extensive efforts to create a new Business Assistance Center. The CEZC has partnered with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Cumberland County College and the Cumberland County Office of Employment and Training to ensure the long-term success of the project. Currently, the BAC provides business plan software, a library of business resources and one-on-one counseling. Several local organizations and lenders have agreed to provide services to the public at the Center. Furthermore, the local Chambers of Commerce will assist the CEZC in community outreach and marketing and will provide technical assistance to business owners. The Center will support existing local businesses in their efforts to operate effectively. Moreover, by providing resources and technical assistance, the Business Assistance Center will also assist local entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.
Access to Capital
The CEZC's Business Loan Incentive Program continues to be one of the CEZC’s most effective tools in assisting local businesses. The Business Loan pool has facilitated economic growth in the Empowerment Zone and created employment opportunities for residents. To date, 24 loans have been issued totaling over $2.5 million and creating more than 75 jobs. The CEZC business loan funds have been leveraged with over $21.7 million in public and private investment. To ensure that opportunities are provided to EZ residents, all borrowers agree to work with the Cumberland County Office of Employment & Training in their hiring efforts. EZ wage credits are an additional motivation for employing EZ residents. By taking a holistic approach that combines loan funding, support services and wage credits available to Empowerment Zone businesses, the CEZC is making progress in meeting the priorities established at its formation.
With the assistance of CEZC loan funding, Famcare, Inc. purchased a building from which they provide healthcare education services to the public. In 2004, FamCare provided HIV prevention services, Adolescent Pregnancy information and Parent Education programs. In addition, since February 2003, FamCare has provided a food bank to Bridgeton residents. FamCare provides clinical and educational services to numerous Empowerment Zone residents. Moreover, FamCare has also provided internship and employment opportunities to EZ residents.
The CEZC Micro Loan Program provides low interest loans up to $35,000 for start-up or expansion costs incurred by small businesses located within EZ census tracts. Currently, 23 businesses have participated in the program, receiving loan funds in excess of $604,000. The program has been an important tool in the CEZC's goal of attracting new business to the Zone. The Micro Loan Program has also assisted EZ residents in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams, and has created job opportunities for residents.
The CEZC’s Tax Exempt Bond Financing and Tax Credit Program is utilized for projects incorporating tax-exempt bonds. The CEZC has partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) to facilitate the issuance of tax-exempt bonds in the Cumberland EZ. The first tax-exempt bond financing was closed in January 2002 for approximately $4.2 million. The bonds financed the construction of an ice skating facility that is used for ice hockey, family outings and other recreational purposes. Subsequently, two additional businesses used tax exempt financing within the Cumberland EZ. Cumberland TruStone LP produces Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Block and Panels for use as building materials. With the use of $5.6 million in tax-exempt bond financing, Cumberland TruStone is constructing a 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility within the Vineland EZ developable site. Garden State Bulb Company LLC is a business that imports flower bulbs from Holland for distribution to customers throughout the United States and Canada. The company utilized $2.4 million in tax-exempt bonds to construct a new 80,000 square foot facility in the Vineland EZ developable site on approximately 12 acres. The Tax-Exempt Bond Financing and Tax Credit Program has the potential to significantly impact the CEZC's development efforts. The CEZC continues to look for additional opportunities to use the program as a catalyst for economic development. However, the 35% EZ resident employment requirement is sometimes a barrier for the businesses that require a more sophisticated workforce.
The CEZC has been proactive in finding other economic development tools that will benefit the Empowerment Zone and neighboring communities. For example, the CEZC received designation as a CDFI this year, with the intention of applying for a financial assistance grant. In addition, the CEZC has established a Section 108 loan fund and has been researching the potential use of New Market Tax Credits. The CEZC views these programs as a means of furthering its economic development mission in the face of questionable EZ funding in the future.
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| Sustainable Community Development |
When the CEZC was created, the philosophy was that sustainable economic development is best achieved through a holistic process. The CEZC believes in this philosophy and has attempted to implement it to the greatest extent possible. Unfortunately, EZ funding realities have severely challenged the CEZC’s ability to fund many of the sustainable community development projects that were originally outlined in the strategic plan. Despite the constraints imposed by reduced funding, the CEZC did fund projects that serve a key role in sustainable community development in furtherance of economic growth.
