HCEDC
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
OPENING DOORS IN HUDSON COUNTY 2021 Partnerships REPORT
HCEDC
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
01 Message from the Executive Director 02 Message from the Board President
OPENING DOORS FOR
04 Hudson Kitchen 06 Monique’s Techniques 07 Partners in Prevention 08 GSECDC/NJCC 10 Genuardi Master Tailor 11 Cavany Foods
12 Board, Staff, and Partners
www.hudsonedc.org
MICHELLE E. RICHARDSON
Message from the Executive Director
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very day since our founding in 1994, and relaunch in 2016, the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation team and board of directors have worked alongside County
administration and municipal partners to open doors for our vibrant and diverse community of residents, businesses and organizations. Our collaborative approach to addressing some of our County’s greatest challenges and opportunities through innovative programming, professional training and timely access to capital has helped our communities and local economy remain resilient and thriving. Through HCEDC’s powerful partnerships, our ongoing commitment to serving and supporting underserved communities continues to shape Hudson County in meaningful and lasting ways. To date, we’re proud to have provided financial assistance to 20 first-time home buyers, facilitated 61 loans totaling over $3M and created/retained over 700 jobs. Hudson County, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing, most densely populated and diverse regions, offers a wealth of assets. Our strategic location, a highly educated workforce and rich cultural heritage provide an outstanding quality of life for residents and businesses. As Hudson County
We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering the vitality of our businesses and organizations.
evolves, HCEDC and partners continue to anticipate need and implement proactive strategies to support business attraction and retention. As always, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the vitality of our diverse community of businesses and organizations and look forward to the bright future of Hudson County for all. Michelle E. Richardson Executive Director
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HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
KEVIN O’CONNOR
Message from the Board President
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ocal businesses and the communities they help build are the heartbeat of the fastest growing, most
densely populated, and most diverse county in New Jersey. Each of Hudson County’s 12 municipalities has a unique heritage and economy. I am proud of the fact that the HCEDC serves and supports them each day through these unprecedented times and into the future. Our mission to open doors of opportunity through access to capital, education, information and housing are not merely services we provide, they are deeply reflective of our commitment to the quality of life for every resident and business owner here. As President of the Board and Director, External Affairs of SUEZ Water, New Jersey, my colleagues and I are honored to present this report on behalf of the HCEDC team. It is the result of our collaborative work with local municipalities, administration, nonprofit organizations, state government and partners to empower our county. Together we stand as committed citizens and corporations to provide guidance and ongoing investment within our great county today and always. Through the pages of Opening Doors, I hope you’ll enjoy meeting some members of our community that define Hudson County’s unique experience and learn more about how we are helping to empower businesses and organizations of all sizes. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen by being part of this project and thank you for reading. Regards, Kevin O’Connor President, HCEDC Board of Trustees
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Our Impact
HCEDC Hudson County, accross the Hudson River from Manhattan, is a
Education and Information
Housing
growing and thriving economic hub of the Tri-State area.
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Programs
First-time Homebuyers
19,310
$290,000
People Reached
Downpayment Grants
Business Loans 61 Number of Loans
$3,143,500 Approved
703 Jobs Created/ Retained
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HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
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HCEDC
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OPENING DOORS FOR
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
Hudson Kitchen
jenaba Johnson-Jones had a dream to build
needed to succeed. Having them at my side through
Hudson Kitchen, an innovative food business
all these phases was amazing and took so much
incubator, and HCEDC helped make it happen. Today,
of the stress out of my journey as an entrepreneur.
the 8,000 square feet mixed-use space at Kearny
When it came to funding, I knew they were advocating
Point brings production, storage, and co-working
for my interests to find the best match for the loan
spaces together for brands ready to start, grow,
required to launch my vision while I was focusing on
and scale their businesses. Members of Hudson
making it happen.”
Kitchen have 24/7 access to a growing list of bespoke
Johnson-Jones now understands what it takes
amenities in a fully licensed and FDA-registered
to realize goals and succeed. “One of the things I’ve
commercial kitchen to think big, dream big, and do
learned through my entrepreneur journey is that
big things.
you need to utilize your fear. Allow it to propel you
“The HCEDC understood my goal of providing
forward. Make the phone call. Ask the question.
resources to the growing community of culinary
Take the leap. Use your fear to push you outside of
entrepreneurs here in Hudson County. I took
your comfort zone and into an area of growth and
advantage of all the webinars and was able to access
success.”
