Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson spotlighted the county’s outreach, collaboration and partnerships during her keynote address at this year’s Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey Regional Economic Perspective Breakfast on March 4.
In addition to Hopson, the township event featured updates from Bordentown City Mayor Stephanie Lagos, Evesham Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, Mount Laurel Mayor Stephen Steglik and Willingboro Mayor Samantha Whitfield. Also on hand were county Commissioner Randy Brolo, Evesham Deputy Mayor Heather Cooper, Councilwoman Dr. Krystal Hunter and Florence Mayor Kristan Marter.
“When government focuses on public engagement and collaborations with businesses and local organizations, we create and maintain thriving communities,” Hopson said during her address. “We want county government to be responsive and accountable to all 470,000 residents.
“It’s not enough to offer important services that improve public health, safety and quality of life,” she added. “We need to make sure residents know these services exist and how to access them.”
Among the outreach initiatives Hopson highlighted were the Hope One and Hope One for Youth mobile outreach teams that bring mental-health and substance use recovery and prevention resources to local communities. She also recognized some of the county’s most successful partnerships, including its collaboration with state Sen. Troy Singleton.
Along with the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the senator’s office organizes Restaurant Week each summer, and sponsors seminars and events organized by the Burlington County Bridge Commission to help small business owners and managers.
The county’s health department will soon launch a new mobile health vehicle that will bring services such as screenings, vaccinations and education directly to communities. The unit is being funded by the county with its public health grant from the New Jersey Association of City and County Health officials.
