The Arnone Report: Grown In Monmouth Launch, Shared Services Summit, Summer Kickoff

By Freeholder Tom Arnone

It has been an eventful few weeks here in Monmouth County. From officially launching a countywide brand to hosting a shared services summit, we certainly have been keeping busy.

I’m proud to announce that after years of hard work, determination and great coordination, we officially launched the Grown in Monmouth brand and logo during a recent event with Saker ShopRites and Davino Greenhouses in Howell.

The mission of the Grown in Monmouth brand is to help retain and grow our County’s vibrant agricultural industry, while showcasing locally grown produce and vegetation. Through this initiative, we will work to connect County growers with residential and commercial consumers, as well as provide business skills and assistance to the County’s agricultural community, among other goals.

As part of the Grown in Monmouth brand, we also launched our Searchable Online Directory (SOD), an interactive web-based directory for growers and consumers. As part of the directory, growers can register and list available products and activities at their place of business. Consumers utilizing the directory can search by product, activity or categories, such as Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, Garden Centers, and Pick Your Own, among other options. To access the SOD, visit www.GrownInMonmouth.com.

I’m proud of this initiative and look forward to working with other County growers to help them utilize the Grown in Monmouth brand to promote their products.

I’m also delighted to announce we recently hosted a successful and well-attended Shared Services Summit. Representatives from more than 30 municipalities were able to learn more about what shared services our Sheriff’s Office, Clerk’s Office, Department of Public Works and Engineering, Purchasing Division and SPCA have to offer.

As the Freeholder Liaison to the Monmouth County Shared Services program, I’m proud to say Monmouth has developed one of the most successful shared services initiatives in New Jersey. This initiative helps municipal entities reduce costs and increase efficiencies, all while benefiting the taxpayers.

I look forward to continuing to working with municipal entities and expand the shared services program.

On a separate note, I would like to thank Msgr. Sam A. Sirianni of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold for giving myself and Freeholder Serena DiMaso, Esq. a tour of the beautiful church. We recently had the honor to recognize St. Robert Bellarmine on being elevated to “co-cathedral” status in the Diocese of Trenton.

Lastly, I look forward to kicking off the 2017 summer season during a press conference schedules for this Saturday, May 13, at the Bradley Beach Gazebo, located at 5th and Ocean avenues in Bradley Beach. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine, and I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the morning.

As always, I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Monmouth County!