The Alternative Press

VERNON TOWNSHIP, NJ --- Small business was the topic of discussion at the Vernon Township council meeting this past Monday, September 24.

Councilman Eddie Dunn illustrated a presentation to the public and council about the Vernon Economic Development Advisory Committee for an event taking place called, “Vernon Is Open For Business.”

The presentation slide showed a brief history of Vernon Township and Dunn stated, “The employment rate is not quite five percent in Sussex County.”

In a 2011 business survey, the results had indicated that Vernon’s top three opportunities in the town include: promote township image, permit assistance and promote tourism.

The survey also showed the top three strengths which included: proximity to recreation, recreation activities and quality of life. The weaknesses had shown: General business climate, zoning and property costs/rents.

Dunn asked the public, “How many people in this room have Facebook?”

After a significant amount of people had raised their hands, Dunn went on to state, “This knowledge and information can impact your business and begin to find relationships with business owners. What we are interested in knowing is, what does the Township of Vernon need to do or stop doing to improve our businesses and what does it need to continue doing?”

Dunn went on to explain, “Most people in Vernon will think about where else to shop other than in Vernon but we need to cooperate with each other in order to be successful. My recommendations to the mayor and council is to attend and just listen to the business owners speaking, get their feedback, summarize feedback and communicate results.”

Dunn explained that the round table discussion will consist of taking the time to re-validate 2011 survey results, begin to build relationships with business owners, demonstrate that Vernon is open for business, listen closely to business owner feedback and set the stage for the 2013 business engagement.

One citizen had approached the podium shortly after the presentation and said, “Pete Seeger had attended here a couple weeks ago. People from all over the United States came to see him. I am very disappointed that there was not one person on the council there to greet this 95-year-old icon. I think music and art can be a great part of that in Vernon.”

Citizen Beverly Budz approached the podium and addressed the council, and asked, “Has anyone thought of getting the Chamber of Commerce together to have all of these small businesses in one room? It is a much cheaper route to go. And what about billboards? This town could really use some.”

In other business:

Mayor Victor Marotta addressed the public and council that the Police Department will be getting “Newer, safer and better cars.”

Marotta went on to explain that, “The patrolman reports they are very stable. We have completed the camera equipment in the cars which a tremendous step. We are looking at computerized tickets and we have taken some important steps to improve the outside and inside of the car.”

This Saturday from 10 am to 2 p.m., Vernon will be participating in “Got Drugs?” where can citizens can go to the local A&P and turn in their old, expired and unused prescription drugs in a legal manner.