By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY Understanding loans, deciphering bank jargon and ways to attain ultimate success these are some of the secrets local business owners will have the opportunity to unlock at the Economic Development Commission’s (EDC) annual networking forum.
The EDC switched it up this year by featuring not one, but three guest speakers, who will offer knowledge and advice on ways for businesses to thrive. From commercial lending to maximizing the use of available resources, the free forum aims to help Montgomery’s small businesses make the biggest impact possible.
The forum will be on Feb. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Princeton Elk’s Lodge, located at 354 Route 518 in Blawenburg.
”It’s going to be great for businesses to come in and hear about these types of opportunities that are around,” said Dan O’Kavage, the EDC chairman. “I hope businesses come up to see what we’re putting on there.”
The keynote speaker is Michael Winter, the chief administrative officer at Choose New Jersey, which is a nonprofit organization that seeks ways to attract and retain businesses in New Jersey. By hearing about businesses on a state level, Mr. O’Kavage hopes town stores and services might be able to benefit by localizing some of those trends to their advantage. Mr. Winter will also talk about how nearby business development centers can help with financing as well as what Choose New Jersey can do to help small businesses in their endeavors.
Nathalia Geraldo, the director of the nonprofit Financial Programs at the Regional Business Assistance Corp. (RBAC), will be there to decode banking lingo shop owners face when trying to get small business loans. She will also talk about ways as businesses can acquire loans through RBAC itself.
”RBAC provides loans to small businesses anywhere from $1,000 to $5 million,” said Mr. O’Kavage. “This (information) is great for a business that might need these types of things, but don’t know where to go.”
The last speaker will be a representative from the commercial lending department in the Bank of Princeton, which has a branch in Montgomery. The representative will provide information on how business owners can get loans from a local bank’s perspective.
Mayor Ed Trzaska will be there to kick off the forum and said he was looking forward to the event.
”This annual networking event is always important since it brings the business leaders of Montgomery together to discuss best practices and current needs,” said Mayor Trzaska. “The EDC is providing us with a valuable forum.”
Business owners will not only be learning about local resources, but also about each other. In the beginning of the event, folks will be able to drop their business cards in a bowl. In between speakers, cards will be drawn and that individual will have the chance to spotlight and promote his or her business.
Folks will also be able to chat with each other, while enjoying free refreshments and a cash bar. Mr. O’Kavage said he is catering for 50 people, but hoped more rather than fewer people would attend.
”I’m going to be out pounding the pavement along with other members of the EDC to invite businesses and get as many business owners to come as we can,” said Mr. O’Kavage.
The nonprofit Montgomery Business Association (MBA) is also helping out by sending email invitations and taking reservations. People can RSVP by going to http://goo.gl/MKQoj. For more information, contact the EDC at [email protected].

