County plans to tackle job concerns head on
Local economic development expert is a strong business advocate 
Former New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission representative John Ciufo has been tapped by the Board of Chosen Freeholders to guide Monmouth County through recent economic downturn and the pending closure of Fort Monmouth.
"We face tremendous challenges in the area of economic development in Monmouth County, particularly with the credit squeeze and problems on Wall Street," said Freeholder John D'Amico, who is liaison to the Planning and Economic Development & Tourism departments. "We have the additional challenge of the pending closure of Fort Monmouth and the loss of those jobs."
Ciufo, a resident of Howell Township, has been a strong advocate for the business community for more than a decade. As administrative director of the Planning and Economic Development & Tourism departments, he will work to develop public/private partnerships and market Monmouth County to businesses in the hopes they will relocate here, bringing jobs with them.
"John fully understands the needs of the shore region business community," said Benjamin L. Waldron, executive director of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council. "He goes the extra mile to make sure we are in a position to extend the welcome mat to companies considering relocating or expanding in our area, as well as making sure that those businesses that exist here are satisfied that the shore region is the best possible place in New Jersey to live, work and recreate." With the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, Ciufo worked with state agencies, county economic development offices, municipalities, redevelopment corporations, urban enterprise zones and small business development centers. He focused on business retention and expansion by promoting business incentives and assistance programs to the region's business community. "I am able to analyze business problems and issues and bring the necessary resources from federal, state and local government agencies together to find a solution," Ciufo said. "The county is focusing its resources to address economic challenges that we are facing. Working closely with our business community, economic development partners and elected officials, I am confident that we can overcome these challenges."
"With John on board we will be able to get through this economic storm and come out stronger and a better place to live at the end of the day," D'Amico said.
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