ChamberNews - April 28, 2023

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to two of our most seasoned members, Karem Ospino from Ospino Consulting and Gladys Vonglahn from Vonglahn Cleaning Services, on their graduation from the first cohort of the USHCC Blue Wave Supplier Development Program. This program was recommended to them by SHCCNJ partnered with USHCC, and they successfully completed the program and graduated in a ceremony in Santa Fe, NM.

We are proud to see our members excel in their respective industries and to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. We wish them continued success in their endeavors and hope that they continue to inspire and motivate others in their communities.

Karem Ospino of Ospino Consulting

Gladys Vonglahn of Gladys' Cleaning Service LLC

Program offers loans to finance clean energy projects or the creation or expansion of clean energy businesses

TRENTON, N.J. (April 12, 2023) - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a virtual public information session on the New Jersey Clean Energy Loans (NJ CELs) Program on Monday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. The session will provide information on program eligibility, loan terms, engagement with banking partners, and the application process.

NJ CELs is an $80 million co-lending program created by the NJEDA for small businesses seeking to finance qualifying clean energy projects or for the formation or expansion of clean energy businesses that create jobs in state.

The program’s funds come from the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which was reauthorized under the American Rescue Plan in order to stimulate state and local economies in the wake of COVID-19. NJ CELs will offer loans of $500,000 to $20 million with a term of one to 25 years, with the NJEDA financing up to 50 percent of the total loan amount ($250,000 to $10 million). NJEDA loans must be matched at least dollar for dollar with capital from a financial institution. NJ CELs will unlock capital for small businesses and start-ups, catalyze the deployment of clean energy in New Jersey, and support minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in the State’s energy transition.

Potential applicants, banking partners, and other interested parties, including members of the media, can register for the April 17 information session here. A recorded version of the webinar will be posted at https://www.njeda.com/njcels/ following the event.

Applications for the NJ CELs program open Wednesday, April 19, 2023, and will be available here. Those considering applying may conduct an Eligibility Self-Assessment here. Financial institutions interested in offering the benefits of the NJ CELs program to their clients can find information here, and may complete an expression of interest form here.

To be eligible, an entity must have fewer than 750 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees and be seeking financing for a clean energy business or project located in New Jersey. Complete eligibility requirements can be found here.

Businesses certified as minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned, as well as businesses or projects located in an overburdened community, are eligible for an additional one percent rate reduction and ten percent loan forgiveness if the project results in at least one job being created per $100,000 of aggregate loan.

When it comes to climate change, even the seemingly smallest of things can make a big difference. That’s why DoorDash, in celebration of Earth Day 2023, announced Thursday that it is accepting applications for its Accelerator for Local Restaurants in the New Jersey (and New York City) area.

The accelerator not only is meant to help level the playing field for entrepreneurs and increase access to opportunity for small businesses, including those owned by women, immigrants and people of color, but it also comes with assistance in regard to packaging a key issue in sustainability efforts for restaurants.

Program, launched in connection with Earth Day, will offer $10K grants and help with enviro-friendly packaging.

You and Your Credit!

With this module, you will take an important step towards understanding the value of credit and building a positive credit history

You will be prepared to

Defining Credit

Understand why credit is important in obtaining small business financing

How to request a copy of your credit report.

What you need to do to prepare for a small business loan. And much more about credit and small business financing.

Presentor: Thomas Ransome

Luis De La Hoz, SHCCNJ Chairman

Mariana Diaz Nagore, General Consul from Mexico

Jaime Vasquez Brancho

Miguel Menez

Maria G. Nieves at Las Marias Delicias Poblanas

Jaime Vázquez Bracho es actualmente director general de Servicios Consulares, donde supervisa la emisión de documentos en las 148 oficinas consulares de México ubicadas en 80 países. Durante su gestión se han implementado diversas reformas para garantizar la inclusión y el respeto a los derechos humanos en toda la red consular de México, así como para modernizar los servicios consulares.