valuable information and received the education I
”The HCEDC understood my goal of providing resources to the growing community of culinary entrepreneurs here in Hudson County.” — DJENABA JOHNSON-JONES
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HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
2 HCEDC
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
OPENING DOORS FOR
Monique’s Techniques
M
onique Smith-Andrews is a uniquely Hudson County entrepreneur, owner of Monique’s
“I would not have been able to realize success if it wasn’t for the education, assistance, and support I received from the HCEDC team.” —MONIQUE SMITH-ANDREWS
For Monique the partnership with HCEDC and UCEDC was invaluable. “I would not have been able
Techniques Beauty Salon, and founder of the
to realize success if it wasn’t for the education,
non-profit, Mo’Hair Foundation both located in
assistance and support I received from their team. I
Jersey City. In addition to operating the salon, her
have officially owned and operated this business for
organization provides individuals who suffer from
33 years having started it at the age of 23 in 1988.
cancer, alopecia, lupus and other health conditions
Through the years I’ve employed over 30 people, and
or tragedies with hair loss solutions. “Giving back
many have gone on to open their own businesses as
is what Hudson County is all about, I am so grateful
a result of my mentorship and tutelage. Today, I am
to be a part of this incredible community and help
able to serve our community and enrich the quality of
empower women, men and children “to look good
life in Hudson County thanks to HCEDC’s belief in me
and feel better” through their crisis.”
and my vision.”
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OPENING DOORS FOR
Partners in Prevention
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very day, the team at Partners in Prevention
able to keep our staff intact and continue providing
works to improve wellness, helps prevent
prevention services to Hudson County residents
substance abuse and addresses a range of health
during an incredibly challenging time.” shared Doug
concerns throughout Hudson County and the State.
Bratton, Executive Director.
Together, the organization’s integrated approach
The power of the partnership with HCEDC
focuses on education, coalition-building, and youth
and NJCC continues to drive positive outcomes,
engagement to build stronger communities.
improving the quality of life for all. “Try as we might,
Partners in Prevention’s focus on public health
there are always challenges that arise to remind
and the continuity of services it provides were vital
us we cannot do everything ourselves,” said Yaisa
to the community, yet challenging to deliver through
Coronado, Associate Executive Director. “We all need
the COVID-19 pandemic. The HCEDC in partnership
partnerships to support us through difficult times
with the NJCC Garden State Relief Fund helped the
and cheer us on when things are going well. We
agency sustain operations by providing funding.
can achieve so much more when we work together
“The funding was critical to us as a non-profit by
towards a common goal. Partnerships are central to
providing a bridge to federal PPP forgivable loans
our mission and the work we do - so much so that
and stabilized federal, state, and county grants, as
the root of the word is in our name!”
well as donor contributions. As a result, we were
“The funding was critical to us as a non-profit by providing a bridge to federal PPP forgivable loans and stabilized grants. ” —DOUG BRATTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
HCEDC
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Hudson Hudson County County Economic Economic Development Development Corporation Corporation
4 OPENING DOORS WITH
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation and New Jersey Community Capital
H
omeownership is the first step to building wealth
that they can advance to homeownership. This
and remains a critical focus of the HCEDC’s
partnership helps to narrow the wealth gap for low-
mission to serve the community and strengthen
income New Jerseyans helping to create equity and
Hudson County’s local economies. Partnerships with
furthers our goal to end the cycle of poverty here.”
New Jersey Community Capital, the state’s largest
shared Carol Mori, GSECDC Executive Director.
community development financial institution and
Qunita Whitely recently closed on her home with
Garden State Episcopal Community Development
assistance from the program. “I’m grateful for the
Corporation in Jersey City help make the dream of
$15,000 grant. I have over $100,000 of student loan
ownership a reality for many low-income families.
debt and without this grant money, I would not have
By providing budgeting, pre-purchase, and credit
been approved for my mortgage. The process took
counseling with access to low-cost mortgage loans
longer than usual and Daniel was extremely helpful
through affordable homeownership mortgage
and patient throughout the process. This is my first
programs like Address Yourself , the organization
home and means a lot to me. I come from a middle-
paves the way to financial stability.
class family and most don’t have a degree or even
TM
own a home. I don’t want to sound like a cliché, but this is definitely a dream come true.”
HCEDC worked together with GSECD and NJCC to enable homeownership for first-time home buyers in Hudson County.
“Partnership is the key to achievement. HCEDC and NJCC worked together to enable homeownership for first-time homebuyers in Hudson County. The contributions of both organizations made this program a success. By listening to one another and working collaboratively, we were able to make homeownership a reality for many low-income
“The HCEDC down payment assistance grant
families. The power of this partnership proves that
of $12,500 per house further assisted families
true partners are more than the sum of their parts.”
in covering down payment and closing costs so
NJCC President, Wayne Meyer shared.
