Monmouth County launches 'Open for Business' initiative at Bell Works East

Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone announced a countywide "Open for Business" initiative at Bell Works East in Tinton Falls, saying the program will centralize ribbon‑cutting coordination and promote new and expanding small businesses across all 53 municipalities.

Arnone said the county will serve as a central partner with municipal governments and local chambers to increase visibility for business milestones, using county social channels and a county-hosted online ribbon‑cutting form to publicize openings. "We will recognize that milestone," Arnone said, asking municipalities and chambers to refer businesses to the county program.

The initiative, Arnone said, is meant to expand exposure beyond individual towns. He cited the county economy's reliance on small business, saying "95% of our businesses are small businesses here," and argued coordinated promotion helps businesses draw customers from neighboring municipalities.

Representatives of Bell Works described the site as a model for local redevelopment. Mordechai Sadal, introduced as the controller for Bell Works, said the recently purchased building is nearly fully leased and hosts tenants including Commvault and the NJEDA; he also noted Jersey Mike's moved its corporate headquarters into the complex. "We are excited that we'll have this ability to work with Monmouth County," Sadal said, describing coordination on event attendance and promotion.

Tinton Falls Mayor Risa Clay welcomed the partnership between the county and local officials, saying redevelopment and collaboration "create jobs and enhance quality of life for our residents." Jana Evan, introduced as the new executive director of EMAC, invited local businesses to engage with EMAC and promoted a July 22 summer soiree at Oceanport Marina for area business networking.

Arnone outlined a series of related county events, saying Bell Works will host a 5K run and 1‑mile walk as part of the county's 250th anniversary activities; he said about 400 participants had already signed up and the county's goal is more than 500. He also noted a sold‑out gala and a July 28 parade organized by Mayor Tony Perry and encouraged municipal representation in the parade.

The county asked businesses to register milestone events via the county's ribbon‑cutting form on visitmonmouth.com and said staff would coordinate with municipalities and chambers to manage invitations and promotion. The program, Arnone said, is intended to make it easier for municipalities to celebrate local business achievements while leveraging county resources.

The event closed with logistical reminders for the 5K — an 09:00 start and an 08:30 ceremony — and thanks to county staff, Bell Works organizers and municipal partners. No votes or formal policy actions were taken at the press event.