Bill Text: NJ AR202 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges Division of Parks and Forestry to market and offer local NJ-based art and agricultural products at park sites, whenever possible.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-11-18 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism and the Arts Committee [AR202 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-AR202-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman DIANNE C. GOVE
District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Urges Division of Parks and Forestry to market and offer local NJ-based art and agricultural products at park sites, whenever possible.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging the Division of Parks and Forestry to market and offer local New Jersey-based products at park sites, whenever possible.
Whereas, Travel and tourism destinations in New Jersey play an essential role in attracting visitors to the State and introducing visitors to local businesses, such as those featuring the products created by artists and the crops and baked goods yielded and produced by farmers; and
Whereas, In particular, State parks and historic and cultural sites offer visitors the unique opportunity to travel through the scenic and urban landscapes of New Jersey while uncovering the distinctive history of the Garden State and its inhabitants, exploring the abundant and unrivaled outdoor recreational opportunities, and discovering diverse cultural and heritage activities and events; and
Whereas, Through tourism, the State can advance the market for commodities sold by local artists and farmers by featuring and marketing such products to visitors in gift shops operated within State parks and historic sites; and
Whereas, Some State parks and historic sites include gift shops or other small retailers, operated within the park site, and offer visitors a chance to purchase local foods, artwork and other gifts, thereby allowing visitors to return home and further appreciate and enjoy, and share, the creativity and craftsmanship of artists in the State and the quality of Jersey Fresh produce and Jersey Grown plants; and
Whereas, Jointly cultivating the agricultural and cultural heritage in the State, by encouraging visitors to explore the natural resources within the State in concert with providing opportunities for visitors to buy local products from the State's skilled and creative workforce, will better support local artists, farms, and businesses; and
Whereas, New Jersey is home to countless talented artists working in all different mediums, such as painting, drawing, photography, glasswork, sculpting, pottery, quilting, and other traditional and folk craft work, as well as leather and metal craft work; and
Whereas, The Garden State is the foundation for the dedicated farmers who harvest a cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables and horticultural goods, as well as produce baked goods and other food products, such as tomato sauce and fruit jams; and
Whereas, New Jersey comprises 50 State parks, nine national parks, and hundreds of county and municipal parks, in addition to 127 miles of beach alongside the Atlantic Ocean and dozens of historic sites and landmarks, making the State a first-rate and treasured destination for visitors from around the world; and
Whereas, Total tourism demand generated a record $40 billion in New Jersey in 2012, and specifically $34.7 billion of State gross domestic product, making up 7% of the State economy; and
Whereas, In order to promote the appreciation of New Jersey's parks and historic and cultural sites and encourage and facilitate greater public knowledge of and engagement with the cultural, historical, recreational, agricultural, and artistic offerings and resources in the State, it is necessary for the State to continue to engage in and promote the park destinations for visitors in conjunction with the marketing and sales of commodities produced by the State's creative and dedicated workforce - the artists, crafts persons, bakers, and farmers; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House urges the Division of Parks and Forestry, in the Department of Environmental Protection, to market and offer for sale at park and historic sites, whenever and wherever possible, local and New Jersey-based products and goods, such as Jersey Fresh produce, Jersey Grown plants, "Made with Jersey Fresh" baked goods and food products, and art and craft work made by New Jersey-based artists.
2. This House additionally urges the Department of Agriculture, and the Division of Travel and Tourism and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to assist the Division of Parks and Forestry by encouraging the participation of local farmers, bakers, artists, and crafts persons in advancing and marketing their products at State park and historic sites.
3. This House further encourages citizens and visitors alike to explore and frequent the many park destinations throughout the State, and further support New Jersey farmers, bakers, and creative artists by purchasing the products and goods promoted and offered at such sites.
4. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested to by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State, and the Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges the Division of Parks and Forestry, in the Department of Environmental Protection, to market and offer for sale at park and historic sites, whenever and wherever possible, local and New Jersey-based products and goods, such as Jersey Fresh produce, Jersey Grown plants, "Made with Jersey Fresh" baked goods and food products, and art and craft work made by New Jersey-based artists. The resolution additionally urges the Department of Agriculture, and the Division of Travel and Tourism and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to assist the division by encouraging the participation of local farmers, bakers, artists, and crafts persons in advancing and marketing their products at such sites. The resolution further encourages citizens and visitors alike to explore and frequent the many park destinations throughout the State, and further support New Jersey farmers, bakers, and creative artists by purchasing the products and goods promoted and offered at such sites.
Travel and tourism destinations in New Jersey play an essential role in attracting visitors to the State and introducing visitors to local businesses, such as those featuring the products created by artists and the crops and baked goods yielded and produced by farmers. Through tourism, the State can advance the market for commodities sold by local artists and farmers by featuring and marketing such products to visitors in gift shops operated within State parks. Such shops offer visitors a chance to purchase local foods, artwork and other gifts, thereby allowing visitors to return home and further appreciate and enjoy, and share, the creativity and craftsmanship of artists in the State and the quality of Jersey Fresh produce and Jersey Grown plants. Jointly cultivating the agricultural and cultural heritage in the State, by encouraging visitors to explore the natural resources within the State in concert with providing opportunities for visitors to buy local products from the State's skilled and creative workforce, will better support local artists, farms, and businesses.
