The road to success is wherever people need another road. ~Robert Brault
The road, in this case, happens to travel through New Jersey, the Garden State. However, it is not a road designed by civil engineers or formed through layers of asphalt, though these modes of transit will help the Jersey Fresh Shoppe concept succeed.
The roads I speak about are a collection of ideas routed toward solutions and financial profits for the state of NJ and our agricultural community; farmers through fisheries, artists through scholars.
The Jersey Fresh Shoppes concept was reviewed by Lieutenant Governor Guadagno and forwarded to the Secretary of Agriculture. Douglas Fischer saw the possibilities and a meeting followed. Last September, pre Hurricane Sandy, I met with the DOA and talked through the concept’s options, potential hurdles as well as the many benefits this endeavor could bring to our state and agri community. Separately, I met with the largest retailer owned cooperative in the United States, Wakefern Corporation. Their input was invaluable. The attributes of JF Shoppe’s multi-faceted concept were validated through these meetings.
Though originally intended as a state initiative, after thoughtful review, the man-power and start-up capital needed to implement the Jersey Fresh Shoppes’ brand was deemed unmanageable by the State of New Jersey. This determination, though understood, was regrettable as the long term benefits are expansive.
Post Sandy, putting initiatives into motion that have the ability to secure revenue for NJ and our agricultural communities, by expanding the Jersey Fresh brand into greater markets, is even more important.
I am now seeking help from the private sector, parties who will take a look at the various aspects of my idea to see if my vision can be ‘our’ vision. I do not have the financial resources, nor the full scope of business knowledge needed to execute this concept alone, but, what I do have is the belief in an idea and an affinity for my New Jersey. In the right hands the Jersey Fresh Shoppes could be a successful business venture, and simultaneously, a helpful hand extended to New Jersey.
If you would like to learn more, please contact me at NJFShoppes@yahoo.com. Feel free to forward this to other persons you believe may have an interest.
I thank you for your time-
Kathleen
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