The program helps contractors increase bonding capacity, optimize financial systems, and build connections with general contractors and corporate partners. Classes combine in-person sessions at Kean University in Union with virtual instruction.
Eligible businesses must be independent, for-profit construction companies headquartered in New Jersey or performing significant contracts in the state. The time commitment is 3-4 hours per week for 18 weeks.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. Apply early.
Businesses accepting cash payments can voluntarily round transactions up or down to the nearest nickel due to the penny shortage caused by discontinued U.S. Mint production. Rounding policies must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously before customers incur charges.
Sales tax must be calculated on the actual purchase price before rounding and remitted as required. Businesses paying Corporation Business Tax or Gross Income Tax must use exact accounting when determining gross receipts or total income. Rounding up creates additional income; rounding down reduces the gross receipt figure.
The Division of Consumer Affairs provides asample notice businesses can display. Businesses can create their own notices if they clearly describe their rounding policy.
On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at approximately 12:33 AM, Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) were dispatched to the area of Whitall Drive in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township for the report of a someone attempting to burglarize the caller’s vehicle. As officers responded to the area, it was reported the person had fled the area and a description was obtained. An alert motorist flagged down an officer and reported that a person fitting the description was now observed running into the nearby Terrestria Development. Officers quickly located the person, later identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, fleeing on foot while ignoring numerous officer commands to stop. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody by officers and was found to be in possession of burglar tools. The suspect was transported to the GTPD Headquarters and was charged on a Juvenile Complaint and released pending court with the following charges: Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense.
Due to proactive operations across Gloucester Township, this allowed officers to flood the area of the crime almost immediately, thus assisting with the successful apprehension of the suspect. One officer sustained a minor injury during the foot pursuit. Chief Anthony Minosse said, “this case is a clear example on the importance of a strong partnership between the GTPD and our residents working together to help keep our community safe.” The prompt reporting of suspicious activity and potential criminal conduct allows police officers to respond quickly to address community concerns. The GTPD urges residents to remain alert to unusual behavior, LOCK YOUR VEHICLES, remove key fobs, and pick up your phone to immediately report any suspicious activity.
Arrest: 16-year-old male suspect was charged with Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856)228-4500. You may also provide information anonymously through the GTPD online tip portal at https://gtpolice.com/tips , via the GTPD Anonymous Tip Line at (856)842-5560, or by texting “TIPGLOTWPPD” and your tip message to 888777.
Patchy freezing fog after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Calm wind.
Sunday
A chance of rain after 3pm. Patchy freezing fog before 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Rain likely before 10pm, then snow. Low around 31. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Washington’s Birthday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 46.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Wednesday
A chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday Night
A chance of rain before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
A West Berlin man has been arrested and charged in reference to a robbery that occurred yesterday at a McDonald’s in Berlin Township, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Berlin Township Police Chief Michael FitzGibbon. On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m., officers from the Berlin Township Police Department responded to the McDonald’s located on the 200 block of Route 73 for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned that a masked suspect – later identified as 42-year-old William Alvarado Jr. – entered the restaurant and demanded the employees turn over U.S. currency. During the robbery, the defendant kept his hands in his sweatshirt pocket, which led employees to believe that he was armed with a firearm. After receiving U.S. currency, he fled the restaurant on foot. No firearms were displayed and no injuries were reported. During the investigation, detectives from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Berlin Township Police Department used surveillance video from multiple locations to track Alvarado from the restaurant to his vehicle and ultimately to his residence in West Berlin. The defendant was taken into custody and charged with one count of 2nd -degree Robbery. He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility, pending a future court hearing. Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Michael Manning of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (856) 365-3246 and Detective Lieutenant David Childs of the Berlin Township Police Department at (856) 767-5878, ext. 214. Tips may also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS. All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight next week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. This is a continuation of work that began in January.
Beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday, February 17 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, and continuing Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19 at the same time, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary removal of the temporary Browning Road Bridge west abutment. The following detour will be in place:
I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:
Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound
The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.
Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the Cape May City Seawall Flood Mitigation Project has officially been authorized to move forward, securing more than $24.3 million to protect one of the most vulnerable areas along the Jersey Shore.
“I just heard directly from the Secretary of Homeland Security’s office that this project has officially been authorized,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This is a major breakthrough for Cape May and for our entire shoreline. This section of Cape May was identified after Hurricane Sandy as a serious weak point, and that vulnerability has not gone away. The next major storm is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. This seawall project is making sure we are not caught unprepared. Thank you to the administration for making our coastline a priority. This has been a big week for our shore. I am proud to keep delivering real results and making sure South Jersey gets the attention it deserves.”
In a historic first for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, a broad coalition of Muslim civic and advocacy organizations hosted a CD-12 Candidate Forum on Super Bowl Sunday at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, drawing nearly 200 attendees from both the Muslim community and the broader public.
The forum was organized by CAIR Action NJ, Emgage Action, and the NJ Muslim Civic Coalition Activate, in partnership with American Muslims for Democracy (AMD), New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA), CAIR-NJ, ICNA Social Council for Justice, NJ Muslim League of Voters, and NJ Muslim Voters for Progress.
BROOKLAWN, NJ — The Brooklawn School District will receive more than $6 million to modernize and upgrade Alice Costello Elementary School, following the Camden County Improvement Authority’s successful issuance of $6.29 million in Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds.
 February 03, 2026
County officials say the investment will address long‑needed improvements to the school’s infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient learning spaces for students.
“This project reflects Camden County’s commitment to investing in education, strengthening community assets, and ensuring safe, modern learning environments for our children,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., liaison to the CCIA. “I applaud the CCIA, Brooklawn Borough, and the Brooklawn Board of Education for their steadfast commitment to improving Alice Costello Elementary School, ensuring student success for years to come.”
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What the Funding Will Cover
The financing package will support a wide range of capital upgrades at Alice Costello Elementary, including:
Classroom and facility renovations
Heating, cooling, and ventilation improvements
Modernized building infrastructure
Code and safety‑related repairs
Officials say these improvements will help extend the life of the school building while providing students and staff with a healthier, more reliable environment.
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A Cost‑Saving Approach for Local Schools
CCIA Executive Director Jim Lex emphasized that the agreement demonstrates the authority’s ability to help local governments and school districts finance major projects at reduced cost.
“This agreement highlights the CCIA’s capacity to assist municipalities, non‑profits, and community organizations in their capital investments by providing a cost‑saving alternative to traditional municipal bonds,” Lex said. “We are excited to support the Brooklawn Board of Education Project and look forward to seeing the improvements made through innovative funding available for schools that need code and safety repairs.”
The project is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
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About the Camden County Improvement Authority
The Camden County Improvement Authority is an independent public agency created by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. The authority provides low‑cost financing, economic development services, and project management for local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations. Its mission includes supporting redevelopment, employment growth, affordable housing, and capital projects that improve quality of life throughout Camden County and other eligible areas of New Jersey.
