South River seeks feedback from businesses

By MICHAEL NUNES
Staff Writer

SOUTH RIVER – The Economic Development Commission is seeking to improve relations between business owners and the borough.

To better understand the problems facing area business owners, the commission has sent out surveys to area businesses to solicit valuable feedback.

“We’re looking to get an idea of how business feel about being in South River. We are really looking to get some feedback, whether it be positive or negative, to give us an idea of what we need to do to improve the business climate here,” said Councilman Michael Trenga.

According to Trenga, the commission sent out around 200 surveys to all businesses in the town and expects the majority of the responses to be received by September.

Thee responses will be compiled into a report and the commission will make recommendations to the council based on the feedback received.

“You can’t evaluate something unless you measure it. Our goal is to find out what businesses want and what they need. We want to be as business friendly as possible,” said John Costello, secretary of the Economic Development Commission.

The committee also wants to know if local businesses have seen a change in revenues compared to the previous year and whether the costs of doing business increased or decreased in the same time period.

On the survey, business owners are asked to select from a list of issues they feel most impact their business. These issues include: utility costs; business climate; infrastructure; lack of foot traffic; restrictive regulations; and downtown ambiance.

Business owners are also encouraged to fill in what they believe is the biggest challenge impacting their business.

Finally, the commission asks business owners if they have a web presence and if they would advise others to start a business in South River.

The commission began sending out the surveys by mail last month. Officials say they have already received some responses. There is also an online version available on the borough website, www.southrivernj.org.