Atlantic County Economic Plan

Atlantic County
Economic Development
Strategy and Action Plan
September 24, 2015
8121 Bee Cave Road, Suite 100

Austin, TX 78746
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements...... 3
Executive Summary................... 6
Market Assessment........ 17
Target Industries......... 31
Strategies and Goals....... 51
Redevelopment Sites. 101
Public Policy................ 104
Conferences .. 106
Implementation............ 109
About AE....................... 112
Atlantic County | 2
Acknowledgements
No economic development strategic plan can be created and implemented without the input and
support of key community stakeholders. We owe great thanks to the business leaders, residents and
many public and private organizations throughout Atlantic County, who generously shared their time
to make this strategic planning process comprehensive, relevant and ultimately effective.
We thank in particular the visionary members of the project steering committee and Atlantic County
staff that devoted countless hours reviewing findings, listening to presentations and providing input
and navigation. In their wisdom and guidance lies bright hope for a greater quality of life and a
prosperous economic future for all residents and businesses in Atlantic County.
Our Thanks To:

Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board
Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic City Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association
Atlantic County Economic Development Advisory Committee
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Atlantic County Dept. Of Regional Planning and Development
Atlantic County Mayors Association
Atlantic County Public School Districts
Atlantic County Utilities Authority
AtlantiCare
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
Greater Atlantic City Chamber
Grow New Jersey
Hammonton Chamber of Commerce
Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism
Municipal Economic Development Committees
New Jersey Business Action Center
New Jersey Community Capital
New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Work Force Development
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Pascal Sykes Foundation
Rutgers University
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Extension Service
New Jersey Small Business Development Center
South Jersey Economic Development District
South Jersey Transportation Authority
Municipal, State and Federal Elected Officials
Stockton University
Workforce New Jersey Atlantic/Cape May
Atlantic County | 3
Acknowledgements
Atlantic County Executive

Dennis Levinson
Jerry DelRosso, County Administrator
Howard Kyle, Chief of Staff
Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders:

Frank D. Formica, Chairman
James A. Bertino, Vice Chairman
Colin G. Bell
John L. Carman
Ernest D. Coursey
Richard R. Dase
Alexander C. Marino
Will Pauls
John W. Risley
The Atlantic County Improvement Authority

Board of Commissioners:
Roy M. Foster, Chairman
Robert J. Tarby, Sr., Vice Chairman
Mayor John Armstrong
Edwin G. Blake, Secretary
Robert P. Gross
Mayor Don Guardian
Reverend Milton Hendricks
Joseph Ingemi
Neil McPeak, Treasurer
Atlantic County | 4
Acknowledgements
Atlantic County Action Now Steering Committee:

Leo Schoffer, Schoffer Enterprises Committee Chairman
John Armstrong, Mayor of Absecon
Rich Baehrle, Berkshire Hathaway/Fox & Roach Realty
Frank Blee, AtlantiCare
Mike Bray, SPED / Passion Vines
Billy Chang, Atlantic China Tourism Investment
Clinton M. Cochran, Kravco
Rick Dovey, Atlantic County Utilities Authority
Frank Frankowski, South Jersey Transportation Authority
Janet Garraty, Go Jane News
Charles Garrett, South Jersey Transportation Authority
Mark Giannantonio, Resorts Casino
Linda Gilmore, Atlantic County Government
David Goddard, Ole Hansen & Sons
Mitchell Gurwicz, Max Gurwicz Enterprises
Joseph Ingemi, IBM
Joe Kelly, Greater Atlantic City Chamber
Howard J. Kyle, Atlantic County Chief-of-Staff
Phyllis Lacca, Masterpiece Advertising
John C. Lamey, Jr., Atlantic County Improvement Authority
Lance B. Landgraf, Jr., Casino Reinvestment Development Association
Ken LeFevre, Pathfinder Resources, LLC
Matthew Levinson, Casino Control Commission
Carlo Losco, Balsley Losco Realty
Rhonda Lowery, Work Force Investment Board
Alex Marino, Stockton University
Steve Mazur, South Jersey Transportation Authority
Dr. Peter Mora, Atlantic Cape Community College
Paul Perillo, FEMA
Will Pauls, So. Jersey Building & Construction Trades Council
Richard Perniciaro, Atlantic Cape Community College
John Peterson, Atlantic County Planning Department
Dr. Israel Posner, Lloyd D. Levenson Institute (Retired)
Jon Powell, CEO, Kravco
Jim Rutala, Rutala Associates
Sharon Schulman, Stockton University
Joseph Sheairs, Stockton Aviation Research Technology Park
Greg Sykora, SPED / Erco Blinds
Max Slusher, Atlantic County Improvement Authority
Fred Snyder, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center
Elizabeth Terenik, City of Atlantic City, Planning & Development
Mitch Zitomer, Fox and Roach Realtors
Atlantic County | 5
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
It would be difficult to overstate the precarious condition of the Atlantic County economy, and the
acute need for community leaders to implement short- and long-term economic development
strategies to reduce the regions overdependence on the tourism and gaming sector and diversify
its economic base. Much of Atlantic Countys difficulty stems from two issues: the lack of any
significant industry cluster activity other than tourism and gaming, and the lack of a regional
economic development organization to brand and market the area and aggressively recruit new
companies. To address these and other issues, Atlantic County must adopt a regional approach to
economic development.
In many ways, Atlantic Countys difficulties are not unique. Regions across the U.S. have faced
devastating economic blows with the closing of a military base, the relocation of a major factory
or other game-changing events. Many of those communities have successfully forged ahead in
new and more promising economic directions.
Communities that have overcome serious economic setbacks have succeeded by realizing that
their challenges were too large and complex to be solved by any single governmental entity or
organization. Rather than wait for rescue from the state or federal government, these
Atlantic County | 6
Executive Summary
communities identified their problems and developed and implemented their own plan for
recovery marshalled by business and residential leaders. Atlantic County recognizes that it must
do the same, and that is why this economic development strategic plan was initiated.
The challenges that confront Atlantic County are not all economic. There is a need to abandon old
ways of community thinking. There is a need to move away from dubious practices of the past,
such as banking a future on only one industry. The region must aggressively develop other
suitable industry clusters. The extent of the dominance of gaming tourism in Atlantic County to
the detriment of all other clusters is uncommon, and should be regarded as a serious long-term
threat to future economic prosperity.
The antecedents of Atlantic Countys current economic turmoil are rooted in the early success of
legalized casino gambling. The easy prosperity that initially accompanied that industry
discouraged business and community leaders from seeking greater economic diversification.
Casino gambling strongly impacted the composition of the workforce and the development of
workforce skills in Atlantic County. For a good portion of the past 39 years, casinos have offered
low-skilled workers jobs that paid good wages and benefits. This in turn attracted more such
workers to the area. When the Atlantic City casino industry contracted, the region found itself
with a disproportionate number of freshly unemployed low-skilled workers. Many technically
oriented businesses are reluctant to locate in Atlantic County because they are uncertain the
required workforce skill sets will be available. Skilled workers must be attracted to the area and
the skill level of resident workers must be improved. Education and workforce development
efforts are critical.
Atlantic County has also been encumbered by an antiquated tradition of home rule that
encourages municipalities to focus their energies too parochially, thereby missing out on more
substantive economic opportunities that can only be realized through regional cooperation. A
shared vision of what Atlantic County can become must be created and the realm of economic
development must be declared a no politics zone.
AngelouEconomics recommends the creation of an adequately funded, private sector driven,
regional economic development corporation to rebrand Atlantic County and to aggressively
market and recruit new companies. Without such an economic development corporation,
Atlantic County will not be able to compete effectively against more progressive regions. The lack
of a vibrant and effective EDC may cause many industries to perceive the region to be unfocused
and inexperienced at economic development, and businesses will seek more accommodating
locations. In fact, without the efforts of a regional EDC, many domestic and international
businesses will remain unaware of Atlantic County as a potential location site.
As a first step, AE recommends that a board of directors be created with the expertise to plan
for the creation, staffing and funding of an Atlantic County Economic Development
Corporation. The ACEDC will implement the new Atlantic County Economic Development
Strategy and Action Plan and act to ensure continuing economic prosperity in the future.
Atlantic County | 7
Executive Summary
The new EDC will be responsible for implementing a marketing plan that includes strategies and
actions for target industries. Experienced staff will organize committees and planning groups to
address issues identified in the Atlantic County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Appointed committees will also leverage talent within the county to review existing federal and
state incentives to determine additional avenues of funding and support and to recommend state
and local policy changes that can assist Atlantic County in achieving its economic development
goals.
Despite its challenges, Atlantic County is poised with opportunities and significant economic
development assets, such as the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, the Atlantic City
International Airport, Richard Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, beautiful
beaches, agriculture, and first class hospitals and medical facilities. Business and community
leadership must come together with passionate commitment and determination to build on these
and other assets and to overcome the regions challenges. That cohesive commitment will be
essential in dealing with Atlantic Countys declining economic opportunities and dramatic social
concerns. If the private sector understands the significant scope of the regions economic issues
and steps up to the plate to take strategic and effective action, then a brighter and more
prosperous future is obtainable. The choice belongs to local businesses and residents, and the
future of Atlantic County is in their hands.
Atlantic County and ACIA initiated this strategic planning project to help diversify and advance the
economy, increase the asset and revenue base of the county, improve employment rates and
grow higher paying jobs. Development of strategy has been accomplished in four phases:
Phase I: Stakeholder
Engagement
Phase II: Market

Assessment
Phase III: Target

Industry Analysis
Phase IV: Strategic

Recommendations
Atlantic County | 8
Executive Summary
Stakeholder Engagement:
The strategies in this plan were many months in development. The project began with
stakeholder engagement, conducted through on-site interviews and focus groups, and through
online surveys of local businesses and residents. More than 300 stakeholders provided important
input through direct interviews, focus groups and community forums. More than 1,100
stakeholders additionally participated through online resident and business surveys. Information
gathered during the stakeholder phase was combined with the analysis of statistical data from
public and private sources, and run through evaluation models developed by Angelou Economics.
In total, 995 residents responded to the Atlantic County survey. Residents perceive the most
serious challenges facing the region to be: high cost of living, general economic health, high taxes,
casino closings, lack of available jobs and a lack of strong community leadership.
An additional 111 businesses responded to the Atlantic County survey. Business survey
respondents ranked access to customers, operating costs, and quality of life as the most
important factors influencing their business. The largest gap between importance and level of
quality existed for tax climate, operating costs, and regulatory environment.
Market Assessment:
In order to gain a better understanding of the social,
economic, and demographic issues relating to
Atlantic County, a market assessment was
completed in phase two of the project. To gauge
Atlantic Countys performance in a variety of
metrics, Atlantic County was benchmarked against
Dubuque County, Erie County, Roanoke City, and
Washoe County. Data metrics for Atlantic County
were also compared to New Jersey and the U.S.
Benchmarks were selected by the Atlantic County
Improvement Authority (ACIA) based on their
similarity to Atlantic County in income levels,
population, industry makeup, and higher education
levels.
The market assessment evaluated Atlantic Countys
population and education demographics, workforce
demographics, and economic highlights. A retail gap
analysis was performed to analyze Atlantic Citys and
Atlantic Countys retail mix. A total surplus of $742
million is being spent within the county. People from
Selected Benchmarks:
Dubuque County, Iowa
Erie County,
Pennsylvania
Roanoke City,
Virginia
Washoe County,
Nevada
outside the region are coming to Atlantic County to shop in clothing stores, grocery stores and
full service restaurants. Minor retail leakage occurs from residents shopping outside the area
for electronic shopping and mail order houses, electronics and appliance stores and general
merchandise stores.
Finally, the market assessment determined the regions leverageable assets and challenges to
overcome.
Atlantic County | 9
Executive Summary
The identified leverageable assets and challenges play a crucial role in the decision making
processes in the next phases of the report. Leverageable assets provide Atlantic County with key
advantages, if utilized properly, which can be vital in helping the region attract targeted industries.
Challenges to overcome, on the other hand, act as barriers to the process and must be addressed
through planning and modifications.
Leverageable Assets (Not ranked by order of importance)

Airport and airspace opportunities
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UAV testing sites
Other Federal programs and facilities
Stockton University + Atlantic Cape Community College
Stockton Aviation Research and Technology Park
Proximity to major markets (30 million Consumers)
ACDEVCO
Environmental amenities
Quaint communities with tourist appeal
Development, redevelopment, and repurposing opportunities
Affordable home prices
Global connectivity
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
Challenges to Overcome
(Not ranked by order of importance)
Lack of economic diversity

Lack of regional economic development coordination/cooperation
State-centric economic development reliance
Economic decline
High taxes
Other high costs of doing business
High unemployment
Low workforce skills
Deteriorating Atlantic City infrastructure
Areas of high crime
Varied K-12 school performance
State regulatory impediments, including CAFRA and Pinelands
Atlantic County | 10
Executive Summary
Target Industries:
The Target Industry Analysis focused on key industries
Atlantic County should work first to attract. The analysis
included an evaluation of employment levels,
establishments, wages, growth levels, and location
quotients for all North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) codes in Atlantic County.
Virtually no clustering exists outside of the Travel and Food
Services sector. Therefore, national growth trends, regional
assets and the goals of the Atlantic County community
weighed heavily in the selection of target industries.
Target industries are: Aerospace and Aviation, Life Sciences,
Tourism, Specialty Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurial
Business Services as industries to target.
Aerospace and Aviation
Life Sciences
Tourism
Specialty Manufacturing
Entrepreneurial Business
Services
In order to more narrowly focus target industry marketing, AE identified target industry niches for
each of the chosen industries. These niches were also chosen for their fit to the community and
for their economic potential to create bridges across industries and opportunities for
diversification. To foster a deeper understanding of the target industries and define the economic
development activities necessary, these niches were grouped into three categories; mature target
niches, diversification target niches, or emerging target niches.
Economic development efforts for mature niches, such as aeronautics testing grounds and call
centers, should focus on retention and expansion activities. Diversification niches, such as aircraft
maintenance operations and festivals, should have economic development efforts focused on
attraction and entrepreneurship activities. And finally, emerging niches such as climate change
research centers need economic development efforts focused on expansion, attraction, and
entrepreneurship activities. Vast potential exists for added development of specialty
manufacturing, especially in niches tied to aeronautics, tourism and life sciences industries.
An Occupational Analysis was performed to gain an understanding of what occupations are
required by these target industries to support their business activities. The analysis also identifies
higher-paying career paths within each industry. Any gaps in local workforce skill can then be
identified. Often the occupational analysis helps to identify the specific needs for workforce
education strategies.
Emerging Life Sciences Eco Niche: Studies conducted by Princeton University

and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have identified the Mid-Atlantic region
and Coastal New Jersey in particular to be a critical area of impact for coming sea level
rise. Global architecture firm Perkins+Will has issued a detailed proposal and is
spearheading an effort to establish Atlantic City as an international research hub for
climate change and coastal resiliency, repurposing vacant casinos as housing for
scientists and lab centers for universities. Burgeoning political support and Princeton
interest are giving the idea viability.
Executive Summary
Cost of Operations Analysis
To better understand where economic development incentives need to be applied or boosted, AE
performed an analysis of the cost of doing business for three specific niche businesses within the
target industries. The cost analysis was performed for each benchmark city and presented as a
cost index across primary functional areas of business. The benefit of such analysis helps to
pinpoint what economic incentives will have the greatest positive impact on attracting a specific
industry by shoring up areas that are not cost competitive. The analysis also helps determine how
Atlantic County should approach marketing based on cost advantages.
A cost of operations analysis was conducted for the Aerospace and Avionics Aircraft
Maintenance niche. Atlantic County, in particular, the Atlantic City Airport shows significant
promise as a location for such a maintenance and repair operation. There is land space available,
although taxiway infrastructure would have to be constructed. Atlantic County shows competitive
cost factors for employee payroll, building costs/lease payments and property tax. Atlantic
Countys estimated annual cost of operations was mid-range at $32.9 million, compared to a high
in Queens County of $42.3 million and a low in Philadelphia County at $29.7 million. The adjacent
location of the Federal Aviation Administration research center could also be a competitive factor.
A cost of operations was conducted for the Entrepreneurial Business Services Call Center niche,
showing Atlantic County to be at a competitive disadvantage to its benchmark locations. Atlantic
County had the highest cost of operations at $6.6 million/year, compared to lowest benchmark
Dubuque County with a an annual estimated cost of $5.5 million. Local payroll costs were the
highest factor comparatively. Experience has shown that the region can overcome the cost
disadvantage through incentive offerings. In the summer of 2015, ACIA was able to attract the
NETCAST BPO call center by offering $32 million in tax credits and workforce training subsidies.
Cost of operations analysis for the Specialty Manufacturing industry Food Processing niche
showed that Atlantic County lacks competitive advantage in attracting those plants. Atlantic
County had the highest annual estimated cost of operations at 3.8 million, compared to lowest
cost benchmark Houston County with $2.4 million. Once again, payroll and utilities costs drove
local operating expenses higher.
Eagle Aviation Maintenance and Repair Operation
Executive Summary
Strategic Action Plan:
In this final project phase, AngelouEconomics provides the Atlantic County Improvement
Authority a strategic action plan of recommendations for the ACEDC to implement to help attract
target industries, utilize their assets to the best of their abilities, and improve upon their
weaknesses. The recommendations are developed with insights gathered from the first three
phases of the project. Public policy initiatives are suggested to supplement or improve existing
incentive packages.
Recommendations are organized into four overarching goals, and then further detailed through
suggested strategies and actions.
Overarching Strategic Goals
Empower
Regional
Economic
Development
Drive Industry
Diversification
Improve
Economic
Development
Product
Rethink
Destination
Attraction
1) Empower Regional Economic Development Activity

Economic development in New Jersey has mostly been performed at the state level. The resulting
lack of local direction has kept Atlantic County from receiving the attention it needs to remain
successful. Business and community leaders must issue forth a vigorous economic development
effort if they are to stem the countys declining tax base and bolster the economy. The first step in
this direction is the creation of a board of directors to establish a regional economic
development corporation. AE has provided strategies, as well as best practices, for establishing
governance and anti-poaching agreements, determining organizational structure and staffing
needs, and establishing an appropriate budget for the corporation.
2) Drive Industry Diversification

On top of marketing the region, the Atlantic County Economic Development Corporations priority
lies in creating industry diversification. The current lackluster economic climate in the region has
largely resulted from little variation in the industries that support the economy. The ACEDC must
attract new industries, help retain and expand current industries, and foster innovation.
The ACEDC should set up target industry task forces that help recruit industries to the region.
Task forces should include key stakeholders within that industry or industry supply chain.
Furthermore, the economic development corporation should be up to date on current trends and
changing events within those industries. ACEDC staff and task force leaders should join industry
and economic development organizations and attend industry-related conferences.
Executive Summary
In order for the ACEDC to foster a robust retainment and expansion program, the corporation
must first understand the needs of local businesses. This understanding can be gained through
surveys and visits to area businesses. The ACEDC should also sponsor local small business events
and present awards to outstanding businesses within Atlantic County - the success of local
businesses is the success of the region as a whole.
Finally, the economic development corporation should work to foster a strong entrepreneurial
ecosystem. Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College and local Chambers of
Commerce are well-positioned to aid the ACEDC in increasing entrepreneurial activity. In order to
spark innovation and creativity, the economic development corporation should investigate
establishing an incubator, accelerator, and coworking space. To encourage greater levels of
innovation and entrepreneurism, ACEDC should also help create an affordable makers space to
provide access to workshop areas and cutting edge manufacturing tools, including 3D printers and
laser cutters. By creating opportunities to share the cost of such equipment and space, the barrier
to entry is greatly reduced for entrepreneurs working to produce prototypes.
The ACEDC should also work with private partnerships and utilize state and federal funding to
help provide capital for local start-ups.
3) Improve the Economic Development Product:

The perception of Atlantic County will play a large role in its ability to attract businesses and
residents. Advancing the economic development product is therefore a key component of the
action plan. Four strategies have been developed to accomplish this upgrade:
Improve Workforce
Bring Infrastructure up to Standard
Consolidate Municipal Services
Integrate Municipal Master Plans
Develop a Customer Service Culture
Mass layoffs following the 2014 collapse of four casinos has left thousands unemployed. Atlantic
County has had trouble attracting companies to the region due to a lack of skilled workers. The
ACEDC will need to form strong lines of communication between businesses and skills training
institutions to better educate the existing workforce to fit the needs of the local business
community as well as targeted industries. Online education should be a component of this effort.
A number of difficult infrastructure issues exist within Atlantic County. Many municipal roads need
to be repaved and some town centers need a face lift to be more appealing to visitors. This is
especially true in Atlantic City. The ACEDC should look into state incentives for downtown main
street redevelopment. Live work spaces, mixed-use zoning, and public Wi-Fi are important tools in
bringing more life into town centers. Finally, options should be explored to expand Internet
connectivity to fiber optics in the near future.
Executive Summary
One of the most important actions the ACEDC and business and community leaders can take to
change the future of Atlantic County for the better is to revise the master plans of municipalities
to include an identification and evaluation procedure for prime county properties and restrict
the development or redevelopment of those properties to best use purposes in accordance with
the overarching regional Atlantic County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Integral properties should be developed with a specific long-term plan in mind to optimize
strategic economic development. As the area sees growth in innovation and becomes home to
new industries, it is important that a regional plan for districts and employment centers guides
the collaborative efforts of all cities. Five prime properties within the county have been identified
for suggested best use practices and incorporated into the regional strategic plan.
Atlantic County Strategic Real Estate Locations

Property
Location
Size
Owner
Project Use
Estimated Cost
Possible Funding
Bader Field
Atlantic City
142 Acres
Atlantic City
Phase 1: Sports
Complex, Phase II:
World Trade Center
$100 Million +
Sales tax sharing,

EB5 Visa, Diverted
CRDA Funds
Stockton Aviation
Research and Tech
Park
FAA William J.
Hughes Technical
Center Campus
55 Acres
Stockton University
Spec Building to
Include Incubator
$15 Million
Public/Private
Partnership
Atlantic City
International
Airport
Egg Harbor
Township
Portion of 84 Acres
FAA/SJTA
Aircraft
Maintenance,
Repair and
Overhaul Facility
Possible sales tax

$5 Million Building
rebate, TIFF, EB5
$8-9 Million
Visa, Public/Private,
Taxiways
Diverted CRDA
Hamilton
Racetrack
Hamilton
Township
250 Acres
Parks Casino
Enclosed Theme
Park
Covered by Owner
Route 40 Combined
Purpose Projects
Buena Vista
Township
7 Acres 4 Sisters
4 Sisters - Plant
192 Acres Richland
Buena Vista
Village
Township Historic
Specialty Mfg. and