Housing
The Housing Down Payment Assistance Program (HOAP) has assisted 94 families purchase residences within the Vineland EZ census tracts, by providing funds for down payment and closing costs. This program has been a significant success and furthers the CEZC's goals of neighborhood revitalization. Individuals and families who previously rented residences are now able to own their own home, often for mortgage payments less than their prior monthly rent. Homeownership provides stability in EZ neighborhoods. It likewise results in improving the appearance of the neighborhoods as new homeowners take pride in their property.
The CEZC also supports the Aesthetic Improvements Housing Program in providing financial assistance to EZ residents for minor exterior improvements to their homes. Under this program, the CEZC will issue matching funds for improvement costs up to a maximum of $1,000. To date, 109 families have participated in the program. The Program facilitates community revitalization by making EZ homes more attractive and safe places to live.
Through its support of the Wesley Village Housing Project, the CEZC has facilitated increased homeownership opportunities in the Bridgeton EZ census tracts. The construction project includes 13 new homes that will be subsidized to allow low-income residents to purchase them. The CEZC grant funds supplement funding received from New Jersey Balanced Housing. As of this report, all 13 homes have been purchased. The Wesley Village project is complemented by the Hope VI project.
The Bridgeton Hope VI project is the largest investment in neighborhood revitalization in the entire county. The CEZC has committed funding for construction financing, along with a grant for infrastructure improvements made necessary by the project. When completed, the funding provided for this project will leverage with other investments for a total project value of $72,000,000. In addition to its financial investment, the CEZC has also provided technical assistance to individuals interested in purchasing homes within the project. The first phase of the Hope VI project will create 114 new rental units and 9 new units for homeownership. It is anticipated that construction on this phase of the project will be completed by the end of this year.
Infrastructure
Within the Cumberland County Empowerment Zone is Port Norris, New Jersey. Once the oyster capital of the nation, Port Norris is now one of the most depressed regions of the county. There is an ongoing effort to revitalize this area and revive the oyster industry. As part of this redevelopment effort, Port Norris must devise a method of treating wastewater. The CEZC is providing funding of up to $350,000 to conduct a comprehensive wastewater treatment study. Currently, Port Norris officials are working with the County, State, and Environmental authorities on this project. Progress is being made, but the project is expected to take several years due to a complicated permitting process. The CEZC supports the wastewater treatment project as a significant means of advancing development and revitalization of this impoverished region.
The CEZC has been working in conjunction with the City of Bridgeton to market and expand the Bridgeton Industrial Park. Necessary approvals have been obtained, and the project is in the construction phase. The expanded industrial park will provide a site for new business within the Bridgeton Empowerment Zone.
Along with the shellfish industry, Port Norris recognizes that eco-tourism is a method of revitalizing the community. Located on the Delaware Bay, Port Norris is a prime location for eco-tourism in the South Jersey region. In furtherance of this goal, the CEZC has supported the Delaware Bay Schooner Project. To date, the most significant accomplishment of the Project is the restoration of an oyster schooner, the A.J. Meerwald. The ship now gives daily tours of the Delaware Bay Estuary. Near the A.J. Meerwald dock, the Project is also restoring shipping sheds, with the ultimate goal of creating a Maritime Museum celebrating the Bay's history.
CEZC funding facilitated construction of the Bridgeton Recreation Center, a 2400 sq. ft. facility designed to provide at-risk youth with recreation activities, after-school and summer programs. The goal of the Center is to motivate youth residing in the Bridgeton Empowerment Zone census tracts to stay in school, stay away from crime and gangs, and develop career goals. Now that construction is completed, the City of Bridgeton funds the Center's operations.
