Interview: Louis Cappelli Jr

Rising tide

From food packaging to life sciences, Camden County is poised for a strong recovery

Louis Cappelli Jr.

Commissioner Director – Camden County

What differentiates Camden County? Our tremendous infrastructure, outstanding school systems and neighborhoods, and proximity to Philadelphia distinguish us from other counties in New Jersey. Land in Camden County is much cheaper than in North Jersey or some of the Philadelphia suburbs, which is also an advantage, and we have major thoroughfares running through the county.

What specific industries in Camden County are experiencing the most growth? There has been a tremendous expansion in food processing and packaging. Life sciences is another area that has seen a lot of growth and we’re hoping to attract more biotech developments. Based on our medical and research infrastructure, as well as our proximity to Philadelphia, we see ourselves as a prime target for the biotech industry.

How is the Camden County government helping to stimulate the regional economy? Funding small businesses throughout the pandemic crisis has been one of our most important matters. In our first round of funding, we made $30 million available to local businesses that were affected by COVID. We’ll be allocating some portion of the American Rescue Plan to that effort as well. We’ve done our best to keep businesses in business during the pandemic.

Regarding growth opportunities, we continue to provide whatever services are requested through our Camden County Improvement Authority, including project management and site identification. We’re also continuing to make significant investments in our infrastructure, including road improvements and demolishing more than 300 abandoned properties, which is helping to foster economic development opportunities.

To meet local workforce demand, we have a very aggressive workforce development program with our OneStop system. Helping businesses to train workers has become a very busy, collaborative effort with the private sector to ensure that local talent is trained for the jobs that are available in Camden County.

What is your outlook for Camden County? Although our unemployment and poverty rates are slightly higher than they were pre-pandemic, we’re recovering very quickly and are very optimistic. We’re doing well, and each week we’re seeing more good news about the number of people employed in Camden County and businesses reopening. We’ve made extraordinary investments in Camden City, from parks to infrastructure to athletics facilities. A rising tide lifts all ships, and by lifting Camden the rest of the county will benefit.