$1.6 Million for
Destination
Combined Projects
Development
EDA Grants,
Tourism Grants,
Historic Society,
CRDA, Tax
Abatement
Atlantic Countys longstanding efforts to encourage municipalities to regionalize services such as

animal control, police and fire training and central dispatch services are laudable and should
continue. An aggressive plan should be formalized and implemented to help cities merge
services in order to reduce the tax burden on existing county residents. Particular attention
should be given to determining options for reducing the number of public school districts.
The business community and the economy of Atlantic County are heavily dependent on the
services sector. An established destination location, tourists, casino gamers and summer home
owners come to the area expecting a high level of service delivered by employees who are
excited to be a part of the picture. Over the years, the area has lost its direction in developing
quality service ethics. Atlantic City is developing an entrenched reputation for poor service and
poor delivery attitude. The ACEDC should immediately implement a service quality council
focused on improving the regions customer service culture in order to improve the image of the
region and protect its claim to tourism and other service-expectant sectors.
Executive Summary
4) Rethink Destination Attraction
Tourism has always been a pivotal industry for Atlantic County. The recent decline in casino
gaming in the area is not a reason to give up on tourism, but rather a reason to redefine tourism.
The success of Las Vegas has not been due to casinos alone, but rather to the mix of attractions
the city offers. Three strategies can help redefine destination factor in Atlantic County:
Correlate Countywide Attractions
Extend Tourism Peaks
Expand Sports and Ecotourism
The ACEDC needs to take stock of its offerings and work to better promote them through the
Internet and marketing collateral. Conventions, especially relating to gaming and UAVs, are a good
way to bring in business-related visitors who will spend money within the local economy. The
tourism season needs to be expanded beyond the summer months. This can potentially be
accomplished through shallow port cruises, weekday tour packages, and sports leagues and
tournaments. The Pinelands, Wetlands, fisheries and vineyards are important resources to not
be overlooked. Atlantic County has immense potential in terms of eco-tourism, particularly
valuable within the dense northeastern U.S. geographic area.
A Call to Action:
Without change, Atlantic County faces an uncertain future. Thousands of people in the region
remain unemployed and without adequate work skills. Home values have dropped, and a
declining tax base has stretched county resources thin. Now is the time for public and private
economic leadership and decisive action.
This will not be an easy task. To accomplish it, regional business and community leaders must
work together to create and fund a public/private economic development corporation staffed by
experienced professionals that can immediately begin to market the cohesive region. That EDC
must have strong support and partnership from its stakeholders. Only by tearing down longexistent silos of communication can businesses and residents hope to reverse Atlantic Countys
economic decline.
The issues faced by Atlantic County have been a long time in the making, and solving those issues
will not occur overnight. Implementing the strategic plan with three, five and 10 year objectives
and continuing to revise and hone the plan to address changing circumstances will allow Atlantic
County to take charge of its destiny and ensure quality of life and prosperity in times to come.
Economic Development is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It is time for local stakeholders to step up
to the mark and enter the long race.
Atlantic County can become a thriving international market location through the implementation
of a strong strategic action plan that reflects and achieves the common goals of its regional
stakeholders. AngelouEconomics has been proud to partner with Atlantic County and the Atlantic
County Improvement Authority to create the Atlantic County Economic Development Strategy
and Action Plan. The plan will serve as a road map for the region, providing direction to reverse
economic decline and bringing stakeholders together to leverage regional assets and promote the
region globally.
Market Assessment
Phase I:
Stakeholder
Engagement
Phase II: Market

Assessment
Phase III: Target

Industry Analysis
Phase IV: Strategic

Recommendations
Downtown Hammonton
The Market Assessment provides the base set of information upon which the selection of target industries
and the development of economic development strategy rely. A better understanding of the factors that
drive the economy, the assets that can be leveraged for attraction and the issues that must be addressed
fuel better strategic decisions.
Market Assessment
Comparing Demographics:
Four regions were selected by Atlantic County with which to benchmark general market
demographics for the Atlantic County region. Those benchmark regions were:
Dubuque County, IA
Erie County, PA
Roanoke City, VA
Washoe County, NV.
Atlantic County, with a population of 276,000 compared most closely in size to Erie County, with a
population of 280,000.
Population:
Atlantic County experienced a slow population growth from 2008 2013 (2%) compared with the
U.S. (4%). Of the benchmark regions, only Erie County experienced lower population growth
during the time period with flat growth at 0%. Both Roanoke City and Washoe County grew at a
moderate 6%.
Atlantic County has an older population with the highest median age of any benchmark at 40.3
years compared to the U.S. median of 37.5.
Atlantic
County
Dubuque
County
Erie
County
275,862
95,697
280,294
98,465
Median Age
40.3
39
38.7
37.5
37.2
39.4
37.5
%Pop. in the 25-44 Range
24%
23%
24%
28%
27%
26%
26%
Population Growth ('08 - '13)
2%
3%
0%
6%
6%
2%
4%
%Foreign Born
16%
2%
4%
7%
15%
22%
13%
%High School Graduate or

Higher
85%
92%
90%
82%
87%
89%
87%
%Bachelor's Degree or Higher
24%
27%
27%
23%
28%
37%
30%
%Families with Children Under

Poverty Line
25%
15%
25%
36%
18%
14%
19%
Total Population
Roanoke Washoe
City
County
New
Jersey
U.S.
433,731 8,899,339 316,128,839
Sources: American Factfinder
Market Assessment
Foreign Born Residents
Atlantic County compared well in its percentage of foreign born residents (16%) to the other
casino-impacted benchmark, Washoe County (15%). While this was somewhat higher than the
U.S. (13%), it was significantly higher than most of the benchmarks chosen for comparison. Other
than Washoe County, benchmark foreign born populations ranged from 2% to 7%. New Jersey
itself has a strong foreign born population, estimated at 15%.
Poverty
The area faces crippling levels of unemployment and poverty. The regional poverty rate is
estimated at more than 25% versus the U.S. at 19%. Benchmarks Erie County (25%) and Washoe
County (37%) also reflected high poverty rates. The poverty rate has been growing in Atlantic
County, from 14% in 2007 to 25.2% in 2013.
Although from 2000 to 2008 the Atlantic County unemployment rate tracked closely with New
Jersey and the U.S, this gap began to increase in 2009. That year Atlantic County hit an annual
double digit unemployment rate of 11.9%, while New Jersey and the U.S. peaked at 9.1% and
9.3% respectively. The state and the nation hit their long-term peak for unemployment in 2010.
Atlantic Countys unemployment rate on the other hand continued rising until it reached its peak
in 2012. At this point it began to level off at a point between 10% and 11%. Both New Jersey and
the U.S. have since returned to values in the 5-6%.
Since its peak in unemployment, Atlantic County has experienced a labor force contraction. From
2013 to 2015, Atlantic Countys labor force shrunk by 1-3%, resulting in the loss of 1,000 to 4,000
employees a year. Although general statistics indicate that Atlantic County saw small positive
population growth until 2014, that growth is deceptive. Since 2001, the region has experienced
international immigration levels of roughly 1,000 to 1,500 people a year. These levels of
immigration were able to balance out the high levels of domestic migration out of Atlantic County
that began in 2008. In 2011, net domestic migration out of Atlantic County began hitting levels of
1,500 to 3,000, thus outpacing immigration levels.
In 2000, Atlantic County had a poverty rate of 10.5%. Following the peak level of unemployment
in Atlantic County in 2012, the poverty rate reached a level of 18% in 2013. Although the rate
tracked closely to the U.S., often being a percentage point lower, the 2013 figure was 2% greater
than that of the U.S. Part of this increase in poverty can be attributed to the immigration shifts in
the area. According to the 2013 American Community Survey, native residents in Atlantic County
have a median household income of $56,000. Their foreign born counterparts on the other hand
have a median income $10,000 less. The shift of native born residents leaving the county, coupled
with high unemployment rates, declining home values, and higher taxes, depletes the region of its
middle class and increases its poverty levels.
Market Assessment
Dealing with the challenges of enduring and concentrated poverty, especially in the communities
of Atlantic City and Pleasantville, will be a continuing struggle. The recent downturn in Atlantic
Countys economy has made matters somewhat worse. According the Atlantic County
Department of Family and Community Development an estimated 48,148 individuals receive
Supplemental Nutrition Benefit Program benefits, more commonly known as food stamps. In
2003 there were an estimated 14,000 individuals receiving these benefits. In many cases, the
individuals receiving these benefits are employed but dont earn enough to adequately support
their families. However, the problem of entrenched poverty are much more intractable and less
responsive to improving economic conditions. The 2015 Kids Count Report for Atlantic County
done by the Advocates for the Children of New Jersey, ranked Atlantic County 20th out of 21
counties in measures of child wellbeing.
A joint Project of the Community Affairs Offices of the Federal Reserve System and the
Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution looked at the problem of entrenched
poverty in Atlantic City in 2008. The project noted that the despite the multitude of entry level
jobs, many city residents lacked the critical skills necessary for employment.
Percent of all families with related children under 18 years

below poverty (2013)
36%
40%
25%
25%
18%
15%
14%
20%
19%
0%
Atlantic
County
Dubuque
County
Erie
County
Roanoke
City
Washoe
County
New
Jersey
United
States
Percent of Atlantic County Families with related children

Below the Poverty Line
25%
30%
20%
16%
14%
14%
15%
19%
17%
10%
0%
2007
2008
2009
Atlantic County
2010
New Jersey
2011
2012
2013
United States
Market Assessment
Infrastructure:
Despite economic hardships, home ownership in Atlantic County is at 53%, relatively comparable
to the U.S. at 57%. Median home values ($219,000) remain higher than average for the U.S.
($174,000) and benchmark regions, but are lower than the average for New Jersey ($308,000).
Median rents paid are also high. While regional home values are high, they are falling significantly
roughly 20% from $272,900 in 2007 to $218,600 in 2013. During the same period of time, U.S.
home value decreased by less than 11%. The only benchmark to suffer a harsher decline in
housing value was Washoe County at nearly 42%.
The good news is that the percentage of vacant houses appears to be initiating a decline. The
vacancy level increased from 18.3% in 2007 to 21.4% in 2012. The percentage of vacancies began
to decline in 2013 for the first time in seven years, down to 20.1%.
Thousands
Median Home Value for Owner Occupied Households

(dollars)
$400
$350
$300
$272
$273
$250
$259
$238
$233
$227
$219
2010
2011
2012
2013
$200
$150
$100
2007
Atlantic County
Roanoke City
United States
2008
2009
Dubuque County
Washoe County
Erie County
New Jersey
Market Assessment
Atlantic
County
Dubuque
County
Erie
County
Roanoke
City
Washoe
County
New Jersey
U.S.
Owner-occupied
53%
65%
63%
48%
50%
57%
56%
Renter-occupied
27%
27%
30%
42%
39%
32%
32%
Vacant housing units
20%
8%
7%
9%
11%
11%
12%
Median Home Value
$218,600
$146,100
$116,100
$131,800
$201,700
$307,700
$173,900
Median Gross Rent
$1,023
$681
$697
$714
$871
$1,171
$905
%Households Paying
35%+ of Income in
Rent
49%
40%
45%
38%
42%
45%
43%
%Housing Structures
Built Prior to 2000
88%
86%
93%
93%
74%
89%
84%
%Same Residency as
2012
89%
84%
84%
80%
77%
90%
85%
Market Assessment
Education:
When it comes to the State of New Jersey Department of Education High School Proficiency
Assessment Spring 2014, Atlantic County schools cluster around the state average for the exam on
both math and language. Being middle of the pack is not terrible, but it is by no means an
attraction asset. Parents look at school districts that perform in the higher echelons when they
relocate for jobs.
Since parents pay attention to the quality of education, site selectors must as well. When
selecting a location, site selectors must be sure that the area either has the necessary workforce
or can attract the necessary work force. Education therefore plays both a role in attracting new
businesses and a new workforce. If Atlantic County is to attract more families with higher paying
jobs, school performance must improve.
Improvements to education not only pay dividends in the short run by attracting new businesses
and workforce, they also pave the way for Atlantic Countys future. Although higher skill level jobs
are not currently prevalent within the region, the goal of this report is to pave the way for such
jobs in the future. Schools in Atlantic County must work to prepare students for the jobs that will
be there tomorrow and not for the ones that are there today. To do so, schools must work to stay
on the cusp of cutting edge teaching techniques and opportunities.

Sources: State of New Jersey Department of Education High School Proficiency Assessment Spring 2014
Market Assessment
Workforce:
There are an estimated 127,000 people in the Atlantic County workforce, which declined 6% from
2004 to 2014. The unemployment rate is very high at roughly 11%. Unemployment numbers in
Atlantic County exploded during the recession, rising from 6.5% in March 2008 to 12.9% in March
2009. Current unemployment (April 2015) is estimated at 10.6%.
Most people in the region live (66%) and work (68%) in Atlantic County. Median income for
Atlantic County ($52,127) was higher than all benchmarks except Washoe County ($53,588), but
much lower than the median for New Jersey ($70,165). Median income in Atlantic County
decreased 1% in 2014. The number of businesses operating in the region grew by 2% from 20032013, compared to U.S. growth of 12%.
Inflow/Outflow Job Count (2011)
39 k Atlantic County workers live outside the

county
77 k Atlantic County residents work within the
county
35 k Atlantic County residents work outside
the county
Where Atlantic County Workers Live Share

Atlantic County, NJ
Cape May County, NJ
Ocean County, NJ
Camden County, NJ
Cumberland County, NJ
Gloucester County, NJ
Burlington County, NJ
Middlesex County, NJ
Monmouth County, NJ
Salem County, NJ
Where Atlantic County Residents Work Share

Atlantic County, NJ
68.4%
Camden County, NJ
3.6%
Cumberland County, NJ
3.3%
Cape May County, NJ
3.2%
3.6% Burlington County, NJ

3.1% Mercer County, NJ
2.9%
Gloucester County, NJ
1.9%
Ocean County, NJ
1.8%
Middlesex County, NJ
1.6%
Philadelphia County, PA
1.2%
66.2%
5.1%
4.9%
4.5%
2.6%
1.0%
0.9%
0.7%
2.2%
Sources: US Census On the Map
Market Assessment
Retail Gap Analysis:
A retail leakage assessment explores the relationship between the retail sales of Atlantic County
establishments (local supply) and the retail purchases of Atlantic County residents (local demand).
To conduct this analysis, the supply and demand of over 30 retail sectors were reviewed. When
retail sales exceed resident purchases, it is considered a retail surplus. When resident purchases
exceed the sales of local retail establishments it is called retail leakage. A retail surplus is
considered a positive asset; people are coming from outside the region to market and make
purchases. A retail leakage presents an opportunity to expand retail offerings in an attempt to
capture consumer purchases currently lost to the Atlantic County market.
The Leakage / Surplus analysis provides a snapshot of current supply versus current demand. A
factor greater than one indicates a surplus, while a factor of less than one indicates a leakage.
To conduct this analysis, the supply and demand of more than 30 Atlantic County retail sectors
have been reviewed. Atlantic County has a surplus in many of its retail sectors, and an overall
surplus factor of 1.26. A total surplus of $742 million is being spent within the county. The
greatest retail surplus in the county occurs in: clothing stores, grocery stores and full service
restaurants.
Heading the list in terms of Atlantic County leakage were: electronic shopping and mail order
houses, electronics and appliance stores and general merchandise stores.
Taking a look at Atlantic City as a microcosm, AE found a total retail surplus of $295 million and a
retail surplus factor of 2.14. The greatest retail surpluses in the city occur in clothing stores, full
service restaurants and shoe stores. Atlantic City opportunities lost in sales leakages included
automobile dealerships, electronic shopping and mail order houses, and department stores.
Survey Analysis:
As part of the stakeholder engagement process, ACIA and AE launched online surveys through the
project website for Atlantic County businesses and residents to glean their observations regarding
current economic conditions and what they would like to see as the future of the region. Hard
copies of the surveys were also available from community libraries identified by ACIA. In total, 111
businesses and 995 local residents participated in the surveys.
Public input was very important to this project, not only to gain valuable insight from key
stakeholders who live and work in Atlantic County, but also to build growing investment and
support for the strategic plan and its implementation. An unusual level of support for the strategic
planning process was noted, with more than 80% of businesses responding to surveys indicating
that they believed a regional collaborative approach to economic development would benefit the
entire Atlantic County region. It is further important to note that, while 23% of businesses
reported they would be willing to help pay for the cost of strategic regional economic
development, 43% said they were still undecided about whether or not they would contribute.
Those statistics indicate that, while
Market Assessment
the business community sees the need for more strategic economic development conducted
regionally, many are waiting to be convinced of the merit of the plan before putting money in the
coffer.
The complete set of survey data, including open-ended responses, is provided to Atlantic County
in digital format to facilitate further review.
Business Survey Findings:
Respondents considered the most important criteria to doing business to be: access to customers,
operating costs, quality of life, tax climate, and security. More than 54% of businesses said
development and permitting processes were an impediment to growth or a definite problem in
doing business in Atlantic County.
Businesses saw the regions major assets as: access to major metropolitan areas, coastal Atlantic
location, tourism, beach lifestyle, Federal Aviation Research Center, Stockton University and
AtlantiCare Medical. The greatest impediments to doing business in Atlantic County were seen as
high operating costs, specifically high tax levels, compliance with state and local regulations and
the lack of local community leadership.
Business surveys show:
Top 5 Most Important Factors to

Atlantic County Businesses
44% said Atlantic County has plenty of

unskilled workers, but an insufficient
number of skilled workers, while an
Importance*
Satisfaction*
additional 37% felt the county has plenty
of both
Access to
4.37
3.14
36% reported a problem with high customers
turnover
Operating costs
4.09
2.63
74% reported that they have never been
contacted about workforce skill needs or
training programs
Quality of life
4.00
3.28
The most needed incentives were listed
as necessary to: mitigate high property
Security
3.85
2.82
taxes, increase low-cost financing, create
new jobs, encourage partnerships with
universities and colleges, and build Tax Climate
3.83
2.20
entrepreneurship
There was a clear indication that more
support
for
innovation
and
entrepreneurism is needed. Roughly 70%
of businesses thought more incubators
should be created to assist start-ups,
43% saw a need for more Angel funding,
and 42% saw a need for general small
business training courses.
Punitively high taxes, over

regulation/unnecessary regulation,
adversarial bureaucracy, unfriendly
business environment, unstable
consumer base.
- Business Survey Respondent
Market Assessment
Resident Survey Findings:
The top decision making factors for living in Atlantic County were ranked (in order) as: 1) Taxation
Level, 2) Cost of Living, 3) Overall Health of the Economy, 4) Quality Healthcare, and 5) Job
Availability. Residents only considered the Quality Healthcare factor to be met adequately in the
region.
Residents felt Atlantic Countys greatest assets to be: proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, proximity to
major metropolitan areas, coastal quality of life and redevelopment opportunities.
Nearly 38% of resident survey respondents indicated that they are extremely likely or quite likely
to move out of the county within the next five years.
Resident surveys show:
A relatively high percentage of residents
(35%) have at one time owned their
own businesses, but only 25% of those
people still own businesses. The major
reasons for no longer owning the
businesses were listed as: too high an
overall cost of doing business,
exorbitant tax levels, cumbersome
regulations, and some difficulty finding
employees. Some 17% of residents are
thinking of starting their own
businesses, 23% of those wanting to do
so feel they need more small business
training.
More than half of residents reported
being unaware that their public school
districts offered any type of skills
training curriculum for students wishing
to enter the workforce directly after
high school graduation. Roughly 30% of
respondents had attended college
courses or skills training sessions in the
last year.
Residents perceive the most serious
challenges facing the region to be: high
cost of living, general economic health,
high taxes, casino closings, lack of
available jobs and a lack of strong
community leadership.
Top 5 Most Important Factors to

Atlantic County Residents
Importance*
Satisfaction*
Cost of living
4.63
2.13
Taxation level
4.63
1.74
Overall
economy
4.56
1.93
Quality
healthcare
4.46
3.36
Job availability
4.32
1.86
Atlantic City needs to be safer

and road infrastructure needs to
be improved. Partnerships
between healthcare and
education can be strengthened.
- Resident Survey Respondent
Market Assessment
Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center
The Assets and Challenges of Atlantic County

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats:
It is important to understand the scope of Atlantic Countys potential assets and the significant
issues that must be addressed to support healthy businesses and attract new industries. The
understanding of opportunities open to Atlantic County is an important component in developing
the strongest and most effective strategic plan. Top assets must be identified and marketed that
create advantages for the county over other economic regions, and offer the strongest
opportunities to advance healthy economic development.
Often times, a communitys most important economic assets are things that its stakeholders take
for granted as part of everyday life. Through frank stakeholder discussions during interviews and
focus groups, information relayed through online surveys, and an analysis of statistical data
reviewed for Atlantic County, AE has developed an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats (SWOT) within the regional market area. This analysis is not intended
to be all-inclusive. Rather, it is focused on those areas that are likely to have the most direct
impact on economic development efforts in Atlantic County during the next 10 years.
General regional assets and issues can most easily be assessed in terms of:
Strengths: Assets or characteristics that can be built upon to advance current and future
economic growth opportunities in the Atlantic County region\
Weaknesses: Issues or characteristics that, if not addressed effectively, could limit current or
future growth opportunities
Opportunities: Assets, events, or trends, sometimes outside Atlantic County control, that offer
the potential for economic growth and attraction of new industries
Threats: Obstacles, events or trends that, if not addressed effectively, could threaten the Atlantic
Countys economic potential and its ability to attract, expand and encourage new employers
Market Assessment
Strengths
Federal Assets
Beaches, Ocean
Stockton University + Atlantic Cape CC
Sports Culture/Activities
Low East Coast Real Estate Prices
International Airport
Specialty Agriculture
Positive Incentives
Stockton Aviation Research and Technology
Park
Pinelands and Wetlands
Varied City Attraction Factors
Shallow Port Access
Designated UAV Test/Train Center
Weaknesses
High Unemployment, Poverty
High Taxes
Declining Population
Low Industry Diversification
Little Local Economic Development
Leadership
Onerous State/Federal Regulations
Pineland/Wetlands Restrictions
Deteriorating Infrastructure
No Entrepreneurial Culture
Lack of Communication
Little Invested Business Leadership
Largely Unskilled Workforce
No Regional Brand
Substantial Skills Training Infrastructure
No Perceivable Portals
Established Destination Factor
Reduced Winter Tourism
Atlantic City International Name Recognition

Opportunities
Atlantic City Higher Ed Expansion
ACDEVCO Collaboration
Center for Climate Change Research
Repurposing Opportunities
Strong Healthcare/Medical Tie-in to Other
Industries, Including Manufacturing
Expanded Airport Utilization
UAV Tie-In to Market Niches
Alternative Shuttle/Infinity Airspace
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Potential
Municipal Services Consolidation
Substantially Underdeveloped Tourism
State/Federal Workforce Incentives
Commercial Fisheries
Agricultural Hydroponics
Expansion of Meetings, Conventions and
Trade Shows
Threats
Drastically Reduced Tax Base
Redirection of CRDA Funding
Lack Coordinated Highest-Use Property Plan
Falling Home Values
High State Regulation of
Development/Redevelopment
Severe Weather Impacts
Negative Perception of Atlantic City
Weak Quality Service Culture
Western Cut-off Factor
Increasing Number of Casinos, including
possible North New Jersey
Inadequate R&D Activity
Market Assessment
Key Leverageable Assets:
Atlantic County lays claim to many important underutilized assets that can be used to help
existing businesses grow. Those assets, when used effectively, can also give the county an
advantage in garnering the attention of the target industries identified for attraction.
Chief among Atlantic County assets are:
FAA Research Center
Diverse Cities/Varied Attractions
State of the Art Convention Center
Underutilized International Airport
Redevelopment Opportunities
International Name Recognition
Skills Training Infrastructure
Established Destination Factor
Ecological Aspects
Beaches/Atlantic Ocean
Low East Coast Living Costs
Ports (Shallow)
Low East Coast Operations Costs
Stockton University
Positive Incentives
Critical Issues to Address:

Every community around the world has issues that, if left unaddressed, can hinder or severely
limit healthy economic growth. No amount of marketing or strategic planning will prove effective
in helping a community achieve greater prosperity or long-term economic success unless the
issues that affect current businesses and the issues that will turn away potential industries are
identified and dealt with quickly and effectively.
Issues identified during market analysis that require attention in Atlantic County are:
No Regional Economic Development Corp.
Average K-12 Education in Areas
No Regional Brand
Limited Universities
High Operating Costs v. U.S.
No Significant R&D Activity
No Adequate Cluster Activity
Redundant Municipal Services
High Unemployment
Too Many School Districts
High Crime Areas
Low Workforce Skills
Overall Low Workforce Skills
Inadequate Atlantic City Master Plan
Decreasing Population Base
Lack of Regional Coordination
Decreasing Housing Values
State Financial Woes
Need to Repair/Improve Infrastructure
State-Centric Economic Development Activity
Target Industries
Phase I:
Stakeholder
Engagement
Phase II: Market

Assessment
Phase III: Target

Industry Analysis
Phase IV: Strategic

Recommendations
An analysis of target industries for the Atlantic County regional market was conducted as the third
phase of the economic development strategic planning process.
The findings of the Market Assessment informed the selection of industries recommended for the
focus of limited economic development marketing resources during the 10-year period of the
strategic action plan. The Market Assessment and the Target Industry Analysis are the reference
set on which the coming Strategic Recommendations will be based.
Target Industry Selection

While target industry analysis is always an important part of the creation of any economic
development plan, it is critically important to Atlantic County because of the severe lack of
positive cluster activity in the region outside of the Travel and Food Services sector that
encompasses casino hotels. The chart on the next page shows the extreme reliance of the region
on that sector, to the detriment of the healthy formation of other industry clusters.
Target Industry Selection Process
The selection of target industries for Atlantic County is meant to focus limited economic
development resources on industries that hold the greatest potential for sustained growth and
higher income levels. It is important for community leaders to understand, however, that the
selection of target industries should not be viewed as a strategy to ignore all other industries. If
Atlantic County can successfully grow the targeted industries identified within its strategic plan,
many other sectors will benefit throughout the local economy. Opportunities will arise over time
for the development of other industry sectors, and these opportunities should be evaluated and
incorporated into the strategic plan when appropriate.
In selecting target industries for Atlantic County, AE conducted a four-step process:
TARGET INDUSTRY SELECTION PROCESS

Cluster
Concentration
Industry
Trends
Regional Assets
1) Which
industries are
concentrated
locally?
2) Do those
clusters
reflect
national
growth
trends?
3) Are there
local or
regional
assets that
give
industries a
competitive
edge?
Vision
Alignment
4) Do these
clusters
meet the
goals of the
community?

