HILLSDALE—More than a dozen businesses attending the first quarterly Business Breakfast at Borough Hall on Sept. 28 have agreed to form a local chamber of commerce that should help bolster borough businesses as well as work together in concert with local officials.
Near the meeting’s end, George Chicolo III, a sales associate with Terrie O’Connor Realtors, agreed to serve as interim chamber president, and at least 14 businesses signed up to become members, he said.
Chicolo asked interested businesses to contact him for details. He served on a chamber in Staten Island, N.Y., and said the chamber offers business owners “a voice in the community” and allows them to work collaboratively with municipal officials to grow their businesses.
Efforts to kick off a chamber had begun under the Economic Development Committee, said councilwoman Abby Lundy, who provided a starting place on bylaws.
The area also is served by the 10-town Greater Pascack Valley Area Business Association, which hosts a head-of-year Breakfast With the Mayors in Westwood.
The borough’s first business gathering Sept. 28 was organized by borough administrator Michael Ghassali, a Republican who also is Montvale’s mayor, and was similar to efforts that Montvale had begun to help better represent and promote local businesses. The local Economic Development Committee also played a role in pressing for the initial gathering.
Following a nearly 90-minute gathering of some two dozen businesses, Mayor John Ruocco, and most council members, plus local officials and professionals, Ghassali asked how many attendees might be interested in forming a chamber. Prior to that, officials talked about how important it is for local businesses and the community to work together.
“When our business community thrives, the town thrives,” Ruocco said, welcoming the business representatives to the first breakfast meeting.
Ghassali briefly touched on the planned 256-unit Patterson Street redevelopment project planned for downtown. Borough Council has also begun efforts to rejuvenate parts of downtown.
Ruocco, running for council this fall, said opening up communication with local businesses was important because residents tell officials that they want a vibrant business community. “We benefit from having a strong business community,” said the mayor.
Ruocco thanked Ghassali, who is running for re-election in Montvale, and the Economic Development Committee for helping to coordinate the session.
Downtown upgrades ‘will take some time’
Ghassali said for Hillsdale to add new businesses and upgrade the downtown, “will take some time but we have to work altogether. We will ask for your help on different boards, assistance, feedback, to make this happen,” he said. He said, “there’s huge opportunities (in Hillsdale) but we have to get our thoughts together on this.”
During the meeting, three local officials from the fire department, property maintenance department, and Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission spoke about their roles and responsibilities, and where applicable, what permits or fees may be required.
Providing updates were fire prevention inspector Darren Blackenbush; zoning officer/property maintenance official Steven Loesner; and health official Pamela Rosario
In addition, Bergen County Deputy Director of Economic Development Mike McPartland spoke about a “Bergen For Business” website hosted by the county. He said the free county program to boost county businesses offers the services of Bergen Community College students to assist local businesses with social media.
He said another tool on the county website offers a program called “Size Up” for businesses to compare and find out how other similar enterprises are performing.
He also noted the county was hosting its annual job fair at Bergen Community College on Friday, Oct. 20 for those businesses currently seeking employees.
He said grants and loans can be obtained for small businesses through the state Economic Development Authority.
Ghassali noted that when a local inspector or official visits a local business, “he is your friend, she is your friend,” noting he has told staff that “we want to come across as a business-friendly town.” He said the borough hopes to work cooperatively with local businesses.
When Ghassali asked for questions from the assembled businesses, as to what can be done better, one business owner mentioned prior notice of road closures was essential. Ruocco said the clerk usually sends out local notices on Friday afternoons, plus updates on storms.
Alex Kaplan, Kaplan Landscaping, noted that there were permits required from building and fire departments for specific uses, and suggested that the borough look into requiring permits for landscapers. He said requiring permits “definitely helps” with weeding out uninsured companies, and protects homeowners from damages from uninsured companies.
He said he would like to sit down with borough officials and establish a permitting system, which could include a small fee on landscapers.
Another resident noted that requiring landscapers to have a permit to work ensures the safety of residents, and safety of work being conducted.
Another business owner from Le Carre Cafe & Patisserie on Broadway, said he had trouble with getting the proper electrical hookups to start up his business. He said no one informed them that they did not have the needed electrical voltage to begin the bakery business onsite in Hillsdale.
Ghassali said often when a business comes into town, they contact other local businesses to find out what problems have arisen and how to deal with them. A representative from Dunkin’ Donuts said he had similar power problems when his business opened in town.
Another business owner said previously different department officials told different stories about what was required by the borough.
Another cafe owner said he wanted to extend outdoor seating or dining into the fall season, noting other towns allow patrons to eat outside long into the fall. Steven Loesner, property maintenance official, said he had the “discretion” to allow outdoor seating past Oct. 1, and he would not require it to end on Oct. 2 for the cafe.
Ghassali said businesses should let him know if a business is having “any anniversary” of their opening date, and he would assist in a ceremony to help boost the business. “
It doesn’t hurt, we can always have a grand re-opening. People look, that’s good for you, good for the press, good for us that there’s activity,” he said.
He said he had attended hundreds of openings, grand openings, reopenings, and anniversaries over his last two terms as mayor. Ghassali said there was an idea floated for a “Taste of Hillsdale” event featuring food from local shops and eateries that could possibly close down Broadway to hold such a celebration.
One resident wondered who could represent businesses that don’t have an actual storefront. She estimated 20 business owners that don’t have a physical shop or business. McPartland said the “Bergen For Business” website might be able to assist online businesses.