Military and tourism vital to Ocean County economic recovery

JOB CREATION, especially in the military- and tourism-related industries, will continue to be a priority for the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2010, Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said.

“We need to get people back to work,” said Vicari, who is liaison to the Ocean County Workforce Investment Board. “We are not going to see the economy recover if unemployment rates remain above 10 percent.”

Vicari said the Freeholders will continue to work closely with two industries that employ thousands of Ocean County residents – the military and tourism.

The county has sponsored several free seminars for residents seeking civilian jobs at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The sessions explained the process of applying for positions at the base and included presentations from military-personnel on the importance of skilled civilian employees at the military complex.

“The response from the public was tremendous,” Vicari said. “By cooperating with the military, we were able to help hundreds of people navigate the maze of applying for a position at the new joint base.”

Nearly 1,000 people have already attended a seminar or are registered for an upcoming session.

Some seats are still available for a final seminar at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 7 at the Library.

Registration for the free session is required by calling the library at 732-349-6200 or go online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Vicari said the seminars benefit both the public and the military.

“We have talented and hard-working residents who only need an opportunity to show their skills,” he said. “By taking part in these seminars, the military is discovering a diverse talent pool right on their doorstep.”

This year’s seminars are a continuation of an effort the Board of Freeholders began last year when it hosted a seminar for small businesses hoping to win military contracts.

“Bidding on a military contract is a complex process,” Vicari said. “At that session business owners had the opportunity to hear firsthand not only from base officials, but from other local businessmen and women who have successfully worked with the military.”

That session was followed by a similar seminar that outlined the process of bidding on county contracts.

“Everyone benefits when a local business wins a contract,” Vicari said. “Local jobs are created and more money is pumped into the county’s economy.”

Another key to Ocean County’s economic health is the tourism industry.

Generating $3.2 billion a year and employing more than 70,000 people, tourism remains the county’s key industry.

“So much of what the county provides directly impacts tourism,” Vicari said. “From environmental initiatives that protect our bay and ocean to safety upgrades to our roads, we are committed to improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors.”

Promoting tourism also helps the local tax base.

“We estimate tourism revenue saves county taxpayers more than $1,427 year,” Vicari said. “That’s more money in our residents’ pockets.”

The county’s effort to support local business doesn’t stop with tourism.

Vicari pioneered the “Buy in Ocean County” campaign that kicks off every holiday season.

“When you buy local, you are protected against fraud,” said Vicari, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs “Both our county and state agencies have much more power when dealing with a local business complaint.”

Buying local can also save money.

“Many times catalog and online offers can seem cheaper, but don’t forget to add in the shipping costs,” Vicari said. “If you have to return an item, it’s much easier to drive down the street and visit the store rather than pack and ship a package across country.”

Frequenting local businesses also helps protect Ocean County jobs.

“When you buy local you are supporting your neighbors,” Vicari said. “Our business community is a vital part of Ocean County.”

Local businesses also support local charitable organizations and give back to their communities, something that cannot be said about most catalog and online firms.

“The holiday season is a make-or-break situation for many of our small business people,” Vicari said. “I hope all of our residents will consider the advantages of buying local and supporting our Mom and Pop businesses.”

Vicari said he also works closely with the county’s chambers of commerce and business associations to help stimulate economic growth in Ocean County’s 33 municipalities.

Vicari’s economic initiatives have not gone unnoticed.

He has been honored with the Governor’s Tourism Elected Officials of the Year Award, the Economic Development Award from the Southern New Jersey Development Council and the Jersey Shore Partnership’s Elected Leadership Award.

“This is a difficult and challenging time for many of our hard-working families,” Vicari said. “They want to know that county government is doing everything possible to bring more employment opportunities to Ocean County.”