Local Republican Township Committee candidates say they pride themselves ourselves on working with the business community.
In a statement, candidates Doug Tomson and Gloria McCauley said, "We know there is still work to be done, but our visionary approach has put Hillsborough at the forefront of economic planning and business development in our region."
The newest innovation, they say, is the "Shop Hillsborough" program, which encourages Hillsborough residents to shop locally.
When people use the "Shop Hillsborough" card (which is being mailed to each household next week) when making purchases at participating local businesses, you will receive discounts. Instead of receiving the savings immediately at the time of purchase, people will accumulate them in an account that reduces the property tax bill.
To further boost local business sales, the card will also be made available to residents who are renters, and to individuals who work in Hillsborough without residing here. Those folks will receive a rebate check for shopping locally with the card.
The plan was vetted through the Economic and Business Development Commission last year, and adopted by the Township Committee this year. The response from the business community has been great, with 60 businesses signed up.
The program costs Hillsborough taxpayers zero, said the Republicans. It is funded by participating businesses, in anticipation of increased business.
The commitment to the business community doesn’t stop there, the GOP duo says. They cited:
Hiring a business advocate to help business owners establish themselves in town and navigate through the planning and construction processes.
Instituted an Economic Action Plan, still in place, to help existing businesses thrive, as well as attract new businesses. Republicans claim the EAP has helped to promote the establishment of hundreds of new business in Hillsborough, resulting in millions of dollars of ratables. The EAP has also been praised at the state level; Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno touted it as the "right way" for municipalities to be handling the recession.
Establishing a municipal Regulatory Oversight Working Group that implemented nearly 40 regulatory and process changes, cut bureaucratic red tape, reduce fees and streamline processes for businesses.
Conducted a business forum to allow the business community to speak directly with our department heads and leadership.

