PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee held its first meeting of the new year on Thursday, January 8, reaffirming its commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening the township’s economic vitality.
The meeting was held under the leadership of Mayor Pulkit Desai, with Council Vice President Diya Patel serving as the committee’s liaison. During the meeting, Frank Cahill was elected Chairman, Dr. Bhagirath Maheta was elected Vice Chairman, and Nick Sota was elected Secretary.
“I am pleased that Mayor Desai values the work I have done over the past several years and has reappointed me to the committee so I can continue serving the business owners of Parsippany,” Cahill said.
Committee members include Cahill, Maheta, Sota, Robert Peluso, Nick Rafanello, Jigar Shah, Raviram Medapati, Frank Neglia, Cassara Grasso, and Mahesh Prajapati.
Advisory Role and Mission
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity and, upon the request of the Township Council, provides information, advice, and recommendations to promote economic development within the township. The committee consists of 11 members, with five appointed by the mayor and six by the Township Council.
Supporting and Celebrating Local Businesses
During the meeting, committee members discussed a range of efforts aimed at supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, and enhancing Parsippany’s commercial corridors.
Ribbon cuttings were highlighted as an important component of the committee’s outreach. These events celebrate milestones such as grand openings, expansions, and anniversaries while giving businesses the opportunity to connect with local leaders and residents. The committee coordinates logistics and outreach while ensuring each event remains focused on the business being honored. Ribbon cuttings can be customized as public celebrations or smaller invitation-only gatherings, serving as a strategic tool to increase visibility and strengthen community ties.
Meet the Merchant Program
The committee also discussed reviving the popular Meet the Merchant program. Through this program, a professional camera crew visits a business to produce a five- to ten-minute feature highlighting its products, services, and story.
Completed segments are published on Parsippany Focus and shared across committee, township, and social media platforms, as well as the official township website, extending visibility and recognizing businesses that choose Parsippany-Troy Hills as a place to invest and grow.
Grant Opportunities and Business Support
The committee works closely to connect Parsippany businesses with grant opportunities designed to encourage growth and reinvestment. Small Business Improvement Grants provide reimbursements ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for interior and exterior improvements and for the purchase and installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Home-based businesses are eligible.
Small Business Lease Grants help offset the cost of leasing new or additional commercial space by covering up to 20 percent of a business’s annual lease cost for the first two years. Eligible spaces must be street-level office, commercial, or retail locations between 250 and 10,000 square feet.
The committee also promotes E-Commerce Support programs, which offer up to $11,400 in free e-commerce and digital marketing consulting services, particularly beneficial to restaurant, retail, and personal care businesses.
Recognizing Investment and Achievement
The Economic Development Committee recognizes business achievements and milestones that contribute to Parsippany’s growth, including honoring business owners and acknowledging real estate brokers who help fill vacant office and retail spaces.
Veterans Banner Program
The Veterans Banner Program honors Parsippany-Troy Hills’ Veterans, Active-Duty service members, Reservists, and National Guard members by displaying personalized military banners throughout the community.
Installed along North Beverwyck Road and at Veterans Park, the banners provide a visible and lasting tribute to those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. Each banner features the honoree’s name, branch of service, and photo, recognizing service while reinforcing community pride and gratitude.
Film Ready New Jersey
Looking ahead, the committee will work toward participation in Film Ready New Jersey, a certification and marketing program created by the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The program helps municipalities prepare for film, television, and digital media production by streamlining permitting and improving production logistics.
By pursuing Film Ready New Jersey certification, Parsippany aims to position itself as a welcoming destination for film and media projects, creating new economic opportunities for local businesses and residents.
The public is always invited to attend Economic Development Committee meetings, which are posted on parsippany.net and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Facebook page. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about Parsippany Economic Development programs and resources, residents and business owners may contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000.
