Hundreds expected
for event hosted by
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt
N.J. as Silicon Valley
Hundreds expected
for event hosted by
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt
EAST BRUNSWICK — Numerous area business and government leaders will converge next week in an effort to define a plan for a better economic future in Central New Jersey.
The first-time event, called "Einstein’s Alley: The Economic Summit," will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the East Brunswick Hilton, Route 18.
More than 200 parties including business, education and government officials from throughout the region are expected to attend the event, which is open to the public and free of charge. The summit has been organized by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12), who is also its host.
"This is something the congressman has been working on for several months," said Jim Kapsis, spokesman for Holt’s office. "The idea is to bring together Central New Jersey’s business, education, labor, civic and elected leaders for a summit and to come together on a vision for the future economic development of Central New Jersey, specifically focused on research and development."
The region has plenty of promising opportunities and assets, according to Holt. Its location between New York and Philadelphia is one example. The fact that New Jersey has the highest concentration of scientists and engineers in the country is another.
Given the opportunities and the economic challenges of the present day, Holt said it is time to take an immediate assessment of how to use existing resources in new ways.
"Obviously, there is a lot of potential for becoming the leading engine of research and development in the country," Kapsis said.
In holding the summit, Holt hopes to identify options and define action steps for the future.
"The question to be posed is, ‘Can we make Central New Jersey the Silicon Valley of research and development?’" Kapsis said.
Registration for the event is at 7:30 a.m. and will be followed by remarks and presentations from Jonathan Ortmans of the Public Forum Institute, Holt and Erik Pages, president of EntreWorks.
Workshops will then be held on the following subjects: Strengthening the region’s research and development advantage; assisting small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship; preparing the workforce of the future, and promoting livable communities and sustainable development.
Among the educational leaders involved with the event are Paul Gaffney, president of Monmouth University, West Long Branch; John Bakum, president of Middlesex County College, Edison, and representatives of Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
Among the many other organizations to be represented are PSE&G, Pfizer Inc., Isles Inc., the New Jersey Department of Labor, the AFL-CIO, the New Jersey Small Business Development Center and the New Jersey Land Use Municipal Resource Center.
For more information, visit the Web site at www.holt.house.gov.