TRENTON, N.J. (October 5, 2010) – At a grand opening celebration held today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno joined with United Silicon Carbide, Inc. (USCI) and other state and local officials to celebrate the company’s expanded New Jersey presence. USCI, one of the first developers of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices, recently moved to the new location in Monmouth Junction, roughly doubling the size of its manufacturing operations.

 

USCI is a rapidly growing developer and manufacturer of innovative SiC based power transistors and devices. The company is attracting interest from power supply and clean energy manufacturers due to the higher efficiency and performance obtained from these products.  The company, a Rutgers University spin-out, has grown from a staff of five to ten over the last year and its new, 6,000-square-foot facility will allow USCI to continue its rapid expansion.   

 

“The growth of New Jersey’s clean energy and manufacturing sectors is critical to the state’s economy and USCI’s innovative technology and talented staff will only help to drive the company’s continued growth,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “As the Christie Administration continues its work making New Jersey a home for growth, USCI is exactly the kind of business success that the Governor envisions for the state.”

 

USCI was recently awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of circuits and subsystems that will enable more sophisticated natural gas and oil exploration. Other awards in 2010 include Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) and Phase II SBIR awards from the Missile Defense Agency to develop more efficient and radiation hardened power supplies for radar and space applications.  As part of these programs, USCI is developing a unique SiC super-junction lateral JFET (SL-JFET) for resonant high-frequency power converters.  In addition, USCI has been selected by the US Army to develop gate driver solutions for a variety of SiC power transistors.

 

“As we continue to achieve success in the clean energy market, we are proud to have developed and grown our operations right here in New Jersey,” said USCI President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Dries. “Our new facility provides us with the space we need to manufacture SiC devices much more efficiently, increase our throughput in production, and create more jobs in the state.”

 

Today’s announcement adds USCI to a growing list of companies that have chosen to remain and grow in New Jersey, including Coca Cola Enterprises in South Brunswick, Pinnacle Foods Group in Cherry Hill and Honeywell in Morris Township. Reflecting the Christie Administration’s commitment to attracting and supporting business and job creation in the State, New Jersey’s recently formed Business Action Center, a component of the New Jersey Partnership for Action, provides a one-stop shop for business, combining all economic development activities under one roof, including business retention and attraction services. The Center has launched a business call center, where customer service representatives are available to answer inquiries and businesses will get a return phone call from an account manager within 24 hours.  New Jersey businesses are encouraged to contact the Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789.

 

 

TINTON FALLS, N.J. (September 28, 2010) – The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA), created by a new law signed by Governor Chris Christie in August of this year, met today for its first organizational meeting.  The full Board Meeting agenda is available here and through FMERA’s website at www.nj.gov/fmera.

 

“Fort Monmouth has been a vital economic engine for nearly a century, and we look forward to working in collaboration with all partners – local, county and state — to promote job creation, with a commitment to recreation, open space and the highest quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses in the impacted areas,” said Al Koeppe, who serves as an ex-officio member of FMERA as the Chair of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), and will serve as the interim Chair of FMERA.

 

FMERA was created to provide investment, continuity and economic growth to the community’s impacted by the federal government’s decision to close Fort Monmouth. FMERA replaces the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority (FMERPA) and will advance that entity’s Reuse and Redevelopment Plan for economic development, growth and planning, with a focus on technology-based industries, for the 1,126 acres of real estate at Fort Monmouth following its closure in September 2011. EDA will staff FMERA and serve as the redeveloper of the property. 

 

The FMERA Board today took action to adopt a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FMERA and the EDA to outline the roles and responsibilities of the two entities regarding the Fort Monmouth Office and related support services, to adopt the FMERA fiscal plans, to adopt By-Laws, as well as other administrative and operational requirements.

 

FMERA’s Interim Executive Director Tim Lizura provided an assessment to the members of the Board, noting that “the legislation creating FMERA recognized the challenges that the host municipalities of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls have in facing the base closure and in meeting the demands that the closure will bring on the towns’ and the region’s infrastructure, residents and quality of life. It also recognized the transformational opportunity which the post’s redevelopment presents for the State of New Jersey.”   

 

FMERA is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Agricultural Building, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold.

 

For more information on FMERA, including a full agenda of the items approved by the Board, visit www.njeda.gov or www.nj.gov/fmera.

 

 

 

 

 

Leading Producer, Marketer and Distributor of Branded Food Products to Create 90 New Jobs

from l-r: Debra DiLorenzo, Executive Director, Southern NJ Chamber of Commerce;
Caren Franzini, CEO, NJ Economic Development Authority; Rob Andrews, U.S.
Representative, 1st Congressional District; Bernie Platt, Mayor of Cherry Hill
Township; Bob Gamgort, CEO, Pinnacle Foods Group LLC; Kim Guadagno,
Lieutenant Governor, State of New Jersey; John Adler, U.S. Representative,
3rd Congressional District; Jim Beach, State Senator, NJ 6th Legislative District;
Lou Greenwald, State Assemblyman, NJ 6th Legislative District; Kathy Davis,
Deputy Executive Director, Southern NJ Chamber of Commerce

Cherry Hill, N.J. (September 21, 2010) – At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno joined with Pinnacle Foods Group and other state and local officials to celebrate the company’s decision to remain and grow in the Garden State.  The company’s new, 57,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, located at the Woodcrest Corporate Center in Cherry Hill, represents the private investment of more than $6 million and will result in the creation of 90 new jobs in the state and the retention of over 130 existing jobs. 

