CONTACT: Mary Beth Zeman, 973-720-2444 zemanm@wpunj.edu

April 20, 2007

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR CLOSELY HELD BUSINESS TO FEATURE LOCAL MAYORS IN A DIALOGUE ABOUT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ON MAY 8 IN WAYNE

Policies and initiatives to support the growth and development of businesses in local communities will be discussed by area mayors in a program conducted by William Paterson University’s Center for Closely Held Business on May 8 in Wayne.

“Helping Businesses Thrive in Our Local Communities: A Dialogue with the Mayors,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner. The program starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $50 per person. The program will be held in the University’s building at 1600 Valley Road.

The presentation features mayors from several local towns including Steven Weinstein, Fair Lawn; Domenick Stampone, Haledon; Randy George, North Haledon; Samuel Rivera, Passaic; Jose “Joey” Torres, Paterson; and John Szabo, the Wayne town planner, representing Mayor Scott Rumana. Szabo is also mayor of Oakland.

The mayors will discuss current incentive programs to advance business growth, including efforts to retain growing businesses, attract new businesses, and support business that are experiencing difficulties.

They will also talk about plans for future business development, as well cooperative efforts among neighboring towns to promote regional growth. The evening will include a question and answer session.

The Center for Closely Held Business at William Paterson University was developed by and for successful closely held and family business leaders.  It draws on the strengths of the Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business at William Paterson University—including faculty expertise and research, the College’s world-class facilities, including the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales and the E*TRADE Financial Learning Center.

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