Township’s economic development commission
launches new site to list local businesses
By:Roger Alvarado
Searching for local businesses may become easier, as the township launches a new Web site aimed at supporting local economic development.
The township’s Economic and Business Development Commission (EBDC) is in the midst of launching the new Web site, which can be found by going on www.HillsboroughBusiness.org
The site is still under development and will not be fully operational until early May, but can be accessed and viewed as it develops.
When fully completed, Hillsborough business owners can register their businesses with the EBDC online and take advantage of a searchable business directory.
"This will operate essentially like other business search Web sites except that only Hillsborough businesses will be listed," Township Committeeman Anthony Ferrera, the committee’s liaison to the EBDC said. "This is particularly important to small businesses that would otherwise have little or no Web presence. Businesses will be allowed to select and be linked to over 60 business search categories and have a business profile to help promote their business with potential customers.
"The Web site will also provide an automatic link to www.mapquest.com so that users can easily get directions to the business location."
According to Mr. Ferrera, a "key focus" of the site will be a "Hillsborough business news feature."
It will allow local business owners to submit short news articles about their businesses such as grand openings, key personnel or organizational changes and other general business news, Mr. Ferrera said.
In addition, the site will also have a "featured business" section where the EBCD will highlight businesses that provide services and support to the township and are deserving of special recognition, Mr. Ferrera said.
That feature will be rotated on a monthly basis so that as many companies as possible can have a chance to be featured on the Web site, Mr. Ferrera said.
After the site’s initial launch, businesses will be able to request that a story be posted. The EBDC will then randomly select businesses to be featured on the Web site, Mr. Ferrera said.
"The Web site offers tremendous potential for promoting the township and Hillsborough businesses using the latest technology," Mr. Ferrera said. "It should become a key source for businesses and citizens to locate and support local businesses."
Once fully operational, the site will provide a communications tool for the EBDC by posting membership information, including direct e-mail linkage, EBDC meeting minutes, and other communications for Hillsborough businesses and citizens. Funding for the site will be provided by the township through the EBDC’s budget.
"The Web site will also provide a Web presence and means to promote the township as a place to locate and grow new businesses," Mr. Ferrera said.
For more information about the EBDC Web site, contact [email protected].

