With so many large and pioneering companies opening their doors in Camden, and small but mighty businesses taking root and blossoming here, there can no longer be any doubt that Camden is building an innovation economy. What exactly do we mean by “innovation economy,” you might ask? We mean an economy where forward-thinking businesses offer creative solutions in daring and brilliant ways. An economy that offers limitless potential for Camden and for our residents to grow.
This week, Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash wrote a fantastic op-ed on the winding road Camden has taken to get to this point, and Melanie Kennedy from American Water shares a piece that serves as a case study on how hiring practices in an innovation economy should work. Be sure not to miss these articles below — and while you’re at it, take a look at this short video on what an innovation economy means for Camden and for those who live here.
Bill Clinton’s 1992 Vision for Camden Finally Takes Shape
As published by NJ.com on July 2, 2019
On a summer day in 1992, I found myself among a large crowd inside the iconic RCA Building in Camden City, where recorded music was first put on vinyl. Then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton arrived at an otherwise desolate Camden waterfront for his first stop following his nomination at the Democratic National Convention in New York City. The future president spoke to jubilant supporters about his bold plans for urban renewal and the bright future envisioned for the city.
In the almost three decades that followed there have been many similar promises to rebuild one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in the United States. Most plans were well-intentioned, and all were very expensive. But, despite these efforts, Camden remained impoverished, with limited opportunities for its residents.
Shortly after Clinton’s campaign visit, then-Gov. Jim Florio announced the “Camden Initiative.” The plan was abandoned after Republican Gov. Christie Whitman defeated Florio in a re-election bid.
Moving forward, the initiative was replaced by a Whitman plan to develop the waterfront and clean up Admiral Wilson Boulevard (in time for the 2000 GOP convention in Philadelphia), but it essentially ignored the city’s neighborhoods. The next Democratic governor, Jim McGreevey, attempted to correct course by investing $175 million into the neighborhoods, but the investment was spread too thin, given the enormous need. After that, the Great Recession handcuffed most economic opportunities for Camden that the Gov. Jon Corzine administration had been exploring.
Our Workforce Should Reflect the Diversity of Our Customers, Camden-Based American Water Says
As published by NJ.com on July 1, 2019
There was once a common misconception that the utility industry was a man’s world. And once upon a time, there may have been truth to that sentiment – but those days are long gone, especially at American Water, the largest publicly-traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company.
Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is a business imperative for us. With 7,100 employees who are delivering water to 14 million people in 46 states and Canada, it’s critical that our workforce reflects our customers. We also know the value of bringing together people with diverse experiences and backgrounds to foster innovation and growth. We want all of our employees to experience a workplace environment where they have the opportunity to develop and achieve their full potential, because that’s good for our employees, our business and our customers.
As the company’s senior vice president of Human Resources, my priority is attracting and retaining the best talent out there, with a mind toward ensuring that our culture is inclusive and our teams are diverse. During my 12 years with American Water, my career has progressed by taking a unique path from labor employment attorney to joining and now leading the Human Resources team.
