Council Small Business Highlight Initiative Recaps 2025 and Evolves for 2026

Giuseppe Palmeri

Jackson Township Councilman

Pulse & Perspective

With 2025 now behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on a full year of recognizing and celebrating the small businesses that help make our community strong.

Throughout 2025, the Council Small Business Highlight initiative featured one local small business each month. These highlights were designed to shine a light on the entrepreneurs, family-owned establishments, and organizations that create jobs, give back to the community, and contribute to the character and economic vitality of Jackson Township and the surrounding area.

Supporting small business has always been a priority for me. Through the Council Small Business Highlight initiative, I had the opportunity to meet business owners, hear their stories, and help elevate the important role they play in our town — often behind the scenes and without recognition.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Council Small Business Highlight initiative will be evolving to a quarterly format, with featured highlights in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. This updated approach will allow for more in-depth recognition while also creating opportunities throughout the year to revisit previously highlighted businesses, check in on how they are doing, and share follow-up stories as they grow, adapt, and continue serving the community.

In addition, I have been in communication with Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, who has expressed interest in traveling throughout Ocean County to spotlight small businesses using a similar platform. We have discussed the possibility of collaborating on some of these highlights in 2026, which is an exciting opportunity to further elevate small businesses on a broader scale. More information on this potential collaboration will be shared as plans continue to develop.

The Council Small Business Highlight initiative will continue to focus on recognizing hard-working business owners, encouraging residents to support local, and strengthening our local economy.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to share ideas, recommendations, or nominations for future Council Small Business Highlights. If you know of a business that deserves recognition or would like to discuss small business initiatives, please reach out to me directly at:

GPalmeri@Jacksontwpnj.net

More to come in 2026!