The CEZC has always been committed to addressing the transportation needs of EZ residents. Consistent with this goal, the CEZC provided funding and technical assistance for the development of the Vineland Regional Transportation Center in the Vineland Empowerment Zone census tracts. The Transportation Center is a New Jersey Transit station, providing daily bus services. In addition, the Center houses several retail stores and has available space for lease to other businesses. In addition to providing transportation services to EZ residents, the Transportation Center will create approximately 25 new jobs. The Vineland Regional Transportation Center serves as the public transportation "gateway" into Vineland and the entire county.
The Vineland Demonstration Block Project is an ongoing revitalization effort focusing on one block in Center City Vineland. A new federal post office has been constructed; the prior postal facility has been renovated to house the municipal court; and a vacant building has been demolished to make way for a pedestrian causeway. In the next year, the project will be completed by creating new parking lots and a pedestrian causeway linking the parking lots to the downtown buildings.
The existing Industrial Park at the Millville Airport is almost completely built out. Consequently, the City of Millville plans to expand the park to create space for new business. The CEZC provided financial assistance to the City in order to prepare a development strategy for the expansion. The City prepared an initial submission to the US Economic Development Association. The engineering and permitting process has commenced, and a full application is expected to be submitted to USEDA this year. The expansion of the Millville Airport Industrial Park is a crucial step in supporting the continued growth of this EZ developable site.
A long-time goal of the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders has been to expand transit services in the County. This past year, the Cumberland Improvement Authority secured grant funding for this initiative through the Job Access Reverse Commute (J.A.R.C.) program. The CEZC provided a matching grant of $175,000 to the Improvement Authority. The grant funding will be used to expand the Cumberland Area Transit System (CATS). There are three components to the comprehensive transit expansion in Cumberland County, the goal of which is to create an accessible, countywide network. They are as follows: development of Bridgeton to Vineland fixed-route service; modification of special bus routes to employment centers in Vineland and Upper Deerfield Township; and expansion of the CATS system to provide work transit for hard to reach populations outside of the fixed-route network. These three components will make it possible for someone in any region of the Empowerment Zone to access service and to be linked to the greater Cumberland County and New Jersey Transit networks. CEZC support for the CATS expansion initiative is an integral and vital part of the overall expansion strategy.
Environment
The Bridgeton Riverfront Farmers Market will operate for its third summer this year. The Market is open every Friday from July – October and attracts increasing numbers of vendors and purchasers. The Farmers Market benefits the Bridgeton Empowerment Zone Community by encouraging and facilitating downtown activity. The Market also gives EZ residents a venue to purchase products from local farmers.
Health
CEZC funding allowed for the renovation of an abandoned warehouse in the Bridgeton Empowerment Zone census tracts to create a community healthcare center. The center is operated by a local non-profit healthcare provider. The primary focus of the Center is to provide care for local farm-workers. This group makes up a large percentage of the Bridgeton EZ population and had previously no easy access to healthcare due to lack of transportation and other barriers. In addition to providing much-needed services, the Community Health Center created employment for 3 EZ residents and will continue to provide EZ residents with employment opportunities as they become available.
Education
The Millville Army Airfield Museum was once again a major attraction during the Aviation Air Show at Millville Airport. The Museum is open to the public and provides information about aviation history. The museum also houses the ACE Computer Center, separate program that has received funding from the CEZC. The Museum is used as yet another tool to induce business and residents to take advantage of the opportunities at the Millville Airport.
Cumberland County College has implemented a School Counts! Program as a tool to reward successful high school students and to provide local businesses with a means of evaluating applicants. Students register for this innovative program in their freshman year of high school. If the student maintains a C+ average, completes 8 consecutive semesters, and is late/absent less than 9 days per year, he/she is awarded a Certificate upon graduation. Over 450 local businesses have agreed to give priority in their hiring decisions to students with a School Counts! Certificate. The College also established a foundation that will provide full scholarships to Cumberland County College to every high school student who successfully completes the School Counts! Program. During the last year, Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC) also formed a foundation related to the School Counts! program. The CCTEC foundation is raising funds to provide scholarships to students successfully completing the program that wish to attend the vo-tech school. At the end of the 2002-2003 school year, over 860 students received certificates that they satisfied the criteria for the School Counts! program during that school year. Both Cumberland County College and CCTEC have been actively marketing this program and associated scholarships. The CEZC has assisted both the College and CCTEC Foundation with marketing and operational costs for the program. The School Counts! Program is an innovative method of providing education and training to EZ residents.
