Hunterdon County Business News - LATE SUMMER EDITION 2020

BUSINESS NEWS LATE SUMMER 2020

VOL 45 NO. 5

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Trump Administration Invests $75,500 in Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Funds in Rural New Jersey This investment will enhance economic development in rural Hunterdon County Mt. Laurel, NJ August 13 , 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $75,500 to create a Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in Flemington, NJ. “Small businesses are vital to our economy and hometowns; this grant will help businesses find ways to recover and grow after being hit hard in recent months,” stated New Jersey State Director Michael Thulen Jr. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural New Jersey in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

“The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is excited and thankful to receive the Rural Business Development Grant from the USDA,” said Chris Phelan President of the Foundation. “Our vision and goal is to have the Center for Business entrepreneurship be an ongoing resources for Businesses, not only here but the region that we serve.

The Business Community is ever evolving and having access to critical training, mentoring and industry specific information is critical to succeed in today’s environment. Being a rural County we still must compete for a strong economy and we believe the programs and training that the center

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will provide will have a lasting impact on growing jobs, creating the next generation of entrepreneurs and strengthening our economy,” he went on to say.

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation will use these funds to create a Center for Business and Entrepreneurship which will be in the downtown area of Flemington, New Jersey. The Center will help support Business Leadership by providing education, training programs and services for existing Businesses.

This Center will also seek partnerships in the community, including Raritan Valley Community College, The Small Business Development Center and other educational institutions throughout Hunterdon County to enhance economic development.

This program provides grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses, help fund distance learning networks, and help fund employment related adult education programs. To assist with business development, RBDGs may fund a broad array of activities.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page The Hunterdon County Chamber of Foundation, established in 2013 and its mission is to promote, support and fund initiatives that enhance opportunities for leadership, education, economic and workforce development. For more information on the Foundation please visit www.hunterdonchamber.org or call 908-782-7115.

JUNE 2020, VOLUME 45, NO. 4

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS September To submit your organization's announcements, visit hunterdonchamber.org and fill out the form on the NEWSLETTER page under the 'News and Events' tab.

Submissions must be received by the first Monday of the preceding month for publication. All submissions are subject to approval by the Chamber.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Hunterdon Economic Recovery Fund - 5

VIRTUAL LEADS EXCHANGE NORTH 7 CHAMBER CONNECT 16 VIRTUAL LEADS

Virtual Leadership Summit - 7 Leads Exchange - 6

EXCHANGE CENTRAL 21 CHAMBER CONNECT

Leadership Summit - 8 Cares Act - 10

Announcement Coming Use our Job Bank to post open positions (open to Members and Non-Members) Use our Community Calendar to plan your organization's major events!

Make a submission to our Community Calendar at hunterdonchamber.org

BUSINESS NEWS IS PRODUCED BY THE

119 MAIN STREET FLEMINGTON NJ 08822 INFO@HUNTERDON-CHAMBER.ORG

visit hunterdonchamber.org to register for upcoming events

Tax Tidbit- 10 New Members Welcome11 In Memoriam Frank Fuzo -12 In Memoriam Frank Hooper -13

Speed Networking with the Somerset County Business Partnership, the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. The pandemic has changed the way we do business.

The Hunterdon county chamber of commerce and the hunterdon county office of economic development have created an online directory of restaurants, markets, farm stands and vineyards. both can be found on the chamber website and an online facebook group as well. buy local...buy hunterdon!

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Virtual Leads Exchange- Networking Program north

Wednesday, September 2nd 8:00 AM Online Hosted by: Tom Fitzgerald of Disaster Restoration Services

central

Wednesday, September 16th 8:00 AM Online Hosted by: Victoria Davis of Have Adding Machine will Travel

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Tax Tidbit:

Programs Available Under the CARES Act From Main St. to Wall St., all businesses have been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another. Businesses that were considered to be essential service business were affected by employees being unable to work due to their need to care for their children, who were now home from school, to employees who are in the high risk category and were advised by their medical providers to shelter in place. Businesses that were considered to be non-essential were forced to close, forcing a mass layoff of employees. In an attempt to keep the economy moving forward, the following programs were made available to businesses: Delay of Employer Payroll Taxes – Employers are eligible to defer their share of the 6.2% Social Security Tax on wages paid after March 27th through December 31, 2020. 50% of the amount deferred must be repaid on December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2020. Interest is not charged on the taxes that are deferred. Employers who have received a PPP loan are eligible to defer the liability up through the date that the lender notifies the employer that the PPP loan has been forgiven.

Employee Retention Credit – The credit is available for businesses that have not received funding from a PPP loan. The credit is equal to 50% of the wages paid to individuals, with a maximum credit of $5,000 per employee. Restrictions apply and are different for businesses with less than 100 employees from businesses with over 100 employees.

