The Good and the Bad
As the business sector in the South Jersey area continues to grow and change, local business owners and county officials are giving their insight into what advantages and disadvantages come with operating in the region.
In the overall recent history of the state of New Jersey, North Jersey is better known for its business arena than South Jersey. A larger population density and closer proximity to New York have historically given the region an advantage in attracting and maintaining the presence of many companies and businesses of all sizes.
However, in recent years the business scene in the southern portion of the state has expanded significantly, with the Burlington County Clerk’s Office alone reporting over 800 new businesses incorporated within county limits during the last five years.
For both companies themselves and county governments, operating a business within the region comes with a number of benefits and drawbacks, which are important to understand as the economic growth in South Jersey continues. We spoke to some local decision-makers to get a better sense of the current climate.
What is one pro of operating a business in the South Jersey area?
“One big benefit of doing business in South Jersey is location. You get easy access to Philadelphia and the larger Mid-Atlantic region, but in many areas you can still find more affordable space and a strong local workforce. For American Heritage, our five South Jersey branches—three of which were recently acquired from a bank that was leaving the market—help us serve members and businesses on both sides of the river with the same friendly, full-service banking they know from our 35 branches in the Philadelphia area. This makes life easier for companies that have locations in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.”
-Bryan Eichenbaum, chief lending officer, American Heritage Credit Union
“A pro is just how much opportunity there is, the proximity to all of these other places. I mean, look at the activity, the growth in the various communities. … You have the speed line going up and down, and you have it into Philadelphia. That’s a major plus.”
-Stan Molotsky, president and CEO, SHM Financial Group
What do you see as a disadvantage to doing business in the region?
“A key drawback is that New Jersey can be an expensive state for businesses. Taxes, fees and some rules can be harder on small and mid-sized companies that do not have big support teams. Because of that, it is very important for South Jersey businesses to watch their costs closely and plan their money carefully.”
- Bryan Eichenbaum
“In most small towns, it’s very difficult to get things done. Wading through the various zoning changes and internal political stuff that goes on in most small South Jersey towns is rather difficult. The opportunity, if you can wade through that, is there. … Whatever the amount of capital is that you normally set aside that you need, you’re going to wind up needing more than that to get to do what you want to do. … Make sure you have lines of credit. Whatever it is you think you need, you’re going to need more because that’s just the way it is.”
-Stan Molotsky
What role do county level governments play in aiding business growth in the region?
“Burlington County is attractive to new businesses, starting with its premier location, next to Philadelphia, and its close proximity to metro New York and Washington. The county has high-performing schools, vast neighborhoods and is more affordable than other parts of New Jersey. … While business growth is beneficial, it requires sound municipal planning. If that does not occur, it can create some challenges for infrastructure. New Jersey is a home rule state, so land use and zoning authority lies completely with local municipalities. However, counties must accommodate new growth with appropriate infrastructure improvements. Burlington County continues to work with state and federal partners to responsibly fund improvements to roads, bridges and other infrastructure impacted by increased business development.”
-David Levinsky, spokesperson, Burlington County Public Information Office
How does this form of economic growth impact the county government?
“Burlington County’s business growth has produced a lot of benefits, notably jobs, community investment, and tax ratables that expand the county’s tax base. … In addition to jobs, services and an expanded tax base, these businesses help create vibrant downtowns and communities that make Burlington County an even more attractive location for residents to live. The robust business growth in Burlington County and South Jersey as whole has still not met demand for some goods and services. There continue to be areas of opportunity for restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses to locate and flourish.”
- David Levinsky
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 16, Issue 5 (May 2026).
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