Funding For Manufacturing Vouchers Increasing By $20M From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the additional $20 million included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to boost the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP) – bringing the program’s total funding to $53 million. MVP, developed in 2022 as a pilot program, provides manufacturers vouchers to purchase equipment they need to improve their operations and upgrade their businesses.

“New Jersey’s manufacturers are critical to our economy and nation’s supply chain,” said Governor Murphy. “The Manufacturing Voucher Program is a proven success, and this additional funding will help even more businesses modernize and become more efficient and profitable.”

Since the program’s launch, the NJEDA has awarded 189 vouchers to manufacturers across New Jersey totaling $23.4 million and continues to process and approve applications daily. Additional FY2024 funding for the program will enable the NJEDA to fulfill those applications that were submitted after the program was oversubscribed and launch Phase II of the program, with a date to be announced in the coming months.

“Throughout Governor Murphy’s tenure, New Jersey has prioritized strategies that support and bolster our manufacturing sector by ensuring companies have the resources and capital needed to continue making products used by consumers domestically and abroad,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “I thank Governor Murphy and the Legislature for passing a budget that will further enable us to meet the needs of additional New Jersey manufacturing companies, which in turn will grow our economy, and strengthen our supply chain.”

In October 2022, Governor Murphy announced the MVP as a pilot program, which was originally funded with $20 million from the FY2023 budget. In March, to fulfill a robust pipeline of eligible applications, the NJEDA Board approved the increase of the program’s available funding to $33.75 million.

The MVP offers vouchers valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000. The program focuses on manufacturers within targeted industries that will use purchased equipment to integrate innovative technologies, processes, and mate - rials to improve the efficiency and productivity of their manufacturing business. Both for-profit and notfor-profit companies are eligible for vouchers.

In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the nation, the New Jersey MVP offers stackable bonuses for certified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses. The stackable bonuses are also available for businesses in Opportunity Zones, businesses purchasing equipment within New Jersey, manufacturers that have a collective bargaining agreement, and small companies with less than 100 full-time equivalent employees.

Stress can wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health. It can even damage our eyes. Stress causes our bodies to increase their adrenaline production, which creates pressure in the eyes and causes vision to blur, making it difficult to focus. Stress also makes our pupils dilate (it is part of the body’s fight or flight response). This lets more light in, improving our ability to see potential threats, but also increasing light sensitivity, which can be uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. Spasms or twitches in our eyelids are other signs that stress may be affecting our eye health, as is the tension in the muscles around the eyes and forehead.

If you have a consistent issue with your eyes, no matter what’s going on in your life, the problem is likely with your eyes instead of your stress level. Make sure to see an eye doctor if you have persistent eye trouble. To schedule an eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. If you are experiencing vision problems due to stress, the good news is they are almost always reversible. Better stress management will lead to better eye sight.

Berkeley First Aid Squad Annual Picnic

BERKELEY – Council President John Bacchione, Councilman Tom Grosse, Councilman Keith Buscio and Doug Bowens stopped by on July 8 at the Holiday City at Berkeley First Aid Squad annual picnic at Whispering Pines Park,

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township to thank them for their dedicated service to the community. They appreciate all of their emergency service members, especially the volunteers. Thank you for all you do! Good weather, good food and a great time was had by all.

Movies In The Park

BEACHWOOD – Experience the magic of the cinema outside beneath the stars. Grab some popcorn and find a seat. The show is about to begin! Beachwood Recreation Commission puts on movies in the park at Mayo Park. Admission is free, and the movies we pick are all family-oriented and family-friendly.

The movie schedule this year is:

“Lyle Lyle Crocodile” - July 28

“Top Gun Maverick” - August 11

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” - August 25

“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” - September 8

“Space Jam” - September 22

“Spiderman No Way Home” - October 5

“Hotel Transylvania” - October 13

21 Plus Foundation - 2nd Annual Fall Festival

BERKELEY – Join at Veterans Park on September 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. for a family friendly fun filled day of music, cornhole, children’s activities, food trucks and more!

The Fall Festival serves as a fundraiser as well as a community awareness event. 21 Plus has provided support to adults with disabilities since 1979 (21plus.org). For more information, contact info@21plus.org or 732-240-3118 ext. 215.

Cpl. William H Smith Detachment Annual Picnic

BERKELEY – Cpl. William H Smith

Detachment Annual Picnic will be held on August 19 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the VFW Post 9503, Veterans Boulevard in Bayville. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sausage and peppers, potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, watermelon and all kinds of desserts, beer, soda and water.

DJ for your listening pleasure and dancing. Donation of $12, children under 12 are free. Open to the public.

For more information, call: Bob Meola at 732-674-7504; Bill Pivarnick at 848-2403515; Chuck Swiers at 973-864-0964; or Larry Migliorisi at 908-216-1834. Come out and support the Marines.