Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the availability of a below-prime, no collateral working capital loan program for the county’s established small businesses.  This special program provides easy access to up to $25,000 in working capital to allow local businesses to pay off more expensive debt, take advantage of new opportunities, or cover expenses during slow periods.

The program is administered by UCEDC, a nonprofit economic development corporation, and is made available through the support of a grant from Investors Bank.

“Small businesses contribute to the county’s local employment and neighborhood vitality and we’re committed to offering solutions to ensure their success,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “That’s why we’re working so closely with UCEDC to make sure that Union County businesses take full advantage of this low-interest loan program.”

Offered as part of Freeholder Chairman Bergen’s “Union County: At Work and Play” initiative, this program was created to spur economic growth with incentives and loans. Thanks in part to a match from the County, the UCEDC was recently awarded a $1.3 million grant from the federal government to make loans to small businesses.

The program offers up to $25,000 in working capital at just 3% – a half-point below Prime – at five years fixed, with no collateral requirements.  There are no fees or prepayment penalties.

To be eligible, applicants must be in operation for at least three years, have a profitable business, and show a personal credit score of at least 680.  UCEDC offers an online “Rapid Pre-Qual Application” process, which offers potential borrowers an initial assessment of their application within two business days.

“Too often, sound small businesses can’t get the working capital they need from their bank and are forced to borrow elsewhere at very high interest rates,” said Chairman Bergen. “Our partnership with UCEDC provides an extraordinary alternative – very low fixed interest from a well-respected non-profit New Jersey lender.”

For information about UCEDC’s 3% Working Capital Loan Program as well as its other small business loan programs, call 908-527-1166 or visit www.ucedc.com.

With the spring home repair and renovation season just around the corner, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds Union County residents and businesses to learn more about avoiding scams and understanding consumer rights during the 16^th Annual National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12.

Consumer Protection Week is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to learn how to protect themselves from fraud and scams.

This year the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs is focusing on the process of hiring a home improvement contractor and the importance of research before doing so. 

“National Consumer Protection Week is the perfect time to learn ways to protect yourself and your family assets,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “We invite residents to call our Office of Consumer Affairs for information on guidelines to follow before signing a contract, so you can avoid fraud and take your business to a reliable, reputable contractor.”

The Union County Office of Consumer Affairs invites Union County municipalities to help inform residents of signs of possible scams and tips for choosing and working with contractors. A new Consumer Advice on Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor poster is now available to Union County municipalities. The new poster details helpful information and tips including; contractors are required to be registered by the state; registration numbers must be displayed prominently on all advertising, their vehicles and contracts; start and completion dates must be on their contracts; and they must have commercial general liability insurance. Municipalities interested in receiving copies of the poster to post in public buildings should contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 908-654-9840.

Complaints against home improvement contractors continue to be the number one issue investigated by the Union County Office.  Residents may contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 908-654-9840 to check for any possible complaints filed against a contractor, and if they are registered with the state as required by the law. Residents may also call for information on all aspects of the NJ Consumer Fraud Act and its regulations. More information about the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs online at ucnj.org/public-safety/office-of-consumer-affairs.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Freeholder Vernell Wright and Union County Sheriff Joe Cryan joined Monsignor Hugh O’Donnell, the 2016 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Frank McGovern, General Chairwoman Kerry Ricci, Parade Adjutant Jessica Cunningham and members of the Elizabeth Division of the Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee at the Irish flag raising at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Culture and Heritage.

The Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Linda Carter joined Assemblyman Jerry Green and Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp in a meeting with senior citizens at the Richmond Towers in Plainfield to kick off the 14th Annual March for Meals, a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels designed to rally communities around the seniors who rely on its vital service to remain healthier and independent in their own homes.

Meals on Wheels delivers meals every day to homebound seniors in Union County. The program is primarily supported by a grant from the Union County Division on Aging, as well as donations from private sources and public organizations.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Vernell Wright and Bette Jane Kowalski helped served meals at the Stephen Sampson Senior Citizen Center in Elizabeth this week to kick off the 14th Annual March for Meals, a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels designed to rally communities around the seniors who rely on its vital service to remain healthier and independent in their own homes. At the O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Citizen Center in Elizabeth Vice Chairman Granados and Freeholder Wright helped serve lunch to senior citizens.

Meals on Wheels delivers meals every day to homebound seniors in Union County. The program is primarily supported by a grant from the Union County Division on Aging, as well as donations from private sources and public organizations.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

• Municipal Police Officer
• County Police Officer
• Park Police Officer
• Campus Police Officer Recruit
• Police Officer Recruit Human Services
• Police Officer Palisades Interstate Park
• Sheriff’s Officer
• County Correction Officer
• Correction Officer Recruit Juvenile Justice Commission

Applications available online  JULY 1, 2016 to AUGUST 31, 2016

Submit your application and payment online.  Receive an immediate confirmation that your application and payment have been received!

Visit the Civil Service Commission website at www.state.nj.us/csc on July 1, 2016 and select “Law Enforcement Announcement” to view the announcement.  Scroll to the bottom and “Click here to apply via the Online Application System” to access the application.

Only online applications will be accepted. Application Deadline AUGUST 31, 2016

Click here to view more information and to register

Union County, NJ – On Monday, March 7, Union County business owners and managers are invited to “Union County Means Green,” a free networking breakfast and seminar at the Kean University STEM Building in Union Township, sponsored by the Freeholder Board with the generous support of Covanta.

Members of non-profit groups, civic organizations, municipal governments and academic institutions are also welcome.

Union County Means Green features insights and guidance from sustainability experts. The event also qualifies for professional development credits in five different fields. Attendees can arrive early at 8:00 a.m. for networking. The program runs from 8:45 to 11:00, followed by more networking opportunities.

For more details visit ucnj.org/ucmb (walk-ins are welcome).

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media:

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter and Bette Jane Kowalski  presented resolutions to the 2016 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Frank McGovern, General Chairwoman Kerry Ricci and Parade Adjutant Jessica Cunningham congratulating them on the 20^th annual parade. The 2016 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 on Morris Avenue in Union.

For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)