The basics:
- CCM unveils $12M Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science in Randolph
- Facility funded by $7.3M from New Jersey and $4.6M from Morris County.
- Center offers culinary, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and business programs.
- Hands-on training, mentorship, and workforce development support local economic growth.
County College of Morris held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 5 for the new Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science at its Randolph campus. The nearly $12 million project aims to expand culinary education, business training and workforce development.
The facility was funded through $7.3 million from the State of New Jersey and $4.6 million from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. CCM developed the project in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce as well as industry leaders. The center will provide hands-on training in culinary arts, hospitality, entrepreneurship and business development.
It houses the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey. The hub features a state-of-the-art baking kitchen designed to mirror professional culinary environments. Officials said the programs will prepare students for careers as chefs, hospitality leaders and entrepreneurs, while also supporting small business creation.
Celebrating and supporting innovation
The entrepreneurship center is designed to support innovators and business creators at every stage. It spans certificate programs, associate degrees and workforce training.
Students and entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship, industry expertise and practical business tools to help guide ventures from concept to launch and growth.
CCM is also working with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce to develop programming. Examples include a speaker series connecting entrepreneurs with industry leaders and founders.
The Thursday ceremony drew a range of business, government and community leaders, including county officials, local mayors and state legislators. Internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur David Burke delivered the keynote address. The event also recognized a donation from Tom and Donna Pepe. The college unveiled the Tom & Donna Pepe Pavilion, a new event space housed within the facility.
“This education will prepare students not just to get jobs, but to open restaurants, launch companies, lead hospitality teams and serve up the next generation of innovators, chefs and businesses right here in Morris County,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “Investments like this strengthen our workforce, support entrepreneurship and help ensure Morris County remains a hub for opportunity and economic growth.”
Connecting with industry
$12.8 billion
That’s how much New Jersey community colleges contribute to the state economy, according to a new report. Keep reading.
“Students at CCM don’t just receive an extraordinary education, they gain real insight from world-class leaders working in their fields,” said Anthony Iacono, president, CCM. “That kind of experience prepares them for opportunity and helps ensure our workforce remains strong and competitive.
“By connecting CCM with industry, we are strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial landscape and driving sustainable economic development in Morris County.”
Said Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, “Innovations like the one we celebrate here today are why New Jersey’s community colleges are having a $12.8 million impact on the state’s economy.
“Community colleges support 135,000 jobs across the state because of the investments that are made in the system.”
Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, represents the Morris County region. He said that good things are always happening at CCM.
“The opportunities that students have here at County College of Morris are ones they often don’t get at four-year universities … to launch into career paths,” said Bucco. “That’s what it’s all about.”
“People can work here affordably and go to school here and get good jobs. Twenty-five years from now, the best restaurants in the state will be in Morris County because of this culinary school at CCM,” said Burke.
Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, said, “This new space represents opportunity and provides space for collaboration, it’s vital to the future of our county and regional economy.”
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