WEST DEPTFORD TWP. — The Gloucester County Improvement Authority (GCIA) and West Deptford Township have entered into a shared services agreement that will help promote economic development and initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses and jobs to West Deptford Township.

The shared services agreement will allow the GCIA provide to West Deptford with technical and marketing assistance related to the achievement of redevelopment goals and objectives.  Under New Jersey law, county Improvement Authorities are empowered to undertake economic development projects on behalf of local units of government, including municipalities.

“West Deptford has a lot to offer to new entrepreneurs and businesses,” said GCIA Chairman Charles Fentress. “ By partnering with the GCIa, West Deptford will be able to take full advantage of our staff’s expertise and our relationships withstate and regional marketing forces.”

“The long-term financial health of West Deptford is dependent on our success in attracting new businesses while helping our existing corporate citizens become more competitive and profitable,” said Mayor Denice DiCarlo. Partnering with the GCIA, she said, will allow the township to take advantage of staff expertise, marketing tools and redevelopment know-how, “without spending local tax dollars.”

The GCIA will assist West Deptford in market research, helping develop an effective marketing strategy; in the marketing of redevelopment sites and projects; assist in the revision and updating of development plans for redevelopment projects; and provide business counseling, assistance in business and financing plan development and other technical expertise; seek workforce training programs for economic development objectives and assist in seeking grants and other funding opportunities.

The GCIA currently has several shared services agreements with municipalities to promote and assist with economic development projects and growth.