Vázquez Bracho es maestro en Regulación por la London

School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), con especialización en Servicios Públicos, y licenciado en Derecho por el ITAM. Se integró a la Cancillería en febrero de 2019, donde ha fungido como director de

Análisis Estratégico, coordinando temas migratorios, económicos, de seguridad y salud. Tiene amplia experiencia en el sector público, así como en despachos de litigio y consultoría

Get 3 months of maintenance fees waived1

All TD business checking accounts offer special perks and everyday rewards and include an instantissue TD Bank Visa® Business Debit Card and access to Online and Mobile Banking.

$100 Cash Back when you process $10,000 in the first 90 days

$250 Cash Back when you process $20,000 in the first 90 days

$650 Cash Back when you process $50,000 in the first 90 days

Our POS solutions let you accept payments in the ways that work best for everyone: in store, online and on the go.

Get prime + 0% on a conventional line of credit or a 1% rate discount on a SBA Express line of credit3

Access cash for frequent expenses that can be paid off quickly like inventory or payroll

Receive a $2,000 closing credit on a term loan up to $5MM3

Pay off a purchase over time, like a used vehicle or equipment, or another business

Get 3 months of maintenance fees waived4

Spend less time chasing after invoices and more time doing what matters running your business. Just open a small business checking account to get started with TD Online Accounting

Apply today and earn $400 Cash Back when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months5

Plus, earn up to 2% cash back rewards on your business spend. No caps, limits or rotating categories. No annual fees.

Checking: 1

Business Checking monthly maintenance fee 3-statement cycle waiver offer is eligible on one new TD Small Business checking account per customer TIN. Business Simple Checking, Business Convenience Checking Plus, Business Interest Checking Plus or Business Premier Checking products are eligible. The Monthly Maintenance Fees will be waived for the first three billing cycles (months) after the account has been opened, and standard pricing will resume when the 3-statement cycle waiver expires See Business Fee Schedule for details Account analysis checking customers are not eligible for this offer. Offer only available to new small business checking customers during the offer period 4/1/2023 – 7/3/2023.

TD Merchant Solutions: 2

Merchants can earn a credit back to a TD Bank Settlement account based on processing volume within the first 90 days of account approval

• $100 credit once a merchant processes at least $10 000 in the first three calendar months

• $250 credit once a merchant processes at least $20,000 in the first three calendar months

• $650 credit once a merchant processes at least $50,000 in the first three calendar months

Credit is based on eligible net volume (valid gross sales minus any returns) processed during the month the merchant account was approved and the first two full statement cycles following the month the account was approved (maximum of 3 calendar months) Qualifying merchant accounts will receive only one of the above-mentioned credit amounts depending on the net volume processed and, the maximum credit is $650 per Merchant Account Offer is available to any new merchant account that is approved and opened from 4/1/2023 through 7/3/2023 and that meets the additional conditions below.

Additional Conditions:

Small Business Month Bonus Offer eligibility period is from 4/1/2023 – 7/3/2023 Offer is available to all new TD Merchant Solutions customers who open a new unique MID during the eligibility period and process the minimum processing threshold during the month their merchant account was approved and the first two full statement cycles following the month the account was approved (maximum of 3 calendar months). Merchant must sign a 3-year Merchant Solutions Processing Agreement The credit earned by merchants who qualify will not exceed $650 The credit will appear in the Merchant’s Settlement Account the month following the third calendar month Merchant’s Settlement Account must be a TD Bank Business checking account No payments will be made if Merchant Account is not open and in good standing at the time such bonus offer is calculated and paid.

