Hillsborough Township, New Jersey

HI LLSBOROUGH TOWNSHI P , NEW JERSEY Director, is very effective at spearheading joint initiatives. About three times a year, they run major social network events for businesses in town. According to the Mayor, “We have guest speakers – sometimes we’ll bring in state legislators; people that impact the business community – to help them grow their business, understand what their fellow businesses in town are doing to promote themselves, and ways they can collaborate. It’s been a very successful program. We continue to grow the business community, and I think the feedback we receive from these sessions has been quite positive. The formation of a full-time Business Advocate came out of the Red Tape Commission, to find ways we could improve relations with the business community and help them navigate municipal and state requirements as they were looking to open their business. David has been instrumental in helping us get there.” “We’re fortunate,” says Tomson. “Not all towns have a Business Advocate. It was about 10 years ago that we identified the need for that. So, when a business wants to know what to do next, they have one point of contact. They’re not scurrying back and forth between zoning and planning and everywhere else to be able to open in town. When they have an issue, or are looking for land that’s available for their business, they can call David. Having one advocate for businesses goes a long way to show them we want them here and we can help.” Four times in the last decade, Hillsborough has been named to Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live in America based on the size of the municipality. Judging factors include business climate, tax base, school systems, park systems, infrastructure, and community programs for seniors and young people. “It’s quite an accomplishment and we’re all quite proud of that designation,” says the Mayor. “The recognition we receive from not just Money Magazine, but state and regional entities, all of those speak to the heart of what Hillsborough is really all about. It’s a tremendous place to raise a family. From