HBOA Economic Development Committee’s Business Expansion Plan Discussed at the Shore Café as it Raised Funds for its Scholarship Program

On Tuesday, October 29, the Hazlet Business Owners Association held a networking event at the Shore Café in Hazlet to raise funds for the HBOA High School Scholarship Program; a program open to any Hazlet resident high school senior regardless of what high school they attend.

The networking event was not only a success as it generated funds for the scholarship program, but it was extremely informative as the HBOA Economic Development Committee (HEDC) was discussed. Ted Koczon, the owner of the Hazlet Perkins and President of the Hazlet Business Owners Association kicked off the discussion with a brief explanation of the HBOA Economic Development Committee, stating “The HBOA Economic Development Committee was formed a few months ago to focus on business development along the two highway corridors that run through the Township. Both highways have seen an increase in vacant buildings and storefronts over the past few years. We need to see a change.”

Koczon then introduced his business partner and largest business competitor for over 10 years, Cliff Moore, owner of the Keyport IHOP and Co-Chair of HEDC.  Cliff Moore presented the steps the committee had already taken towards its goals stating, "Our mission is not just about filling real estate, we want to make sure we bring in businesses that will enhance the community and compliment the other businesses and services in the community.” 

The HEDC members are a dedicated volunteer group, formed by the Hazlet Business Owners Association to help create opportunities for economic development through desirable business growth and expansion, retention and attraction, and to work as partners to develop a climate conducive of maintaining the quality of life in this great Township of Hazlet, Monmouth County. 

Moore explains, "Our partnership with the Township Committee and the Monmouth County Office of Economic Development is a great start.  We are currently reviewing the Township ordinances to make recommendations to the Township Committee to reduce fees and make Hazlet a more business friendly community. There is a contest currently with the business and marketing students at the local high school to develop a tagline for Hazlet so we can start branding and creating marketing material for consumers for our current businesses and material with demographic information to market to potential tenants and developers."

This committee is dedicated to creating a more vibrant and cultivated community by:

•     Serving as a conduit between the commercial economic interests in Hazlet Township and the municipal government;

•     Encouraging the economic well-being and expansion of the existing commercial businesses located within the Township;

•     Responsibly assisting in developing properties within Hazlet Township in an effort to improve the aesthetics of the township while providing additional revenue; and,

•     Reviewing Township ordinances, policies, and practices to determine their impact on existing and proposed commercial businesses.

The Hazlet Business Owners Association was founded on the basis for local businesses to gather and discuss matters to find a resolution that assisted in the growth of the local Hazlet Business Community. The HBOA Executive Board meetings are held at the Scudiery Enterprises Conference Room, located above Interstate Electronics at Airport Plaza the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:15pm. For further information on the Hazlet Business Owners Association, visit http://hazletboa.org.