Lending: 3

All Loans and Lines of Credit subject to credit approval and terms and conditions of final agreements. Renewals and refinances to existing loans and lines of credit are not eligible for offers Borrowers who have paid off and closed a line of credit after April 1, 2022 are not eligible for offers Applications must be received between April 1, 2023 and July 3, 2023 to qualify. Qualified applicants must maintain an active TD Bank Business Checking account from which loan payments will be auto- deducted The interest rate for Lines of Credit approved without an SBA Guaranty meeting the auto-payment qualification will be Wall Street Journal Prime (WSJP) + 0.00%. The interest rate for Lines of Credit requiring an SBA Guaranty and meeting the auto-payment qualification will receive a rate discount of 1%. Other fees and charges may apply; speak with your local lender for details

Closing fee waiver applies to booked SBA 7(a) Term and Commercial Real Estate Mortgages up to $5,000,000 Offer excludes Terms and Commercial Real Estate

Mortgages booked conventionally or under the SBA Express Program. Closing fee waiver of up to $2,000.00 will be applied to SBA appraisal, environmental or business valuation fee Qualified applicants must maintain an active TD Bank Business Checking account from which loan payments will be autodeducted. Closing fee waiver not to exceed $2,000 00 in value Borrower will be responsible for all assessed commitment and closing fees if Borrower withdraws loan application after appraisals have been conducted Other fees and charges may apply; speak with your local lender for details Application must be received by July 3, 2023. Line or loan must be booked by 8/31/2023 or waived fees will be charged at closing.

TD Online Accounting: 4

The TD Online Accounting monthly maintenance fee will be waived for the first 3 billing cycles. After the first 3 billing cycles end, the monthly maintenance fee of $10 will be charged. Offer only available to new TD Online Accounting customers from 4/1/2023 through 7/3/2023 and must be enrolled in TD Bank business online banking | TD Online Accounting is powered by Autobooks Neither TD Bank, N A , nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, is affiliated with Autobooks, Inc (Autobooks). The accounting services referenced herein are provided exclusively by Autobooks and are subject to customer’s agreement to Autobooks’ terms of use Certain restrictions and fees apply TD Bank may be entitled to receive fees from Autobooks for customer’s use of accounting services Use of accounting services from any provider, including Autobooks, is solely at the customer’s election Autobooks may have a different Privacy and Security policy than TD Bank, N.A. You should review the Privacy and Security policies of the Autobooks website before you provide personal or confidential information

TD Business Solutions Credit Card: 5

If you are approved for an Account in response to this specific offer, you are eligible to earn a One-Time Bonus Offer (“One-Time Bonus Offer”) of 40,000 Bonus Points, equal to $400 in the form of a statement credit. To qualify for the $400 statement credit, you must spend $3,000 in total Purchases using the Account within 90 days of the Account opening date. Provided your Account is open and in good standing, the 40,000 Bonus Points, equal to a $400 statement credit, will be reflected on your Account within 6 to 8 weeks after you have met the eligibility criteria. This One-Time Bonus Offer is not available if you open an account in response to a different offer that you may receive from us or if you previously received a One-Time Bonus Offer on this Account or any other account with us. This One-Time Bonus Offer equal to a $400 statement credit is not eligible for the 1% Redemption Bonus. Member FDIC,©2023, TD Bank, N A and/or its affiliates | Equal Housing Lender | Loans and Lines of credit to credit approval | Terms and conditions may apply.

All rights reserved The TD logo and other trademarks are owned by The Toronto-Dominion Bank and used under license

EMPLOYMENT

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

44 South Clinton Avenue

P.O. BOX 350 Trenton, NJ 08625

NOTICE OF VACANCY

**This position may be eligible for telework up to two days per week**

*REVISED/POSTING PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED*

POSTING NO.: 30-

2023 TITLE:

1)

SALARY: $125,000 00 – $145,000 00, Commensurate with Experience

EXISTING VACANCIES:

Senior Policy Advisor (Gov. Rep. President

OPENING DATE:

CLOSING DATE:

One (1) April 5, 2023

May 19, 2023

DIVISION/LOCATION:

Office of the

WORKWEEK: 35 hours (NL)