Payroll Credit for Families First Sick Pay and Leave – Employers will receive a payroll credit for sick pay wages and family leave wages that are paid, in response to the First Coronavirus Response Act. The credit is available to employers with less than 500 employees. Wages that are eligible for this credit cannot include these wages for consideration under the PPP loan.In addition to the programs mentioned above, there are other tax incentives that have been enacted as part of the CARES Act. At BKC, our experienced professionals are available to help businesses navigate through the available options and compliance reporting. For more information, please contact us at (908) 782-7900 or info@bkc-cpa.com. Visit our website for other helpful news and articles at www.bkc-cpa.com.

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Welcome New Members!

DASACC 29C Broad Street Washington, NJ 07882 DASACC.org 908-453-4121 Contact: Jill Zinckgraf Jzinckgraf@dasacc.org

Krapf School Bus 7B Old Croton Road Flemington, NJ 08822 krapfbus.com 908-237-1169 Contact: Jim Hager JHager@krapfbus.com

READING RIDGE REALTY LLC 215 Union Ave Paterson, NJ 07502 973-942-3399 Contact: James Coscia cagency@aol.com

Chasing Dreams LLC 580 Foothill Road Bridgewater, NJ 08801 chasingdreamsat.com 908-419-6535 Contact: Cathy Sauer cathy@chasingdreamsat.com

Pier Digital AdvisoryServices 5 Kren Drive Ringoes, NJ 08551 pierdigital.com 908-884-3874 Contact: Richard Pierle richard.pierle@pierdigital.com

Squip, Inc. 295 US Highway 22 East Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 www.squipusa.com 908-534-1101 Contact: Colleen Gallagher info@squipusa.com

Dreamweaver Equine Center 73 Back Brook Road Ringoes, NJ 08551 dreamweaverequine.org 201-788-5112 Contact: Ali Cho Info@dreamweaverequine.org

Willets Own 1221 Rt. 31 Lebanon, NJ 08833 484-903-9731 Contact: Austin Person willetsown@gmail.com

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Dear Membership,

In Memoriam Frank J. Fuzo 1951-2020

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Frank J. Fuzo, a longtime fellow member of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. Frank was a very active member throughout Hunterdon County and served on our Board of Directors of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Frank's public service included serving as a Freeholder for the County of Hunterdon and Mayor of the City of Lambertiville. Franks's contributions not only to our Business Community but throughout Hunterdon County and the State of New Jersey have made a difference in the lives of many and leaves an incredible legacy.

On behalf of the entire membership and our Board of Directors, we extend our prayers and sympathy to Joni Krieg and the entire Fuzo family.

Christopher J. Phelan President & CEOHunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Frank J Fuzo, former Hunterdon County Freeholder and Mayor Emeritus of Lambertville, died Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Victor and the late Mathilda (Gogol) Fuzo. He was raised in Whitehouse and had lived in Lambertville for 25 years before moving to Flemington.

Frank served in the United States Army Reserves. He was stationed with the Emergency Management Command Bus during 9-11.. Frank served as our Hunterdon County Freeholder from 1990 to 2005 and the Mayer of Lambertville from 1988 until 1991. He was the ex-Captain and President of the Whitehouse Rescue Squad and was dedicated to, and served on: the American Diabetes Association, Lambertville Ramblers Youth Football Organization, ARC of Hunterdon County, H.C. Office of Emergency Management, Fires School and Hazmat, NJ League of Municipalities, the NJ Association of Counties, the Hunterdon County 200 Club, Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers, the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, the Hunterdon County TriCentennial Committee, NJ Conference of Mayors, NJ Tax Collectors & Treasurers Association, NJ Government Finance Officers Association, NJ School Boards Association, the Raritan Valley Umpires Association, the NJ Umpires Association and was a umpire for Diamond Nation. He was also a member of the Sons of The American Legion and the Delaware Valley Power Boat Association. He was the Senior Vice President for PNC Government Banking in Flemington for over 18 years.

Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by his brother, John Fuzo, Warren, OH. Frank is survived by his partner, Joni Krieg, and his daughter, Amanda McCaffrey (Ed). He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Cooper and Tanner McCaffrey, his brother, Victor Fuzo (Jane), Roselle Park; his sister, Margaret Iwicki and partner, Dan Giles, Flemington; sister-in-law, Toni Fuzo, Warren, OH, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made through: In Memory Of at www.inmemof.org/frank-j-fuzo in support of his grandson's college educations.

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In Memoriam Frank C. Hooper - 1929-2020 Dear Membership, It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Frank C. Hooper, a longtime fellow member of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and Hunterdon County Business Community. Frank was a very active member throughout Hunterdon County and served on our Board of Directors and had a special impact on the Town of Clinton, which he so loved.

