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In recognition of ‘Start-Up Day Across America,’ Rep Frank Pallone Jr. [D-Long Branch] visited Asbury Park’s Cowerks Tuesday afternoon during its lunch and learn event.

“In today’s 21^st century economy, startup companies are a driving force for American job creation,” Pallone said. “I am especially pleased that Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore are shining examples of that success.”

Pallone is the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues affecting startup businesses. Today, half of the state’s jobs are supplied by 800,000 small businesses, he said.

“Cowerks seemed like the best place for me [to spotlight Startup Day],” Pallone said. “I just wanted to see what goes on. Obviously, we’d like to see more startups and we’d like to see Asbury Park be a magnet for it.”

Founded in 2010, Cowerks has grown into a communal hub for entrepreneurs, programmers, designers, and tech enthusiasts. It’s over 200 regular members have access to office equipment and supplies but periodical educational and networking events.

On Tuesday, Jose Antunes, WithumSmith and Brown CPA, was on hand to offer advice and guidance to those who were working from the 3^rd-floor Lake Avenue space.

“I do this once a month to every 6 weeks,” Antunes [at right] said. “Asbury Park is just booming and to be part of such a great location is great.”

Located on the 3^rd floor of the Lake House building on Lake Avenue, Cowerks is set to grow by year’s end, cofounder Bret Morgan said. Their private office spaces and communal work hubs will expand into the entire third floor and they will open a second location nearby.

The expansion will allow for the opportunity to offer a larger makers space, complete with 3-D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters for industrial artists.

“We’re trying to tie in the tech to the artisan community,” Morgan [at right] said.

Also on the cusp of expansion is entrepreneur Holly Migliaccio, Rook Coffee cofounder.

Migliaccio told Pallone she is set to expand her 5½ year-old business by early next year.

Migliacco, whose work shirts with their trademark logo are supplied through Cowerks, said a ninth location will open in Monmouth Medical Center and they will expand their roastery space.

“It’s been a little bit of an American dream,” she told Pallone.

‘Start Up Day Across America’ is a bipartisan effort to raise awareness about the important economic role start-ups play, Pallone said. His goal was to learn about the challenges they are facing.

“I thank Cowerks for the opportunity to visit and for their work supporting the growth of tech start-ups and the young entrepreneurs creating these new jobs,” Pallone said. “In Congress, we must recognize the importance of this emerging sector of the economy and craft policy that addresses the challenges they face.”

For more information about Cowerks and its programs, visit their website or the following:

[Feature photo courtesy of Gregory Edgerton of HumbleHumans]

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