*The Board of Public Utilities is a great place to work*

You will be part of a highly effective and collaborative team working to ensure that safe, adequate, and proper utility services are provided to all members of the public who desire such services.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: New Jersey’s lead energy regulator, the Board of Public Utilities, is looking for a candidate to lead our Policy Office to help develop innovative clean energy policies and programs The BPU is leading the effort to implement Governor Murphy’s ambitious goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2035. The candidate in this position will be on the forefront of implementing dynamic state clean energy policy and must be passionate about cost-effectively decarbonizing our economy. This position will report directly to the President of the BPU and will serve as a member of the President’s Senior Staff.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams to develop, build consensus around, and then recommend cutting-edge policies on a wide array of topics including:

• Implementation of 100% clean electricity by 2035;

• Natural gas utility-of-the-future business model considerations;

• Electric vehicles and vehicle charging;

• Affordability of the clean energy transition;

• Energy efficiency and building decarbonization policies;

• Hydrogen and decarbonized fuels;

• Promoting effective access to, and use of, energy data to reduce consumption;

• Rate design, including Time-Varying Rates and managed charging; and

• Ensure that policies are implemented equitably

This is a hands-on position, and the selected candidate will be expected to immediately begin contributing written work product, including rule drafting and order writing, to address the existential threat of climate change.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES •

Analyze energy policies in New Jersey and other states to identify optimal decarbonization pathways that can implemented at scale and at speed.

Draft orders, memos, and policy documents related to clean energy issues, including proposed rules, policy documents, straw proposals, etc.

Collaborate with other Division staff as necessary on crosscutting issues and serve on project teams.

Engage thoughtfully on proposed legislation relating to clean energy matters

Make appropriate policy recommendations to staff, management and the Board

Participate in stakeholder meetings, talk to interested stakeholders, and other tasks as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Finance, Earth Science, Engineering, or related field. Masters, Law Degree or PhD degree in related field preferred

EXPERIENCE: At least eight (8) years of experience working on energy matters, with a preference for candidates with clean energy policy implementation experience at either the state or federal level. Candidate must have superior writing, public speaking and analytical skills, together with proven ability to work as part of a cross-functional and heavily matrixed team.

Demonstrated managerial skills, including such factors as inter-personal skills, decision-making, problem analysis and creative thinking, administrative acuity, delegation, interdepartmental cooperation/liaison, development of subordinates, and organizational awareness and discretion are required. Good communication and leadership skills are necessary.

NOTE: Familiarity with leading decarbonization pathways, wholesale market design, rate design, or subject matter expertise in a specific clean energy subject matter is a plus. However, willingness to jump into projects, conduct research, and translate those results into actionable policy recommendations is equally important as prior experience. Professionals with experience in environmental NGOs, government, ISO/RTO, utility or corporate setting are encouraged to apply

NOTE: We value inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, a culture of learning, and hard work above all else. Candidates with relevant undergraduate or professional experience are encouraged to apply, as are candidates who have shown a strong commitment to remedying the historical under-representation of people of color in energy through their work promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity as well as through their own lived experiences

OPEN TO THE FOLLOWING: Open to New Jersey residents

RESIDENCY LAW: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act,” which became effective September 1, 2011, all persons newly hired by the Executive Branch on or after that date shall have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey

WORK AUTHORIZATION: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit the following website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov or call at 833691- 0404.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, a copy of the college transcript/diploma indicating the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, the State of New Jersey Employment Application and the Personal Relationships Disclosure Form (Click Here – listed under HR policies). Please make sure to include the posting number in the subject line via email All documents must be submitted by the closing date shown above to the following:

NJ Board of Public Utilities

Office of Human Resources

44 South Clinton Avenue

P.O. BOX 350 Trenton, NJ 08625

humanresources@bpu nj gov

Visit us at https://nj.gov/bpu/

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

44 South Clinton Avenue

P O BOX 350

Trenton, NJ 08625

NOTICE OF VACANCY

**This position may be eligible for telework up to two days per week**

*POSTING PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED*

POSTING NO : 31-

2023 TITLE:

Environmental Engineer Trainee

SALARY: WORKWEEK:

