Somerset County Business Partnership Re-Dedicates Renovated Office Space

The Somerset County Business Partnership celebrated the opening of the newly renovated office space at 360 Grove Street in Bridgewater. The redesigned office space houses the Business Resource & Visitors Center.

In a celebration attended by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, building owner Peter Cocoziello representing Advance Realty, representatives from Somerset County’s newest corporate neighbor Nestlé, and invited guests, the facility was formally opened to better achieve the Business Partnership mission to serve members and the community.

The Partnership renovated its offices with the goal of providing better resources to the business community.

Mike Kerwin President/CEO of the Partnership said, “the idea was to create a ’one stop shop’ to provide educational, economic development, tourism, and workforce services at one location.”

The renovated offices feature improved meeting facilities, Wi-Fi,, and a library. Architectural services were donated by SSP Architectural Group and construction was done by Protecs, Inc.

Kerwin added, “This building is a symbol of a community looking to do great things. We are creating places in Somerset County that we really care about to inspire the community to invest in creating jobs.”

Cocoziello commented, “To survive, you have to change with the landscape and the leadership in Somerset County is resilient and welcome to accommodate change. We live in a global business environment and have to appeal to those companies seeking that environment.”

Andres Kaspersson, Nestlé Health Sciences vice-president, explained that Nestlé chose Bridgewater following a three-year worldwide search because the area is home to the bioscience corridor and a well educated and competent workforce. With visitors coming the the new facility from all over the world, proximity to New York was another important consideration in their selection of Bridgewater.

Lt. Governor Guadagno noted that New Jersey has exceeded the national business growth average despite having the highest taxes in the country. She attributed the growth to a highly educated workforce and proximity to a highly developed transportation infrastructure.

The Visitors Center at the Business Partnership is a part of the services offered as the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Somerset County. To fulfill the responsibility, the lobby of the newly renovated space serves at the Somerset County Tourism Center.

Among the highlights of the opening event was the presence of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Championship Trophy, won for the sixth time by the Somerset Patriots. One of numerous stops on the Trophy Tour, Patriot partners and fans have an opportunity to celebrate the 2015 Atlantic League Championship throughout the community.

(Photo (l to r): Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Advance Realty President Peter Cocozielo, and Nestlé Health Sciences Vice-president at the newly renovated Business Resource & Visitors Center at the Somerset County Business Partnership.)