At the February 20, 2025 Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) lunch meeting, members had the opportunity to hear from two distinguished guest speakers: Jennifer Bacchione, Ocean County Commissioner, Liaison Business Development & Tourism and former Berkeley Board of Education President, and Ronald Heinzman, Director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. Their presentations provided valuable insights into the county’s growth, business development, and consumer protection efforts.
Ocean County’s Growth and Business Support Initiatives
Jennifer Bacchione began the discussion by outlining the role of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, which oversees county roads, the county college, the library system, the Board of Elections, the Clerk’s Office, Consumer Affairs, the Board of Health, and other essential county services. As Ocean County continues to experience rapid population growth, the Commissioners are focused on maintaining affordability and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development.
Bacchione also spoke on behalf of Sandra Lazzaro from the Ocean County Office of Tourism, emphasizing the county’s efforts to support local businesses through tourism-driven economic growth. Ocean County has long been a seasonal destination, but with increasing residential and commercial expansion, there is a push to foster year-round tourism and economic activity.
Addressing Taxpayer Concerns and School District Consolidation
Bacchione addressed concerns regarding the potential consolidation of municipalities and school districts to reduce costs for taxpayers. While merging town governments is unlikely, the state is actively considering combining smaller school districts to alleviate financial burdens.
One of the primary challenges with school district mergers is maintaining quality education and community involvement, particularly in districts like Berkeley, where multiple systems exist. Bacchione emphasized that any consolidation efforts would require town council approval and a public vote, ensuring that local residents have a say in the process.
Consumer Protection and Business Support in Ocean County
Following Bacchione’s presentation, Ronald Heinzman, Director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, provided an in-depth look at how the department protects businesses and consumers throughout the county.
What Does Consumer Affairs Do?
Consumer Affairs investigators are certified agents of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and handle cases related to:
- Home improvement fraud
- Auto fraud
- Retail and service-related complaints
- Weight and measurement regulation enforcement
Heinzman emphasized that Consumer Affairs is business-friendly, recognizing that not all consumer complaints are valid. The department works to mediate disputes rather than immediately taking legal action, ensuring that both businesses and consumers are treated fairly.
Weights and Measures: Protecting Consumers and Businesses
The Weights and Measures Division plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate pricing and product measurements throughout the county. This includes:
- Gas station inspections to prevent fuel fraud
- Monitoring seafood markets in Point Pleasant and Barnegat Light to verify correct product weights
- Checking grocery store packaging accuracy
Heinzman shared a recent case where one consumer complaint led to the discovery of 200 separate violations at a major grocery store, highlighting the importance of thorough investigations.
Fraud Prevention and Consumer Scams
Consumer fraud remains a growing concern, especially for seniors and small business owners. Heinzman warned about common scams, including:
- Phishing emails and fraudulent banking alerts
- Fake lottery winnings and sweepstakes targeting seniors
- Credit card skimming devices at gas pumps
- Gift card scams, where fraudsters request payment in store-bought gift cards
One notable case involved a Lakehurst gas station employee who was secretly recording credit card details, leading to over $40,000 in fraudulent charges. The Department of Consumer Affairs worked with local law enforcement to identify and arrest the perpetrator.
Heinzman also emphasized that Consumer Affairs will never call individuals to request personal information and warned against phone scams impersonating government agencies.
New Regulations for Home Improvement Contractors
The presentation also touched on new state regulations affecting home improvement contractors:
- Expanded bonding requirements for businesses, requiring proof of financial responsibility
- Licensing changes that impact certain trades
- Stronger consumer protections regarding home repair contracts
Business owners were encouraged to review their contracts carefully to ensure compliance with state laws. Heinzman noted that many common business disputes arise from improperly written contracts, and he offered to provide a template to help businesses stay compliant.
Key Takeaways for OCBA Members
- Ocean County is growing rapidly, and county officials are working to support local businesses and expand tourism opportunities.
- Small school district mergers may be on the horizon to reduce costs for taxpayers.
- Consumer Affairs actively protects businesses and consumers by enforcing fair business practices and cracking down on fraud.
- New regulations for contractors and businesses require careful attention to bonding, licensing, and contract compliance.
- Businesses should be aware of common scams and educate employees and customers on fraud prevention.
OCBA members left the meeting with valuable resources and insights into how the county government and Consumer Affairs department can assist local businesses.
For more information on Consumer Affairs services and fraud prevention, visit: Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs
OCBA thanks Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione and Director Ronald Heinzman for their time and expertise. Their presentations reinforced the importance of collaboration between local government and business leaders to support economic growth in Ocean County.