The chart below illustrates the strength of industry clusters in Atlantic County by examining the
ratio of employees in the sector compared to the rest of the U.S. economy as a whole (X axis), and
the healthy growth of the sector in the U.S. (Y axis). The closer to the top right of the chart an
industry is located, the stronger and healthier the industry cluster. The larger the size of the
bubble, the larger the number of employees working within the sector.
The Travel and Food Services sector is the only industry appearing in the optimal quadrant of the
cluster graph. No other Atlantic County industry comes close in number of employees. The lack of
clustering of other industries is so severe, that the Healthcare and Public Administration sectors,
which grow and decline according to population numbers, appear as the next significant industry
clusters in the area.
Industry Clustering
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics

By comparison, the cluster graph to
the right for Cedar Rapids, IA shows
more normal cluster activity, with
several significantly sized industries
grouped together supporting the
economy.
Cedar Rapids Industry Clusters
It should be stressed that this

extent of dominance by one
industry is uncommon and should
be regarded as a serious long-term
threat
to
future
economic
prosperity in Atlantic County.
Without the development of strong
new clusters and the diversification
of industries, the aims of creating
higher paying jobs, decreasing
unemployment and attracting new
businesses to the tax base will
remain unattainable.
Diversification will require well-devised strategies and timely action to turn the tide for the
resurgence of the economy in Atlantic County. Strategy must be designed to speed up the normal
process for developing new cluster activity. To that end, creating, supporting and advancing
entrepreneurial activities will be a key element of the strategic plan. It will also be important to
look for new ways to better support and grow existing industries and powerful methods of
attracting larger employers in target industry sectors.
The critical lack of industry clusters in Atlantic County requires careful examination of market
activity and consideration of assets in Atlantic County in the deliberation on the types of
industries that might not already have a significant presence, but have a strong chance of thriving
competitively in the area and stimulating related business activity.
During the Market Analysis phase of the project, AE identified a number of important assets
Atlantic County can use to attract new industries. Key among those leverageable assets are:
Federal Programs and Facilities
Potential Global Connectivity
Market Access
Alternate Shuttle Landing Designation
Stockton Aviation Research Technical Park
International Name Recognition
Tourism Elements
Airport and Airspace Opportunities
Designated UAV Test Site
Infrastructure for Skills Training
Development/Repurposing Options
Comparatively Low Real Estate Price
Planned Commercial Research Park
Economic Development Activity in Some Cities

These assets, separately and in combination, help
determine the optimal target industries for
strategic purposes. As a final filter for target
industries, AE considered the objectives voiced
for the new Atlantic County Economic
Development Strategy and Action Plan by ACIA
and key stakeholders. Those guiding objectives
have been characterized in the chart to the right.
Working through the process with data from the
Market Assessment as a reference, AE has
determined five industry sectors on which to
focus attention for attraction within the scope of
the strategic plan. Those industries are:
Aerospace and Avionics
Mission
Sustain and diversify the
economy in order to provide a
high quality of life for all
residents.
Vision
Life Sciences
Tourism
Entrepreneurial Business Services
Increase the tax base of

Atlantic County by enhancing
the business climate and
creating higher-paying jobs.
Detail on the five target industries and suggested

niches within each is provided on the following
pages. Niches were selected for the best matches
for the Atlantic County region for mature,
diversification and emerging businesses.
GUIDING OBJECTIVES
1
2
3
4
Champion Regional Economic Development

Create a Strong Business Environment
Broaden and Improve Brand
Compete with Leverage in International Markets
Target Industries
Target
Industries
and Niches
Mature/Core
Targets
Retention
Expansion
Diversification
Targets
Attraction
Entrepreneurship
and Small
Business
Development
Emerging
Targets
Aerospace
and
Avionics
Life
Sciences
Tourism
Specialty
MFG
Entrepr.
Business
Services
Testing and
Evaluation
Retirement
and Assisted
Living
Sports and
Sporting
Events
Boat MFG,
Parts and
Supplies
Accounting/
Data
Processing
/Financial
Materials
Design and
Development
Vaccines/
Pharmacology
Eco-Tourism
Pharmaceutic
al
Compounding
Call Centers
Wellness
Centers
Gaming
(Non-Casino)
Specialty
Foods
Medical
Tourism
Tour Packages
Food and
Beverage
Processing
Aircraft
Maintenance
UAV Design,
Evaluation and
Repair
Cyber Security
Kinesiology
and Geriatrics
Communication
Systems
Marine Biology
and
Eco-Studies
Festivals and
Events
Aqua-Tourism
Design,
Evaluation and
Repair
Sports
Medicine
Expansion
Attraction
Entrepreneursh
ip and Small
Business
Development
Aeronautic
Equipment
Research and
Recovery
Engineering,
Computer,
Design
Agri-Tourism
Chemicals
Aircraft Parts
and Design
UAV MFG,
Parts and
Design
Product
Design and
Prototyping
Climate
Change
Research
Travel,
Convention
and Event
Support
Programming
and Gaming
Special Skills
Schools
Target Industries
During the target industries selection process, national growth trends have been tempered with
market knowledge of Atlantic County. Some areas in the country are experiencing an upswing in
manufacturing, especially in advanced and specialty manufacturing sectors. The federal
government has increased funding support to promote manufacturing innovation. Within the East
Coast region, Atlantic County is poised to capture some of this resurgence.
Atlantic County has a history in this industry, and it is one of the few areas in the Northeast
Coastal U.S. where real estate values could allow for lower operating costs. Agricultural activity,
including blueberry production, fisheries and vineyards, and the presence of healthcare activity by
organizations actively advancing service packages are stimulants for specialty manufacturing
development.
Life sciences is a growing industry and the existence of AtlantiCare with the backing of Geisinger is
a positive advantage. The companies have an inclination toward economic development and
strategic plans that involve the new development and repackaging of services. Geisinger also has
a created a set of patient data stemming from its associated insurance program that should allow
the health company to move more quickly into new healthcare delivery systems, infrastructure
and products.
Atlantic County has vast potential for the development of tourism industries not related to
gambling and casinos. Atlantic Coast beaches, historical boardwalks, preserved wetlands and
forests, an underutilized airport and culturally rich cities and towns add up to significant attraction
points. For better or worse, Atlantic City has international name recognition. The ACEDC can use
that recognition to rebrand the area. The region is currently not taking full advantage of
communication, city assets or gateway activities to easily develop tourism activities.
With the powerful advantage of the Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical
Center located close to the Atlantic City Airport and the green light now in developing the
public/private research park next door, it is time to take a closer look at possibilities in related
aerospace and avionics industries. Potential airport space adds to the strength of the package,
and the upcoming 2017 BRAC should be looked at as having the potential to relocate services
from closing bases to the area. One of the best cases of low-hanging fruit in terms of new industry
is to develop a Maintenance and Repair Operation for aircraft at the airport. Significant interest
has already been shown in this operation.
Entrepreneurial business services need to feed the development of new clusters in Atlantic
County. There currently appears to be little to no real entrepreneurial support infrastructure in
place that will foster the development of these small companies. Strategy must be developed to
quickly put in place factors that will encourage the creation of more small businesses.
Industry Sectors:
For a more granular understanding of the selected target industries, industry dashboards and
summary information have been provided that indicate the level of industry activity in the region,
niche businesses, assets that will provide competitive leverage, opportunities available for the
industry, issues that should be addressed related to the industry and the extent to which the
industry meets Atlantic County strategic goals. The dashboards also provide a look at each
industrys growth in Atlantic County and in the U.S. as a whole during the last 10 years and a
sample of the types of jobs the industries.

It is difficult to accurately quantify employment
numbers and wage information for industries tied to
the U.S. government because of the lack of
transparency provided on a regional level.
Employment and wage estimates for Aerospace and
Avionics in Atlantic County is underestimated due to
limited information about activity within the FAA
William J. Hughes Technical Center.
Atlantic County records indicate that there are 2,800
FAA, National Guard, Coast Guard, Homeland
Security, SJTA the fire department employees on the
Atlantic City airport grounds. Atlantic County likely
has close to 5,000 workers employed in the sector,
rather than the 2,100 reflected in BLS records. The
average wage of $89,800 calculated from BLS data is
also likely understated, as federal salaries at the
research headquarters would be expected to run
high.
Mature/Core Target
Testing and Evaluation
Materials, Design, and Development
Diversification Targets
Aircraft Maintenance
UAV Design, Evaluation, and Repair
Emerging Targets
Communication Systems Design,
Evaluation, and Repair
Enable Tech/Systems Integration
Aeronautic Equipment Research and
Recovery
There has been growth in both one and five-year periods in airport related and UAV and national
defense niches. The aeronautics industry offers many higher-paying positions in scientific and
research fields. The aviation industry also offers some positions in higher than average wage
ranges. Most of those higher paying jobs will require advanced educational degrees and training.
The FAA location contingent to the Atlantic City Airport offers the region the strongest leverage in
its economic development portfolio and many opportunities. Bringing the first stage of the
business park to reality with its advantage of linkage to FAA data and other resources could
attract more innovative businesses to the area and help to foster entrepreneurial growth.
Aeronautics and Aviation.
Both private and public interest has been shown in developing a maintenance and operations
facility at the airport.
Operating cost would be
competitive for the East Coast
area, however funding would
have to be secured for
runway
and
warehouse
infrastructure.
Avionics
offers
strong
opportunity for bringing
higher paying jobs to the
area.
FAA vortex testing

Atlantic County Snapshot Dashboard
2013 Employees: 2,100
2013 Total Payroll: $187 million
2013 Establishments: 19
2013 Average Wage: $89,800
Current Total Sq. Feet: 642,500
Competitive Assets:
Federal Assets and Research Park
International Airport
Ocean Proximity
Educational Facilities
State Incentives for Atlantic City
Key Opportunities
Underutilized Airport Space
Designated UAV Test Site
Alternative Space Shuttle Landing Site
Undeveloped Research Park Space
Meets Atlantic County Goals

Diversifies Industry Base
Compliments Other Targets
Issues to Address
Low Entrepreneurial Support
Missing Workforce Skills
Possible Federal Government Budget Cuts
Provides High-Paying Jobs

Builds Positive Brand
Transitions Workforce
Market Segment
Employment Growth
Airport Related
UAV and National Defense
Atlantic County
U.S.
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Growth Growth Growth Growth Growth Growth
(12-13) (08-13) (03-13) (12-13 (08-13) (03-13)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Average Yearly Income
2.5
5%
3%
1.5
1%
-1%
0.5
-3%
$65
-5%
$55
Thousands
Thousands
Aerospace and Avionics In Atlantic County
$95
$85
$75
$45
Drone and National Defense Employment
Airport Related Employment
Y2Y Employment Growth
Atlantic County
New Jersey
U.S.
Life Sciences
The life science industry is defined by services, products,
and activities broadly related to the research and
sustainability of organic life. This broad definition
encapsulates a vast range of opportunities for Atlantic
County. The life science sector offers two strong
directions for Atlantic County economic development understanding and improving the health of residents and
understanding and sustaining the ecosystem within the
region. The strong presence of an emerging health care
industry and the remarkable pinelands and wetlands
environments makes both strategic approaches viable in
Atlantic County.
Mature/Core Target
Retirement and Assisted Living
Vaccines/Pharmacology
Wellness Center
Medical Tourism
Kinesiology and Geriatrics
Emerging Targets
Marine Biology and Eco-Studies
Sports Medicine
AtlantiCare Regional Hospital
With nearly 10,000 employees, the Life

Sciences sector in Atlantic County is
second only to tourism in the number
of workers it employs. AlantiCare/
Geisengers focus on leveraging its
valuable patient data system into
redefined service packages and
groundbreaking data-pushed preventative activity will drive innovation.
Aging populations, improved medical treatments, and changes in payment systems will make
healthcare spending more efficient and also spur innovation and reform.
Alternative medicine services could also be combined with holistic services. Strong health
employment numbers, leading health industry players, recent infrastructure and Atlantic Countys
geographic location amidst a very large driving range population offer an opportunity for
advancement of the Life Sciences sector. Every effort should be made to grow significant
university and private R&D in this field.
The county offers green settings and slower-paced atmospheres conducive to holistic health
services that treat the whole patient mind, body and spirit. Atlantic City holds potential to
become a regional location for specialized medicine medical tourism.
While healthcare is an important component of life science, the preservation of ecosystem is also
vital. The pinelands and the wetlands regions have played their role throughout the history of
Atlantic County in attracting residents looking to escape the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life.
Life Sciences
The environment therefore has played a crucial role in shaping the culture and identity of the
county. University and college partnerships should be pursued in order to facilitate research and
conservation of the countys most unique resource.
One of the most exciting opportunities open to Atlantic County is the possibility of establishing a
major center there for climate change research. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
determined the Mid-Atlantic Region to be a critical area due to high sea-level rise. Princeton
University reports on climate change lend credence to the idea of Atlantic City as an
international headquarters for climate change research. Architecture giant Perkins+Will has
proposed using Atlantic Citys empty infrastructure as a research center for climate change and
coastal resiliency. Increasing R&D activity would be of great benefit to the region and could help
redefine the area as a center for ocean related studies. Every effort should be made to turn this
research activity into a reality.
AtlantiCare Regional Hospital
PHOTO: COURTESY OF PERKINS+WILL
Betting on a resilience training campus is probably one of the

safest entrepreneurial ideas to pop up in Atlantic City for decades.
-- Christina Farnsworth, National Association of Real Estate Editors
Current wage averages in life sciences are not high in Atlantic County, and the average income
trend has leveled off since the recession. Income levels in this field are growing in both New
Jersey and the U.S., creating significant potential for higher future wages in the local sector.
Life Sciences
Competitive Assets:
Proximity to Ocean/Marine Life
Current and Planned Educational Facilities
Stockton Medical Curriculum Development
Strong Medical Facilities
Low Land and Real Estate Costs for
Northeast
Key Opportunities
Medical Tourism
Specialty Clinics and Fields of Care
Location for Marine Biology School
Geisinger/Atlantic Care Merger - Medical
School
Shore Medical Center, Bacharach Institute
for Rehabilitation
Issues to Address
Declining Populations
Low Entrepreneurial Support for Supply
Chain

Current Total Sq. Feet: 7.8 million

Life Science Market Segment

Employment Growth
Life Sciences
R&D
Office and Administration
Care Facilities
Atlantic County
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Growth Growth Growth
(12-13) (08-13) (03-13)
x
x
x
x
x
x
100%
12
10
50%
8
6
0%
Thousands
Thousands
Market Segment Employment

14
U.S.
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Growth Growth Growth
(12-13 (08-13) (03-13)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
$65
$60
$55
$50
$45
2
0
-50%
$40
$35
Care Facilities
Office and Administration
R&D
Atlantic County
New Jersey
U.S.
Tourism
The Tourism sector is by far the leading source of
employment in Atlantic County, with 48,000 workers and
$1.4 billion in payroll in 2013. There is more than 7
million sq. feet of infrastructure already in place
supporting tourism businesses. Casinos have boosted
annual wage averages in Atlantic County above those
paid in the sector in New Jersey and the U.S., but at an
average annual of $28,000, wages are still low.
Developing service sectors with higher-end products will
help raise wages for new businesses above the current
average.
History proves that Atlantic County has vast potential for
the better development of tourism industries not related
to gambling and casinos. Atlantic Coast beaches,
historical boardwalks, preserved wetlands and forests, an
underutilized airport and culturally rich cities and towns
add up to significant attraction points for those looking
for a vacation location or mid-week get-away.
Mature/Core Target
Sports and Sports Events
Eco-Tourism
Gaming (Non-Casino)
Tour Packages
Festivals and Events
Emerging Targets
Aqua-Tourism
Agri-Tourism
Atlantic City is an established destination. Expanding tourism seasons by moving activities indoors
and better developing outdoor winter sports is important. Tennis and soccer competitions can
easily be moved indoors during inclement weather. The name recognition and accepted
destination location attached to Atlantic City make it a good choice for corporate indoor theme
parks. Unoccupied oceanfront infrastructure could be repurposed to indoor parks with attached
hotel space.
Also important is connecting the attractions and activities of all the municipalities together into a
well-marketed marketing package. Brochures should be developed seasonally and according to
interest. Regional information should be available and easy to find at all major portals and tourist
gathering places rental car agencies throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, hotels in the
region, at conventions and special events, in public offices, etc. A website should be created
devoted to cultural, social and sports activities that provides information on all sites and current
activities within the Atlantic County region, along with GPS location options.
One of the most important changes to the promotion for Atlantic County should be in developing
a tourist office in or around the Philadelphia airport portal and rail station. There is currently very
little, if any, information on Atlantic City and Atlantic County available to travelers who fly into the
area. There appears to be no highly visible coordinated transportation from the airport to
downtown Atlantic City. Having a colorful, well-organized connection to Atlantic County at the
flight portal will be critical in promoting the tourism opportunities of the region.
Tourism
2013 Total Payroll: $1.4 billion
2013 Establishments: 1,100
Current Total Sq. Feet: 7.4 million

Key Opportunities
Redevelopment/Repurposing Options
Expanded Flights at International Airport

Issues to Address
Current Negative Perception of Atlantic City
No Deep Port Access
Winter Weather Limitation
Tourism
Entertainment
Ecotourism
Sports Tourism
General Tourism
Atlantic County
U.S.
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
(12-13) (08-13) (03-13) (12-13 (08-13) (03-13)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Thousands
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
4%
2%
0%
-2%
-4%
-6%
-8%
Thousands
Tourism Market Segment

Employment Growth
Competitive Assets:
Quality of Life and Natural Beauty
Beaches, Boardwalk, Golf
Pinelands/Wetlands
Historic Name Recognition of Atlantic City
Blueberries, Cranberries, Wine and Other
Ag
Casino Gaming and Entertainment
Proximity to Major Cities
Quaint Seaside Towns
Combined Historic and Cultural Attractions
Available Workforce
$32
$30
$28
$26
$24
$22
$20
Entertainment
Ecotourism
Sports Tourism
General Tourism

$18
$16
Atlantic County
New Jersey
U.S.
Things are looking up in manufacturing sectors around
the world. Technical innovations are continually driving
the industry toward smaller processes. 3D printing
technology has opened up the manufacturing industry to
new participants. No longer is it necessary to have
hundreds of thousands of dollars-worth of equipment to
design and produce prototypes. Shared maker spaces are
allowing individuals and small businesses to get
prototypes in front of investors affordably. This is leading
to more innovation, smaller infrastructure requirements
and a trend toward decentralized manufacturing hubs.
Very little specialty manufacturing currently occurs in
Atlantic County. BLS reveals only 60 businesses engaged
in the sector, with less than 1,000 employees. Average
annual wages earned by specialty manufacturing workers
in the region are low and falling. Taking advantage of a
new era of product development and improving design
and technology skills can lead to better manufacturing
jobs and wages.
Mature/Core Target
Boat MFG. Parts, and Supplies
Pharmaceutical Compounding
Specialty Foods
Foods and Beverage Processing
Chemicals
Emerging Targets
Aircraft Parts and Design
UAV MFG, Parts and Design
Product Design and Prototypes
Specialty manufacturing should not be seen as a standalone industry. Rather, it is an auxiliary

industry that provides value added products for the already existent agricultural industry as well
as the suggested target industries of life science and aerospace and avionics. The industry is a way
for Atlantic County to leverage existing resources and further build on them or to provide
additional services that assist in building a rich supply chain.
Agriculture is a prominent industry in Atlantic County with a wide spectrum of focus ranging from
vegetable hydroponics to shellfish aquaculture. Specialty manufacturing in this instance relates to
farm-to-table production. Value added processes such as the production of blueberry wine,
vegetable cleaning, and clam shucking are all ways to build on the already successful agriculture
industry within the county.
In this report, AngelouEconomics recommends the life science industry as a target industry for
Atlantic County. Medical manufacturing provides a synergistic component in the supply chain of
this industry. Hospitals require medical apparatuses, test kits, and surgical supplies. Furthermore,
future growth in medical research will make the county more appealing to pharmaceutical
manufacturers looking to build off of the existing network.
The FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, drone test site designation, and the Atlantic County
airport are key assets for the development of specialty manufacturing. Businesses have the
opportunity to partner with the FAA facility and leverage their testing facilities and research data
in building new components related to aviation and flight control. The designation of the county
as a drone test site creates for a convenience factor for manufacturers due to the opportunity to
test prototypes in their backyard. Finally, AngelouEconomics recommendation of encouraging
maintenance and repair operations within the Atlantic County airport will create a necessity for
aviation components and parts. Proximity to the airport, as well as a number of large airports
within the North East can help foster a supply chain network within the region.
There are many strong opportunities for new specialty manufacturing entrepreneurial businesses
in Atlantic County. Aeronautical research and technology related product manufacturing leverages
the new Stockton Aeronautics Research and Tech Park and the incomparable FAA asset.
Innovative food startups and food preparation and manufacturing leverage the name recognition
of casino chefs, the off-season festival capability of infrastructure, and the strong local culinary
programs. Expanding craft breweries and wineries leverage the superior regional water quality, tie
into tourism strategies and leverage the existing popularity of Irish festivals in Atlantic City.
Game Changer: Attract Microbreweries to Atlantic County

