NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON

"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH

In recognition of Irvington's ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, the three percent retail tax Urban Enterprise Zone program last week sponsored a business development seminar for Korean merchants.

More than 20 of the business owners represented by the Irvington Korean-American Merchants Association attended the event held on June 15 at the Service Men's Clubhouse. "Your community is making important contributions to local commerce, and we want to help you reap the rewards of the UEZ," according to Cassandra N. Chatman, program coordinator.

Presentations were led by Chatman, who gave an overview of the economic incentive program and a progress report on Irvington's economic development; and by state UEZ field rep Muriel Patterson, who provided details on enrollment, renewal and advantages to participating businesses.

Those benefits include:

. the authority to charge three percent sales tax, giving registered businesses a competitive edge

. tax-free purchases on business supplies and equipment

. one-time $1,500 tax credit for each full-time employee hired

. benefits in unemployment insurance costs . discounts from Verizon and PSE&G

. priority financial assistance from the NJ Local Development Finanacing Fund and the Dept. of Labor Job Training Program

In addition, Dolcey Chaplin, director of the Procurement Center at the NJ Institute of Technology, explained the process of securing large government contracts; Steve Andelfinger, a representative from Public Energy Solutions, shared information on low-cost installation of fluorescent lighting; and Evanthia Corrado, an account executive from the state Department of Labor, spoke about workforce development.

"This was a unique outreach effort in which we targeted a niche market to participate in the UEZ, which benefits residents and businesses alike," Mayor Wayne Smith later said of the event. Revenues generated by sales at UEZ-approved stores fund public safety, sanitation, aesthetic enhancements and other services in the commercial and industrial districts.

Korean language translation was provided throughout the seminar. "It was a very nice workshop, and it's a good idea to join the UEZ, because it is playing a great role in the development and growth of the Township of Irvington. They're doing a good job," according to Joseph Kim, president of the Irvington Korean Merchants Association and proprietor of K-Max Beauty Supply.

The UEZ plans to hold business development seminars on a quarterly basis. An earlier event held this spring resulted in UEZ registrations by 7 businesses.

A seminar for the Haitian business community will be held in September. For more information on the UEZ, call (973) 399-5636.

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