February 1, 2013
Trenton, NJ – Highlighting the resilience that has come to characterize New Jersey citizens and businesses in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Acting Governor Kim Guadagno today visited Little Ferry businesses, The Empire Club and Segovia Steakhouse and Seafood, and encouraged New Jersey residents to support their local businesses.
“In the days following Superstorm Sandy, New Jerseyans have become known for their ability to overcome adversity in a way that makes us proud to represent such a strong state,” said Acting Governor Guadagno. “Superstorm Sandy left many business owners with devastating damage and revenue losses. Yet despite suffering massive setbacks, these restaurant owners have demonstrated incredible resolve and remain determined to rebuild better than ever.”
The Empire Club, a venue for social and corporate events in northern New Jersey, took on two feet of flood water and had to replace all flooring and walls. The catering hall remained closed through December 2012, its busiest time of year. As a result of the two-month closure, the catering hall sustained massive revenue losses. Back open for business, The Empire Club is in the process of moving forward to plan new events as well rescheduling the events that were lost due to the storm.
“The Empire Club overcame Superstorm Sandy with the help and support of our families and friends. We would like to extend thanks to Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno for fighting for the all the Sandy victims,” said Arthur Yfantis, Empire Club co-owner.“Hurricane Sandy gave us a knockout punch, but we got up on our feet again.”
Sandy forced the two-day closure of Segovia Steakhouse & Seafood, causing it to run on a limited menu for a week after the storm. The restaurant suffered only minor flooding thanks to its elevated position in Little Ferry but was forced to throw away all its refrigerated food after losing power.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Governor Christie has made assisting affected New Jersey small businesses a priority. In addition to initiating a statewide business impact assessment in collaboration with the state’s leading business groups, the Christie Administration worked with the Small Business Administration to secure nearly $189 million in loans for thousands of homes and small businesses, and provided lines of credit through the state’s Economic Development Authority for businesses awaiting insurance reimbursement, grants for job training, and benefits for displaced workers. New Jersey was also the recipient of a $15.6 million National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to hire unemployed state residents to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts.
Businesses are encouraged to call the state’s Business Action Center at 1-866-534-7789 for assistance and information on the many business advocacy services available through the state. Information is also available by visiting the state’s business portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.
