By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY There’s a new man in charge of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and he’s on a mission: make sure Montgomery flourishes with the right kind of businesses.
Dan O’Kavage became the new chair of the seven-member commission on Jan. 22. Having served just a year on the commission, he already has a few ideas to better the economic climate in the township.
From working in tandem with the Montgomery Business Association (MBA) to listening to local business owners, Mr. O’Kavage ultimately hopes to help improve the economic environment for current and incoming local shops and services.
”You can expect to have dedication and commitment from me in my involvement to try and help businesses both here and coming to have a better experience,” he said.
He is a senior loan officer for Mortgage Master and has more than 22 years of experience in mortgage banking.
One of his priorities is to update the township’s online business directory to include and categorize all town businesses and services, their locations and contact information so users are better educated on what Montgomery has to offer.
Emphasizing the importance of education of the consumer, Mr. O’Kavage thought this was where collaborating with the MBA would be key. The EDC is responsible for updating town officials on what new developments and vacant properties are available. Then they recommend what environmentally clean and desirable businesses might work best in those locations.
As part of the local government, it is unable to advertise any particular business due to conflict of interest. However, the MBA, a nonprofit, can pick up where the EDC ends by promoting the local businesses and pointing consumers in the right direction toward which business would best address their needs.
For example, after the EDC updates the business directory, the MBA can then take it to the next level by using it educate and guide consumers and business owners. The MBA focuses on spreading the word about local shops and services, since 68 cents go back into the community for each dollar a resident spends in a local business. It’s only 46 cents when that dollar is spent at a corporation.
Mr. O’Kavage also aims to become the voice for business owners by having them speak at EDC meetings. He hopes by having them come in, Township Committee and MBA liaisons will relay that information back to their colleagues to spur the desired changes.
In addition to meetings, Mr. O’Kavage intends to spend four to six hours a week visiting different owners to chat about their experiences and challenges. Thus far, he’s learned business owners tend to have the biggest beef with the township sign ordinances something he also thinks to change.
”There are some really old-thought ordinances we need to look at and ask if it applies to 2013,” said Mr. O’Kavage. “If it does, we need to explain why or amend them to help businesses.”
Other things on his agenda include learning about loyalty programs that can be used in local businesses, working to get more medical services in town and prepping for a business forum at Tusk.
On Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. representatives from Bank of Princeton and Choose New Jersey will educate local business owners on loans, services and ways to thrive in this environment.
”We’re trying to help put things in front of businesses to help them succeed tell them how their business should be run,” said Mr. O’Kavage.
To optimize its time and productivity, the EDC will split into two subcommittees: Half of the members will focus on incoming information such as gathering feedback from business owners and bringing it to their other committees. The other half will be charged with putting out information including details on business forums and sending out newsletters.
For Mr. O’Kavage, there are two driving forces that are needed to make his endeavors successful: open lines of communication with the Township Committee and having a dedicated team.

