2020 Year in Review Edition
Welcome to the
Hunterdon County Economic Development E-Newsletter
2020 Closing Note from the
Economic Development Director

During a difficult 2020 for the entire nation, Hunterdon County has dealt with its fair share of challenges. However, as a whole, county businesses and communities have weathered the storm due to innovative approaches to adapt to the new normal and through unprecedented levels of collaboration. Through all of this, planning for the future never became an afterthought.

Similarly, Hunterdon County Economic Development, along with the county municipalities, worked hard to lay the ground work to thrive in the post pandemic world by continuing to launch programs and initiatives that invest in the future of Hunterdon, while helping to mitigate the impact of an unprecedented year.
The effort has contributed to a stronger year economically in Hunterdon than might have been expected, as many sectors held their own, with some even thriving. Difficulties remain but those interested in investing in Hunterdon will quickly learn that the future here remains bright.
County Economic Development in the News
Hunterdon County Corridors Study Explores New Sites for Economic Opportunity

The Hunterdon County Freeholder Board approved a $29,500 contract authorizing Rv3 Solutions – a firm specializing in commercial real estate consulting, advisory and portfolio assessment-related services – to conduct a Hunterdon County Corridor Parcel Study.
Marc Saluk, director of Hunterdon County Economic Development, discussed the resolution with the Board of Chosen Freeholders during its July 7.
“This study is designed to provide more information about parcels of land in Hunterdon County that lay along commercial corridors,” he said. “The primary focus will be along I-78, Routes 22, 31 and 202, but county roads will be looked at in addition to other areas, such as along the Norfolk Southern Railway.” 
County Grants Continue to Support Local Economic Development Projects

Economic Development Grants were issued to seven Hunterdon communities in 2020 as the county and towns continue to work with planners to conduct planning and ordinance reviews and reforms aimed at encouraging investment in the County. However, municipalities are utilizing the grants in other business-friendly ways as well, including updating websites, codifying ordinances, launching new mobile apps, and promoting available commercial properties.

Read More Here :
  • "Economic grants approved by Hunterdon County freeholders for town projects - Read More Here

  • "Grant awarded to Franklin Township to Support Economic Goals "  - Read More Here

  • "Latest Economic Development Grant Aims to Help Revitalize Ringoes Village; Payoff from Previous Grants Begins to Benefit Hunterdon" - Read More Here

Plans Move Forward to Create Hunterdon’s First Riverside Park

With eyes on creating the first riverfront county park and connecting economic and recreational opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses alike, Hunterdon has taken next steps towards creating a park along the Delaware River, with plans to connect the new park, to be located in Milford, with Frenchtown via trail.  Learn More Here
New Initiatives
Hunterdon County 579 Trail Has Launched!!!
Abundant availability of locally grown and produced food & beverage items is one of the best parts of living in Hunterdon County! The 579 Trail has been created to make it easier for residents and visitors alike to taste the goodness of Hunterdon County. Explore farmers markets, vineyards and much more… a bounty of fresh food awaits!
Rediscover your beautiful backyard...farms, markets, wineries and more!   #hunterdon579trail Click to Watch Video
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Hunterdon 579 Trail site in the News:

  • "Hunterdon County 579 Trail Featured in River Towns - Top Ten!!!"Read More Here!



  • "Hunterdon’s 579 Trail leads to seasonal treasures and heirloom gifts" - Read More Here!
Members of the Hunterdon 579 Trail make the News:
  • "How Ironbound Farm is Working to Restore and Revive Underserved Populations" - Read More Here!


  • "Ironbound Hard Cider is in the top 24 cideries nationwide"Read More Here!
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Please visit www.Hunterdon579Trail.com and sign up for the Newsletter and don't forget to follow us on social media too!
County Launches New Economic Initiative Showcasing Hunterdon Main Streets!!!
Hunterdon County has launched a new initiative designed to highlight the appeal of visiting the county’s many vibrant main street business districts. At the center of the campaign is the new HunterdonMainStreets.com website, which shines a light on seven Hunterdon communities and all that they have to offer residents. The site is similar in theme to the recently launched Hunterdon 579 Trail website, which focused on local agricultural and agritourism assets.

“The goal of these campaigns is to remind residents of just how much Hunterdon has to offer, to essentially rediscover all the good that’s in their own backyard,” commented Freeholder Director Shaun Van Doren... Click Here To Learn More
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Hunterdon Main Streets continue to make the News:

  • "Hunterdon’s historic Main streets, adorned for the holidays, welcome visitors for seasonal shopping" - Read More Here!

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Please visit www.HunterdonMainStreets.com and sign up for the Newsletter and don't forget to follow us on social media too!
New Hunterdon Businesses Open & Expand
ShopRite expands online shopping with new facility in Hunterdon

ShopRite of Hunterdon County has opened its first automated micro-fulfillment center.

Located next to the ShopRite of Flemington on Route 202-31, the facility will increase capacity for ShopRite from Home orders and enhance the online shopping experience for customers. 

“Interest in online shopping and our ShopRite from Home service has grown extraordinarily over the past several months,” said Joe Colalillo, chairman & CEO of Wakefern Food Corp. and president of his family-owned company, ShopRite of Hunterdon County....

New businesses open in Hunterdon despite pandemic

New businesses are opening up in Hunterdon despite the pandemic. While some places are closing their doors, lock downs and restrictions are not discouraging new business openings. This indicates there is still a good deal of optimism in the local business sector...
Economic Development Office Spotlight
JobsHunterdon Now Makes the Local Job Search Easier

Visit JobsHunterdon.com to view comprehensive listings of local opportunities. Search local jobs by various categories and keep up-to-date on Dept. of Labor and state leads.

Hunterdon County Economic Development and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce create a Joint COVID-19 Business Resource Page

This joint effort has created a one-stop shop for all information needed by the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic. New regulations, executive orders, general news, and funding opportunities are updated daily.

Hunterdon County Formalizes Lease for Chamber of Commerce's Flemington Main Street Space

Hunterdon County’s Division of Economic Development, led by executive director Marc Saluk, remains committed to its presence in Flemington Borough and continuing to share a campus with the Hunterdon County of Commerce.

The county and the Chamber Foundation have engaged in numerous programs over the years.
Partnership News
NJBAC Announced new Website with new features.

The NJ Business Action Center has announced the launch of business.nj.gov, which is a one-stop shop for the information the companies in your community need in order to do business in New Jersey.

New Website Highlights Hunterdon’s Unique Bicycling Opportunities
From winding country roads, quaint towns, villages, and historic sites, to beautiful scenic vistas and gorgeous natural resources, Hunterdon County offers amazing riding for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. 

goHunterdon, the local non-profit dedicated to sustainable transportation, mobility, and safety, has launched a new website, www.bikehunterdon.org, to highlight Hunterdon County’s bicycling assets. Read More Here
Links