Grace Hanlon, Former Executive Director of Tourism for the State of New Jersey, Speaks Out in Support of Small Businesses Being Forced to Remain Closed
Rumson, NJ – As peak tourism season and the July 4th weekend fast approaches on the infamous Jersey Shore, former Executive Director of Tourism for the State of New Jersey Grace Hanlon is making a heartfelt plea to Governors across the U.S. Speaking out on behalf of small businesses and restaurants everywhere, Hanlon urges Governors to consider the devastating impact that would result if businesses are not allowed to reopen soon.
“Keeping small businesses, outdoor amusement parks, and restaurants closed or with too many constraints during the peak tourist season could have a devastating impact,” says Hanlon. “These businesses have incredibly well-thought-out plans that will allow them to reopen safely. I urge the Governors to listen to these plans and let them open. Time is not on our side; we need to act on this now before it’s too late.”
Tourism in New Jersey has historically had a hugely positive impact on the state’s economy, as statistics from the 2019 Economic Impact of Tourism Report shows:
- In 2019, 116 million visitors spent $46.4 billion in New Jersey
- Visitor spending generated over $5.1 billion in state and local taxes, equivalent to $1,580 in tax savings for every household in New Jersey
- Visitor spending in New Jersey supported 342,937 jobs and nearly $20 billion in state GDP in 2019
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has just announced that outdoor dining will be permitted as of June 15th along with limited indoor retail.
“While this is good news, outdoor amusement parks on the boardwalks still don’t have an open date,” comments Hanlon. “I would also like to call on the Governor to review the plans for indoor dining. The weather is unpredictable and outdoor dining puts great stress on the smaller restaurants if the weather doesn’t cooperate.”
Hanlon adds that not having a start date for events such conferences, weddings and festivals are also crippling to smaller businesses.
“The precious mom-and-pop businesses that we love so much will not survive unless more is done right now. Please listen to what they have to say and let them open safely. They deserve it.”
To get the facts about what’s open and closed, tips on where to go and what it’s going to look like, Hanlon is the go-to resource with all the facts at her fingertips.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/1rRG3Ji221c
About Grace Hanlon
Hanlon was the Executive Director of Tourism for New Jersey during Superstorm Sandy and champion of the tourism industry’s comeback after the devastating storm. An experienced spokesperson for the State of New Jersey, the shore and the tourism industry she loves, Hanlon was appointed to a New Jersey COVID-19 Economic Recovery Council and is on the Executive Board of the Jersey Shore Partnership, the state’s leading advocate and champion of beach replenishment and restoration to protect our coastline.
Hanlon has appeared on TV shows that include Good Day New York, Fox, as well as many local News Morning programs in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
To find out more about Grace Hanlon, visit her website, http://www.gracehanlonllc.com, LinkedIn or Facebook page @gracehanlonllc. For press inquiries, contact Jack Trevor at 732-832-6205.
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