Through the support of the CEZC, the Millville School District continued its ACE Computer Center Program. The ACE Program provides EZ residents of all ages access to computers, the internet and related technology. The Program operates from both the Millville Airport Air Field Museum and the Port Norris Elementary School. During the last year, the ACE program continued its After-School computer enrichment classes for youth. The program added a focus on improving literacy through the use of technology. Summer classes are also held at both locations. In addition, over 35 classes were offered to adults, veterans, and senior citizens. During 2003-2004, the A.C.E. program served over 30 Cumberland Empowerment Zone residents. ACE program participants maintain a website for the Millville Airport Museum (www.millville.org/memorial/ace/text/touchinghist.html). The A.C.E. students also participate in the annual Airshow at Millville airport, by using computers to provide information about the Museum and USAF Thunderbirds.
Human Services
In July 2000, the CEZC funded renovations to a facility in the Bridgeton Empowerment Zone census tracts for use by the Quality Infant & Toddler Child Care Program. The Program continues to operate from this facility, providing early learning and child care for children ages 0-5. Currently, there are 15 EZ residents enrolled in the Program with a cumulative total of 77 served to date.
Broaden Your Horizons is a highly successful youth program operating within the Vineland Empowerment Zone census tracts. The CEZC has provided grant funding to the program since July 2000. With this support, the Program has served over 750 EZ youth residents. Broaden Your Horizon Program offers a wide variety of services, including: computer training, a youth group, a performing arts program, a boxing program, a modeling program, as well as tutoring, job training and mentoring services. Broaden Your Horizons meets several times a week to provide these services, with an average of 150 youth in regular attendance. Broaden Your Horizons recently completed an application to become a Boys and Girls Club, and continues its pursuit for other funding and fundraising opportunities.
The Scout Reach Empowerment Zone Program was formed to establish Boy Scout troops in Empowerment Zone communities previously lacking such Units. To date, the program has served 94 EZ youth through two current Scout Units. Two additional Units are in the process of being formed, both focusing on the local Hispanic community. The Program continues its marketing and recruitment efforts in the EZ communities, and intends to submit a proposal to the CEZC with additional methods designed to more effectively recruit EZ youth.
The Summer Youth Enrichment Program was funded during the 2003 summer season. The funded programs focused upon the education, safety and well-being of EZ youth residents. The programs also provide working parents with daycare for their children, thereby supporting the EZ workforce. Approximately 970 EZ youth have participated in the CEZC-sponsored Summer Youth programs since funding began in 2001. This year, the CEZC intends to fund Youth Enrichment Programs that focus on providing career education and work ethics training to EZ youth between the ages of 13-17.
In February 2002, the CEZC received a $19,875.00 grant from AT&T to support a program that would bridge the digital divide in the EZ communities. The CEZC issued an RFP for such a program, and awarded the grant to Tri-County Community Action Agency for its Family Assistance to Support Technology (FAST) Program. The FAST program provided computer hardware, internet service, technical training, and support to 10 EZ families. Participants were required to complete introductory computer training by Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC), and take at least five more advanced on-line courses through CCTEC. Technical assistance was provided by Tri-County Community Action Agency staff. Seven out of the 10 families have successfully completed the program, with plans being developed for the remaining 3 participants.
Other Programs/Projects
The CEZC and County have continued to explore options in developing a countywide IT connectivity strategy. A fiber-district loop would significantly enhance the region’s ability to attract businesses. A Request for Information was issued to seek input from IT professionals as to the most efficient and effective way to achieve an infrastructure that would accomplish this goal. Approximately 6 telecommunication vendors responded and ongoing meetings are currently taking place.
The City of Bridgeton is actively distributing its marketing materials. With the assistance of EZ funding, a new logo and brochures were designed for the City.
