Dear Residents & Business Owners:
I’ll give a more detailed updated on the numbers both county and statewide in tomorrow’s update, but for now, there were 31 new cases in Gloucester County overnight, none in Harrison.
It should be noted that the Governor’s list of “essential” businesses has evolved since he issued his Executive Order and that may continue to be a fluid situation. In the past few days, car washes have been added to that list including both self-service and drive-thru facilities. The restriction is that staff cannot handwash or dry the exterior or the interior of vehicles. This should enable the observation of social distancing guidelines and limit the risk to employees at these facilities.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In the support of businesses, the County launched a new program that will allow local business to input their name, location, website, business type, hours of operation and any take out/curbside pickup or delivery options they have available for the public. The County calls this dashboard Gloucester County is Open for Business.
If you’re a business owner, please visit the site and input your information. The County will begin to promote this to the public early next week and we want to ensure you take advantage of this opportunity. If you need any assistance, please contact Gloucester County Department of Economic Development at 856-384-6930. Register your business here.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT FROM TRENTON
NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program to help fund small businesses in highly impacted areas. These areas include retail; accommodation and food service; arts, entertainment and recreation; repair and maintenance; and personal and laundry service. (Eligible NAICS codes that start with 44, 45, 71, 72, 811, 812). The grant will provide expense grants of up to $5K to small businesses with 1-10 full time employees.
Non-profit entities in the above industries are permitted to receive grant funding if they have the following designations: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(7).
Business must certify that they have had negative impacts due the COVID-19 pandemic. They must be registered to do business and located in New Jersey with a good standing with the NJ Department of Labor.
The Application deadline is Friday, April 10th at 9 AM, so there is a sense of urgency required. The link to the application.
OUR COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER
As I have mentioned repeatedly, members of our community have stepped up to help in a big way. Karen Lee, who owns Sew Sassy at 43 South Main Street, specializes in sewing classes, private lessons and sewing parties.
Karen and a group of local volunteers began offering to make and donate fabric masks for families, nursing homes, pharmacies and others recently. Last week they delivered over 100. If you want a few personally made fabric masks, contact Karen at 917-209-5896. Such a great thing!
Many of us have heard of Your Place At The Table (YPATT) and the wonderful mission of local founder Kristen Skrobanek and her crew. Well, here they are again seeking to help those in need. She texted Committeewoman Julie DeLaurentis saying this:
“Please include YPATT in your update in case any people need help with food. Simply say, ‘Do you need help with food? Please call 609-202-0015.’ I just want to make sure no one is going hungry.”
I get a bit choked up just writing it. If you or anyone you know needs help with food, call Kristen at the number above. Thank you, Kristen and YPATT.
Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Only in the darkness can you see the stars”. Well, in Mullica Hill, our Tree isn’t the only shining star in town. They’re everywhere. They’re you. They make us Harrison Strong.
Together for Harrison Township,
Lou Manzo
Your Mayor
