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Rep. Payne, Jr. Launches “Jersey Jobs” Tour

May 28, 2015

Jersey City, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) today launched his 10th District “Jersey Jobs” tour in Jersey City with stops at Jackson Hill Main Street Management Corporation, Rising Tide Capital, and the Business Development Incubator (BDI) at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Payne, Jr. discussed ways to spur job creation, increase access to capital for small businesses, and foster local economic growth.

During a tour of the Business Development Incubator, Payne, Jr. spoke about the importance of ensuring small businesses have the resources and assistance they need to create jobs and drive economic growth.

“Local businesses are strong drivers of economic growth and job creation,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “When we invest in New Jersey businesses, we unlock innovation, enable the creation of well-paying jobs, and better position our workers to compete in the global economy. The Business Development Incubator, Jackson Hill Main Street Management Corporation, and Rising Tide Capital are providing businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed, and helping ensure jobs stay right here in New Jersey.”

The Business Development Incubator provides support services to help start-up businesses launch as successful companies that will create jobs and improve the local economy. At the visit, Payne, Jr. was joined by Daniel P. Elwell, Vice President for University Advancement at NJCU; Dr. Bernard McSherry, Interim Dean, NJCU School of Business; Joseph Tetteh, Director of the Business Development Incubator; and Barbara O’Neal, Regional Director of NJCU’s Small Business Development Center.

“I appreciate Congressman Payne, Jr.’s visit to the Incubator to highlight the support of small businesses in Jersey City and Hudson County as a whole,” said BDI Director Joseph Tetteh.

Following his visit to the Business Development Incubator, Payne, Jr. toured Jackson Hill Main Street Management Corporation, an organization dedicated to identifying ways to revitalize the local business district. The tour was hosted by Jackson Hill Main Street Management Corporation Executive Director Michelle Massey.

Payne, Jr. also visited Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit organization that provides entrepreneurial development services with the aim of revitalizing the local economy. Payne, Jr. met with entrepreneurs who completed Rising Tide Capital’s financial and business management programs. The Congressman was joined by Rising Tide Capital co-founders Alfa Demmellash and Alex Forrester, as well as Jersey City Deputy Mayor Marcos Vigil.

Payne, Jr.’s ongoing “Jersey Jobs” tour will feature conversations with organizations and businesses across New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District about ways the federal government can support job growth and job training for the 21st Century.

Congressman Payne, Jr. meets with the Business Development Incubator at New Jersey City University about efforts to help local businesses grow.

At Jackson Hill Main Street Management Corporation in Jersey City, Congressman Payne, Jr. talks with small business owners about ways for the community to attract new small businesses.

Congressman Payne, Jr. discussed Rising Tide Capital’s work to provide entrepreneurial development services. He was joined by Rising Tide Capital co-founders Alfa Demmellash and Alex Forrester, as well as Jersey City Deputy Mayor Marcos Vigil.