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| Tax Incentive Utilization Plan |
Utilization of Tax Incentives to Date:
EZ Tax Exempt Bonds
To date, the CEZC has utilized tax-exempt bonds for several projects in the Cumberland County EZ census tracts. The first tax-exempt bond transaction closed in January 2002 for approximately $4.2 million. The bonds financed the construction of an ice skating facility that is used for ice hockey, family outings and other recreational purposes. The ice arena is operating successfully within the Vineland Empowerment Zone.
Subsequently, two additional businesses used tax exempt financing within the Cumberland EZ. Cumberland TruStone LP produces Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Block and Panels for use as building materials. With the use of $5.6 million in tax-exempt bond financing, Cumberland TruStone is constructing a 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility within the Vineland EZ developable site.
Garden State Bulb Company LLC is a business that imports flower bulbs from Holland for distribution to customers throughout the United States and Canada. The company utilized $2.4 million in tax-exempt bonds to construct a new 80,000 square foot facility in the Vineland EZ developable site on approximately 12 acres.
Wage Credits
The CEZC actively disseminates information to businesses within the Empowerment Zone communities about EZ tax credit opportunities. CEZC representatives regularly visit businesses receiving assistance to explain the tax incentives for employment of EZ residents. In addition, the CEZC works with the Cumberland County Office of Employment and Training (CCOET) to ensure that businesses are informed about the tax credits and have opportunity to hire EZ residents. CCOET reports that, during last year alone, 99 businesses became eligible for tax credits due to their employment of EZ residents. The CEZC believes that the wage tax credit coupled with CEZC loan programs create an incentive for businesses to locate within the Empowerment Zone and to provide employment opportunities to EZ residents.
The Wawa Food Market Summer youth program continues to be a major beneficiary of the Work Opportunity Wage Credit. The CEZC has partnered with Wawa and the Cumberland County Office of Employment and Training to sponsor the program for Summer 2004. The program provides EZ youth with a meaningful training and employment opportunity, while benefiting Wawa through the tax savings created by the program.
Marketing Plan
The CEZC has maintained its team-approach, meeting with prospective businesses with other economic development professionals in the county. This approach has proven to be very effective, in that businesses are presented with all of the potential benefits of locating within the region. For example, where applicable, NJEDA assists the CEZC in explaining the bond incentives and regulations; the Cumberland County Office of Employment and Training assists in the hiring of EZ residents, utilization of all tax credits and On the Job Training assistance; the UEZ partners with the CEZC to explain the tax abatements offered by the City and low interest loan funds that are available. Businesses receive information packets about all the programs at the meeting, and often the team will take the business representatives to several prospective business sites.
The CEZC also published a newsletter this year, which was mailed to all EZ residents and businesses. The newsletter was also distributed to the public at numerous locations within the county. The newsletter contained information regarding the CEZC and its program, as well as stories about several businesses who have benefited from CEZC assistance.
The CEZC has also conducted seminars ad entrepreneurial training courses throughout the last year. One seminar, entitled “Women as Entrepreneurs” presented information about owning a business. In addition, the CEZC conducts NxLevel Entrepreneurial Training courses at its Business Assistance Center. One-on-one technical assistance is likewise provided at the center. All of these programs provide participants with general information regarding business ownership and operation, and also information about CEZC programs and opportunities.
This year the CEZC is also completing its 2002-2003 Annual Report, designed by a professional marketing agency for dissemination to the public. Other marketing material, such as ads and press releases, are also regularly created and distributed within the community.
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The CEZC is proud to announce its designation as a Certified Development Finance Institution (CDFI). Such designation will be useful in seeking alternate funding for CEZC loan programs and also attracting investment from entities that received New Market Tax Credit allocations. The CEZC is likewise researching whether the organization will apply for New Market Tax Credit allocations.
The CEZC hired an organization that employs at risk youth to design a new website for the corporation. The website provides detailed information about the CEZC and Empowerment Zone communities, as well as geographic and demographic information about the region. The site contains online applications and information about CEZC programs and services. It is updated on a regular basis to provide current information regarding CEZC activities and initiatives.
The CEZC was awarded this year a $500,000 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant renewable for 5 years to implement after-school enrichment programs in our EZ communities. Part of our strategy is to leverage EZ resources with other public funding.
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