Craft brewing has grown by 536% between 1994 and 2014 and today makes up roughly
19% of the overall beer market in the U.S. A good craft beer requires four key
ingredients: malts, hops, yeast, and water. While the first 3 are easy to acquire,
breweries will generally locate near quality sources of water due to difficulties in
transporting the ingredient. The Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer has played a role in
supplying local bakeries with high quality water. Likewise, it can play a role in
establishing breweries in Atlantic County. Furthermore, the countys rustic
communities are ideal for destination breweries that not only provide quality micro
brewed beer but also an escape from urban centers.
Jester King Brewery, Austin Texas
2013 Employees: 900
Current Total Sq. Feet: 1 million

Competitive Assets:
International Airport Capacity
Regionally Low Real Estate Prices
Educational Assets for Workforce Training
Logistical Advantage to Key Markets (Lower
Freight Costs)
Comparatively Low East Coast Real Estate
Prices
FAA/UAV Test Facilities
Private FAA-Linked Research Park
Local Commercial Parks
Key Opportunities
Air Cargo Expansion at Atlantic City Airport
Collaborative Private/College and
University Research Funding
Issues to Address
High Level of State Regulation/Taxes
Lack of Business Leadership
Predominantly Unskilled Workforce
Atlantic County
U.S.
Specialty Manufacturing Market 1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Segment Employment Growth
(12-13) (08-13) (03-13) (12-13 (08-13) (03-13)
x
x
x
x
Food and Agriculture
x
x
x
x
x
Aerospace and Transportation
x
x
x
Life Science Manufacturing
x
x
60%
40%
800
20%
0%
400
-20%
-40%
-60%
Thousands
1,200

$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
$20
$0
Life Science Manufacturing
Aerospace and Transportation
Food and Agriculture
Atlantic County
New Jersey
U.S.
Entreprenuerial Services
Businesses and the people who start them and work
for them create jobs and compete in the global
marketplace. Atlantic Countys ability to diversify and
achieve economic success depends largely on the smart,
creative people and new ideas that will keep the region
vibrant.
Atlantic County currently has very little in the way of
support for entrepreneurs. If the region is going to step
up its level of competitiveness, stakeholders will need to
devote serious attention to developing policies and
investments that foster smart people, smart ideas and
the right environment to promote innovation. To get
started, the ACEDC should:
Create investment in (R&D) funds
Support educational institutes that produce cuttingedge research and a skilled workforce
Invest in commercializing new discoveries and
technologies that lead to new products and new
companies.
Mature/Core Target
Accounting/Data
Processing/Financial
Call Center
Engineering, Computer, and
Design
Cyber Security
Emerging Targets
Travel, Convention, and Event
Support
Programming and Gaming
Special Skills Schools
Atlantic County has a population of active foreign-born entrepreneurs that run small businesses of
all kinds, but primarily turn their attention to retail. A wider range of entrepreneurial endeavors
should be fostered, with attention paid to the target industries the region hopes to attract.
Engineering, computer, design and technology businesses will help grow aeronautics and avionics,
medical services and specialty manufacturing industries. They will also help cultivate the birth of
gaming companies that can help Atlantic City increase its reputation for non-casino gaming.
Current entrepreneurial companies provide one of the highest average annual wages in the
region. With an average in excess of $63,000/year, the entrepreneurial workforce wage is second
only to aeronautics and aviation, and wages in the sector appear to be on a positive rise. More
than 6,000 people in Atlantic County currently earn their livings based on the innovation of
hardworking, successful small business concerns.
Foro Ciel Garden Coworking space on the

Top of Coca-Cola in Mexico City
Entrepreneurial Services
Competitive Assets:
Quality of Life
Educational Facilities for Business Training
Proximity to Major Cities
Emerging Creative Cities
Existing Nucleus of Successful Foreign-Born
Entrepreneurs
Room for Successful Businesses
Development

2013 Establishments: 1,100
Key Opportunities
Regional Plan to Attract New Industries
Development of Live/Work Environments
Underdeveloped Supply Chains

Issues to Address
Lack of Industry Diversification
Lack of Adequate Incubators/Accelerators
Lack of Co-working Space

Atlantic County
U.S.
Entrepreneurial Services Market 1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Segment Employment Growth
(12-13) (08-13) (03-13) (12-13 (08-13) (03-13)
Entrepreneurial Business
x
x
x
Services
Insurance and Financial
x
High Tech and Design
x
x
x
General Business Services
x
x
x
Marketing and Promotion
x
x
10
6%
8
1%
-4%
Thousands
Thousands
$100
$90
$80
-9%
$70
-14%
$60
$50
Insurance and Financial
High Tech and Design
General Business Services
Marketing and Promotion
$40

Atlantic County
New Jersey
U.S.
Cost of Operations
Cost of Operations
After identifying target industries for Atlantic County economic development, AE further studied
the comparative costs associated with operating three companies within the targeted sectors in
Atlantic County and other appropriate benchmark areas. It is important to understand the costs
associated with opening target industry niche businesses in Atlantic County to determine the
extent of competitiveness that exists and to see where policies need to be implemented to level
the playing field. Further Cost of Operations detail on the three businesses is provided in the
Appendix.
Call Centers
When compared to benchmark locations of Dubuque County, IA; Erie County, PA; Roanoke City,
VA; and Washoe County, NV, Atlantic County was not a competitive location for a call center, and
had the highest annual cost of operation at an estimated $6.6 million compared to Dubuque
County, which had the lowest annual cost estimate of $5.5 million. Atlantic Countys highest
operating were for employee payroll and benefit packages. Taxes and utilities were also
significantly higher than average in Atlantic County for those companies. Atlantic County had an
advantage in building/lease payments over three of the four benchmarks. The County should
utilize state employment incentives to mitigate the higher payroll costs.
Food Processing
Research into costs associated with running a food processing plant in Atlantic County compared
to the costs of running that plant in benchmark locations of Dubuque County, Erie County,
Roanoke City and Houston County, GA found that, again, Atlantic County proved to be noncompetitive with the highest estimated annual cost of $3.8 million compared to the lowest-cost
benchmark of Houston County, which had an estimated cost of $2.4 million. Once again,
employee payroll and benefit costs and utility expenditures in Atlantic County drove the operating
costs higher than that of benchmark locations. Interestingly, property taxes were lower in Atlantic
County than either Roanoke City or Houston County. The ACEDC and other marketers should
promote Atlantic Countys property tax advantage when targeting food processing companies.
Aircraft Maintenance and Repair
Atlantic County does show significant promise as a competitive location for an aircraft
maintenance and repair organization (MRO). This is likely the reason that both private and public
organizations have contacted Atlantic City airport authorities with interest in an MRO project in
the past. There is land space available at the Atlantic City airport that could be used as an MRO
location, although infrastructure would have to be built, including the creation of a taxi runway
linking the facility to the main airport runway and the warehouse facility where the work is done.
When compared to benchmark locations with an existing MRO Essex County, NJ; Queens
County, NY; and Philadelphia/Delaware Counties, PA Atlantic County reflected advantageous
cost factors for employee payroll and benefits, building costs/lease payments, and property tax.
The highest cost benchmark for an MRO was Queens County, estimated at $40.4 annually. The
lowest cost benchmark was Philadelphia, with an estimated annual operations cost of $30 million.
Atlantic County can offset some of its cost disadvantages by offering highly competitive lease
terms to MROs looking to locate in the north east.
Strategic Recommendations
Vision
Strategic
Plan
Target
Industries
Market
Assessment
Objectives
Strategies
Action Steps
Best Practices
Stakeholder
Engagement
Performance Metrics
Implementation Matrix
Armed with a solid understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the Atlantic County market
area, the assets within its boundaries, the issues with which it struggles, and the industries the
region will focus on attracting, we are better equipped to take closer look at the mission, vision
and goals set by ACIA for the coming 10 years. During the market assessment phase of the
project, the ACIA staff and the steering committee reviewed and set a vision for the future that
establishes direction for the plan.
The underlying purpose for a new economic development strategic plan for Atlantic County is to
raise the level of prosperity enjoyed by businesses and area residents, therefore ensuring a higher
quality of life now and in the years ahead. To do that, Atlantic County aims to increase the
diversity of industries that support the region, building networks of supply chains and reducing
the risk that a downturn in any one industry will result in a significant impact on the region.
Atlantic County stakeholders look to the strategic
plan for regional guidance to build a businessfriendly and supportive environment, one that
helps existing companies grow and become more
successful. That environment will also cultivate
interest by new industries in moving into the
region with higher paying jobs to the area.
Mission
Sustain and diversify the
economy in order to provide a
high quality of life for all
residents.
To do that, four guiding objectives were

developed to enable stakeholders to attain the
vision it aspires to achieve.
First, Atlantic County stakeholders will become
the force that champions a new push for
regionalism, encourages collaboration between
the many cities and rural areas and reduces silos
of information. An era of communicating with
and supporting local businesses will be born,
where economic development experts will meet
with major employers and industry leaders on a
regular basis to establish ways of ensuring their
continuing success.
With a new focus on regionalism, ACEDC can
leverage the international recognition factor of
Atlantic City and dilute negative perception by
broadening the brand to encompass the wider
region. That will bring into play the many assets
and attractions within the 23 municipalities and
the rural areas in the region. It will change the
worlds perspective of Atlantic County in terms of
Atlantic City to a healthier balance of Atlantic City
as one of the many assets of Atlantic County.
New direction will allow the ACEDC to compete
with more leverage in domestic and international
markets. The economic development corporation
will aggressively market Atlantic County as a new
location for industries. It will work to build more
research and development activity, better
workforce skills, and a wider product base. It will
take advantage of a broader concept of its power
as a destination location.
Vision
Increase the tax base of
Atlantic County by enhancing
the business climate and
creating higher-paying jobs.
GUIDING OBJECTIVES
Champion Regional Economic

Development
Create a Strong Business

Environment
3
4
Broaden and Improve Brand

Compete with Leverage in
International Markets
The four guiding objectives can be further

focused and better articulated into four
overarching goals that will provide the framework
for the economic development strategic plan.
Establish a Regional Economic Development

Corporation
Drive Industry Diversification
Improve Economic Development Product
Rethink Destination Factor
Goal 1: Establish a Regional ED Corporation

Since the legalization of gambling in New Jersey in 1976,
and the opening of the Resorts Casino in 1978, Atlantic
City has benefitted from huge revenues brought in by the
casino industry. So has Atlantic County and the state. The
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, created in
1984, began to funnel what has amounted to $1.8 billion
of casino money into public improvement and housing
projects throughout the state.
Riding high on that wave of cash flow, the city and the
county did less to develop a diverse economic
development strategy than most other regions in the
country. To a large extent, strategic economic
development activity in Atlantic County, and most other
counties in New Jersey, has been left in the hands of the
state and its public Economic Development Authority. The
various cities and municipalities in Atlantic County
handled what little marketing of themselves they
conducted in silos, in most cases unaware of things going
on in the other cities and municipalities around them.
Goal 1: Establish a Regional

Authority
Strategy 1
Create a Public/Private
Economic
Development
Corporation
Strategy 2
Develop Local
Partnerships
Strategy 3
Improve Regional
Communication and
Planning
Strategy 4
Market the Region
The problem with this lack of cohesive strategy is that economic development is a local business.
Each region must be aware of the assets and opportunities within its boundaries and be
aggressive in marketing them to the world at large. With little knowledge of the economic
direction of Atlantic County, the New Jersey EDA lacks impetus to deliver possible industries to
the local region rather than to some other area in the state.
When the Atlantic City casino industry collapsed in 2014, the true cost of the lack of high level
economic planning became apparent. To catch up with the rest of the world and turn around
negative trends in unemployment, poverty and insufficient budget funding, Atlantic County
businesses and residents must quickly bind together in a shared plan for strategic economic
development and use the strength of partnerships to enter the international game.
The desperate focus on jobs has fueled counterproductive intraregional competition in New
Jersey, luring companies out of Atlantic County to take advantage of incentive opportunities
offered by the state in Camden County and other areas. Even within Atlantic County, communities
offer financial enticements or tax incentives to lure companies away from municipalities next
door in a short-sighted attempt to undercut their neighbors and shift more businesses and jobs
within their own borders.
This is a zero-sum game between economic development players that should be wielding greater
power by playing on the same team. New industries must move into Atlantic County and new jobs
must be created. The businesses, residents, cities and economic development organizations
within Atlantic must commit to a strong plan for regional strategy.
Goal 1: Establish a Regional ED Authority

Economic Development Organization Models
Economic Development Corporations
More likely to focus on business incentives and development
Have larger economic development staff and pay higher salariesIncreasingly
turning to local governments/private sector for funding
Chambers of Commerce
Reducing support for traditional economic development activities
Increasing focus on providing community development and tourism related
services
Local Governments
Continued focus on facility and infrastructure development with emphasis on
downtown redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization
Regional Planning Councils

Focus on infrastructure planning efforts and advocacy and management activities

Strategy 1: Create a Public/Private
Economic Development Corporation
As a first step, local business and community leaders
should create a public/private economic development
corporation initially funded by Atlantic County and
donations from the surrounding business community.
Funding for the first year should be 70% from public and
30% from private sources. In future years, the Atlantic
County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC)
should achieve 100% private funding. Additional funding
by the state and federal grants should be researched.
Some of the most common factors of successful
economic development organizations include:
Public and private sector buy-in
Committed volunteer leadership
Long-term, stable financial support
Importance of regionalism
Talented and Trained staff
Clear program of work
Accountability through performance metrics
A) Create an EDC Board
Key Actions
A) Create a EDC Board
B) Develop a Governance Agreement
C) Establish an Independent Office
D) Determine Organizational Setup
and Staffing
E) Establish Initial Budget
Developing a regional
framework that focuses on a
clear, cohesive, and unified
economic development
strategy projects a positive
business environment to
outside firms, while
encouraging the expansion
and retention of existing
businesses.
- National League of Cities
The first action in accomplishing the Atlantic County Economic Development Corporation will be
to establish a board of experienced talent from within the region that can work together to
create, staff and fund the new corporation.
B) Develop a Governance Agreement

To aid cities and economic development organizations within Atlantic County in breaking out of
their long held silos, ACEDC will need to draft governance agreements that set the rules and
framework for regional cooperation and overall strategic economic advancement. There are many
approaches to regional economic development agreements. Atlantic County will have to assess
the issues that exist between cities and local organizations and develop an agreement that works
best for the area. There are, however, some common objectives:
1. Establish ACEDC as the single initial point of contact.
2. Project regional unification in simple terms to industries and site locators.
3. Start slow with simple agreements every partner can live with.
4. Collect and share all information. Insist on transparency.
5. Develop anti-poaching practices through Expansion and Retention programs.
6. Obtain the buy-in and active support of all major cities.

Best Practices
Partnership Gwinnet
Gwinnett County, Georgia
Partnership Gwinnett is a public-private initiative founded to bring new jobs and capital investment to
Gwinnett County, Georgia. Since 2006, the organization has worked with local partners to attract and
retain jobs, cultivate capital investment, support educational institutions, foster workforce
development, and contribute to the quality of life found in Gwinnett. One of the most successful EDCs
of its size, in 2014 the Partnership won 23 new projects, creating 1,645 new jobs $125 million in new
capital investment. The EDC also runs an aggressive Business Retention and Expansion program, visiting
more than 100 local companies a year.
The Partnership runs an extremely aggressive marketing program, implementing telephone, email and
postal campaigns continually each year. The organization is also adept at collaboration and works with
neighboring regions to extend its strategic efforts, including continuing commitment to Metro Atlantas
first regional economic development strategic plan.
For more information, visit: http://www.partnershipgwinnett.com/

Best Practices
Retention/Anti-Poaching
Cuyahoga County, OH
In 2010, the Cuyahoga County Director of Regional Economic Development began visits with all of the
Cuyahoga County communities to sell them on the idea of regional cooperation. In order to reach a
consensus, the county started with a relatively modest agreement to avoid any widespread discontent
among the neighboring communities. The idea was that if small steps could be taken to get an
agreement off the ground, it could open the door for more ambitious regional cooperation in the
future. Cleveland came on board midway through the negotiations, which gave the agreement a big
boost.
Since then, 54 of the countys 59 communities have signed the agreement that: 1) Facilitates
interactions between the county and communities, 2) Establishes the county as the One-Stop Shop for
site selectors, 3) prohibits members soliciting businesses from other areas, and 4) establishes
procedures for businesses that initiate a move within the region.
Information sharing has exploded since the agreement was developed and the county has been able to
build a $100 million economic development Fund.
For more information, visit: www.cuyahogac.us
Best Practices
Code of Ethics
Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation has an estimated 70 cities, counties and
economic development organization members. MDEDC requires each of its members to sign a Code of
Ethics agreement that outlines rules to prevent unhealthy competition between regional communities.
There is a strong commitment to regional cooperation, and MDEDC members are strongly encouraged
to sell Metro Denver first and our individual communities and projects second. Selling against other
localities within the metro area in order to attract prospects is explicitly discouraged and members are
forbidden to solicit another members prospects.
In the Code of Ethics, information sharing and transparency are paramount. If a company intends to
move from one locality to another within the region, members are expected to contact the affected
community and inform them of the potential move. Members that cannot meet the needs of a
business prospect are encouraged to pass it along to a regional partner that can.
Response by prospective companies has been extremely positive. They cite having a single point of
contact as a major advantage.
For more information visit: http://www.metrodenver.org/

C) Establish an Independent Office
The new ACEDC will need independent office space
in an environment that reflects professionalism,
expertise and the power of the regional business
community. The office should be located in an
upscale area of Atlantic City or other business
district in the Atlantic County that offers ease of
access to parking and quality hotels. At some point
in time, the regional Chamber of Commerce and the
ACEDC may choose to office in the same building or
area, but the delineation of the two organizations
should be clear, and the business area in which they
are located should be appropriate.
Initial ACEDC Staff

Position
President
VP of Business Retention
VP of Business Attraction
VP of Entrepreneurship
Office Manager
Communications Manager
D) Determine Organizational Setup and Staffing
Director of Research
There are many different ways that successful

economic development organizations structure staff
expertise and areas of responsibility to achieve the
goals within their unique regions. It is highly
recommended that ACEDC conduct a national search
to hire the most experienced and highly skilled staff
member for each position. The challenges ahead for
Atlantic County in creating economic diversity where
very little exists, and in developing regional attitude
and entrepreneurial breeding grounds will require
expert economic development professionals with
strong backgrounds. It is critical that the ACEDC hit
the ground running with highly qualified staff. The
new economic development corporation should:
PR Firm on Retainer
Achieve economic development accreditation for

ACEDC
Embark on a continuous staff development
program
Join key organizations such as the International
Economic Development Council, the Industrial
Asset Management Council, US Select, the Site
Selectors Guild, and targeted AmChams around
the world.
Atlantic County stakeholders participate in a

focus group to help develop a new Economic
Development Strategy and Action Plan.

E) Establish Initial Budget
Significant long-term financial support is
critical to the success of any economic
development effort. Generally, business
retention and recruitment receive the
most organizational resources, followed by
entrepreneurship and small business
development.
It is also important that the new ACEDC
devote sufficient attention and resources
to research activities, both in hiring a
strong research director and providing for
the acquisition of all necessary updated
data. ACEDC can expect first year funding
requirements of roughly $1.4 million.
Initial ACEDC Operating Budget

Expense
Amount
Salaries and Benefits
$780,000
Website
$35,000
Collateral Material
$25,000
Research Data and Memberships
$25,000
Marketing Budget
$200,000
Office Space
$150,000
Furniture and Computers
$100,000
Publications Firm Retainer
$90,000
First Year Budget (Up to):
$1,405,000
As the ACEDC establishes its reputation in the region with both public and private leadership,
additional financial resources should be added to boost the marketing budget to more than
$500,000.
Top Performing Economic Development Organizations

City
Population
MSA
Populatio
n
Budget
Per
Capita
Greater Austin
Chamber of
Commerce
885 K
1.9 M
$4 M
Charlotte Regional
Partnership
793 K
2.3 M
Greater Phoenix
Economic Council
1.5 M
56 K
Organization
Pflugerville
Community
Development
Corporation
Public
Approp
riation
Inves
tors
$4.5
$3.6 M
$4.5
4.3 M
$5.3 M
$3.5
56k
$2.2 M
$39.3
Public
Tax
Other

Best Practices
Funding Economic Development Efforts
Texas 4A/4B Program
In 1989, the State of Texas Legislature passed to give Texas cities new financial power to create
Economic Development Corporations through a voter-approved economic development sales tax. Cities
are able to enact a -cent or 1-cent sales tax to fund programs as diverse as infrastructure projects to
marketing campaigns.
One response was to create the Economic Development Sales Tax option for cities. By allowing citizens
to vote on raising taxes in order to invest in economic projects, the state essentially put control back in
the hands of local governments. The program has been widely adopted. As of 2005, voters in 537 cities
have approved economic development sales taxes, raising nearly $400 million for their economic
development efforts.
For more information review: http://texasahead.org/tax_programs/typeab/
Best Practices
Funding Economic Development Efforts
Select Greater Philadelphia
Select Greater Philadelphia is a supra-regional marketing organization representing 11 counties in 3
states using primarily private sector funds. The organization is well-funded and enjoys the support of
every economic development agency in its area to support marketing and collaborate effectively.
The first phase of the program focused on fundraising, raising $16 million to cover a four-year period to
support the start-up nonprofit organization. Roughly 90% of funding was raised through the private
sector. The second phase of the organizations founding has been focused on business attraction,
targeted marketing and research.
The organization and its fundraising and attraction activities are supported by a strong, well-powered
website that offers clear, coordinated information on the region, target industries and success stories.
For more information visit: http://www.selectgreaterphiladelphia.com/

Strategy 2: Develop Local Partnerships
Few municipal communities in todays competitive world
have sufficient resources to succeed in global markets.
The new ACEDC cannot carry the implementation of the
A) Identify and Engage Potential
strategic plan alone, nor can it effectively plan for the
Economic Development Partners
future without the full support of the countywide
community. The ACEDC will need to engage and garner
B) Establish Key Ambassadors
support for the Atlantic County Economic Development
Strategy and Action Plan from state and county
C) Set Responsibility Areas for
government officials, municipal leaders, local businesses,
Strategic Plan Implementation
and other organizations active in economic development
within Atlantic County, including ACIA Commissioners
D) Create Economic Development
and economic development, staff, municipal mayors, and
Partner Appreciation Events
economic development committees, and workforce
development organizations. Convention and Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce should
also be included as important members of the economic development team. Another important
partner in economic development could be the Atlantic City Development Corporation, the
private nonprofit real estate organization. Strategic partners need a seat at the table for planning
sessions and the development of future goals and strategies for Atlantic County.
Key Actions
As a first step ACEDC should establish an Implementation Committee, name a chair and co-chair
for the following major thrusts called by the strategic plan: 1) Creation of the ACEDC, 2) Drive
Economic Diversification, and 3) Marketing and Branding. The chair and co-chair of each
committee along with key partners and stakeholders will make the Executive Board (15 members)
responsible for the overall implementation of the strategic plan.
A&B) Identify and Engage Potential Economic Development Partners and Establish
Key Ambassadors
Economic development partners should be identified and approached by ACEDC to assume areas
of responsibility for the implementation of the strategic plan, and take control of organizing
others and ensuring the completion of actions within the specified timeline. Partners will also act
as ambassadors for the region in marketing and retention and expansion efforts.
C) Set Responsibility Areas for Strategic Plan Implementation

Designated economic development partners that assume roles of responsibility for plan
implementation ensure that each strategy is developed and accomplished by those with expertise
in the area. Partners will allow the accomplishment of a greater number of strategies and actions
than ACEDC staff would be able to achieve alone. Implementation and progress meetings should
be scheduled to help partners understand and provide input to the strategic plan and add
revisions born of experience as to how actions within their scope of responsibility are carried out.
Priorities and timeline must be understood and respected. Quarterly or semi-annual meetings will
help everyone working on the plan stay informed as to how well the plan is being implemented
and aware of any issues that could be delaying planned accomplishments.

