CNBNews

The City of Camden has been steadfast on the path of economic growth and development for several years, and it’s not slowing down any time soon. City of Camden: A Growing Economic Force was a standing-room only event featuring presentations and exclusive networking opportunities with the leaders pushing Camden forward.

George Norcross, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Cooper Health System, Cooper University Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center gave the first presentation of the day, highlighting Cooper’s massive impact on the region as the county’s largest employer and one of the nation’s most renowned medical schools.

“South Jersey, instead of being a gambling & gaming mecca in Atlantic City, has largely become an eds and meds mecca for our entire state and region,” said Norcross. “The amount of money that’s been spent between Rutgers and Rowan, and Cooper and MD Anderson, and others in this endeavor to become an eds and meds mecca, that’s what’s rebuilt and created the renaissance in Camden.”

Norcross also discussed strides in public safety and the success of charter schools, while stressing the need for more housing and upgrades to roads and infrastructure.

Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen reviewed major economic development projects, including Cooper’s expansion, the Walter Rand Transportation Center, the Beacon Building and Camden Community Partnership’s Camden Housing Improvement Program.

Camden County Commissioner Director Lou Cappelli detailed residential development, improved education and efforts to map out public land to highlight building opportunities. He also said leaders have invested over $100 million in parks and $366 million in new & improved housing.

New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough outlined the company’s commitment to Camden with over $600,000 and 400 volunteer hours to support Camden’s community in 2024. He also detailed American Water’s Lead Service Line Replacement efforts in the region.

Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) CEO John Hanson shared details on the DRPA and PATCO 5-year, $800 million capital plan. He also highlighted the re-opening of Franklin Square Station, the Ben Franklin Bridge Cable Dehumidification, the Betsy Ross Bridge Painting and Steel Repairs, the Commodore Barry Bridge Painting and Steel Repairs and the Glassboro Camden Line.

NJ TRANSIT Interim Chief of Special Projects Kiran Patel outlined about $8 billion in statewide upcoming capital initiatives, which include the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden and the Glassboro Camden Line.

“There is so much happening here in the City of Camden. Major investment from corporate and community partners is transforming the city, stimulating its economy, creating jobs, and improving the lives of local residents and businesses. It’s a glowing example of the transformation possible when we invest in capital construction efforts like the ones discussed here today,” said New Jersey Alliance for Action President Jerry Keenan.

This event was held at at Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden.

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Since 1974, The New Jersey Alliance for Action has worked as a non-partisan and non-profit association representing thousands of business, labor, government, utility, education, professional, and other New Jersey leaders. Our mission is to improve New Jersey’s economy through the promotion of environmentally friendly capital construction and infrastructure investment.