Building a Resilient Future with the MCEDC Agriculture & Home Resiliency Webinar Series

The Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is proud to announce its groundbreaking Home Resiliency initiative designed to empower residents and businesses to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, pandemics, and supply chain disruptions, preserving the quality of life throughout the region. Central to this initiative is the upcoming MCEDC Agriculture & Home Resiliency Webinar Series, a free and educational virtual series running on Thursdays from 12:00 – 1:30 PM throughout May.

With ongoing global challenges such as environmental catastrophes and logistical uncertainties, Morris County has taken a bold step toward preparedness and sustainability. Through partnerships with experts and thought leaders like Frank Pinto, President of Pinto Consulting, LLC, and a recognized leader in land conservation, municipal planning, and disaster management, MCEDC is crafting a comprehensive framework for resilience planning that goes beyond immediate disaster preparedness to address long-term sustainability.

The Importance of Home Resiliency in Morris County, NJ

With more than 500,000 residents and 20,000 businesses contributing to a $69 billion gross regional product, Morris County plays a critical role in the Northern NJ economy and beyond. Situated within a major metropolitan hub and home to the Port of NY/NJ, a resilient Morris County ensures economic stability and enhances the capacity to overcome significant disruptions.

The Home Resiliency initiative is focused on equipping Morris County residents with the necessary tools and knowledge to secure a better quality of life during uncertain times. This includes:

• Strengthening disaster preparedness at home.
• Securing uninterrupted access to essentials like water, food, energy, and communication during crises.
• Building a community-wide understanding of steps toward a resilient future.

Overview of the Webinar Series

The webinar series is broken into weekly sessions, each focused on a specific aspect of resiliency—from gardening to emergency preparedness. Here’s what you can expect:

Backyard Gardening Session on May 8th | 12PM

• Backyard Gardening, Peter Nitzsche, Rutgers University Cooperative Extension of Morris County
• Canning/Food Preservation, Jennifer Taylor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Passaic County

Emergency Kit & Family Planning Session on May 15th | 12PM

• Emergency Kit, Family Disaster Plan, Are You Prepared?
• Jeff Paul, Morris County Office of Emergency Management

Edible Landscaping, Community Gardening, & Food Waste on May 22nd | 12PM

• Edible Landscape, Brady Smith
• Urban & Community Gardens, Lisa Alexander, Grow It Green
• Minimizing Food Waste, Heather Thompson, Table 2 Table
• Minimizing Food Waste, Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County

Backup Power Supply & Lithium Battery Safety on May 29th | 12PM

• Backup Power Supply
• Lithium Battery Safety, Nick Dunbar, Lithium Fire Guard
• Know Your Risks with Jamie Sara, Plymouth Rock

Voices Supporting Resiliency

The Home Resiliency Initiative showcases the power of collaboration between residents, businesses, and government leaders. Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers highlights the critical importance of preparation, stating, “Being prepared gives peace of mind knowing that you and your family can handle a crisis—whether it’s a storm, a supply shortage, or another emergency. This countywide initiative brings together the private sector, all levels of government and, most importantly, our residents, who play a key role in their own readiness. We are coordinating with our agricultural partners, the Chamber of Commerce, and local municipalities to secure logistics, food, and resources. Additionally, we are equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to stay prepared and resilient. By working together, we reduce uncertainty, streamline efforts, and strengthen our county’s overall response during emergencies.”

Frank Pinto, President of Pinto Consulting LLC, and a consultant for the initiative, echoes the importance of engaging the community. Reflecting on his experience, he explains, “My experience with Morris County during Superstorm Sandy showed me the critical need to engage the community in disaster recovery. The more involved residents are, the quicker the recovery process.”

Meghan Hunscher, President & CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Morris County Economic Development Corp., adds, “The MCEDC is proud to facilitate this important initiative. Preparedness and resiliency are vital for economic prosperity.”

Engaging Local Businesses in Disaster Preparedness

A key component of the Home Resiliency initiative is supporting and engaging local businesses in disaster preparedness. MCEDC encourages businesses to participate in the Local Business Survey for Short-term Disaster Response, designed to assess their capacity to assist during or immediately following disasters. The survey aims to enhance community readiness by gathering valuable data on resources, capabilities, and potential contributions from private individuals and businesses. By contributing to the survey, businesses play an essential role in strengthening Morris County’s resilience.

Hands-On Learning: Homestead Courses for Resiliency

In addition to the webinar series, MCEDC is spearheading the Homestead Farm and Resiliency Courses covering a wide range of practical lessons designed to give participants hands-on skills to fortify their homes and communities.

• Lesson 1: Raised Bed Gardening
• Lesson 2: Are You Prepared?
• Lesson 3: Your Needs & Supplies
• Lesson 4: Your Family Disaster Plan
• Lesson 5: Know Your Risks
• Lesson 6: Wildfire Preparedness
• Lesson 7: Canning & Food Preservation
• Lesson 8: What is Edible Landscaping?
• Lesson 9: Urban Gardening
• Lesson 10: Minimizing Food Waste
• Lesson 11: Lithium Battery Safety
• Lesson 12: Backup Power Supply
• Lesson 13: Local & Seasonal Eaters

Join the Initiative

Take part in the MCEDC Agriculture & Home Resiliency Webinar Series and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to prepare for future challenges. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to secure your property, a business working to enhance disaster readiness, or a community member eager to learn sustainable practices, this initiative offers invaluable resources. By participating, you’ll join a countywide movement dedicated to strengthening Morris County’s resilience. Register today!

About Morris County Economic Development Corporation

The Morris County Economic Development Corporation is a division of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, a 501c(6) business association, dedicated to business attraction, retention, and development. By fostering initiatives like the Home Resiliency Initiative, MCEDC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term prosperity and sustainability of the region.