Haddonfield retail retention gets a new face

The Partnership for Haddonfield has found a replacement for former retail coordinator Lisa Hurd, who left the borough earlier this year after finding a fulltime job in Pennsylvania.

The PFH approved the hiring of Remi Fortunato, who will serve as the organization’s new retail recruiter. As the recruiter for downtown Haddonfield, Fortunato will be responsible for identifying and recruiting retailers to enhance the downtown shopping experience.

Fortunato will also be responsible for business retention as well as communicating between prospective retailers, landlords and Borough of Haddonfield departments to match new retailers with appropriate retail spaces.

The position is part time, with Fortunato working 21-hours a week and being paid a $30,000 salary.

“We are excited to welcome Remi to the Partnership and tapping into her extensive business and entrepreneurial skills,” said Susan Hodges, Esq., chairwoman for the Partnership for Haddonfield. “Her community involvements as a resident, and prior involvement in the downtown as a business owner, are invaluable assets to the recruitment position — and we look forward to great results from her efforts on the partnership’s behalf.”

Fortunato is a previous owner of Remi’s Cafe in downtown Haddonfield, which opened in 1991 and stayed open for the next 11 years. She earned her B.A. from Farleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, N.J. in Business Management. She resides in Haddonfield with her family.

Fortunato began her career on Wall Street upon graduating college. Fortunato was a member of the Haddonfield Business Association from 1991 to 2002, a member of the Haddonfield Newcomers Club from 2001 to 2004, a part of the Steering Committee at the St. Pius X Parish — Mothers of Preschoolers from 2001 to 2007, and a longtime and frequent supporter of many local charitable efforts and events.

“I have a history and a love for Haddonfield from being a business owner here for 12 years and as a resident. From having a business and networking, I think I have my finger on the button and can help out downtown,” she said.

Fortunato said she will begin introducing herself to business owners downtown this week.

The Partnership for Haddonfield is the management corporation for Haddonfield’s Business Improvement District. The ordinance that created the district was adopted on Feb. 10, 2004 to encourage self-help and self-financing programs within the business community; enhance the commercial viability and attractiveness of the business district; and promote growth and employment within the Borough of Haddonfield.

For more information about the Partnership for Haddonfield and the town of Haddonfield, visit www.haddonfieldnj.org or call 429–4700 ext. 326.