D) Create Economic Development Partner Appreciation Events
Celebrate and acknowledge the success of regionalization efforts and those who support the plan.
An annual event can show partners that their efforts are being recognized and reinforce their
investment. The event can also help to garner more support for regional economic development
and press coverage can further establish the credibility of the ACEDC. Stories of successful
projects and progress should be brought to public attention and celebrated.
Potential Atlantic County Economic Development Partners
Atlantic Cape May Workforce

Investment Board
Casino Reinvestment
Development Authority
Greater Atlantic City Chamber
New Jersey Economic

Development Authority
Pascal Sykes Foundation
Rutgers University
Grow New Jersey
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural

Extension Service
Hammonton Chamber of
Commerce
New Jersey Small Business

Development Center
Levenson Institute of Gaming,

Hospitality and Tourism
South Jersey Economic

Development District
Atlantic City Metropolitan
Business and Citizens Association
Atlantic County Economic
Development Advisory Committee
Atlantic County Institute of

Technology
Atlantic County Dept. Of Regional

Planning and Development
Atlantic County Mayors

Association
Municipal Economic Development

Committees
South Jersey Transportation

Authority
New Jersey Business Action Center
Atlantic County Public School
Districts
Atlantic County Utilities Authority
Municipal, State and Federal

Elected Officials
Stockton University
AtlantiCare
New Jersey Community Capital
New Jersey Dept. of Labor and

Work Force Development
Workforce New Jersey

Atlantic/Cape May
Best Practices
Celebrating Small Businesses and Economic Development Partners
Sarasota County, FL
Now in its 25th year, The Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards recognizes member businesses and
individuals with locally owned and operated companies and organizations in eight categories. Named in honor
of the late Frank G. Berlin Sr., whose legacy in the community and untiring support of The Greater Sarasota
Chamber of Commerce epitomized the hopes and dreams of contemporary business entrepreneurs.
Best of the year awards are given for different sized Small Business, Young Professional, Cultural Organization,
Retail Business, Healthcare/Wellness Organization, International Organization, and Non-Profit Organization.
Awards could be extended in Atlantic County to Economic Development Partner of the Year in various
categories. Additionally, new economic development partners and new entrepreneurial businesses could be
recognized.
For more information visit: www.sarasotachamber.com

Strategy 3: Improve Regional
Communication and Planning
Strategic plans are not woven around buildings and
cities; they are woven around people. People drive
economic development. It is participation that makes
good economic strategic plans successful. Participation
requires skilled communication. We live in a
communication era, yet silos of information still bring
economic development activity to its knees in many
regions. For generations, business activity in Atlantic
County has been hampered by information and municipal
silos that have prevented the aggregation of assets and
the successful global marketing of the region.
Key Actions
A) Understand Partner Economic
Development Goals and Objectives
B) Create an Informal Atlantic County
Regional Council of Planning
Departments
C) Launch a Regional Community
Website
The key to strong regional planning is the design of a plan that encompasses the vision of major
stakeholders and succeeds in getting all businesses and organizations moving in the same
direction toward common understood goals.
A) Understand Partner Economic Development Goals and Objectives
Quickly overcome silo culture by clarifying the goals of potential economic development partners,
and show that those goals are woven into the regional strategic fabric. Identify allies that can
collaborate in strategic areas and meet with them to engage them in the process.
B) Create an Informal Atlantic County Regional Council of Planning Departments
Create an Informal Regional Council of Planning Departments. In an effort to improve regional
planning, ACEDC should help develop an effective informal Council of Planning Departments that
includes representatives from all active municipal planning departments and committees. The
Council will communicate regional planning activities, and coordinate the many economic
development efforts now underway and planned for the near future. The group of active planning
leaders can ensure high-level planning and streamline development processes. The Council should
include:
Representatives from all active municipal economic development planning departments
ACEDC Staff
County Economic Development Staff

Best Practices
Denver Council of Governments
Denver, CO
The Denver Regional Council of Governments is one of the oldest councils of governments.
Representatives of the regions counties, cities and towns work together to improve the lives of its
citizens. They are guided by the Metro Vision regional growth and development plan, which defines
goals and actions needed to ensure the region remains a great place to live and work.
DRCOG is the planning organization where local governments collaborate to establish guidelines, set
policy and allocate funding for growth and development. Through collaborative meetings and planning
the various governments remain aware of all plans and activities in the area and ensure that each is
working in the same direction for shared ultimate goals.
For more information, visit: https://drcog.org
C) Launch a Regional Community Website

Launch a regional community website that binds the Atlantic County residential community
together with the businesses they frequent. The county currently has no television station to
provide social information on a local level. The website should include a frequently updated
calendar that lists events and activities occurring within the local area. It should also include a GIS
system that sites locations for attractions, public spaces, event infrastructure and federal, state
and local parks. Local businesses can sponsor the website. Stories should be posted about
upcoming events, business successes, entrepreneurial startups, and short feature articles about
notable residents. Links should be provided to municipalities, and event businesses. Connections
to social media sites and the development of a free phone app are recommended.
Best Practices
Community Events Website
Do512, Austin, TX
From concerts and happy hours to film and special events, Do512 is the place to find out what's
happening in the regional Austin area. More than 300,000 people use the site every month to find out
the options.
The site features rankings of popular upcoming events and special categories, such as What to do with
the Kids, Best Trivia Sites, and Free Things to Do Today. It allows registered users to add events,
subject to the review of a site manager. Registration is free and easy to accomplish. Personal calendars
allow users to link activities to friend groups.
The site is connected to social media, including facebook and twitter. A phone app makes it easy to use
while on the go.
The addition of local attractions, parks and venues and GIS location information would make this type
of site a good way to keep residents and businesses throughout Atlantic County connected and up-todate.
For more information, visit do512.com

Strategy 4: Market the Region
One of the most important aspect of economic
development is marketing. To tell the full story of the
Atlantic County and overcome any negative perception
generated by press on Atlantic City, a top ACEDC priority
will be to vigorously market the region through the
promotion of collective assets. The ACEDC should be the
initial contact point, the one-stop-shop for all
businesses and site selectors interested in expanding or
relocating in the area.
A) Hire a PR Firm to Create Regional Brand
Key Actions
A) Hire a PR Firm to Create Regional
Brand
B) Develop Marketing Collateral
C) Create an ACEDC Website
D) Conduct Marketing Trips and FAM
Tours
E) Publish a Regional Newsletter and
Annual Economic Development
Report
It is time for Atlantic County to own a bold, fresh image for the region as a whole based on its
varied communities and collective assets. A professional PR firm can assist the ACEDC in
developing a new regional brand that brings a new picture to the eyes of the world. Some of the
first steps in branding Atlantic County should include:
Establish clear, coordinated Atlantic County portals and entryways
Set up an Atlantic County shop at or in the vicinity of the Philadelphia Airport filled with
regional information, tourist packages and transportation options to Atlantic City.
Best Practices
Developing a Cohesive Regional Brand
Kansas City
The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) initiated a two-pronged campaign to promote the
greater Kansas City region as a unified economy. City, county and business leaders chose to focus on a
simple asset, the regions easy-to-remember two-letter initials, KC. Through an aggressive marketing
campaign that included 150 presentations to local groups and the use of 20 billboards, KCADC
promoted the KC initials as a common identifier for the region and a way to position Kansas City as a
preeminent urban area, amongst only three other U.S. cities known nationally by their initials: New
York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
ThinkKC is the KCADCs national marketing and branding campaign, promoting the region as a top U.S.
city for attraction of new companies, jobs, and residents. It is a good example of a campaign that
successfully promotes regional cohesiveness and publicizes the economic, social, and cultural
interdependence of the many jurisdictions that make up the Kansas City region.
KCADC has a Branding Toolbox on its website that provides official campaign logos in a downloadable
graphic format, with many variations, including logos for each of the regions 18 counties and 45
municipalities. This makes it easy for each individual community to simultaneously promote itself and
the greater Kansas City region.
For more information visit:
www.thinkkc.com

Best Practices
Marketing and Branding
Visit Californias 24 Hours, 24 Dreams Campaign
In early 2013, Visit California began developing its digital marketing strategy through Googles
BrandLab workshop and by 2014 launched the Dream365 Project with a 24 Hours, 24 Dreams
campaign. In a 24-hour takeover of the YouTube masthead, a video of a California dream was
released every hour, ranging from a 17-year olds ultimate California road trip to Bob Burnquists skate
ramp floating on Lake Tahoe. Non-traditional videos styles such as time-lapse and animation were also
used.
Visit Californias content was made possible through engagement with the members of the creative
community, including advertising agency MeringCarson, YouTube creator SoulPancake, crowdsourcing
company PopTent and existing YouTube content that showcased the California spirit. Videos utilized
Googles TrueView and LightBox ads to further drive engagement.
136.6 million impressions were made in 1 day, California travel search volume on Google increased by
21%, and website visitation increased 306% in the U.S. and 920% in the U.K.
For more information visit: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/
B) Develop Marketing Collateral

Strong marketing material is essential to garnering greater interest from potential companies and
site selectors. It starts with a strong, clear, fast-loading website, which should be created with
information on the region and separate sections for target industries. The website should also
celebrate success stories and provide regional statistical data. With that in place, develop a
toolbox that incorporates the new Atlantic County brand. Materials should include brochures,
website content, and digital materials for email.
Best Practices
Economic Development Branding Campaign
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Port Arthur, Texas
The project is a paid advertising campaign with focus on site selector magazines and billboards in the
Houston market area. The advertising campaign was created to help PAEDC attract both regional and
global decision makers, especially those in the logistics industry.
The goal is to raise awareness of what Port Arthur has to offer and why companies should relocate
there. In 2013, the PAEDC board of directors added a marketing manager position to its staff to
accomplish the task, knowing that small businesses were an economic engine important to the region.
The organization credits the campaign with helping to create jobs and opportunities necessary to the
communitys goals in growth.
Supplementing the campaign, advertisement Build It, Ship It, Rail It in Port Arthur was focused on local
business attraction using social media outlets, including Facebook LinkedIn and Instagram.
For more information, visit: http://portarthuredc.org/

Best Practices
Marketing Collateral
Kansas Department of Commerce
The Kansas Department of Commerce is known for its aggressive, successful marketing initiatives and
collateral. Most recently, the state released its promotional booklet to further convey the states probusiness strategy via a portable 9x5 booklet.
The booklet is unique because, although compact, it carries a wealth of information in an easily
readable, portable, and concise format. The collateral also does an excellent job of keeping its target
audience in mind, while also conveying a community personality through quotes from local business
leaders.
When the reader opens the cover, he is immediately presented with the most valuable information:
target industries
reasons to relocate to the state
personal contact information
Four tabs provide highlights on the states target industries, with each target tab providing information
on why that industry has become successful, what companies in that industry are located in Kansas,
followed by a link to more information.
Lastly, a fold-out map in the back illustrates highway infrastructure and transportation information.
For more information, visit: http://www.kansascommerce.com/
Best Practices
Site Selector Marketing
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock Economic Development Alliances LEDA Site Selector marketing piece provides a one-stop
shop for site selectors, highlighting the benefits of relocating a business to Lubbock and how to do so.
The piece includes information on population, workforce resources, cost of doing business, housing
costs, transportation infrastructure, and real estate options. A tablet version of the piece allows LEDA
Business Recruitment Teams take their product offerings to clients.
For more information, visit: http://www.lubbockeda.org/
Best Practices
5000 Billboards Marketing Project
Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, Nebraska
The Inc. 5000 Billboards project was a promotion by the public/private LPED to recognize local
businesses named in the 2013 Inc. 5000, a list of the fastest growing private companies in America. The
effort was one of the most successful retention campaigns celebrating local businesses. Billboards were
created featuring the organization executives with a congratulatory message from the Partnership,
thanking them for making Lincoln home. The billboards were placed along major thoroughfares and as
close as practicable to the company locations. The marketing initiative helped turn the limelight on
Lincoln as a great place for commerce whether for new companies, relocating industries or existing
local businesses.

C) Create an ACEDC Website
Launch an ACEDC regional economic development website. Use it to tell the story of business and
opportunity in the region. Include continually updated local economic information. Also include a
section on target industries and dashboards for each sector. Provide a link to the newsletter.
Include success stories, introduce new companies, and provide information on entrepreneurial
support.
Best Practices
The Greater Des Moines Partnership Website
Des Moines, Iowa
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization
serving Central Iowa. Together with 21 affiliate Chambers of Commerce and 5,300 business members
that employ a workforce of more than 150,000, the Partnership works to grow opportunity, create
jobs, and promote the best place to build a business, a career, and a future.
To further regional prosperity and global connectivity, the Partnership focuses on economic and
community development. Founded in 1888, the organization successfully works collaboratively with
regional economic development partners to recruit and assist new and expanding businesses, and to
ensure there is a talented and educated workforce that delivers valued skills. In 2014, the organization
raised $460 million in new capital investments, helped 23 local businesses expand and 10 new
company locations. It runs a very effective, state-of-the-art website with page clicks for business
climate, target industries, building sites, talent development and every aspect of economic
development.
For more information, visit: https://www.desmoinesmetro.com/

D) Conduct Marketing Trips and Familiarization Tours
Organize three annual marketing trips to selected cities with high target industry concentrations.
Assemble a SWAT team of expert ambassadors for each industry to accompany ACEDC on those
visits, including private industry leaders, government officials and educational leaders. Set up one
to two Familiarization Tours within the county each year to showcase advantages to potential
businesses and families. Invite site selectors, target industries and media representatives.
Best Practices
Epic Iowa Bus Tour
Iowa Tourism Office
In 2014, Iowa Tourism Department launched the Epic Iowa Road Trip, a whirlwind bus tour to show off
the state, picking out hot spots for people to visit.
Staff on the motor coach used social media channels to talk about the places they visited, with live
photos and activities.
The Iowa Tourism Offices goal is to show people in the region what there is to do, at home in Iowa.
Many communities depend on visitors and the money they spend.
Tourism is big businesses for Cedar Rapids. It employs over 6,000 people, and it generates about $400
million annually of people coming and spending money and time in our community, said Cedar Rapids
Area Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Marilee Fowler.
While the Iowa bus stuck to a route in the state, a similar promotional road trip by Atlantic County
could extend to surrounding states, reminding people of the destination factor of the county with a
theme to Vacation at Home in Atlantic County.
Best Practices
Familiarization Tours
Des Moines, IA
FAM tours are intended to familiarize investors, the press and travel trade professionals with the
attractions of a particular area, and last year Des Moines gave a unique twist to this traditional idea by
hosting a weeklong bicycle tour across Iowa. RAGBRAI, as the tour is known, exposed participants to
Iowa hospitality, local cuisine and much else that makes the state unique. Careful event planning,
covering everything from bike maintenance and luggage shipping to communication of attractions
along the route, ensured a smooth ride. The FAM tour is tied into a larger outreach to site selectors.
For more information, visit: http://ragbrai.com/
Best Practices
Business Park Shell Building Virtual Tour
Kilgore EDC - Kilgore, Texas
The project involved the development of a virtual tour of available space in a shell spec building at
Kilgores Synergy Business Park, including aerial video and stunning animation showing ceiling heights,
parking spaces and adjacent infrastructure.
The highly successful promotional tool could be adaptable to marketing the developing Stockton
University Aeronautics Research and Technology Park and planned incubator next to the Federal
Aviation Administration.

E) Publish a Regional Newsletter and Economic Development Report
To get the word out about Atlantic County, facilitate transparency and establish the ACEDC,
publish a quarterly site selectors newsletter with updated economic data, details on works in
progress, announce new businesses and highlight success stories. Publish an annual report for key
stakeholders and investors that captures economic diversification progress, testimonials of new
businesses and performance indicators.
Best Practices
E-Newsletter
Henderson, Nevada
Hendersons Economic Development/Redevelopment Division leads economic development
programing intended to create a healthy economy through attraction, retention and expansion of
businesses and through revitalization. The e-newsletter is a low-cost communication tool in support
economic development strategies and programs. Each issue provides timely information on:
Business recruitment, attraction and retention
Highlights economic development success stories
Outreach in support of community economic development initiatives.
For more information, visit:
Best Practices
Annual Economic Development Report
City of Hamilton, Ohio
Hamiltons 2013 Annual Economic Development Report is an 18-page document illustrating economic
development achievements made throughout the year. Years of continuous budget cuts in the city had
the unfortunate effect of largely ending the important task of measuring its effectiveness and reporting
these outcomes publicly. Under new leadership, the ED Department was reinstated and emphasis
shifted to economic development based on outcome-oriented strategies. The annual reports highlight
measurable outcomes of strategic initiatives. It offers transparency and evaluate strategies.
The report also publicizes economic growth and progress. As a Rust Belt city known for decline, the job
growth, new capital investments and decreasing unemployment rate are crucial to communicate to
stakeholders that Hamiltons economy is alive and momentum is building.
Goal 2: Drive Industry Diversification

The lack of economic diversity in Atlantic County has
exacted a heavy toll on the region in recent years. There
was no buffer to protect the region from the collapse of
casino hotels in Atlantic City that culminated in 2014. The
next largest industry activities in Healthcare and Public
Administration are tied to population fluctuations, and
the population of Atlantic is not growing.
Atlantic City, once the front runners in cutting edge casino

advancement, appears to now be at the forefront of a
decline and restructuring of the industry necessitated by
increasing competition from all sides. The Atlantic City
casino industry will never again reach the heights enjoyed
in the past. Even if revenues from the industry were to
return to stronger levels, Atlantic County will never attain
its full economic potential and better quality of life
without diversifying its industry base.
Aggressive marketing and creative thinking will be
required to attract vibrant new industries to the region
that will thrive on the assets in place there.
Goal 2: Drive Industry

Diversification
Strategy 1
Attract New Industries
Strategy 2
Embrace a Robust
Retention and Expansion
Program
Strategy 3
Foster a Strong
Entrepreneurial
Ecosystem

Strategy 1: Attract New
Industries
Atlantic County has significant assets with
which to attract target industries. Strong
leadership from public and private sectors
will be essential in designing and leading
effective marketing campaigns. The
ACEDC must be sufficiently funded to
market these industries aggressively and
competitively. The organizations success
will be measurement for future prosperity
of the region. Without that success, and
the healthy industry diversification it will
bring, the county will continue to struggle
with the same issues that currently
impede its progress.
Key Actions
A) Create a Regional Target Industry Task Force
B) Join Economic Development and Industry

Organizations
Game Changer:
Become a Global Center for Research on Climate Change.
Leverage a growing international focus on coastal sensitivity and sea-level rise in the
Mid-Atlantic Region along with Atlantic Countys geographic location and available
infrastructure in Atlantic City to establish a name for the region as an important center
of research.
Game Changer:
Build a World Trade Center or Permanent Trade Show
Build a WTC in Bader Field, or repurpose the Old Convention Center as a Trade Market
Center. One of the highest possible uses for the prime Bader Field property would be to
use it to establish an international center for Atlantic County. With water access and
proximity to downtown and major Atlantic City activity areas, it is a perfect site for a WTC.
Check into the option of working with the WTC of Philadelphia.
The historic beauty of the old convention center and its superlative location steps from the
Atlantic Ocean make it deserving of world-class purpose. Ease of European flights and the
regions existent Asian immigrant population give the region an extra shot of energy in
establishing this type of global presence.

Best Practices
Dallas Market Center
Dallas, TX
The Dallas Market Center is the worlds most complete wholesale marketplace, offering permanent
showrooms and temporary exhibit space for buyers, wholesalers, manufacturers and designers from
around the world in the home decor, gifts and apparel industries. Considering the international base of
their clientele, Dallas Market Center has an International Development Office and in-house travel
agency, and offers complimentary concierge and shuttle services, international phone calls, Wi-Fi,
break rooms and breakfast.
The Dallas Market Center also produces several custom retail industry publications and organizes a
retail buying groups. 84% of buyers that visit Dallas Market Center shop only in Dallas and in 2012,
Dallas Market Center generated $406 million for the local economy.
For more information, visit: http://dallasmarketcenter.com/public
Best Practices
Monterrey World Trade Center
Monterrey, Mexico
Established in 2005 as a non-profit organization, the WTC Monterrey is recognized as an International
Trade Hub in the state of Nuevo Len. It is located on a university campus, in a beautiful building with
all accommodations needed to hold business meetings, counseling and training seminars. The center
showcases local industries - Technology, Financial and Professional Services, Automotive, Capital
Projects and Infrastructure, Engineering, R&D: Architecture and Construction and Industrial
Manufacturing. Facilities include an auditorium, seminar and meeting rooms and temporary office
space.
Trade information and market research, trade counseling, referrals and business management services
are offered.
For more information, visit: https://www.wtca.org/world-trade-center-monterrey
World Trade Center
Monterrey, Mexico
Dallas Market Center and WTC

Strategy 1: Attract New Industries
Atlantic County has significant assets with which to attract target industries. Strong leadership
from public and private sectors will be essential in designing and leading effective marketing
campaigns. The ACEDC must be sufficiently funded to market these industries aggressively and
competitively. The organizations success will be measurement for future prosperity of the
region. Without that success, and the healthy industry diversification it will bring, Atlantic
County will struggle with the same issues that currently impede its progress.
A) Create a Regional Target Industry Task Force

Establish an ACEDC led Atlantic County Industry Task Force that focuses on the targets identified
in the strategic plan. Include experts in the fields and effective business leaders.
B) Join Economic Development and Industry Organizations

Keep up with changes in target industries and advances in economic development by joining
industry and economic development organizations and attending conferences. Participation in
the right circles will also promote Atlantic County as location destination and the ACEDC as a
viable, professional force in modern business communities.
See pages 96 98 for a listing of target industry organizations and conferences.