“Pinnacle Foods decision to remain and grow in New Jersey is great news for the State, especially since they could have gone anywhere in the country,” Lt. Gov. Guadagno said.  “Every day as we continue to make New Jersey a home for growth, we’re seeing a growing list of companies committed to staying and growing in the Garden State because of the Christie Administration’s efforts.  We know that companies like Honeywell, Coca Cola Enterprises, and now Pinnacle Foods are choosing New Jersey because of our improving business climate, accessibility to the markets they serve, and our highly skilled workforce.  I look forward to celebrating even more success stories that will bring private investment and job growth to communities throughout the State.”

Pinnacle Foods Group is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products, many of which have been trusted household names for decades. The company was originally formed in 2001 to acquire the North American business of Vlasic Foods International, which had been a corporate resident in Cherry Hill since 1998. Pinnacle is currently owned by private equity funds controlled by The Blackstone Group. 

“This expansion represents a significant milestone for Pinnacle Foods Group and we are pleased to be able to celebrate our commitment to growing and prospering in New Jersey,” said Pinnacle Foods Chief Executive Officer Bob Gamgort.  “With the support of the State, New Jersey’s highly-skilled workforce and our excellent location in Cherry Hill, we are in a great position to better serve our customers and consumers and we look forward to continued success.”

Pinnacle’s diversified brand portfolio holds the number one and number two position in ten of the twelve categories in which it competes.  With the 2009 acquisition of Birds Eye Foods Inc., the company’s brands now include Birds Eye® frozen vegetables, Hungry-Man® single-serve frozen dinners and entrees, Birds Eye Voila!® multi-serve frozen dinners and entrees, Van de Kamp’s® and Mrs. Paul’s® frozen seafood, Aunt Jemima® frozen breakfast, Lender’s® bagels, Celeste® frozen pizza, Duncan Hines® baking mixes and frostings, Vlasic® shelf-stable pickles, peppers and relish, Open Pit® barbeque sauces, Comstock® and Wilderness® pie fillings, Mrs. Butterworth’s® and Log Cabin® syrups, Bernstein’s® salad dressing, Armour®, Nalley® and Brooks® canned meat, and Tim’s Cascade® and Snyder of Berlin® snack products.  The company’s brands can be found in more than 85 percent of American homes.

Pinnacle was approved for a Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP) grant worth an estimated $920,000 over ten years from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support its expansion in New Jersey. The company also was approved for a $182,600 Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Grant (BRRAG) from the EDA to support the retention of over 133 jobs in the State.  This assistance was considered a major factor in Pinnacle’s decision to remain and grow in New Jersey.

The BEIP program is available to businesses expanding or relocating their workforce in the Garden State. Grants may be awarded for up to 10 years and can range between 10 percent and 80 percent of the total amount of state income taxes withheld by the company during the calendar year from the salaries of the new employees hired.  The BRRAG program helps companies preserve jobs, expand operations and reinvest in New Jersey. Under the program, businesses relocating operations within New Jersey and retaining jobs may be eligible for grants of up to $1,500 per job retained, payable as a tax credit against a company’s corporate tax liability. 

For more information on BEIP and BRRAG, visit www.njeda.gov.  To learn more about opportunities for business growth throughout New Jersey, visit the state’s business portal at www.NewJerseyBusiness.gov. 

To learn more about Pinnacle Foods Group, visit www.pinnaclefoods.com. 

 

ARRA-Funded Program Supports CHP Facility Installation and Upgrade Projects
 
Trenton, N.J. (September 13, 2010) – Financing is now available from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) through the Clean Energy Solutions ARRA Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Program. This $18-million competitive grant program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and was jointly developed by the EDA and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

 

Launched today, the program offers competitive project-based grants to support the development, design and construction of commercial, institutional and industrial entity (including public and not-for-profit entities) CHP projects in New Jersey.  Awardees will benefit from grants equal to $450 per kW (not to exceed $5 million) of installed electric generation. Applications for the program must be submitted prior to the closing of the Solicitation on October 4, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

 

“Governor Chris Christie’s energy policy emphasizes in-state production of renewable and traditional energy sources to create a stronger economy and jobs by making energy more affordable, more reliable, and more often produced by New Jersey workers,” said EDA Chief Executive Offer Caren S. Franzini. “CHP will be part of the solution and we are pleased to offer businesses and public and not-for-profit organizations an opportunity to save money and create jobs while also reducing the state’s energy demand.”  