Franks's contributions not only to our Business Community but throughout Hunterdon County and the State of New Jersey have made a difference in the lives of many and he leaves an incredible legacy of service On behalf of the entire membership and our Board of Directors, we extend our prayers and sympathy to the entire Hooper family..

Christopher J. Phelan President & CEO Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerc

Frank C. Hooper was born September 13th, 1929 in Massena, New York. He was the son of William George Hooper and Primrose Lawrence Hooper. Frank spent his childhood years on a farm property on the banks of the St. Lawrence River on the Canadian border. He graduated from Massena High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he would become a member of the monogram club, receiving his letter for Track. He was the President of the Class of 1951 and Chaired or Co-Chaired seven spectacular reunions. Formal graduation from college was delayed however; due to his leading a group of students on a prank that had them locking up 50 North Carolina state troopers in their barracks for what they thought would be a fun thing to do.

Following graduation he joined the Army and completed basic training and Infantry Leadership School at Fort Jackson S.C., officers Candidate School at Fort Bliss, Texas and served as Battalion staff officer and Artillery Battery Commander during the Korean War. Upon discharge he went to work for Sinclair Oil in Augusta, Georgia and was subsequently transferred to the home office at Rockefeller Center in New York City. It was there that he met his wife-to-be, Joan, at Christmastime in 1956.

Frank would marry Joan in 1958 and they would go on to spend over 60 years dotting on and being devoted to each other.

After 10 years with Sinclair Oil, Frank spent over 30 years as President of Shive Wright and Exton Insurance Agency in Clinton, New Jersey. And, in those 30 (plus) years, Frank would leave gigantic footprints in Hunterdon County as one of its most enduring, humble and devoted community leaders and volunteers. Frank was involved in so many aspects of community life it would be impossible to mention them all. He was honored by the Clinton Town Council as Citizen of the Year and presented with a Key to the Town; by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year; by the United Way of Hunterdon County as Volunteer of the Year; and, he received a Paul Harris Fellowship from the North Hunterdon Rotary Club. Frank was the Chairman of the very first Great Bloomsbury Hot Air Balloon Races, an event that morphed into the Quick Check Festival of Ballooning.

Frank and Joan Hooper were founding members of The Church of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon, New Jersey, which had its humble beginnings in the Town of Clinton Community Center, holding its very first service there on September 11th, 1966.

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HATS OFF - HATS OFF - HATS OFF Thank You to Judy Gold for Hosting the Central Leads Program of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce for the past 8 years. We truly appreciate all the time and effort she brought to the program each month.

Thank You to Polly Anderson for being the Chair of the the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee for many years. We truly appreciate all the time and effort she brought to bringing in new Members to our organizations

IN MEMORIAM CONTINUED FRANK HOOPER Mr. Hooper will forever be linked with his 1947 White Mac Fire Truck. The white open cab fire truck has been a staple in our community for decades, having been in so many local events and parades it would be impossible to count them all. He especially enjoyed using it to drive home the kindergarten classes on the last day of school, in Califon, Clinton and Hampton N.J., collecting up hundreds of Christmas Trees each year for the Town Bon-Fire and he truly loved giving rides at the Hunterdon Developmental Center for their annual picnic, where he served on their advisory board for many years.

Frank was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. The Hooper family would vacation there every summer and took many of the neighborhood children along for their very first time. He spoke quite fondly of his childhood summers spent on 13th Lake, climbing Peaked Mountain and time spent at ‘Big Shanty”.Frank and his son, Will, backpacked in the Tetons of Wyoming, the High Sierras in California, canoed the Yukon River in Canada and the Missouri River in Montana. They spent a great deal of time exploring many western canyons and the Olympic Peninsula.

Lastly, Frank will always be known as the Grand Marshall of the Guild of Clinton Christmas Parade. His tireless dedication, blood, sweat and tears over the past 33 years, to keeping our little town Christmas parade SPECTACULAR, and a true highlight of the season for thousands of parade goers, (many generations still coming back for more) will go unmatched. It may be called The Guild of Clinton Christmas Parade, but in many hearts it will always be “Frank Hooper’s Parade”.When hearing of Frank’s passing a dear friend said it best..... “He was a giant among us without being physically big, and he was the definition of generous. He was everyone’s role model for living a life fully. If you had Frank Hooper as your friend you were indeed lucky.”

Frank is survived by his niece Betty (Hooper) Wroblewski and husband Andrew. Nephews Carter and David Hooper and 10 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his Parents William and Primrose, wife Joan, daughter Amelia, son William, and brothers Laurence and Billy Hooper.

There will be a private service for family. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions a Celebration of Frank's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of Flowers Memorial Contributions can be made to the Willian Randolph Hooper Foundation Inc. (15 west Main Street Clinton, N.J. 08809) in care of the Clinton Christmas Parade.God bless Frank C. Hooper. And, God blessed all those who were lucky enough to know and love him.

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