Wayne partners with WPU students to boost business growth
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - Local officials ear partnering with Passaic County and William Paterson University to develop ways to promote the township as an ideal place for opening a business.
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The cooperative will help to not only attract merchants to Wayne, officials said, but to foster business growth through connections with other shopkeepers.
..... The partnership, announced by the Township Council at its most recent meeting. [09/17/2025] began to take shape several months ago when the governing body considered an riddance to repeal a part of the municipal code that provides for an Economic Development Commission. The ordinance was recommended by the township's clerk's office because the commission has been defunct for years. But council members expressed reservations about abolishing the panel without replacing it with something else.
..... A council committee on public works then met to discuss alternatives, and the solution was presented on September 17. [2025]
..... Giiancarlo Di Lonardo, the director of the county Devision of Economic Development, said graduate students enrolled in a capstone course at William Paterson are conducting research on business engagement on behalf of the township.
..... Their studies include developing strategies to draw business owners to town and devising methods to ensure their prosperity.
..... "We're basically your research guinea pigs" Di Lonardo said. "That's how we're thinking about it. This is a group of students who are, more or less, your consulting firm, and you're getting it for free."
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The students, meanwhile, will walk away from the fall course with real-world experience in economic development.
..... Stephen Betts, a township resident and a William Paterson professor of management, marketing and professional stales, is leading the course.
..... There has been heightened interest in the local business climate this year. [2025]
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A group of entrepreneurs established the Wayne Chamber of Commerce in February, [2025] and the organization now has more than 150 dues-paying members.
..... Councilman Jonathan Ettman, who chairs the public works committee, said the renewed enthusiasm has been refreshing. "I don't want to say that we've met our goal," he said, "but I think we've got things steered in the right direction."
..... The partnership with the county and William Paterson is invaluable, said councilwoman Francine Ritter. a committee member. in the long run, she added, residents will also reap the benefits.
..... "What's the name of the game here?" Ritter said. "to bring in more business eatables and more business revenue to offset property taxes for all of us."