News Release
For Release: Immediate
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-469-3774

Orange UEZ Launches Pilot Program to Assist Local Merchants

On July 22nd, the City of Orange Urban Enterprise Zone launched its pilot Retail Support Program, designed to attract more shoppers to Main Street and assist retailers to grow their sales during these tough economic times.  This program reflects the commitment of Mayor Eldridge Hawkins and the City Council to improve conditions for businesses, attract new shoppers, and grow the local economy.  It is based on a strategic plan developed for the Urban Enterprise Zone by JGSC Group, a consulting firm from Merchantville, NJ.  The City will conduct the program at no cost to participating merchants.

Orange Planning and Development staff including Christopher Mobley, Deputy Director, Jauhara Pressey and Asisat Adewunmi are visiting merchants to inform them about the Retail Support Program and to encourage them to participate.

The program is designed to increase sales and shopping visits during the holiday season, from mid-November to the first or second week of January, and will encourage shoppers to visit by offering sweepstakes prizes and providing local consumers with information about the benefits of shopping in Orange.  Orange will be working with merchants to enhance the retail shopping environment and expand retail offerings for the holiday season, as well.

City employees will be visiting retailers over the coming weeks to inform them about the program and encourage them to participate.  In addition, they will be conducting an assessment of readiness to help merchants improve their interior merchandise displays, window treatments, storefront façades, and signage.  The program is open to UEZ members only.  Businesses interested enrolling in the UEZ program can do so by contacting Chris Mobley, Orange UEZ Coordinator, at (973) 266-4061.  There is no cost to join.

This will be the first of two planned programs, both of which have already been budgeted.  Initially, the program emphasizes Main Street, however it will expand to include both the Scotland Road and Central Avenue retail corridors.  The goal is to bring shoppers back to downtown Orange while helping existing retailers grow their sales and attract new customers.  It represents a coordinated effort between the City, the UEZ, and Main Street Orange. 

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“Along with reducing crime, protecting taxpayers by attracting development, strengthening local businesses, and revitalizing our business districts are my highest priorities. As we look ahead to the 2009 holiday season, we are launching the comprehensive economic development plan announced in May, a plan that maps a prosperous future for Orange businesses.”

Statement by Valerie Jackson, Director of Planning and Development

“I’m very excited that we’re now beginning to rebuild Orange’s economy. Our strategy includes innovative ways to make our business areas safer and to make buildings more attractive to retailers. The plan also includes measures to retain businesses, recruit new businesses, and make zoning more business-friendly. By implementing this strategy, we will attract more shoppers and visitors to Orange.”