 

Grants provided through the program must be used for CHP facility installation and upgrade projects in New Jersey. Funds cannot be used for program soft costs, such as research feasibility studies, architectural or engineering services; equipment purchases, research and development, or demonstration project activities for technologies that are not commercially viable; and building construction or purchases of land, buildings or any structures. Aggregate federal and state funding may not exceed 50-percent of the total project cost, and applicants must provide evidence of the source of funding to complete the project and the ability to finance through market sources, which may include taxable or tax-exempt bond financing. The EDA will execute disbursements based upon mutually agreed upon milestones which may include equipment orders, equipment delivery, system installation and/or commencement of operation.

 

“Through this competitive grant program, New Jersey is in a better position to advance CHP projects that will help to secure our state’s energy future, enhance our environment and create jobs,” said BPU President Lee Solomon. “CHP is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy and this program is another indication that New Jersey will continue to lead in the development of clean energy.” 

 

To be eligible for the program, projects should have the ability to create and/or retain jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase sources of renewable energy, and/or reduce energy consumption in the State of New Jersey.  Among other requirements, projects must enter commercial operation after January 1, 2011 and demonstrate the ability to commence construction by September 30, 2011. Project funds must be utilized by April 30, 2012.  Projects involving new CHP equipment must have an electric generating capacity greater than 1 MW, and projects involving upgrades of existing CHP equipment must have a net increase in generating capacity over 1 MW greater than the original capacity. Project facilities with up to 20 MW of electric generating capacity must be designed to achieve thermal efficiency levels of at least 65-percent; those with over 20 MW must achieve levels of at least 70-percent. 

 

For more information about the program, including the application, Solicitation and FAQs, visit www.njeda.gov/ARRACHP.  Applications will not be accepted after the Solicitation closes on October 4, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. For information on all of EDA’s products and services, contact (866) 534-7789 or email CustomerCare@njeda.com.

By Abby Greene
Trenton Times
August 24, 2010

PLAINSBORO — Officials at Eden Autism Services said yesterday they’d lined up the necessary $16 million in funds to create a school and headquarters complex at Forrestal Village in a project that will employ over 230 construction workers starting in late September. 

Carol Markowitz, chief operating officer of Eden, said that the current school, located just off Route 1 in West Windsor, no longer suits the growing needs of the organization. The new facility will occupy the building previously owned by The Harmony School. 

“We’ll be retrofitting that building and then adding on,” said Aileen Kornblatt, a spokeswoman for Eden.  

The Harmony School, a day care center, has moved to another location within Forrestal Village.

“We were looking for expansion capability,” Markowitz said. “But even more importantly, our new building is going to have lots of facilities our current building doesn’t have. It really will expand our ability to provide services in some new areas.” 

A culinary arts program, convenience store, and two-story gymnasium will be among the new facilities offered to students of Eden with the construction of the new administrative and school complex on 3.5 acres of land in the Forrestal Village. 

Eden is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families.  

This project will be funded by $12 million in tax-exempt private activity bonds issued by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and purchased by PNC Capital Markets, as well as by $4 million raised by Eden’s “Nurturing Today, Embracing Tomorrow” capital campaign. 

Markowitz called retrofitting plans “pretty significant” and went on to explain that the second floor of the Forrestal Village building will be used exclusively for administrative offices. 

The ground floor will, for the most part, be reserved for students, and will include classrooms, the cafeteria and commercial kitchen in which the culinary arts training will occur, an office training room, and a convenience store.

 She said that such facilities will allow for further training in career skills and in skills that allow students to adopt independent lifestyles. 

The convenience store and office training room will be used for job preparation, and the culinary arts program will teach students food-handling skills that will allow them to prepare meals for themselves and others. 

Additions to the existing building will also be significant. 

“We’re adding the gymnasium wing and back from there will be a classroom wing, which will be two stories,” said Markowitz.

The construction costs, as estimated by Eden in its application for bond financing from the EDA, will total $6.73 million, with an additional $1.75 million set aside for land acquisition and the remainder of the $12 million used for equipment purchases and other incidental costs.

 “Bond financing provides companies and organizations with long-term loans that generally have a lower cost of financing,” said Erin Gold, public affairs officer for the EDA. 

She added that the EDA often works with nonprofits through this federally authorized program, and that such bonds provide capital to organizations that might not otherwise have access to it.

According to Gold, Eden’s application was particularly compelling for two reasons. 

“In Eden’s case, it helped them to expand, which is wonderful news for New Jersey,” Gold said.

“We are also very focused on anything that can create jobs,” noting expectations for more than 230 construction jobs. 

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building is scheduled for Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. Markowitz estimates that construction will take 18 months, after which the 80 students currently enrolled at the Eden Institute will move to the new facility, and the existing facility will be closed. 

“Initially we’ll have the same number of students, but eventually we will be able to add some new classes,” said Markowitz. “That’s a long-term goal.”