Best Practices
Sports Performance Promotion
Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation - Bradenton, Florida
Through strategic planning, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation identified a
targeted industry sector Sports Performance. The BAEDC was the first organization in Florida to
identify this tourism niche.
The organization created a marketing video that effectively communicated and validated the
Bradenton Areas sports story. Originally launched in 2011 and updated in 2013, the video helped to
attract world-class sporting events to the region, and contributed to an increase in sports tourism. The
project also provided collaboration among key stakeholders in the sports industry, as well as being a
regional tool demonstrating the collaboration in fostering growth of a key economic driver that had
currently been under the radar.
BAEDC is recognized by Enterprise Florida as the lead economic development organization for the
Bradenton Areas nine communities located on the south side of Tampa Bay. The organization works to
diversify the local economy by attracting and retaining high-wage jobs for area residents and
connecting existing businesses to the resources they need to succeed. BAEDC is led by a highly
experienced and dynamic staff and diverse volunteer leadership from private businesses and public
sector partners.

Strategy 2: Embrace a Robust Retention and Expansion
Program
A) Visit Top Employers and Significant New
Entrepreneurial Businesses
The regions existing businesses and organizations are no
less important than the new industries it hopes to
attract. After all, Atlantic County is only as good as the
companies it keeps. Support those businesses. Develop
an Atlantic County Retention and Expansion program led
by ACEDC that sets up annual visits to major employers
and leading entrepreneurial ventures. The Greater
Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and its partner
organizations in other municipalities can strengthen the
game by conducting annual visits to smaller companies.
Create an R&E team or task force that pulls in the talents
of local educational institutions and business leaders to
assist with the program. The R&E task force should be
involved in strategic planning and the development of
the strategic plan in future years.
Key Actions
A) Visit Top Employers and Significant
New Entrepreneurial Businesses
B) Conduct Regular Business Surveys
C) Sponsor Small Business Awards
Events
When visiting businesses, find out how their location in Atlantic County is working well for them
and giving them a competitive edge. Find out what issues they are experiencing. Determine their
plans for the coming five and 10 years, including foreseen expansions and reductions. Find out
what skill sets and positions they have trouble recruiting and how they see those changing in the
future. Determine how the ACEDC and its economic development partners can help ensure their
expansion and growth.
B) Conduct Regular Business Surveys

Back those annual company visits up with annual surveys generally timed at six-month post-visit
intervals using software programs such as Synchronist. Collect and organize the data for analysis
and planning purposes. Using the data, set up follow-up visits with companies as appropriate.
Publish appropriate findings and success stories.
C) Sponsor Small Business Awards Events

The ACEDC can work with business leaders, and entrepreneurial and business leaders to organize
regular small business events. Awards can be given for any area that highlights Atlantic County
success, such as for Most Community Oriented, Small Business of the Year and Fastest Growing
Business.

Best Practices
Business Surveys
Chattanooga, TN
Between March and July 2012, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce surveyed over 100 local
businesses about various local economic conditions. The results were then compiled into an IEDC
award winning Executive Summary of the Local Economy which provided a snap shot of the areas
strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of the businesses who operated there. This tool was
then used to further carry out the Chambers mission of economic development and marketing for the
region.
For more information, visit: http://www.chattanoogachamber.com/
Best Practices
Business First Annual Report Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
Richmond, VA
Business First Greater Richmond is the business retention and expansion program of The Greater
Richmond Partnership, the economic development organization representing the City of Richmond and
the Counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico, Va.
The Business First Greater Richmond annual report is the result of 571 interviews between program
volunteers and local company decision makers. The information gathered from these interviews helps
us determine the needs of the company and understand the regions business climate. The Business
First program relies on the local economic development agencies to organize and rally teams of
volunteers.
The annual reports gatefold interior pages reveal the past fiscal years results, making it a selling point
for participating businesses and volunteers alike.
The brochure also reports details regarding the programs results, successes and awards it has
received.
Best Practices
Business Retention & Expansion Tools
Synchronist Prime
Synchronist PRIME bundles advanced business retention strategies, tested interview design, assistance
tracking/service delivery management, competitive intelligence, intranet/extranet and database
technology (software), BR|E resource library, and a community of committed users all working together
to maximize the value of their BR|E investment.
Synchronist PRIME was designed for use with primary sector that import capital into the community from
outside the region while providing employment. These international, national, and regional primary
sector businesses are the basic economic building blocks of manufacturing, finance, and service of many
communities in the U.S. and Canada. Secondary (retail and service businesses) sector businesses are
fundamentally different. Secondary businesses essentially trade dollars already in the community or
within a small regional trade area. These businesses generally represent a second level building block for
a local economy. For information, visit: http://www.blanecanada.com/product_synchronist_prime.html

Strategy 3: Foster a Strong
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
One of the most important ways of maintaining a
diverse industry base and adapting to the changing
forces in international markets is to create a culture
of innovation and spur strong entrepreneurial
activity.
There are two types of research that grow

innovative cultures. The first is high-risk federal
government and public university research that
seldom translates into commercialization. The
second is research and development conducted by
the private sector and driven by shareholder
demand for profit. Crucial government research
produces many ideas that are eventually capitalized
upon by private R&D and generated into
commercial products.
Key Actions
A) Foster Innovation and Creativity
B) Create Incubators and Accelerators
C) Develop Makers Space
D) Increase Funding Sources
Atlantic County has a valuable asset in the Federal Aviation Administrations William J. Hughes Technical
Center. What is missing is strategic communication with the center and a partnership focused on the
translation of research conducted there into opportunity for commercialization and the creation of
innovative new entrepreneurial companies. While government agencies arent known for the ease
with which they share information, bringing research-related products to commercialization could
benefit FAA activities, and a careful long-term relationship would be of great benefit to both the
economic development of the county and the progress of the FAA and the Stockton Aviation
Research Technology Park.
Game Changer: The FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center has been
designated as the lead UAV testing site of the six sites selected in the U.S. This provides
Atlantic County with an advantage that few other areas in the U.S. have, a foot in the door
into a burgeoningly exploding industry. Economic development partners in Atlantic County
must take ownership of this achievement and build clustering around it before it loses the
natural opportunity. A key component to this would be organizing UAV trade shows and
competitions. The hobbyist and DIY nature of the industry has resulted in user
modifications to code and hardware. Specialty manufacturing opportunities also exist.
Game Changer: Build the first phase of the

planned 400,000 square foot research and office Stockton
Aviation Research and Technology Park on spec, with a small
incubator and shared office services. Establish and aggressively
promote an interactive website for the park.
A) Foster Innovation and Creativity

Science,Event.
Technology,
and Math Building
Cape College
Develop an Entrepreneur/Innovation
SeekEngineering
out partnerships
with Atlantic
businesses
and
organizations to create a regular event that celebrates innovation and showcases successful local
entrepreneurial activities.
Identify Potential Businesses for Entrepreneurial Support
Establish an Event Committee
Identify and Visit Local Entrepreneur Successes
Create an Application Process for Entrepreneur Awards
Initially, focus entrepreneurial support and guidance on companies that leverage major
community assets:
Independent Aeronautics Research and Technology Companies These companies leverage
the emerging Stockton park and help foster the incubator designed for location there.
Food Startups These new companies leverage the legendary casino chefs in Atlantic City
with the strong culinary programs offered by Stockton and the Atlantic Cape May Community
College. These creative new food trailers and brick and mortar restaurants will also help
attract foodie tourists, re-brand the area and provide an opportunity to launch a major annual
food festival not necessarily tied to summer months.
Work with public schools to foster STEM education. Establish internships for high school and
college/university students in STEM areas. Work with local companies to sponsor robotics
activities and competition participation, starting with high schools and working back to middle
and elementary levels.
Game Changer: Establish Atlantic County as the next hotbed for

innovative food startups. Use the power of famous chefs associated with casinos to
launch an annual food festival and start-up contest. Agriculture production and
food-related production houses also provide specialty manufacturing opportunities.

Best Practices
National Entrepreneur Center
Orlando, Florida
The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) was founded in 2003 as a way to bridge the gap between
entrepreneurs and the organizations that provide services to entrepreneurs. While the NEC does not
offer services to entrepreneurs or small businesses, it facilitate the organizations that do. Currently
housed within the NEC are 12 member organizations, referred to as resource partners, that have a
primary function of providing assistance to start ups, small business, and/or entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the NEC serves as a hub of coordination for the City of Orlando.. Prospective investors and
delegations are now hosted by the NEC and only referred to public sector officials if appropriate. This
has freed the mayors office of unnecessary distractions, which allows the office to focus on the
prospects that hold the highest potential.
The collaborative model of the NEC has contributed significantly to the Central Florida economy as
well as the broader state economy. Since the NECs inception, it has created $188 million in economic
output throughout Florida. Furthermore, for every dollar invested into the NEC, $14.00 is created in
economic output in the Central Florida region. As of January 2015, the NEC is connected to more than
250,000 individuals, or 10.9% of Central Floridas population, who are engaged in entrepreneurship in
some way.
To learn more about the NEC, visit: http://www.nationalec.org/
Best Practices
Start-Up NY
This statewide collaboration between public and private universities and state and local governments is
one of the most forward-looking and heavily marketed incentive programs for entrepreneurs in the
nation. The program aims to increase innovation and entrepreneurship by offering a 10-year 100%
state and local tax exemption for qualifying small businesses and start-ups operating on or near
university campuses. Additionally, the proximity to universities is designed to inspire collaboration
between these small businesses and academic institutions.
For more information, visit: http://startup.ny.gov/
Best Practices
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development Program
Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada Reno, Nevada
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a private/public partnership established in
1983 to recruit, expand and support newly forming quality companies that bring jobs to the region.
EDAWN built an entrepreneurial development program tasked with building an ecosystem from the
ground up, creating new jobs and fostering technology startups with a focus on forging a new direction
for Reno.
Reno has been known as a gambling town, but in 2008, the housing market crashed and gaming
revenues fell drastically. Reno found itself tethered to a decaying downtown and a dominant industry
in steep decline. During this period of economic turmoil, Reno built immense opportunity by
recognizing that the region lacked the entrepreneurial sophistication of established start-up hubs. It
also recognized that the city faced an identity crises as it faced the decline of casino gaming. A new
Entrepreneurial Development program was designed to focus on job creation through entrepreneurial
encouragement and support.

B) Create Incubators and Accelerators
Atlantic County is behind the game in establishing and fostering an entrepreneurial culture.
Consider speeding up the process by bringing in an outside partner, an incubator or accelerator
group with a proven model that can step into place to quickly create the necessary environment
and begin growing new businesses. Look into building space at the new business park linked to
the FAA research center.
1) Attract EDA Funds for a Specialized Incubator: The federal Economic Development Authority
offers grants and other funding for incubator projects that support small business development.
Those funds can be leveraged to attract university interest in collaborating in the development of
incubators and accelerators.
Contact Universities about Specialized Incubators
Bring
Research EDA Grants and Funding Opportunities
in an established incubator/
Solicit Grants and Funding
accelerator model to jump start
entrepreneurism.
2) Foster start-up companies that tie
into target industries. Support
entrepreneurs with credible ideas for
UAV-related companies, health apps for
Create a Gaming
phones, predictive medical models and
accelerator to establish the region as an
software.
innovator in all things game related.
Game Changer:
Game Changer:
Best Practices
Creating a Regional Entrepreneur Organization
North Carolina
The Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network was created in 2011 with the purpose of developing
entrepreneurship and furthering economic development in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The
Networks Entrepreneurs in Residence program partners veteran entrepreneurs with promising
regional startups. These partnerships provide expertise, networking, funding sources, and marketing.
Additionally, the network partners extensively with local academic institutions and communities as well
as providing conferences and panels.
For more information, visit: http://www.blackstoneentrepreneursnetwork.org/
Best Practices
The Food Loft
Boston, Massachusetts
Cookbook publishing company The Harvard Common Press has created coworking space on Harvard
Square in Boston, dedicating space to food and food tech companies with innovative food ideas. The
space currently serves 11 companies, including Badepedia, Nosh On It. Chefd Up, which connects
consumers with Bostons most recognized chefs, and Cabbige, a technology company dedicated to
strengthening local, sustainable food systems.
For more information, visit: http://www.thefoodloft.com/
Best Practices
Here East Innovation Center
Repurposed Olympic Center, London, England
Utilizing the former Olympic Press and Broadcasting Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Here East
is a planned innovation and maker complex with over 1.2 million sq. ft. of commercial space that is
working to break the trend of underutilized Olympic infrastructure. The joint venture is a partnership
between Delancey, a real estate specialist, and Infinity SDC, UKs largest data center operator. The
planned complex will be built off of the three current warehouses in the Olympic Park: the broadcast
center, the press center, and an auditorium with open public space between the buildings.
The Broadcast Centre, the largest building of the three, serves as the base for the planned Here East
project. The 647,410 sq. ft. space will house Infinity SDCs data center which is expected to be the
largest and most efficient data center in Europe. The 198,000 sq. ft. Press Centre is now a 5 story space
for large tech businesses as well as an innovation center. The Innovation Centre will offer coworking
and incubation spaces for startups, along with mentoring
The former auditorium has been redesigned as The Theatre, a top of the line conference facility perfect
for product launches, screenings, and presentations. The architectural design hammers home the idea
of innovation through a future centric theme coupled with high ceilings. The facility has space to seat
950 individuals.
Public space is a key part of the Here East project. The Yard functions as a court yard space, designed
for public interaction and open event space.. The space is architecturally landscaped and features
dynamic artwork for the viewing public. Retail and dinning spaces line the sides of the courtyard,
providing visitors and occupants an opportunity to shop and eat. The Canalside, a garden area built off
of the Lee Canal, offers bars, restaurants, and maker-retailer spaces.
Although not fully built out, Here East is still a best practice. 40% of the 1.2 million sq. ft. space has
already been preleased, showing a strong interest in the complex from the tech community. According
to Forbes magazine, the space is expected to generate 450m to the British GDP and 340m within the
local community. 5,300 on site jobs are expected to be created due to the project, with another 2,200
in the local area and 9,100 positions across the UK. Yet, the success story of Here East is not its ability
to attract renters. It is its ability to create a vibrant technology center, built off of 2012 Olympic
infrastructure, which partners academia, startup, and large tech players all under an umbrella of
innovation.
For more information, visit: hereeast.com
Best Practices
International Accelerator
Austin, TX
The International Accelerator grows small international businesses and start-ups by providing them
access to a variety of services and industry experts. In addition to providing space and infrastructure,
the Accelerator also provides access to leadership, counseling, banking, accounting, and other
professional services. Moreover, the Accelerator provides entrepreneurs with access to over 100
proven entrepreneurs and business leaders. The result is the rapid development and revenue growth
of portfolio companies.
For more information, visit: http://internationalaccelerator.com/

Best Practices
Entrepreneurial Start Garden
Grand Rapids, MI
Start Garden is a $15 million early-stage venture capital fund based in Grand Rapids, MI. The program
aims to launch more than 100 new business ideas each year with the goal of building a larger regional
startup ecosystem that can grow the areas appetite for entrepreneurship.
The programs approach allows entrepreneurs to submit their ideas on StartGarden.com. Each week,
the Start Garden team selects one idea, which is awarded $5,000 in seed capital that must be used to
prove and compete for additional funding. Simultaneously, the public votes on their favorite website
submitted idea with the highest scorer also receiving $5,000.
Both companies are then invited to participate in the programs monthly Update Night where
entrepreneurs present to the Start Garden panel in order to receive additional funding.
For more information: http://startgarden.com/
C) Develop Makers Space

Shared coworking spaces are growing worldwide and stimulate ideas that in turn stimulate businesses and
the economy. Atlantic County has many areas with space available in different atmospheres conducive to
creativity that could serve as attractive locations for innovate coworking environments in Atlantic City and
other municipalities with emerging entrepreneurs.
Identify public/private funding sources for backing
Consider waiving county-level sales tax on utilities for the portion of coworking space in an existing or
new structure.
Attract national coworking space company
Similar in scope to coworking spaces, maker spaces provide access to workshop space as well as cutting
edge manufacturing tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters to their members. The growing prevalence
of such spaces is changing the business model for entrepreneurialism in manufacturing. Individuals with an
idea no longer need $100,000 in capital to produce a prototype. By sharing the cost of equipment and
space through membership dues, the barrier to entry can be reduced to the range of roughly $2,000 to
$4,000 for entrepreneurs looking to produce a prototype.
Community interactions among members of a maker space has also played a major role in the success of
this new shift in manufacturing. Spaces bring together diverse groups of people. Companies within the
space can hire a fellow member engineer or programmer with which they are familiar for certain
components of a project. This further reduces the need to raise capital to employ a large, permanent staff.
Interactions between members also foster creative ideas. Government entities, Fortune 500 companies
and universities are all now making investments in maker spaces. Funding for the space is now occurring in
Pennsylvania, Ohio and Massachusetts on local and state levels.
There are many indications of opportunities for maker space to spur new business growth in the short
term, and many Atlantic County assets to leverage those spaces. Maker space for new beer breweries
would leverage water quality and current Irish festival tourism and allow new smaller specialty
manufacturing breweries to enter the market. Shared maker space for food startups would leverage the
areas famous chefs and local culinary curriculum. And, of course, aeronautics maker space would support
the activities of a new aeronautics research and technology incubator.

Best Practices
The Generator Maker Space
Burlington, VT
The city of Burlington opened a free-to-use city managed space called Generator, supported by three
local colleges. The city hopes the space will allow it and the state of Vermont to gain a competitive
edge in engineering and manufacturing to generate job growth over the next 10 years.
For more information, visit: https://generatorvt.com/
Best Practices
Tech Shop
U.S.
The U.S. Federal government has begun a partnership with TechShop, a prominent player in the maker
space industry, to offer veterans free membership through GEs Get Skills to Work coalition. Currently
the program is training 1,200 veterans with plans to make an additional 1,500 spots available. Training
includes professional instruction, hands-on training, and access to workspace machines, and tools.
For more information, visit: http://www.techshop.ws/
Best Practices
WeWork
U.S.
Founded in 2010, the New York based coworking company was the fastest growing lessee of new office
space in New York in 2014. The company has expanded out of New York to 6 additional cities in the U.S.
and 3 cities abroad with 30 locations in total. WeWork plans to open an additional 60 locations by the
end of the year. The company attributes its rapid growth to its ability to foster a community amongst
members of its coworking space. WeWork spaces hold happy hour events for their members, provide
training through SkillShare presentations, and the company holds a yearly summer camp in New York
for its employees and 1500 members. Members are also provided with discounts for a number of
businesses.
In 2011, WeWork entered into the incubator business with their company WeWork Labs. Labs functions
much like its parent company but with a heavier focus on facilitating entrepreneurship, providing
startups with financial advice and office hours. Through sponsorships by major corporations, Labs is
able to provide entrepreneurs space for lower rates than other incubators. The company does not take
a share of equity from member startups and has helped launch Reddit and Fitocracy.
For more information, visit: wework.com

D) Increase Funding Sources
Angel investors are a critical part of any capital market, and particularly important in financing
start-ups in the early stages of growth. Both angel funds and other venture capital sources are an
important component in a healthy entrepreneurial pipeline. Atlantic County has sufficient wealth
to establish adequate angel funding to local entrepreneurs. The economic development
organization can act as an effective partner to increase private funding resources for
entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.
Profile the regional investment community
Help create a regional $3-5 million Angel Fund
Identify Other Potential Venture Capitalists for Local Entrepreneurs
Attract EDA Funding
Best Practices
How to Attract Angel Investment
Triple Pundett, Bill Roth
The key to raising money is building investor trust. There is a formula for doing so. The entrepreneurs
that succeed in raising capital for their business know the formula for crafting a compelling story that
earns the trust and investment of angel investors. James Magowan is an angel investor. As an
investment banker with Security Research Associates, he helps companies successfully bridge the trust
gap with investors to gain the investment dollars needed to grow their business.
Magowan said it takes trust to get investors to contribute to an enterprise. He has five steps he
recommends to build that trust:
Business Sense
Big Problem, Big Solution
People
Prudence
Excellent Communication
http://www.triplepundit.com/2011/06/interview-angel-investors-five-keys-raising-capital/
Best Practices
Kaufmann Foundation Angel Fund Guidance
Established in the mid-1960s, the Kansas City-based Kauffman Foundation is among the largest private
foundations in the U.S. with an asset base of $2 billion. The company provides grant funding and
support for education and entrepreneurship. As part of its initiative, the foundation released and
updates a guidelines for developing angel funds appropriate to communities. The foundation has best
practice advice on building the right framework and establishing the fundamentals of the organization.
Goal 3: Improve ED Product

Improving the offerings of Atlantic County is a key component
in making the region a valued destination for businesses,
visitors, and future residents.
Strategy 1: Improve Workforce

As of May 2015, there are currently 13,500 unemployed
residents in Atlantic County, largely due to the economic
downturn and the decline of casino gambling. New casino
jobs in the region are unlikely and the lack of a trained
workforce has been a hindrance and a deterrent to
businesses located or looking to locate within the county. The
Atlantic County Economic Development Corporation must
take active measures to identify the job needs of local
businesses and utilize skills training programs to create
opportunities for unemployed residents. The New Jersey
Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic
Development is an excellent tool the ACEDC should utilize
fully to accomplish this task.
A) Act a Link Between Regional Businesses and

Educational Institutions
Goal 3: Improve
Product
Strategy 1
Improve Workforce
Strategy 2
Bring Infrastructure Up
to Standard
Strategy 3
Consolidate Municipal
Services
Strategy 4
Integrate Municipal
Master Plans
Strategy 5
Develop a Customer
Service Culture
Key Actions
Share the information learned in meetings and surveys of

local businesses with educational institutions capable of
providing skills training and appropriate degrees. Include
Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, public
school districts and others active in skills training and
education in the region. Have the R&E task force establish
semi-annual meetings with appropriate leaders to discuss
how needed skill sets are changing and where the regions
workforce is falling short.
A) Act a Link Between Regional

Businesses and Educational
Institutions
Partnerships should be set up to provide job training

opportunities to upgrade the workforce with needed skills.
State programs such as Opportunity4NewJersey can be
investigated to finance such ventures. Partners such as the
Atlantic Cape May Workforce Development Board can provide
powerful assistance through established programs.
E) Develop Skills-Driven High School

Programs
B) Develop Online Skills-Based

Education
C) Create Internship and
Apprenticeship Programs
D) Create an Educational Fund
Finally, a system of career fairs should be set up to connect

unemployed Atlantic County residents with employers looking
for new hires. Potential employees can interview with
companies who can extend an offer of employment that
hinges on the competition of necessary training programs.
Local businesses must be active stakeholders in the
development of workforce training programs.

