Reflections on Growth, Opportunity, and Business Momentum
Rizco’s Director of Growth, John Schieda, recently attended the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council’s (MODC) Economic Development Summit, 2026 State of the Shore. Presented by the Economic Development Committee, the summit brought together business and community members to learn about the state of business on the Jersey Shore.
Community leaders discussed economic trends, workforce development, regional investment, and the state’s future growth, featuring keynote speaker Peter Kasabach, Executive Director of NJ Future.
John’s Key Takeaways
Attending the summit gave me a valuable opportunity to step back and look at where New Jersey is today, not just from an economic standpoint, but through the lens of growth, opportunity, and how businesses can position themselves moving forward.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was the sense of stability. Hearing that unemployment remains in a healthy range and that job growth continues across Monmouth and Ocean counties reinforces that we’re operating in a strong, active market. But what stood out even more was the shift in what companies are looking for. There’s a real demand for strong communicators, adaptable thinkers, and people who can manage projects effectively. That says a lot about how businesses are evolving.
That evolution is important, and as companies grow and competition increases, the need to clearly communicate who you are and what makes you different becomes even more critical. Strong branding and messaging aren’t just “nice to have”; they’re essential tools for attracting both customers and talent.
It was also hard to ignore the level of investment happening across the region. Between the ongoing development at Fort Monmouth, the excitement around Netflix, and new large-scale projects like Lakewood’s medical expansion, there’s a clear sense that this area is building toward something bigger. That kind of momentum creates opportunity, but it also raises the bar for businesses trying to stand out.
At the same time, there was an honest conversation about the challenges ahead, especially regarding space, affordability, and regulation. With limited land available, the focus is shifting toward smarter development and more efficient processes. For businesses, that likely means increased competition and a greater need to be strategic in how they grow.
Overall, I left the event feeling optimistic. The foundation is strong, the opportunities are there, and the direction is clear. The businesses that will win in this environment are the ones that are intentional about their brand, messaging, and how they show up in a crowded, evolving market.
As businesses across New Jersey continue to navigate growth and change, the ability to clearly communicate their value and differentiate themselves will remain a key competitive advantage. If you’d like to discuss your organization’s brand, website, or digital marketing strategy, let’s connect.
