Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Middlesex County hosted and welcomed Choose New Jersey and economic development officials from various counties at the legendary, State Theatre New Jersey to explore how arts and culture drive economic growth and transform communities. The event included remarks from Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Administrator John A. Pulomena, Department Head of Economic Development Sandy Castor, and Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey.
“For generations, the arts have been central to Middlesex County’s identity,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “In 2015, we established the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. To date this fund has enabled us to make strategic investments in both programming and infrastructure, positioning our County as a leader in arts and culture at a time when many were scaling back. Arts and culture should not be seen as luxuries, they are core pillars of our thriving community and economy.”
“When you look at Middlesex County, you see a place where creativity and innovation are intertwined, where cultural institutions serve as economic drivers, and where our history inspires new ideas,” said Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena. “We are creating a destination where people want to live, work, and play; knowing that arts and culture are instrumental in attracting new business, residents, and visitors. Our success is not ours alone, public and private partnerships are the backbone to everything we do here in Middlesex County, New Jersey."
Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena
“Arts and culture are vital to economic growth in New Jersey,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Today’s event at the iconic State Theatre New Jersey highlights how investing in the arts not only enriches our communities but also creates jobs, attracts businesses, and fuels innovation. Middlesex County is leading the way, and Choose New Jersey is proud to partner with the County to ensure that our state continues to be a destination where creativity and innovation thrive together.”
The event featured panel discussions moderated by the Director of Middlesex County Arts Institute, Lindsay Erben, and workshops about programs from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, The New Jersey Business Action Center, The Grunin Foundation, the State Theatre New Jersey, the New Jersey Council on the Arts and others.
Group shot of the panel
Middlesex County is a leading investor in Arts and Culture in New Jersey. Earlier this year, it launched an online hub for Arts and Culture events throughout the County to ensure that residents can access an array of programming for free or at low cost, check out middlesexcountyculture.com. For more information on Middlesex County’s initiatives and investments in arts and culture, please click here.
“In Middlesex County, we're not just building an economy, we’re building a legacy where prosperity meets cultural vibrancy,” said Middlesex County Department Head of Economic Development Sandy Castor. “As the Department Head of Economic Development for Middlesex County, my mission is to continue advancing our vision by driving innovation and building upon our cultural assets to create long-term economic activity.”
Middlesex County Department Head of Economic Development Sandy Castor
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 parks in the County park system, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life science, technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
Choose New Jersey is the state’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. They harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. They work globally, using their marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the state, and convening power, in collaboration with state government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home.
