Greater Trenton, a new independent nonprofit organization, will use private funding to promote economic development and revitalization projects
TRENTON -- Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson on Monday announced the creation of Greater Trenton, a new independent nonprofit organization that will use private funding and a network of relationships to promote economic development and revitalization projects in the capital city.
Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson gives his state of the capital address in 2014. "This partnership with leaders from private industry and our higher education community will help us activate economic development in Trenton through a collaboration that leverages new and existing resources to grow the city's tax base and economy," Jackson said.
Greater Trenton will be tasked with coordinating downtown economic development projects, providing one-stop support and information for investors interested in taking on new projects, reaching out to potential investors and tenants, supporting clean-and-safe efforts, engaging downtown stakeholders in a strategic economic development plan and developing marketing strategies.
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Bernie Flynn, president and CEO of NJM Insurance Group, and Caren Franzini, former CEO of the state Economic Development Authority, will lead Greater Trenton and co-chair a board whose members have made a five-year financial commitment to fund the initiative.
"Working in partnership with Mayor Jackson and his team, we think Greater Trenton can do for Trenton what similar public-private initiatives are doing in a number of other cities across the nation and in New Jersey, including New Brunswick and Camden," Flynn said.
The initial board of directors include representatives from NJM Insurance Group, Capital Health, Thomas Edison State College, Princeton University, Investors Bank, Bristol Myers Squibb and Wells Fargo.
Nelida Valentin, a city resident and former head of Leadership Trenton, is hopeful about the partnership's potential.
"I've been in Trenton a long time and this is the most excited I have been about a focused, collaborative effort that combines local knowledge and leadership with regional expertise and commitment," she said.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
