Cinnaminson Names New Economic Development Director

The township is enlisting a former committeeman and one of the Cinnaminson business community’s own to serve as the new director of community and economic development.

Deputy Mayor Anthony Minniti said former administrator Frank Locantore made “great strides” as director, but when he resigned in September, the township was “back to scratch again.”

Following Locantore’s departure, Riverton Country Club general manager Mike Minton—who served on committee for about five years in the late ‘90s/early ‘00s—expressed interest in stepping into the role, Minniti said.

Minton explained that he views the position as a natural extension of his participation in the township’s economic development advisory committee. He envisioned the director’s job as more of a small committee of no more than three people, rather than a one-man operation. He described the role as a sort of ombudsman/advocate for the business community—someone who greases the wheels for existing businesses, as well as trying to “further opportunities for new and developing businesses.”

“Today, when every town is competing for limited business opportunities … somebody has to sell the benefits of the town,” he said. “In today’s environment, it is extremely important (to have that).”

Minton indicated there is already an “inventory of existing businesses” that have expressed interest in relocating to Cinnaminson.

Minniti said Minton, who also previously served on the planning board, would act as a main point of contact for both new and existing businesses—someone who can facilitate meetings, answer questions, address concerns, etc.

The deputy mayor said he didn’t think public safety director Mickey King—who took over as administrator upon Locantore’s departure—would be able to take on the role director of community and economic development in addition to all his other responsibilities.

“I have concerns about stresses on (King’s) time, because it takes a lot of time,” said Minniti.

He suggested appointing Minton for the remainder of the year, with the possibility of permanently placing him in the position next year. Minton will not be paid a salary, though the position may incur some minor expenses.

“Mike’s going to be terrific on this,” said Minniti. “He has a pretty good grasp of what Cinnaminson’s trying to accomplish.”