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HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
5 HCEDC
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
OPENING DOORS FOR
Genuardi Master Tailor
W
alking into Genuardi Master Tailor and
resources which I’ve called upon at key points in my
Lackawanna Clothing housed in Hoboken’s
business’s growth. Finally, through the challenges
Neumann Leathers building located at the foot
of COVID-19, it has been reassuring to know that I
of the rail yards feels like stepping back in time.
have a relationship with a lender that can help us
Recognized nationally and internationally, Joseph
creatively respond to setbacks and thrive long-term.
Genuardi’s shop is one of the few classically trained
The combination of accessible capital and business
master tailor teams remaining, utilizing traditional
resources has helped us to mitigate mistakes and
techniques to craft bespoke formal and casual wear
build confidently for the future.” shared Joseph
from the finest cloths in the world.
Genuardi.
“My partnership with HCEDC began in 2016 with
“Living and working in Hudson County is a unique
the Entrepreneurship 101 class in Jersey City offered
and energizing experience. There is a great vitality
by UCEDC. I enrolled as I was opening my shop to
to the business community that comes from the
ensure that I understood best practices to operate
diversity of cultures along with strong support for
a successful business; later that year I went on to
entrepreneurship and new ideas. The education and
win their Quick Pitch competition. Their programs
access HCEDC provides is a big part of creating the
also gave me access to their business mentor
ideal environment for us to thrive.”
“The combination of accessible capital and business resources has helped us to mitigate mistakes and build confidently for the future.” —MASTER TAILOR JOSEPH GENUARDI
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HCEDC
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
6 OPENING DOORS FOR
Cavany Foods
B
orn in Venezuela, Chef Alejandro Ferrer, owner
I think about what this has meant to me the word
of Cavany Foods in Jersey City is passionate
‘familia’ comes to mind. Being able to collaborate
about food, family and community. Housed in a
with the HCEDC team has inspired me to believe in
vibrant corner at 235 Grand Street, the light-filled
myself,” stated Alejandro.
space offers a new concept in organic prepared meal pick-up and delivery, meal plans and catering along with groceries. Since 2015, HCEDC has been the leading sponsor of the Hispanic Entrepreneur Training Program through the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey which provided Alejandro with access to valuable information, networking opportunities, new markets and capital. As a participant in this long-standing partnership, Alejandro was paired with a team of coaches to assist in a variety of ways. Head Coach, Reina Valenzuela, supported him with market research, commuter statistics and helped develop Cavany’s business plan. Accounting coach, Karem Ospino, assisted Alejandro with growth projections and developing financial reports in concert with program coach, Tatiana Orozco, who worked with Alejandro to build a comprehensive marketing plan. The Chairman of the Board, Luis de La Hoz, along with the HETP team, empowered him by providing access to capital. “As an immigrant, knowing that I had such an experienced and dedicated team working on my behalf has been an inspiring and extraordinary experience for myself and my business. It is one of the empowering aspects of being an entrepreneur in Hudson County. The
“Being able to collaborate with the HCEDC team has inspired me to believe in myself.” —CHEF ALEJANDRO FERRER
support I’ve received throughout the entire process was critical to make my idea a reality. When
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HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
HCEDC
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
HCEDC
Board, Staff, and Partners
Members of the Board of Trustees
Partners
Kevin O’Connor – President
The stories of Opening Doors would not be possible without
Alan M. Lambiase – Vice President
the support and commitment of our partners:
Richard F. Dwyer – Treasurer Kenneth O’Neill –Assistant Treasurer
Columbia Bank
Harry Melendez – Secretary
Garden State Episcopal Community Development
Francesca Giarratana
Corporation
Norman Guerra
Hudson County Chamber of Commerce
Bernel Hall
Hudson County Community College
Carlos Medina
M&T Bank
Lisa Prusko
New Jersey Community Capital
Honorable Jermaine Robinson
NJ Lender Corporation TD Bank
HCEDC Staff
Santander Bank The Provident Bank The Small Business Development Center at New Jersey
Michelle Richardson – Executive Director
City University
Tammy Watterman – Office Manager
Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Gillian Hansen – Programs and Communications
UCEDC
Coordinator
Supported By County Executive Tom DeGise and the Board of County Commissioners
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Valley Bank
Through HCEDC’s powerful partnerships, our ongoing commitment to serving and supporting underserved communities continues to shape Hudson County in meaningful and lasting ways.
HCEDC “The education and access HCEDC provides is a big part of creating the ideal environment for us to thrive.” —Genuardi Master Tailor
HCEDC : Annual Report 2021
Hudson County Economic Developm Corporation
HCEDC HCEDC
Hudson County
Hudson County Economic Development Economic Development CorporationCorporation
The mission of the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation is to serve Hudson County’s diverse communities by providing comprehensive financial access, information, professional training and affordable housing. Our vision is to build a healthy local economy through collaborative partnerships for businesses, organizations and individuals.
Hudson County
830 Bergen Avenue
Economic Development
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Corporation
Go to: www.HudsonEDC.org