2019 State of the County Focuses on Innovation and Technology

On October 15th, 2019, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA) held its Annual State of the County event at Rowan College of South Jersey’s Luciano Conference Center. There were over 200 attendees at this year’s event, which focused on Innovation and Technology happening in Cumberland County.

The Millville Senior High School Chamber Ensemble opened with a breathtaking performance of the National Anthem. Dr. Fredrick Keating, President of Rowan College of South Jersey, then presented valuable insight on what was happening in the first year at Rowan College of South Jersey’s Cumberland campus, and the future initiatives planned at the institution.

Gerard Velazquez, III President and CEO of the CCIA, gave an update of countywide projects valued at $165 million. The CCIA has designed, financed, and managed the construction of these projects and is focusing its attention now on the construction of a new county jail and addition to CCTEC. The CCIA is gearing up for the development of a new strategic plan that will cover the decade of 2020-2030.

Dave Johnson, Vice President of Inspira Health’s Innovation Center, introduced what Inspira is doing to improve technology and efficiency at their facilities to enhance the patient experience. Johnson also discussed technology being tested at the Innovation Lab in the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, including an innovation challenge won by two Rowan students who created an app.

Ean Johnson, Vice President of OmniTRAX, gave insight on OmniTRAX’s expansion plans into Cumberland County. This includes an economic development strategy to locate new businesses along the rail lines and increasing safety.