A new tool that provides businesses with an array of demographic information within a certain radius was unveiled recently at the first meeting of the Grow Monmouth Advisory Committee, which is comprised of about 40 business, academic and municipal representatives.

The business analyst tool is an enhancement to Monmouth County’s Economic Opportunity Mapping program, which is a geographic information system-based tool that identifies zoning, highways, sewer service areas, flood plains and environmental constraints for each town in Monmouth County, according to a press release. The new tool provides an array of demographic information as well.

“It is a sophisticated research tool,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas A. Arnone, who is spearheading the county’s Grow Monmouth initiative with the Department of Economic Development. “It is for people who are thinking about relocating their business or bringing new business in.”

In addition to providing information such as the age, gender and educational background of potential customers, the business analyst tool will supply drive times between two points and data about other businesses located within the targeted area. All Grow Monmouth business tools are free .

Grow Monmouth is a long-term community wide initiative with a singular goal – to ensure the economic health of Monmouth County, according to the press release. Like the New Jersey Business Action Center established by Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and overseen by Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, its objectives will include retaining and growing businesses, creating jobs and attracting new businesses.

The Grow Monmouth Advisory Committee was formed to gather input from a variety of key sectors that include business, education, nonprofits, community organizations, state and local government. Together, a strategic plan will be developed that will outline goals and the means of achieving them.

Arnone and economic development staff have made more than 50 presentations around the county to identify and recruit partners to help make growing a business in Monmouth County easier, according to the press release.

“Since becoming a freeholder, I wanted to work with municipalities to help them streamline their processes that will make opening and growing a business simpler,” Arnone said. “For businesses to relocate, grow and prosper we need to make the approval process easier. That is what our presentations have been all about – making it easier for businesses to operate. If we do that, the jobs will follow.”

Also at the meeting, the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) presented its Start Smart Energy Plan, which is available to municipalities as well as businesses.

Using the Start Smart Energy Plan, businesses or towns can request the BPU to conduct a free energy audit of their facilities. In addition, for any recommendations that will improve energy efficiency, the BPU will pay up to 70 percent of the cost, according to the press release.

“This initial meeting was a huge success and I want to thank committee members for their participation and commitment to making Monmouth County a better place for business development,” Arnone said. “It’s not just about attracting new businesses; we must also keep the ones we have.”