FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2003
CONTACT: Tom McLaughlin
(908) 737-NEWS
E-mail: news@kean.edu
Small Business Development Center at Kean University Hosts Open-House Celebration
UNION, N.J. – The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kean University recently hosted an open-house celebration at the newly established SBDC Satellite Office at the Incubator One-Stop Service, 320 Park Ave., Plainfield, N.J. The open house, which was co-sponsored by the N.J. Small Business Development Centers, U.S. Small Business Administration, N.J. Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, N.J. Urban Enterprise Zone Authority and the City of Plainfield, was attended by more than 75 people, including local legislators, business owners and start-ups, federal, state and local government officials, community service organizations, and representatives from Kean University.
The celebration was held to bring exposure to the new facility, which
functions as a unique one-stop service, providing a host of resources
for the entrepreneur, according to Mira Kostak, SBDC director. "Besides
obtaining core SBDC counseling and training, the small-business owner
has access to the additional resources and assistance of all Incubator
partners, which is comprised of local lenders, Service Core of Retired
Executives (SCORE), and the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well
as local government representatives and others who serve the small-business
community," Kostak said.
Among the guests, Plainfield Mayor Albert W. McWilliams expressed his
support for the SBDC’s economic development efforts. "I am pleased
that Plainfield now has another excellent tool for continued business
development in the community," McWilliams said. "We certainly
want to thank Kean University for opening this satellite office and look
forward to its valuable contribution to Plainfield."
Incubator Partner Jay Castillo, vice president for United Trust Bank in Plainfield, said they were pleased to participate as one of the resources that will be offered at the new center. "As United Trust Bank celebrates 100 years of service to the Plainfield community, it is appropriate to partner in a project that will assist continued economic development of the Plainfield area."
Regarding the open house itself, Union County Freeholder Lewis Mingo
said, "I was impressed with the response. Everyone showed their desire
to help small business become part of the mainstream in Plainfield. This
is a very encouraging day."
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