Panel: Cumberland is in Decent Shape...

The Daily Journal's 2009 economic forum was held at Cumberland County College on Tuesday morning. The five panelists were : Mel Brody of Brody's Furniture; Serge Brunner of ESPOMA, Edward Geletka, president of Colonial Bank; Joseph Savaro of the New Jersey Motorsports Park and Kimberly Wood, the planning and development director for Cumberland County. Daily Journal Editor/Publisher Charles W. Nutt

This forum was to address the business climate of Cumberland County. I notice there were no small business owners there. Ummm. I wonder why? Well I am no Wharton grad but I think this panel is just going to ignore the fact that SMALL business are the hardest hit and their closings affect the economic climate of the county.

I see the effect every day when I leave my house near High Street in Millville. There are 2 soon to be 3 VACANT storefronts(Black and Blu Skateboard Shop #3). One of the five panelists is part of the MDC and how have they helped market the Arts District to adapt to this bad economy? At least the motorsports park is run by competent pros who KNOW how to market themselves and do public relations. I am still waiting for the Arts District Wayfaring signs...
One of the shop owners who chafed over the lack of leadership in fact is now out of business on High Street but this panel just congratulates itself and everyone is just happy as clams in mud! As one person on the DJ Forum states:
"Interesting the forum. One sells chemical and manure, the other pure financial BS, another selling furniture nobody can really afford. The Bush Jr number 2 recession has been here for a year, but has quite a ways to go yet."

While the Daily Journal runs this forum, Cumberland Country CONTINUES to lead in negative socio-economic categories: teen pregnancy, illiteracy, median income, etc. Meanwhile people who might be helpful in creative ideas are marginalized until they just give up and let the good ole boys & girls run the show.
At least Millville came up with a good concept of the Arts District. What has the County come up with? Oh I forgot the Freeholder Director is asking for federal money. Nice economic plan DUDE!!
Wake up and talk to small business and accept new ideas or we will be still talking 3 years from now how we have YET to join the economic recovery.
Have a great day and I welcome comments and suggestions. This is my opinion only and does not reflect the opinions of anyone but myself. CHEERS!