Biz whiz sought to reshape Atlantic County’s economic climate

Revival of the region surrounding Atlantic City, and creating its future, take a step forward as its new economic driver launches a search for an executive director.

The nonprofit Atlantic County Economic Development Alliance (ACEDA) is looking nationwide for prospects with proven records in attracting, grrowing and retaining businesses and industries in financially-challenged environments.

ACEDA has an interim board of directors that is developing rules and by-laws and membership structure, and also establishing a brick-and-mortar headquarters.

The executive director will be expected to manage operations and staffers, and to meet the goals of the 2015 Atlantic County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan developed by consultants at Texas-based AngelouEconomics.

Interin Board Chaiman Leo Schoffer remarked that the board has striven to reach its initial benchmarks in the past year.

"The board members recognize the significance of completing these tasks in a timely manner so we can establish a single entity that is focused on economic development, the lack of which has been a distinct disadvantage in attracting new businesses," Schoffer said in prepared comments.

He added that rapid progress will minimize the image challenge created by what he called "negative and often inaccurate" media accounts of Atlantic City and its surrounding environs.

According to organizational board member Carlo Losco, the primary businesses and industries offering the best opportunities for mutual growth include avionics, aerospace and aircraft maintenance; specialty manufacturing; entrepreneurial business centers; and hospitality and tourism.

In addition to major-market proximities, affordable housing and an available workforce, ACEDA counts Atlantic City International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration and its unmanned aircraft systems test center, Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Stockton Aviation Resarch and Technology Park as leverageable assets.

See the job description and qualifications here.

Resumes, cover letters, references and compensation requirements should be sent by April 22 to Ms. Brett Matik, ACEDAsearch@acbiz.org.