B) Develop Online Skills-Based Education
Online education is set to be a game changer for the education industry. Online workforce training
courses, set up through learning management systems such as Schoox, Udemy, and EDXU, would
allow residents to receive important skills training at their own speed and on their own time.
C) Create Internship and Apprenticeship Programs

The ACEDC should work with partners to build a job board for the region, not only to increase
workforce participation in the short term, but to bring in the business community to invest in
creating a high quality talent pool for the future. ACEDCs role in this project is important because
of the guidance that it can provide in fostering high-value professional internships in high growth
industries likely to have a significant regional economic impact.
Develop apprenticeship programs that provide workers with on-the-job experience and specific
training needed to fill the skills gaps experienced by Atlantic County employers. Apprenticeships
can offer a precise match between the skills employers must have and the appropriate training
workers must receive.
D) Create an Educational Fund

Giving todays youth the opportunity to earn a higher education is an important element in
building the future. Yet rising tuition costs have become a barrier to impoverished students trying
to attend college. Consider partnering with or implementing a program similar to the Kalamazoo
Promise that provides its county resident K-12 students with a tuition grant to attend a local
university upon completion of 12th grade. As a quality of life factor, the program has the added
benefit of making the region more attractive to families mindful of their childrens education and
future.
E) Develop Skills-Driven High School Programs

A program similar to New Yorks Pathway in Technology, Early College High School could serve to
benefit Atlantic County. The program functions on a partnership between the private sector,
higher education institutes, and local school districts for the purpose of crafting a four- to six-year
curriculum that prepares high school students for jobs after graduation. Such a program would be
ideal for providing Atlantic Countys youth with hands-on training for jobs in specialty
manufacturing, life science, tourism, entrepreneurship, and avionics.
Best Practices
Youth Apprenticeship Program
State of Wisconsin Workforce Development
The Youth Apprenticeship program grants high school juniors and seniors paid workplace experience paired with
two or four semesters of related coursework. Students enroll in the program for either one or two years. They
are trained by an industry member in industry skills as well. The program is funded by local grants, employers,
and other means.
For more information, visit: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/youthapprenticeship/program_info.htm

Best Practices
The New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development
The New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development is a
collaborative initiative between 19 community colleges throughout New Jersey to combine expertise,
create coordinated workforce training solutions and bridge the skills gap for non-profit and privatesector employers. The Consortium offers basic skills and on-demand training free of charge through
state and federal grants and is custom developed by college faculty under the employers guidance.
Specialized training programs have also been created for advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and
utility companies. With 64 campuses total, there is a facility within 25 minutes of every business or
residence in the state. By 2014, more than 100,000 employees and 5,400 businesses have received
training. This program is an excellent resource for job training that already exists in Atlantic County.
The county should look to fully utilize the program.
Best Practices
The Leader in Me
Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Bowling Green, Kentucky
The Leader in Me program prepares the future workforce by teaching children about leadership,
accountability and teamwork all integral skills for talent development. The initiative recognizes that
all children have strengths and the potential to lead.
In 2010, the Chamber began collaborating to implement The Leaker in Me in both city and county
school districts. The program integrates Dr. Stephen Coveys The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
into the schools existing curriculum. This initiative differentiates the community from others as the
local workforce gains more skills that help local companies compete in the global markets.
For more information, visit: http://www.theleaderinme.org/
Best Practices
ACT Work Ready Communities
Community ad Economic Development Atlanta, Georgia
The Work Ready Communities initiative is helping empower states, regions and counties with the data,
process and tools to drive economic growth. Communities the program to measure and close skills gas
by building a common framework that links, aligns and matches workforce development efforts. The
portable, industry-recognized credential clearly identifies a workers essential, foundational workplace
skills in reading, math and information location.
Data is updated monthly to the ACT website for more than 3,141 counties across all 50 state. Updates
include the number of certificates earned and the number of employers recognizing or recommending
the certificate. ACT operates an Academy for invited community leaders to provide guidance to state,
regional and county teams on building a sustainable workforce development initiative. As certification
goals are met, economic development efforts are strengthened through documenting the skill level of
the area workforce.
Using this partnering approach, the Iowa-based nonprofit best known for its ACT college entrance
exam is furthering its mission of helping people achieve its mission of helping people achieve education
and workplace success.

Best Practices
The Kalamazoo Promise
The Kalamazoo Promise is a program established by the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2005. The
program, funded through anonymous business donors, provides for a proportion of funding based on
the amount of grades the child attended within the citys public school district.
The program allows for businesses in Kalamazoo to take part in supporting the public sector and is
considered a tool for economic development by the city. Enrollment in the citys school district has
gone up 16 percent since the beginning of the program. Currently nine out of 10 high school graduates
go on to pursue a college degree. A PromiseNet conference was started in 2013 to promote such a
program to other cities. El Dorado, Denver, Detroit, New Haven, and Michigan all have similar
programs.
President Barak
congratulates
students at a recent
Kalamazoo High
School graduation in
Michigan.
Best Practices
Pathway in Technology
Pathway in Technology (P-Tech), Early College High School is a four to six year public high school model
that allows students to earn both a high school degree and either an associate degree or 2 years of
college credit. The original program, in New York City, partnered the NYC Department of Education
with City University of New York, NYC College of Technology, and IBM with the aim of designing a
college and career ready curriculum in the technology sector. Students are paired with IBM corporate
mentors and top graduating prospects receive jobs at the company after graduating from the high
school.
Pathway in Technology has expanded their model to 37 campuses across New York, Chicago, and
Connecticut with a variety of corporate partnerships with focuses in IT, health, advanced
manufacturing, and energy. While corporate and university partners vary, the program abides by
several core principles. The admission processes does not screen applicants on past performance and
corporate partners must provide mentoring to students and offer paid internships. The program
expects to expand to 100 campuses next year.

Strategy 2: Bring Infrastructure Up to Standard
A) Improve Roads, Buildings and Aesthetics
Improve roads, buildings, and aesthetics in
Atlantic City to create a higher image of quality.
Pot holes, burnt out casino lights, and dated
infrastructure paint the city as a place of the past
rather than Americas Favorite Playground.
Tourism pulls money into Atlantic County. In
order to attract higher disposable income, the
county must renovate its street appeal to be
more welcoming to visitors. Create attractive
environments with benches, tables and artwork
by local artists in areas with substantial foot
traffic.
Key Actions
A) Improve Roads, Buildings and
Aesthetics
B) Improve Internet Speeds and
Connectivity
C) Create a Greater Sense of
Community Through Live/Work and
Public Spaces
B) Improve Internet Speeds and Connectivity

In a study by Ericsson, Arthur D. Little and Chalmers University of Technology determined that the doubling
of broadband speeds for an economy increases the regions GDP by .3%. With the cloud, 4k video
streaming, and big data analytics becoming integral components of our lives, fiber optics will become key.
Access to the Internet is just as pivotal to the future. Internet hotspots throughout downtowns in Atlantic
County can help define the vital areas. Direct users to a permission page run by the local tourism bureau or
CVB. Visitors can use the Wi-Fi for accessing information about a citys vacation getaways and local cuisine.
For locals, Wi-Fi hotspots throughout public spaces can help revitalize city centers by drawing in residents
and empowering the countless entrepreneurs that make their first offices in local coffee shops.
C) Create a Greater Sense of Community Through Live/Work and Public Spaces

Renovating buildings within the downtown areas into live/work spaces and multiuse buildings would allow
for a more optimum use of space. Buildings remain in use throughout the cycle of the day, allowing for a
more efficient use of energy. With first floors devoted to business, shops and residents are within walking
proximity of each other. This would allow for a much more vibrant use of space, one that avoids becoming
a ghost town after the workday ends. Municipalities located along the train line, such as Hammonton, are
ideal for this type of more modern live/work/play development, and can entice workers from as far away
as Philadelphia looking for a better and more affordable quality of life.
The Atlanta Beltline Project is transforming 22acres along rail lines into a vibrant live-work
environment.
Photo courtesy of Business Intelligence.

Strategy 3: Consolidate Municipal Services
Facing a declining population and tax base, Atlantic County looks for increasing ways to reduce
spending and slow budget increases. Continuing Atlantic Countys pro-active practice of consolidating
city services between the 23 municipalities is essential to bringing down costs. There are currently 29
school districts serving 23 municipalities within the county. Consolidating those districts will not be an
easy or popular task, but an analysis of the budgets and overlapping activities between school
districts should be conducted to determine what services can be consolidated without decreasing
quality of education and what the cost savings of that coordination would be. That information
should be shared with county taxpayers. A consolidation plan should be created with goals,
benchmarks, strategies and actions, and an implementation plan monitored. Atlantic County should
continue and even increase the aggressiveness of its activity to consolidate services in fire, police, first
response and other areas.
Strategy 4: Integrate Municipal Master Plans

The Atlantic County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan should be integrated into the
master plans for all municipalities within the county. Key properties within the region should be
identified and highest and best use should be determined for each. Zoning codes throughout the
region should be studies and coordinated, and district defined to best promote cluster industries.
Strategy 5: Develop a Customer Service Culture

By implementing a taxi to bellman policy in which every employee in the service sector can act as
an ambassador for the region - Atlantic County can better serve tourists and remain on top of the
changing needs of visitors. Training programs should be implemented to better develop customer
service skills in the region. Establish a regional customer service quality council modeled after the
Malcolm Baldrige Award to encourage the expectation of quality and the improvement of processes
and products in customer service throughout the region. Not only will the council lead to quality
improvement, it will assist in changing the perception of the area to one where customer service is
delivered in top form region-wide. The council can be set up as a separate 501c3 organization. Solicit
support from local universities and businesses to help manage the program. Encourage all businesses
and organizations in Atlantic County that interact with the public to participate.
Best Practices
Quality Council
Greater Austin Quality Council
Fashioned after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the Austin Chamber of Commerce created a local
version of the award to recognize local businesses that meet or exceed quality control standards. In Austin, the
awards were issued for three categories: business, health care, and education. The framework of the award
consists of three main parts: the criteria for performance excellence, core values and concepts, and scoring
guidelines. Through this framework, organizations are better able to assess their progress for improved quality
control, identify strengths, detail opportunities for improvement, and achieve real results. At the national level,
recipients of the award achieved average revenue growth of 93% and average job growth of 66%. While the award
is no longer issued in Austin, Atlantic County can create its own version of the Baldrige Excellence Performance
Program.
For more information see: http://www.baldrigepe.org/
Goal 4: Rethink Destination Factor

The concept of tourism in Atlantic City, and
Atlantic County as well, has become synonymous
Identify and Correlate
with casinos. That is about to change. The region
Strategy 1
has been blessed with a plethora of natural assets
Countywide Attractions
and other attractions. Atlantic City is already a
Strategy 2
Extend Tourism Peaks
well-established destination location within the
East Coast and throughout U.S. populations. The Strategy 3
Expand Sports Tourism
time has come to broaden Atlantic Countys
Grow Ecotourism to Better
concept of tourism to include its greater bounty Strategy 4
Leverage Green Assets
and pursue an expanded tourism sector with full
force.
Atlantic City casinos have a long history of drawing tourists to the area to the exclusion of all other
forms of tourism. While it is understandable that the gambling locations hope to keep visitors
inside their facilities for long periods of time, the disconnection from other tourism opportunities
in Atlantic County is short sighted. Las Vegas and Reno have run very successful tourism
campaigns aimed at attracting convention goers, families, and young professionals to enjoy a
range of attractions. Atlantic County has many more assets, and a long and colorful history to
draw upon. Considerably more tourists will enjoy a stay in the area when casinos are offered as a
part of the package rather than as the whole package. Both the Atlantic City casino industry and
Atlantic County can benefit from a marked change in the tourism concept.
To that end, the ACEDC needs to identify all Atlantic County assets, both well-known and hidden
among its various municipalities. Once a better understanding is gained of the range of
attractions, a marketing direction can be mapped out, materials printed that coordinate options
and every community in the region can begin to have a stake in a more productive tourism
industry.
The region is significantly hampered by weather factors and the limitation of its tourism season to
warmer months. While it is admittedly cold in Atlantic County in winter, other communities in the
Northeastern U.S. have been able to create successful tourism programs that draw tourists to
their areas year round. The ACEDC should focus on identifying ways to effectively extend its
tourism merit to all four seasons. Available large unoccupied infrastructure with plenty of
temperature protected indoor open spaces should be a helpful factor in that endeavor.
Conventions are therefore a key component to a revitalized tourism strategy.
Interest in non-professional adult and youth sports is high in Atlantic County. Some degree of
development of the sector is already underway. Significant opportunity exists to extend the
industry, and for a location within the region to become a regional sports center for public schools
and adult sports throughout the larger Southern New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Northern Delaware
area.
The unique appeal of the Pinelands and Wetlands, along with the natural draw of the Atlantic
Ocean, offers Atlantic County the opportunity to become known as the green haven of New
Jersey. In addition, Atlantic County has significant Recreational Open Space Inventory registered
through the states Green Acres and Blue Acres programs, 16 state and county maintained park
properties and 46 locations on the National Historical Register. Linking all these assets together to
form a powerfully attractive destination lure should be a focus for the region.

Strategy 1: Identify and Correlate Countywide Attractions
The first step in the Atlantic Countys new, broader
perception of destination factor is locating and polishing
all the jewels in its crown. While many of the attractions
in or close to Atlantic City are known, many more are
hidden away in the countys other municipalities.
Key Actions
A) Create Countywide Tourism
Dashboard
A) Create Countywide Tourism Dashboard

Meet with municipal leaders to discuss the opportunity.
Back that up by sending out a link to a simple survey that
makes it easy for the communities to tally and define
their attractions and add them to the roster. Make sure
that each municipality understands the broad nature of
the attraction locations as anything that might be
appealing to a visitor to the area. It could include sports
sites, cultural space, art exhibits, historical sites, and
natural resources.
B) Bolster Websites and

Marketing Collateral
C) Develop Cohesive Tourism
Brochures and Collateral
B) Bolster Websites and Marketing Collateral

Once Atlantic Countys full arsenal of attractions is known, use that information to the best effect.
Include site locations and GPS directions in the community and ACEDC websites. Provide links to
municipal websites as well. Also include the top sites within the county in marketing materials
created for economic development attraction.
C) Develop Cohesive Tourism Brochures and Collateral

Dont forget to address the needs of both the members of the Atlantic County community and
tourists. Use coordinated information to develop colorful and eye-catching materials.
Be sure to augment the basic listing of county attractions with current event information. Make
the process easy by providing a way for event organizers or municipal representatives to update
an online calendar supervised by a content manager. The information will bind the regional
community together and act to attract a greater number of visitors from surrounding
communities and vacation planners internationally.
Ensure that brochures and other materials advertising the full spectrum of county assets are in
plentiful supply at regional portals and social gathering spaces such as libraries. Get them into the
hands of travelers flying into the Philadelphia and Atlantic City airports. Place them in every car
rental office in both airport and in other locations throughout the region. Place materials in hightraffic existing tourist spots, such as the boardwalk and popular restaurants. Have volunteers,
interns or paid contract workers walk the materials in tourist areas, approaching tourist with
offers of ideas and information. Investigate ways to get the information to potential tourist
throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Strategy 2: Extend Tourism Peaks
Tourism traffic in Atlantic County is a hit-or-miss factor. In
the summer, hotels and parking spaces are filled to
capacity in Atlantic City. Price gauging in the area is
common; hotel prices for the same room can skyrocket
from $30 to $200, depending on the pressure of demand.
In peak season, restaurants are packed and foot traffic on
the boardwalk is heavy. However, tourist traffic during
the work week and once the weather turns cold is not
sustained at those levels.
Over the years, the perception of Atlantic County as a
non-casino tourist destination has come to be limited to
summer and the warmer portions of spring and fall. Cold
weather keeps tourists off the beaches, and a lack of
creative thinking has failed to provide attractions and
activities that capture the interests of winter vacationers.
Its time to break out of the box. Creative options need to
be developed to extend tourism seasons with indoor and
winter-friendly activities and mid-week attraction
options.
Key Actions
A) Develop 3-Day Tour Packages
B) Create Shallow Port Cruise
Tours
C) Target College Student
Populations Off Season
D) Grow Events, Festivals and
Conventions
Game Changer: Make Atlantic City the Game Capital of the World..
At one of the community meetings held during the stakeholder engagement
phase of this project, a local resident stood up and suggested that Atlantic City be
turned into the Gaming Capital of the U.S. Why not take a great suggestion
even further? With Atlantic Citys fame in the invention of the Monopoly board
game and its history in casino gambling, make it the Gaming Capital of the
World. Extend the concept to all forms of gaming board games, virtual games,
etc.
Game Changer: Create a major international indoor theme and recreation

park with the quality and recognition to attract vacationers from Europe and Asia. Atlantic
City has the name recognition and the gaming reputation to provide leverage. The city also
has large unoccupied infrastructure space beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean that can be
repurposed to contribute to the project.
This project should be undertaken on a large enough scale to compete with domestic theme
parks and international destinations. If attempted on too small a scale, it will be unable to
attract sufficient numbers of visitors to become successful. Too small a concept will not have
the explosive power to immediately shift the perception of Atlantic City as a cutting-edge
family vacation destination.

Game Changer: Investigate ways to connect the enormous population of online
gamers to a physical location. Become the first virtual gaming reality location. Own a gaming
and technology event and convention similar to SXSW in Austin, TX to be held annually that
merges new technology concepts into the world of games.
Game Changer: The $194 million Esports market enjoyed a viewership of 89

million in 2014. The industry is expected to more than double that revenue to a predicted
$465 million by 2017, according to research firm Newzoo. Tournaments for Call of Duty and
League of Legends have already attracted big name sponsors, and are offering million
dollar prize pools. Available hotel accommodations, the existence of a gambling industry,
and an underutilized conference center could serve as leverageable assets for the county in
attracting a video game tournament to Atlantic City. The indoor nature of the event would
make it ideal for winter months when tourism is down. .
A) Develop 3-Day Tour Packages

Using the countywide attraction information gained from municipalities, pull together mid-week
3-Day packages that combine events, tickets, casino chips, hotel and bed and breakfast stays and
other amenities. Offer local merchants, including restaurants and hotels, the opportunity to
donate discounts and merchandise that will provide them with low-cost advertising benefits. As
an example, design a Girls-Get-Out or Hump-Day-Hideaway package that includes restaurant
discounts, special hotel rates, vouchers for mani/pedis and massages, special casino
arrangements, and a free bottle of champagne waiting in the hotel suite.
The 2014 Texas

International Fishing
Tournament, part of
shallow port tourism
activities in Port Isabel
South Padre, Texas; brings
in 1,300 anglers and their
families each year.
B) Create Shallow Port Cruise Tours

Rather than acting as a major asset, Atlantic Countys East Coast location acts as an issue in
limiting logistics and western cut-off. Investigate the possibility of partnering with other MidAtlantic coastal cities to organize a small cruise route for ships similar to the Windstar or Blount
lines that can dock in shallow ports. Investigate the possibility of policy changes that would
create a Port Improvement District to allow for bonding capabilities to pay for port
improvements through sales and usage taxes.

C) Target College Student Populations Off Season
College students with parents or permanent homes in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and South
Atlantic U.S. offer a potentially strong demographic to target for winter tourism. For many
college students, the winter break represents a time stuck recouping from finals week. It is a
time when students seek to catch up with high school friends, many of whom attend different
schools in different parts of the country. The nature of the short break, as well as time
already allocated toward celebrating the winter holidays with family, reduces the distance
students can travel. Atlantic City, with proper marketing, could become a larger holiday
destination for these college students looking for a winter break escape.
D) Grow Events, Festivals and Conventions

Atlantic City has both international name recognition and a functionality as a destination
location. These elements are highly synergistic with the convention industry, and if leveraged
properly can help bring visitors to Atlantic County during non-peak tourism months and
weekdays. Furthermore, the county has the necessary infrastructure, in terms of two
convention halls and an abundance of hotel and casino accommodations, to facilitate an
uptick in visitors.
While the county should welcome most conventions and events, it must pursue those that
are directly tied to the target industries. By attracting industry leading conventions, Atlantic
County can better engage business leads. County representatives should be present at such
conventions to network and present the county as an attractive locale for relocation or
expansion.
High tech events and conventions are also crucial in establishing a reputation for Atlantic
County as a place on the cusp of cutting edge innovation. The countys achievement in being
designated as the lead drone testing site in the United States must not be squandered. This
asset should be leveraged in attracting conventions for both corporations involved in drone
R&D and for UAV enthusiasts. The county should also focus on bringing ESports events and
gaming conventions to the gaming capital of the east. Gaming conventions garner a national
media following, especially when key industry players unveil new products.
Best Practices
Anchorage Mini Maker Faire
Greater Anchorage Economic Development Corporation Anchorage, Alaska
To foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, AEDC hosted a day-long event that attracted
more than 1,200 attendees and 41 maker booths staffed by 91 makers. Twelve maker sold their
creations at the event, and food trucks provided lunch. Makers encompass a broad category of
individuals who create new and innovative projects, including engineers, inventors, tinkerers, hobbyists
and artists. AEDC sought to create more interaction between local innovative thinkers that can form the
bedrock of an entrepreneurial community.
For more information, visit: AEDCweb.com.
East Coast ACBC Comic/Geek/Cosplay Convention, Atlantic City 2015

Strategy 3: Expand Sports Tourism
Atlantic Countys rural setting, abundance of hotel accommodations, and reputation for tourism
could make sports tourism a perfect match for the region. Fostering youth and adult leagues, as
well as tournaments, would bring visitors to parts of the county outside of Atlantic City. This
exposure is important to the region since families visiting today are tomorrows potential
residents.
Furthermore, leagues and tournaments can be scheduled outside of peak visitor months, allowing
for less seasonality in the Atlantic County tourism industry. Investigate ways to bring warm
weather sports indoors, using existing vacant casino space in Atlantic City. Maturing and
expanding winter sports and activities in the area for outside participation also offers
opportunities.
Families visiting the county for sports are also likely to dine, shop, visit vineyards, and other
amenities within the region.
Game Changer: Explore the Possibility of Becoming the East Coast Site
for Mega Sports Events Similar to X Games. X Games an annual sports event,
controlled and arranged by American sports broadcaster ESPN that focuses on
extreme sports. The inaugural X Games were held in the summer of 1995 in
Newport, Rhode Island. The X Games gained media exposure due to their big name
sponsors, top-tier athletes, and consistent fan attendance. For the last two years,
the games have been held in Austin, where 140,000 attend four day events.
X Games Austin, TX

Strategy 4: Grow Ecotourism to Better Leverage Green Assets
A) Promote Tourism Options Within the Wetlands and Pinelands
At 1,210 residents per square mile, New Jersey is
the densest state in the U.S. Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Delaware, and New York all fall in the top
10 of that list. Atlantic Countys access to the
Pinelands and Wetlands therefore is an overlooked
resource. Within the north eastern urban hub,
Atlantic County is one of the few outdoor getaways.
This factor has contributed to helping the area
attract a number of residents looking for an escape
from urban centers like New York and Philadelphia.
Key Actions
A) Promote Tourism Options Within the
Wetlands and Pinelands
B) Market Local Vineyards, Farms, and
Golf Courses to Visitors
The ACEDC should work to improve connectivity between cities within the Pinelands by setting up
a network of hike and bike trails through less environmentally sensitive areas. Winter Gardens,
Florida is a key example of how a network of trails connecting small communities has helped
develop a burgeoning downtown district.
Rather than cutting against the grain, Atlantic County must take ownership of the Pinelands
National Reserve. Atlantic County staff and the ACEDC should become the center of expertise on
the environment as well as some of the most vocal supporters for its preservation. Regulation
within the region does limit the regions ability to grow, yet the reserve is a unique asset that
prevents the county from becoming just another region of north eastern sprawl.
Atlantic County should look into setting up an ecological campus through a partnership with a
local university. Graduate students at the campus can gain hands on training in ecology while
providing residents and local businesses with research studies necessary to get approval for
projects within the Pinelands region. The ACEDC should facilitate a partnership between the
campus and local schools to educate students about conservation and environmentalism at an
early age.
A rebranding effort of the Pinelands Region should be considered. By taking on the initiative of
branding the region, Atlantic County can become known as the destination point for visitors
looking for a weekend getaway from urban centers. Merchandise with branding can be sold at
stores near hike and bike trails and camping sites, bringing in additional revenue to smaller towns.
B) Market Local Vineyards, Farms, and Golf Courses to Visitors

Atlantic County has a number of vineyards, golf courses, and agro-tourism options available that
are often overshadowed by its casino industry. The ACEDC should look to setting up promotional
material advertising such locale within city hotels and the Philadelphia airport. Tour packages
would be a strong opportunity to cross promote such assets. The Greater Atlantic City Golf
Association should be a key partner is developing marketing materials.

