ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
underserved communities will benefit from the Center ’ s work .
“ The University Center will provide support in economic development initiatives to the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association cities , continuing the Watson Institute ’ s longstanding commitment to urban and urban / rural communities across New Jersey ,” says Baraka . “ It is critical and timely that attention is focused on providing the tools for economic growth to some of the most underserved communities in the state .”
African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey President and CEO John E . Harmon Sr .
“ We are truly thrilled to be part of Kean University ’ s effort and initiatives in creating innovative , collaborative and sustainable opportunities that will yield significant societal impact in New Jersey and beyond ,” says Jin Wang , Ph . D ., dean of the College of Business and Public Management at Kean .
John E . Harmon Sr ., founder , president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey ( AACCNJ ), calls the Center “ a transformational initiative .”
“ The opportunity to bring together the talent that exists within this phenomenal educational institution with their research and academic abilities to focus on strengthening our economic ecosystem can serve not only as a model for success for New Jersey but also the United States ,” Harmon says . “ I am confident that those sectors of our state ’ s economy that have been overlooked will now have access to resources , opportunities and information that will enable them to realize their personal goals and business objectives .
Carlos Medina , president and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey , offered his congratulations to Kean .
“ Kean University ’ s EDA University Center will be an important part in the economic development and building of our communities here in New Jersey , and we are very proud to be a partner and collaborator on this project ,” he says .
ILSE , a nonprofit business incubator located on Kean ’ s Union campus , works in the life science sector and is a partner of the Center .
“ As an institute dedicated to entrepreneurship , ILSE is excited to work with the new center and promote its important mission ,” says ILSE President Thomas Richardson , Ph . D . “ We congratulate all of our collaborating partners and
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with co-host Mary Gamba
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