PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
The Business of Boardwalks
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
For anyone visiting New Jersey for the first time , a trip to the Jersey Shore is a must , especially during the summer months . New Jersey is fortunate to have miles and miles of shoreline where families can go and get relief from the heat .
Thousands of residents from New York , Pennsylvania and other states head to the Jersey Shore each summer to spend time with their friends , families and yes — to spend their money .
New Jersey is unique in that we have boardwalks featuring amusements , rides , games , retail outlets and food . Whether you head to Seaside Heights , Asbury Park , Point Pleasant , Atlantic City or Wildwood , one thing they all have in common is you can stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the many things they have to offer once you come off the beach .
Some of these attractions are family owned for generations such as Morey ’ s Piers in Wildwood or Jenkinson ’ s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant . There is no experience like it and yes , it is important to our state ’ s economic well-being .
In addition to the thousands of seasonal jobs boardwalks offer , they contribute thousands of indirect jobs when you consider the businesses that support the boardwalk businesses like
Amusements on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights , NJ 6 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com
Barnegat Lighthouse stands next to a gazebo at dawn .
truckers , electricians , plumbers , bankers , accountants , attorneys , construction workers , etc . The list goes on and on .
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The 2.5 mile boardwalk in Ocean City , NJ
But let ’ s celebrate what many states wish they had — and that is a gorgeous shoreline and thriving tourism .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto