The Economic & Business Development Commission (EBDC) held its 9th Business Social event for the Hillsborough business community on April 7th.  It was hosted by Mike and Marie Avolio, the owners of United Rent-All at 230 Route 206 South.

Approximately 200 business people and Township officials attended the event which included socializing, networking, awards, door prizes, information of benefit to local businesses and guest speakers.

Hillsborough Mayor Anthony Ferrera opened the event and highlighted recent business developments activities and accomplishments that continue to make Hillsborough more business friendly and able to attract new businesses.  For example, representatives of national chains Massage Envy, Quick Chek and Staples, all with facilities currently under construction in Hillsborough, attended the Business Social.

Shawn Lipani, Chair of the EBDC  and VP of Central Jersey Nurseries at 28 Hamilton Road was Master of Ceremonies for the business portion of the evening.

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of life time service recognition plaques to three of Hillsborough’s  business leaders:

      Neil Van Cleef – Van Cleef Engineering Associates (Development category)

      Gerry Salvatore – Hillsboro Pharmacy (Retail category)

      Sam Conard - S. R. Conard & Sons (Agriculture & Preservation category)

The featured guest speaker was Paul Udowychenko, President/CEO of  e2/ECTA Inc. located at 719 Route 206 North (The Gateway Building) in Hillsborough.  Their business involves energy conservation for lighting and HVAC and also solar panels.  Supporting Mr. Udowychenko were speakers Bill Steets of EAM Associates, Inc., John McKeown of Osram Sylvania Inc. and Benjamin B. Sanders with Schuco USA LP.

The Township’s Business Advocate Gene Strupinsky discussed the features of the new website (hillsboroughbusiness.org) that was launched early in 2008 for the business community.  The website has over 600 Hillsborough businesses on it.  Among its' benefits are the listing of job openings and commercial properties for lease or sale.  Businesses can have upcoming events, news items, promotions and coupons posted on the website.  There is no charge for a business to be listed on the website or to use its features. Businesses interested in joining the EBDC can either go online the website or contact the Business Advocate at (908) 369-4313 x106 or via email gstrupinsky@hillsborough-nj.org.

The event was catered by 9 local restaurants which donated their specialty offerings.  These were:

 Bella Pizza of Hillsborough
 Carmine’s Italian Bakery & Specialty Foods
 Famous Dave’s BBQ
 Hillsborough Texas Wiener
 Matsuba Texas Wiener
 Plaza Deli
 Red wagon Gourmet
 Royce Brook Golf Club
 Super Sundaes