$60,335 46 – $62,763 88

35 hours (NE)

EXISTING VACANCIES: Two (2)

OPENING DATE: April 5, 2023

CLOSING DATE: May 19, 2023

DIVISION/LOCATION: Division of Reliability & Security, Pipeline Safety

*The Board of Public Utilities is a great place to work*

You will be part of a highly effective and collaborative team working to ensure that safe, adequate, and proper utility services are provided to all members of the public who desire such services.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Under close supervision of supervisory personnel on the Engineering Team in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Bureau of Pipeline Safety (BPS), the Pipeline Safety Engineer Trainee learns to conduct technical studies, reviews, inspections, and/or investigations relating to the improvement and/or monitoring of natural gas pipeline safety, and/or the enforcement of pipeline safety regulations and laws; does other related engineering and pipeline safety duties as required.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs technical engineering studies, reviews, and data analysis concerning the natural gas industry and New Jersey natural gas utility companies.

Learns to conduct field inspections and incident investigations to monitor compliance of New Jersey natural gas utility companies with federal and state pipeline safety regulations and to work with gas industry professionals to ensure safe gas operation standards are met. Technical fieldwork is an essential function of this position and requires the wearing of state-supplied protective safety clothing and equipment.

Maintains BPS records, reports, and files, as appropriate Reviews periodic reports submitted by the New Jersey natural gas utility companies

Prepares technical engineering reports summarizing analyses and findings, which may include calculations, drawings, plans/specifications, diagrams, maps, spreadsheets, charts, and other technical information

Provides engineering support and technical assistance to Staff on BPS projects

Reviews current developments, products, and technologies related to the natural gas industry, including but not limited to public awareness, damage prevention, pipeline design and construction, and integrity management.

Must have scheduling flexibility to be on call, when qualified, on a rotational basis to monitor and/or respond to emergency situations and conduct incident investigations to meet the NJBPU 24-hour, 7-day per week response requirement. The work schedule is normally five 7-hour days per week

Attends mandatory in-state and out-of-state training and conferences, including travel and overnight stays, conducted by the State of New Jersey, U.S.D.O.T. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and other providers, as required

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental, Ocean, Coastal, Bio-Resource, Sanitary, Industrial, Agricultural or Mining Engineering, or other field of engineering related to the environment.

SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint programs.

NOTE: Must possess a valid driver’s license; be capable of operating a State-issued vehicle with extensive driving to perform meter testing, quality inspections, investigations, and regulatory enforcement.

NOTE: Must meet all other NJBPU conditions of employment and be capable of performing physical tasks including, but not limited to, climbing in excavations and climbing ladders to inspect construction work. The trainee may be exposed to loud noises and hazardous conditions.

RESUME NOTE: Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented in resume and proof of degree submitted. Applicants who possess foreign degrees (degrees earned outside of the U S ) are required to provide an evaluation indicating the U S equivalency

OPEN TO THE FOLLOWING: Open to New Jersey residents.

RESIDENCY LAW: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act,” which became effective September 1, 2011, all persons newly hired by the Executive Branch on or after that date shall have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

WORK AUTHORIZATION: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit the following website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov or call at 833691- 0404

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, a copy of the college transcript/diploma indicating the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, the State of New Jersey Employment Application and the Personal Relationships Disclosure Form (Click Here – listed under HR policies) Please make sure to include the posting number in the subject line via email. All documents must be submitted by the closing date shown above to the following:

NJ Board of Public Utilities Office of Human Resources

44 South Clinton Avenue P O BOX 350 Trenton, NJ 08625 humanresources@bpu.nj.gov

Visit us at https://nj.gov/bpu/

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Let's get Social!