Flemington, NJ – October 26, 2022 – The Flemington Community Partnership (FCP), a Business Improvement District with the mission of fostering a thriving business community in the Borough of Flemington, has been awarded 2022’s Partner of the Year by Hunterdon County Economic Development and Tourism (HCED).
The HCED’s mission is to foster business opportunities, development, high-paying jobs, and tourism throughout the county while maintaining our rural and cultural heritage and unique quality of life. The distinguished award recognizes Hunterdon County organizations and businesses that work with HCED to elevate the entire county, not just their own area.
“The FCP was awarded, in part, for the significant number of partnerships they have initiated with the county and because they regularly demonstrate that they are committed to the economic growth of the entire county. The FCP partners on projects to deliver on that goal,” said HCED Director Marc Saluk. “Most significant is the FCP’s steadfast commitment and participation in the creation and launch of the ‘Explore Hunterdon’ brand and associated media and marketing campaign this year. The FCP also provided input on the evolution of the 579 Trail, The Hunterdon Beer Trail, and the Hunterdon Main Streets.”
Additional partnership initiatives include the Hunterdon Harvest Fest. This second annual event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 29, showcases the wares and harvest of over 100 countywide businesses and farms on Stangl Road in Flemington, complemented by music, festivities, and food. And, the Annual Central Jersey Jazz Festival (CJJF) is a stellar jazz production and a great cultural event for the region and county put together by Flemington.
Also of significance was an Opportunity Zone Summit which was sponsored by Flemington’s NJEDA Opportunity Zone Challenge Grant award and brought the HCED and 125 Developers to Flemington to learn more about development and business investment opportunities in the borough and the county.
“The FCP is attracting new business and grant funding to the borough and growing our beloved holiday and seasonal events. The HCED partnership award given to the FCP is well deserved, and we are grateful to Executive Director Robin Lapidus for her leadership,” said Flemington Borough Mayor Betsy Driver.
The FCP was presented with the Partnership of the Year Award during the HCED Tourism Summit HCED on October 14, 2022. The first in-person Summit since 2019 due to COVID, the event featured updates on positive economic development data and trends in Hunterdon County and information on the County’s new ‘Explore Hunterdon’ tourism initiative.
“The most inspiring aspect of this recognition by the county is the support of Flemington Borough businesses and events from county residents. Together, we will realize Flemington’s best and highest future potential,” said David Johnston, FCP Board President and Managing Partner/Financial Advisor at Amwell Ridge Wealth Management in Flemington.
Flemington Borough was also recently recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the Best Small Towns in New Jersey; and the destination is being considered for 2023 Destination of the Year by Jersey’s Best, a lifestyle and entertainment brand committed to showcasing everything that makes the Garden State great.
This year’s recent grand reopening of Flemington DIY (Do It Yourself) – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide an inclusive art space that engages the community with the burgeoning local arts scene, inspires social change, and invigorates the economic development of Flemington – is an example of how a recent $100,000 NJEDA Opportunity Zone Challenge Grant helped the community build consensus on future planning and desired improvements.
“In addition, we are thrilled that grant awards from the Neighborhood Preservation Project/NJ Department of Community Affairs of $125,000 every year for five years, will allow us to focus on visible and tangible public art and other improvements to build a diverse, economically strong and sustainable Arts and Cultural District in the South End of Flemington,” Lapidus added.
“The message is pretty clear,” said Mayor Betsy Driver. “Flemington is a progressive and growing town that embraces innovative business and investment.”
Historic Flemington is Hunterdon County, NJ’s beautiful county seat. We invite you to stroll our tree-lined streets and admire our charming buildings – 65% of our borough is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Flemington has always been a fascinating crossroads for shopping, agriculture, and the arts. It has grown in recent years as a regional destination for more than 400 businesses, including 50 restaurants, boutiques, country stores, national outlets, bookstores, and art galleries. Flemington boasts several antique stores on Main Street and others nestled in unique spaces on side streets waiting to be discovered. Flemington is a boutique shoppers’ dream with great finds at small-town prices and friendly business owners.
Fun in Flemington is measured by almost weekly special events. Flemington’s convenient free parking lots and long picturesque streets make it a favorite destination for seasonal festivals.
