Spark provides these entrepreneurs an opportunity to test ideas, gain “brick and mortar” experience, and introduce their brand to new audiences who may ultimately choose to establish a permanent location in town.
For more than three decades, Jef Buehler has been a driving force behind the revitalization of New Jersey’s downtowns and commercial corridors. His recent retirement marks the end of a career defined not only by professional accomplishments, but also by the relationships he built and the passion he carried for every community he touched.
More than four out of every five purchases still happen in stores, and new research suggests people don’t want to give that up. Instead, today’s shoppers are blending the best of both worlds—using digital tools for convenience while still craving the human touch of shopping in person.
A customized downtown gift card offers a powerful tool for supporting local businesses by keeping dollars in the community, attracting new customers, and strengthening the downtown brand. As demonstrated by Downtown Cranford and Downtown Summit, these programs have successfully achieved all three goals.
Planners and housing advocates now emphasize middle housing’s role in increasing affordability while maintaining neighborhood character. Policies encouraging middle housing in single-family or transitional neighborhoods fall under the concept of gentle density.
Restaurants across the state thrive on a system where tips are a meaningful part of take-home pay. But now, Assembly Bill A5433 threatens to upend that system. The bill would
eliminate the tip wage and require employers to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage before tips.