Best Practices
MAAG Heritage Tours
Memphis, TN
The Memphis Area Association of Governments (MAAG) partnered with Heritage Tours for the West Tennessee
Heritage and Roots Day Trippin Tour to encourage visitors and local residents to go beyond Memphis and
experience the heritage and culture of surrounding rural communities. Tours highlight the history of the African
American experience by featuring historic stops on the Underground Railroad and the Alex Haley Museum. The
three tours that were offered in February 2014 had 69 participants and visited the newly renovated Ripley
Historic Downtown Square showcasing the Bank of Ripleys annual Black History Month Exhibit and Covington
Downtown Square, home of the Annual Chocolate Tour. Building on the tours success, MAAG is currently
working with Heritage Tours on three new themed tours highlighting the Civil War, Antebellum Architecture,
Blues, and Roots in West Tennessee.
www.westtndaytrippin.com
Best Practices
Texas Hill Country Tourism: Fredericksburg
Today, Fredericksburg ranks as one of the top rural cities for tourism in America, catering to both daytime visitors
from major urban centers in Central Texas as well as overnight visitors coming in from farther away. As part of its
tourism development strategy, Fredericksburg has developed a remarkable method for drawing in visitors for
every aspect of its heritage and natural assets by showcasing both its German and Texas rancher roots and
inspiring visitors to appreciate the peaches, lavender, wildflowers, wines, and natural landscapes for which the
region has become well-known. The influx of tourists has allowed for a wide variety of small businesses to
prosper: from cozy bed and breakfasts to small boutiques and wineries.
Aggressive marketing campaigns showcase all regional assets, while the website of the Bureau itself allows
visitors to plan every aspect of their trip, from accommodation to tours and shopping. The Visitors Center
provides visitors with travel counselors to answer their questions, and also offers free maps, informational DVDs
and parking.
http://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/
Best Practices
City of Winter Garden, FL
Historic Downtown Arts and Culture District
The small city of Winter Garden began land banking property in its declining downtown area, to plan and create a
vibrant historic district for arts, entertainment and culture that powered new interest in the city and relocation
by entrepreneurs, innovation companies and young professionals. The city partners with The Winter Garden Arts
Association and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation to grow and improve the area, offering incentives to
businesses that renovate old buildings and locate in the district and building parking facilities to handle large
crowds.
The city initially purchased and spurred renovation of a historic theater that now operates as an independent
public organization. Active city staff aggressively pursued and established numerous large festivals that take place
in the district each year, including a popular visual arts festival, Music Fest and Culture Fest, which includes a film
festival. The district has been so successful, it operates at 100% business occupancy and the city has begun to
develop and adjacent area of abandoned warehouses into a separate and permanent arts district.
www.cwgdn.com/
Redevelopment Sites
Atlantic County Strategic Real Estate Locations
Property
Location
Size
Owner
Project Use
Estimated Cost
Possible Funding
Bader Field
Atlantic City
142 Acres
Atlantic City
Phase 1: Sports
Complex, Phase II:
World Trade
Center
$100 Million +
Sales tax sharing,

EB5 Visa, Diverted
CRDA Funds
55 Acres
Stockton University
Spec Building to
Include Incubator
$15 Million
Public/Private
Partnership
Stockton Aviation
FAA William J.
Research and Tech Hughes Technical
Park
Center Campus
Atlantic City
International
Airport
Egg Harbor
Township
Portion of 84 Acres
FAA/SJTA
Hamilton
Racetrack
Hamilton
Township
250 Acres
Parks Casino
Route 40
Combined Purpose
Projects
Buena Vista
Township
Possible sales tax

Aircraft
$5 Million Building rebate, TIFF, EB5
Maintenance,
$8-9 Million
Visa,
Repair and
Taxiways
Public/Private,
Overhaul Facility
Diverted CRDA
Enclosed Theme
Park
Covered by Owner
7 Acres 4 Sisters
4 Sisters - Plant Specialty Mfg. and
$1.6 Million for
192 Acres Richland
Buena Vista
Destination
Combined Projects
Village
Township Historic
Development
EDA Grants,
Tourism Grants,
Historic Society,
CRDA, Tax
Abatement
Bader Field
Considered a prime redevelopment site for the U.S. East Coast, Bader Field is a 142-acre
peninsula parcel of land in the western area of Atlantic City approximately one mile from the
terminus of U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 322. The airport facility closed in 1990, and a minor
league baseball stadium was constructed on the site. The stadium was rebuilt as a 5,500-seat
facility. The stadium has also been used as an ice rink and auto races, as well as for music
festivals in 2011 and 2012.
The site is owned by Atlantic City and is included in the state-run tourism district controlled by
the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Atlantic City turned down a 2008 purchase
offer of $800 million plus $100 million in property tax relief by Penn National Gaming. The site
could be leased for five to 10 years as a sports complex while waiting for with long-term plans
of converting the location into a World Trade Center or international market hall. Boardwalk
Hall could be considered as an alternative site for this purpose.
A WTC building would cost an estimated $100 million+. The cost of the products exhibited
within would be born by the companies that produce them. Costs for upgrading the property
for its interim purpose as an athletic center would be born by the lessee organization.
Note: Atlantic City recently sent out an RFP for short term lease of Bader Field and accepted a
proposal from Bader Field Sports, LLC. It is unclear whether the city has signed a contract.
Redevelopment Sites
Hamilton Racetrack
The 250-acre Hamilton Racetrack was opened in 1946 as part of a larger acreage track opened by
celebrities that included Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Harry James. It has since sold off most of its
acreage to a retail mall. It is accessible by the Atlantic City Expressway and State Highways 322
and 40, and is approximately 6 miles from the Atlantic City International Airport and 14 miles
from Atlantic City. It is noted as one of the highest and driest (most protected) sites in Atlantic
County, and has very flexible zoning for most purpose, except auto racing.
The racetrack is privately owned by Parks Casino (Greenwood ACRA) and located in Mays Landing
in Hamilton Township. It sold to current owner in 2001 for $11 million +/- $2 million bonus.
Current price is likely in the $5-6 million range. Parks Casino will sell entire property at once, or as
phased purchase. Limitations include restricted highway frontage and visibility, considerable
demolition requirements and asbestos in old structures. Owners say township will support its use
as a sports/entertainment center. Owners had 2010 plans for a 20-story hotel and conference
center along with an office and research park to tie into the FAA research park.
Standing infrastructure includes a water well, sewer capacity for 125,000, and an infield lake. In
uncertain condition are stadium seating for 10,000 and standing room for 25,000, a one mile
track, parking for 5,000 and 26 barns. Property comes with liquor license.
Note: Property qualifies for redevelopment incentives. Agent believes the site is prime for
development as a family entertainment area close to but not in Atlantic City. Owner reports
past interest by Disney, Six Flags, Magic Sports, Ripken Sports and developers of a water park
and hotel.
Route 40 Combined Purpose Projects
Buena Vista Township currently has a project in planning to assist in the expansion of a privately
owned produce warehouse and flash freeze facility to a size that can accommodate produce
throughout the county for preparation in shipping to locations within the U.S. and Canada. The
facility is located along U.S. Route 40.
Buena Vista would like to leverage the increased processing capacity to further its agricultural
reputation and history and support an economic development efforts to build destination appeal
downtown centered on an historic railroad connection. The combined project will allow the
township to build tourism despite strenuous limitations set by the Pinelands Commission,
allowing the community instead to leverage the beauty protected by the restrictions. Success of
the Route 40 project could translate to other western communities in the county.
The cost of upgrading the processing facility is estimated at $1.4 million, and would ultimately be
born by 4 Sisters Holding. BVT estimates the cost of turning the downtown area into a destination
attraction at $625,000. Options for funding the project could include EDA grants, tourism grants,
Buena Historic Society funds, and CRDA diverted funds. A 10-year tax abatement should also be
explored.
Redevelopment Sites
Atlantic City International Airport MRO
Atlantic City purchased 4,312 acres for an airport in 1910. In 1958, the city transferred ownership
of all but 84 acres located in Egg Harbor Township to the federal government for Federal Aviation
Administration use. In 1992, The South Jersey Transportation Authority acquired the Civil Terminal
Building from Atlantic City and also the citys reversionary interest in lands owned by the U.S. The
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey currently manages the airport itself under contract.
The Atlantic City International Airport is a vital, yet heavily underutilized asset within the county.
AngelouEconomics recommends Atlantic County to pursue a Maintenance and Repair Operation
(MRO) for the airport. The airports proximity to a number of major airports on the east coast,
lack of congestion, and lower wage and rent costs make it an ideal location for such an operation.
A number of modifications must be made to the airport to allow for such a venture. First, taxiways
will need to be constructed from the runway to where the maintenance facility will be located in
order to transport the airplane from the runway to the facility. This will cost $8-9 million.
Construction of the maintenance facility itself will cost $5 million. This cost could potentially be
covered by the MRO.
AngelouEconomics expects the operation to employ 350 people within the county. A partnership
with Stockton University would benefit both parties. The university can provide hands on courses
in aircraft maintenance on the premise. Students who have gone through the Stockton program
would be ready for employment afterwards at the facility.
Stockton University Aviation Research and Technology Park Spec Building
The research park will be located on the campus of the Federal Aviation Administrations William
J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township. The WJHTC houses every system in use today
in U.S. commercial aviation and is involved in system development and testing of NextGen
systems, airport and aircraft safety research, and homeland security research. There will be highspeed connectivity to the WJHTC laboratories that replicate the National Airspace System (NAS).
An FAA laboratory will be located in the first building of the Research Park and Stockton ARTP
already has umbrella agreements in place to allow members to jointly work on mutually beneficial
projects with the WJHTC and the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY).
Research park access is established on both Delilah Road and Amelia Earhart Boulevard, and
Atlantic County has provided substantial roadway improvements at the entrance to the
Research Park, ACY and the WJHTC. The Research Park also offers close proximity to full
interchange of the Atlantic City Expressway with a close connection to the Garden State Parkway.
Legal issues and communication have slowed the start of the research park. A 100,000 sf
public/private spec building is recommended that will include a 15,000 sf incubator. The project
will involve major international partners and aviation start-up tenants. Estimated cost for the
project is $15 million and should be funded as a public/private partnership.
Public Policy
New Jerseys fairly robust incentive package already has some of the necessary tools for Atlantic
County to be successful. State level incentives focus on job training, retention, manufacturing, and
life sciences, and therefore line up with Atlantic Countys needs. These resources are vital in
helping the county offset the high costs businesses face when locating in the north east.
Atlantic County should utilize the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program (Grow NJ),which provides
companies with tax credits equaling $500 to $5,000 per job, to offset high payroll costs for
businesses looking to locate within the county. Atlantic Citys designation as a Garden State
Growth Zone qualifies it for the highest levels of base credits that can be awarded for mega
projects. The Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ) Tax Exemption can be used to reduce utility costs for
manufacturing companies by waiving the sales and use tax on electricity and natural gas utilities.
State incentive programs have not been without problems. The States use of tax refunds for
companies creating job growth in New Jersey has led to some budget woes. This has resulted in
programs being cut by the administration, leaving businesses promised refunds high and dry. The
state should be encouraged to consider shifting its incentive offerings from tax refunds to tax
credits.
The following page provides further policy suggestions for the Atlantic County to implement as
well as policies the County should lobby the state into implementing. Federal programs that can
be leveraged are also listed. Public policy considerations provided focus on providing companies
with financial resources to grow new jobs, resources to help the county retain businesses, and
policies that encourage commercialization.
Best Practices
CAPCO
The CAPCO program is a government economic development tool designed to foster the development of a
venture capital infrastructure to help provide the funding for innovative local companies that are without the
means of obtaining financing.
CAPCO programs allow governments to raise large pools of capital from insurance companies or other financial
entities by offering tax credits for investments they make into approved CAPCO funds. The tax credits are taken
over time and therefore they do not affect government tax revenues in the year that they are issued.
CAPCOs are typically venture capital groups with significant local knowledge and industry expertise and provide a
leveraged (often a 4:1 ratio) capital match of their own to invest in innovative companies.
Nine states currently have CAPCO programs. Notable success stories include Digium (AL), Medidata Solutions
(NY), and T&K Machine (TX). After receiving CAPCO funding, all of these companies were able to attract additional
funding and expand their presence.
For more information visit:
http://www.capcofacts.com/home.html
Public Policy Considerations

Local
Waive property taxes for technology start ups for 5 years (best practice: Start Up New York
program)
Waive property taxes for co-space companies for 5 years
Allow public pension funds to voluntarily invest up to % of assets in high risk ventures (start
ups)
Consider property tax abatement on new equipment for modernization of aging manufacturing
facilities
Waive property tax for faade improvements in downtown districts
Establish minimum upkeep standards for unoccupied or vacated properties in downtown
districts
Develop Wi-Fi infrastructure in downtown districts and entrepreneur gathering places
Allow live-work zoning in entrepreneurial zones

Establish minimum regional incentive package guidelines
Closely monitor discussions of legislation that would allow a casino elsewhere in the state to
ensure if it gets on the ballot it includes wording that guarantees constitutionally that a portion
of the state tax on any new casino will be dedicated exclusively to economic development
projects in Atlantic County.
New Jersey
Increase funding sources for entrepreneurs and growth capital for medium size business: Allow
voluntary investment up to % of public pension funds in high risk ventures
Enable the creation of a Certified Capital Company (CAPCO)

Create special economic zone incentives for counties that are below 80% of states average
income/ or at 120% higher unemployment rate. State incentives will automatically reset at a
25% higher level of all state incentives offered.
Allow exemption from state income tax of 50% of income generated from commercialization of
new IP.
For existing companies, allow income tax credits of up to 40% of a companys additional
investments.
Federal
Access New Market Tax Credits

Access Start up America Program incentives
EDA funding for special projects (life sciences laboratory equipment for universities and
incubators, entrepreneurial capacity studies, downtown Wi-Fi infrastructure)
Access U.S. Rural Development Program funding (community development projects, i.e.
libraries, museums, medical clinics, street improvements, child care centers, community
kitchens and gardens etc.)
Conferences
Based on the recommended target industry, AE suggests that the Atlantic County
Economic Development Corporation consider attending the following or similar
conferences in order to gain a firmer understanding of industry trends as well as to
establish industry contacts and market the regions available assets related to the industry.
Aerospace and Avionics Conferences

Conference
Description
Date
The International Conference for

Aerospace Experts, Academics,
Military Personnel, and Industry
Leaders
The international IEEE Aerospace Conference partners with AIAA and PHM
Society to promote interdisciplinary understanding of aerospace systems,
their underlying science and technology, and their applications to
government and commercial endeavors.
March 5-12,
2016
Digital Avionics Systems

Conference
Avionics Maintenance
Conference
This conference focuses on the impact of global mandates on avionics

research and development as well as bringing together experts in
September 13commercial, military, general aviation, and space applications together to
17, 2015
exchange ideas, network, and build an understanding of the future of
avionics.
The Avionics Maintenance Conference is designed to bring together airline
representatives and maintenance companies in order to promote
reliability and to reduce operating and life cycle costs of air transport
avionics by improving maintenance and support techniques through the
exchange of technical information.
April 25-28,
2016
Life Sciences Conferences

Conference
Description
Date
This event unites thousands of health care leaders, visionaries, and frontInstitute For Healthcare
line practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas regarding
Improvement Annual National Forum
quality health care and how to improve health.
Hospital Medicine 2016
HM16 offers a comprehensive array of educational and networking

opportunities focusing on the practice of hospital medicine.
TBD 2015
March 6-9,
2016
Bio-IT World
Conference and Expo 2016
This conference unites 2,500+ life sciences, pharmaceutical, clinical,

healthcare, and IT professionals from 30+ countries. The Expo provides a
platform to share information and discuss enabling technologies that are
driving biomedical research and the drug development process.
April 5-7,
2016
International Conference On
Proteomics And Bioinformatics
This event promotes exchange of knowledge and research techniques

with experts from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academicians
from leading universities, scientists from research institutions.
Sept 1-3,
2015
Conferences
Tourism Conferences
Conference
PRSA Travel and Tourism
Conference
Young Travel Leaders Conference
Restaurant Finance And

Development Conference
Description
Date
This conference will engage those involved in travel arrangement and PR

services. The event seeks to provide travel and hospitality communicators
with the tools and techniques to succeed in todays fast paced
marketplace
TBD 2016
This conference gathers young leaders in the travel industry for education
December 8th,
and networking. The event will focus on business plans and trends
2015
important to new members of the tourism industry.
Restaurant owners, consultants, and investors are invited to learn about
financing and growing restaurants. A good opportunity to learn about how November 9about challenges in the restaurant industry and the needs of restaurateurs
11, 2015
and investors.
Specialty Manufacturing Conferences

Conference
Description
Date
International Manufacturing
Technology Show
This bi-annual even is one of the largest industrial trade shows in the
world and hosts over 1,900 exhibiting companies.
Advanced Design And

Manufacturing Impact Forum
Conference
This conference addresses the intersection of advanced design and

manufacturing in industrial and consumer applications. In particular, it will
emphasize suppliers involved with advanced design and manufacturers of
hardware/equipment/functional systems.
Food Processing And Technology

Conference
This exhibition will center on emerging technologies and devising

strategies related to food processing.
September 12 17, 2016
TBD 2016
August 10-12,
2015
Entrepreneurial Services Conferences

Conference
Description
Date
PRSA Travel and Tourism

Conference
This conference will engage those involved in travel arrangement and PR

services. The event seeks to provide travel and hospitality communicators
with the tools and techniques to succeed in todays fast-paced
marketplace.
TBD 2016
IEEE International Conference On

Services Computing
This international conference looks at how services computing is affecting

business modeling, business consulting, solution creation, service delivery,
and software architecture design, development and deployment.
TBD 2016
Global Coworking Unconference

Conference
This conference is the leading coworking conference in America. The

conference brings coworking space owners together to discuss strategies
with managing the business, design strategies, and the future of
coworking.
May 4-6, 2016
Conferences
Economic Development Organizations Conferences
Conference
Industrial Asset
Management Council (IAMC)
American Chambers of
Commerce Abroad (AmChams)
SelectUSA
Description
Founded in 2002, the IAMC describes itself as the leading association of industrial
asset management and corporate real estate executives, their suppliers and service
providers, and economic developers. Membership in the IAMC provides access to
the organizations bi-annual meetings. These meetings provide high-quality
education and networking opportunities in a low-key, professional environment.
Organized under the U.S. Chamber of Commerces International Division, AmChams

are organizations of business leaders that represent U.S. business interests to the
government, business leaders, and communities of the host countries. Currently,
there are 116 AmChams representing U.S. business interests in 103 countries
worldwide. Membership in AmChams not only provides networking opportunities
and business leads, but also access to publications, libraries, and consolidated
information on business climates and regulations.
Created by the Federal Government under the Department of Commerce, SelectUSA
was created to showcase the United States as a prime location for business. To this
end, SelectUSA provides both industry profiles and a searchable guide on Federal
grants, loans, loan guarantees, and tax incentives. SelectUSA also provides Economic
Organization Development Counseling to state, regional, and local organizations. This
counseling includes best practices, outreach methods, and marketing strategies.
Select USA Industry Summit 2016, Washington, D.C.
Implementation
The implementation matrix offers recommendations on how the ACEDC and its economic development
partners can apply this action plan. It is organized by the steps outlined in the strategy and includes
action items, timeframe and the parties to be involved in execution.
This matrix, paired with the annual scorecard event, will assist the ACEDC in tracking the progress of the
implementation of this plan.
A sample implementation matrix is provided below. An editable excel document separate from the body
of this report will also be provided. The ACEDC should act as the organization in charge of the
collaborative implementation of the strategic plan.
Key Performance Indicators
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
About AngelouEconomics
ANGELOUECONOMICS
AngelouEconomics partners with client
communities and regions across the United
States and abroad to candidly assess current
economic development realities and identify
opportunities.
Our goal is to leverage the unique
strengths of each region to
provide new, strategic direction
for economic development.
PROJECT TEAM
Angelos Angelou
Principal Executive Officer
Dane Anderson
Project Manager
William Mellor
Director of Project Operations
William Bean
Associate Project Manager
Morgan Adams
Research
AngelouEconomics clients are able to diversify their economies, expand job opportunities and
investment, foster entrepreneurial growth, better prepare their workforce, and attract new
economy companies.
To learn more, visit www.angeloueconomics.com

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Atlantic County

8121 Bee Cave Road, Suite 100

Our Thanks To:

Atlantic County Executive

Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders:

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority

Atlantic County Action Now Steering Committee:

Phase II: Market

Phase III: Target

Phase IV: Strategic

Leverageable Assets (Not ranked by order of importance)

(Not ranked by order of importance)

Lack of economic diversity

Aerospace and Aviation

Emerging Life Sciences Eco Niche: Studies conducted by Princeton University

Eagle Aviation Maintenance and Repair Operation

Overarching Strategic Goals

1) Empower Regional Economic Development Activity

2) Drive Industry Diversification

3) Improve the Economic Development Product:

Atlantic County Strategic Real Estate Locations

Sales tax sharing,

Possible sales tax

Specialty Mfg. and

Atlantic Countys longstanding efforts to encourage municipalities to regionalize services such as

Phase II: Market

Phase III: Target

Phase IV: Strategic

%Pop. in the 25-44 Range

Population Growth ('08 - '13)

%High School Graduate or

%Bachelor's Degree or Higher

%Families with Children Under

433,731 8,899,339 316,128,839

Sources: American Factfinder

Percent of all families with related children under 18 years

Sources: American Factfinder

Percent of Atlantic County Families with related children

Sources: American Factfinder

Median Home Value for Owner Occupied Households

Sources: American Factfinder

Vacant housing units

Median Home Value

Median Gross Rent

Sources: American Factfinder

Atlantic Cape Community College

Inflow/Outflow Job Count (2011)

39 k Atlantic County workers live outside the

Where Atlantic County Workers Live Share

Where Atlantic County Residents Work Share

Cape May County, NJ

3.6% Burlington County, NJ

Sources: US Census On the Map

Business surveys show:

Top 5 Most Important Factors to

44% said Atlantic County has plenty of

Punitively high taxes, over

Top 5 Most Important Factors to

Atlantic City needs to be safer