(TRENTON) – Assembly Commerce & Economic Development Chairman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) released the following statement Wednesday on the departure of Caren Franzini as New Jersey Economic Development Authority chair:
“Caren Franzini’s resignation from the NJEDA is a tremendous loss for the state of New Jersey.
“Caren is widely regarded as one of the premier economic development minds in the country and has been instrumental in creating jobs during her illustrious tenure. Caren was a leader who knew how to get things done and was able to work with everyone.
“Whether it was with Democratic or Republican governors and legislators, major developers, union leaders, environmental groups or small business owners, Caren was always focused on working together to get things accomplished and putting more New Jerseyans to work.
“It has been a tremendous pleasure, and let me say a true honor, to work with such an incomparable classy professional. New Jersey today has some of the most aggressive investment incentive programs in the country such as the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program, Grow NJ and the Economic Redevelopment & Growth Grant program that I am proud to have sponsored and are making a real difference in our state.
“These and basically every other program at EDA have been crafted and molded by this incredible professional named Caren Franzini.
“Make no mistake about it – New Jersey today has lost a world class public servant and is a poorer place because of it. Thank you Caren You have made an incredible difference and you will be missed.”