Ringwood economic development director Kristen Holton spotlights local small businesses

Kristen Holton, director of economic development for the Borough of Ringwood, opened a program highlighting local small businesses and said the borough wanted to showcase both long-established and newer enterprises.

Holton introduced multiple owners and practitioners who each gave brief statements about their businesses. "I'm John at Sam's Bar and Grill," one speaker said; another identified herself as Lydia of Sole Me Cafe. Teresa Scribe introduced herself as being with Strach Fitness, and Donna Garrafeno said, "I'm a naturopathic doctor," describing long-term patient relationships.

Several speakers quantified their time in Ringwood: one said the Lakeside Diner opened "about 18 months ago," others said their businesses had been in operation "over 5 years," "for 26 years," "over 40 years," "for 5 years now," "practicing here for over 25 years," "for 42 years," and "just over 21 years." One optometry representative said, "Many of my patients have been coming to me for over 20 years," and described seeing patients' children grow and go off to college.

Holton also suggested making business spaces more welcoming for families, saying it "may get fun so the kids can come in, have a chalk outside, bubbles." Several speakers praised the town's supportive atmosphere: "there's no town like Ringwood," one said, adding that the community "wraps your hands around you and gives you the love you need."

The session was a brief, promotional presentation rather than a council meeting: no motions, votes, or formal actions were recorded in the transcript. Holton closed by thanking customers and residents for their loyalty to local businesses.

The program highlighted the range of small-business tenures in Ringwood and underscored the borough's effort to promote local commerce; no policy changes or funding decisions were announced during the remarks.