NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

Dear ABCD Members:

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our regular members for your continued support as well as new members for joining the group. As we embark on another year of membership, I wanted to reflect on some of the current and future issues facing our business community. As you may know, the downtown roadway improvement project is progressing on schedule and should be completed in August. The improvement to the streetscape on New Jersey Avenue will have a very positive impact on our downtown central business district.

In addition, the new Absecon Gardens Project Phase One is near completion. This will add much needed pedestrian traffic to our downtown. With the 26 larger townhouse condo units with garages replacing the original 37 smaller apartment condos, the opportunities for our business community can only improve.

Also, please don't forget to mark your calendar for September 17th. This will be the date for our Annual Absecon Downtown Fair. We will be back on New Jersey Avenue this year. Enclosed you will find a card with information for signing up your company's booth. We have many exciting plans for this years Fair and the turn out is expected to be high. This will provide you with a great opportunity to get the word out about your business.

Another event is scheduled this September 25th. The Absecon Historical Society is having its second annual “Historical Walk” through downtown Absecon. Three guided tours are scheduled through-out the day. Last year 100 people attended (60 showed up at one time) to participate. Those who can not walk the tour route can travel on a Jitney provided at no cost. Also, The Historical Society is planning to have Howlett Hall open to the public with exhibits more often. This will also generate much needed pedestrian traffic on our “Main Street” New Jersey Avenue.

On another note, nominations are now open for new board members. Please consider serving as a board member for the ABCD. We need volunteers to keep our organization going and we need your ideas on how we can help to promote and support our local businesses. Please submit a letter of interest which should include a brief personal and professional profile.

We would also like to hold our General Membership Meeting this fall. Please contact me at abseconplanner@comcast.net or call 609-569-9000 with your ideas on meeting topics and concerns facing Absecon Businesses.
Again, thank you for your support and we look forward to serving our Business Community.

Sincerely,

Rob Reid
President ABCD