Marlboro Township was recently named the first municipality in the state to achieve Veteran-Friendly status, after passing a resolution complying with new standards set by the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce.
“This resolution empowers municipalities and counties to show good faith to the veterans community and create a pathway for veterans to succeed either in skilled labor positions or through contracting opportunities,” said Jeff Cantor, a retired Army colonel and founder and CEO of the chamber.
The criteria to be designated Veteran-Friendly — helping to boost veteran-owned businesses — include:
- Proactively notify veteran-owned businesses registered with the state of New Jersey of each public bid opportunity;
- In the procurement of goods and services, making a good-faith effort to award 6% of the total contract dollars to Veteran Owned Business Enterprises;
- In the hiring of employees, making a good faith effort to achieve a hiring goal of a minimum of 5% veteran workforce;
- Establish a minimum of three Veteran-Only parking spots in municipally-owned parking lots.
“We are excited that we can support our veterans and help them economically and holistically,” said Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik, whose township passed the resolution last month.
“They have provided us with freedom, so this is the least we can do to show our support to them. In fact, we will go above what is required by also adding to the resolution our commitment to veterans by providing discounts on local licenses and permit fees, promoting state fee exemptions for local metered parking, a municipal commuter lot permit fee waiver/reimbursement for Purple Heart recipients and holding at least one ‘Patriot Day’ public celebration honoring the service of veterans on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and/or the anniversary of 9/11.”
Cantor said the program will highlight veteran-owned businesses around the state.
“Veterans have done so much, putting their lives on hold to support our country,” he said.
“Now it’s our turn to support them. Our organization will work tirelessly to make every opportunity available for veterans and service-connected disabled veterans, and build the infrastructure that will make them successful.”
