Business Partnership Issues Somerset County Diversity Report

The Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) has released a report, “Somerset County: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion” that is intended to provide the business community with a resource to better understand and embrace the growing diversity in Somerset County. The report was created by the SCBP Diversity Taskforce in collaboration with the Somerset County Planning Board.

The SCBP mission is to put Somerset County on the map by creating “vibrant connections” within the public and private sectors to build a prosperous and sustainable future. To achieve this mission, a core principle of the Business Partnership is to embrace diversity and inclusion to serve the various needs of the community.

The purpose of the report is to provide the business community with an overview of what they need to know about Somerset County’s changing population.

The report includes key comparative growth figures in the county including population, race, and ethnicity changes. One of the major findings includes a population increase from 1990 to 2017 of 39.6% based on the 1990 census and the 2017 census estimates. During that same time period, the white population in the County dropped 27.6%, while the Black, American Indian, Asian & Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and other populations increased by 182%.

Also addressed are growth forecasts around the County with projected population increases from 2015 to 2045 of 10.23% in the Townships and 11.33% in the Boroughs.

Additional statistics that can be found in the report are median age, place of birth, education, and affordability.

“Somerset County’s growing diversity provides a competitive advantage over other locations in and outside of New Jersey,” commented Mike Kerwin, President/CEO of the SCBP. “This advantage helps us to attract and retain talent while being innovative and ahead for the curve.”

The report further disseminates how diversity and inclusion in the workplace enhances a businesses’ competitive advantage, citing examples of relationships established by prominent local corporations.

Population trends, forecasts, demographic data, and school enrollment figures are also included for the County’s 21 individual municipalities.

The full report may be found on the SCBP website at https://www.scbp.org/diversity-inclusion

For information, call 908-218-4300 or email info@scbp.org.