Middlesex County is starting to play matchmaker, which officials hope will mean a marriage of vacant warehouse space with the emerging green technology sector in the area near N.J. Turnpike Exit 8A.

   A new county committee has been formed to match manufacturers of energy-efficient and sustainable products with vacant warehouses, which could bring business into South Brunswick.

   ”Our goal is to actively pursue as many economic opportunities as we can by creating green jobs and boosting the economy,” said Freeholder H. James Polos. “Middlesex County is in position right now to take the lead and help our communities attract new business opportunities.”

   The Middlesex County Green Economic Development Zone Committee was established to study the economic value in creating “green” zones, with hopes of bringing burgeoning green technology companies into the county, according to Mr. Polos.

   A team of local, county and state officials and representatives from the corporate and academic sectors met in late May to lay the groundwork for attracting these companies to the area in order to boost economic growth and create jobs.

   The plan could be a boon to the area around Exit 8A of the Turnpike, according to Mr. Polos, which “is an ideal location whose available space is conducive for certain types of assembly and manufacturing positions,” he said. “With large amounts of vacant warehouse space throughout this county, we can’t afford to wait for the federal government to start creating jobs for our residents. We’re at a critical point and it’s incumbent upon us to create good paying jobs by putting together the right resources.”

   Subcommittees were formed so study business and site identification, education and curriculum, and, perhaps most importantly, funding and financing that includes government grants and incentives available to companies.

   ”What’s unique is the partnerships we’ve created,” Mr. Polos said. “We have the right people at the table to identify potential new businesses and companies to bring into the county and the right people at the table to put together financial packages and incentives to attract these businesses.”

   Mr. Polos said time is of the essence. He said a solar-panel manufacturer already is looking to base itself in New Jersey and “places like Vineland are actively pursuing the same lead by providing incentives to attract them there.”

   ”I know there are other communities actively pursuing economic development opportunities,” he said. “We have to be more attractive as a county for these companies with a focus on green development.”

   Attracting green technology is important as a component of Gov. Jon Corzine’s energy plan, which calls for reducing energy consumption by 20 percent over the next decade while also generating 30 percent of the state’s electricity needs from renewable resources by 2020.

   Monroe officials lauded the plan and the work Mr. Polos has done for Middlesex County.

   ”Freeholder Polos has been at the forefront of many creative ideas and concepts in the area of green and solar energy,” said Monroe Mayor Richard Pucci. “What it looks like to us here in Monroe, is that if there are properties that lay vacant then we have concerns from a tax rateable and employment viewpoint. Whatever programs that are put forth that bring business to the area we would support. The whole concept of green energy and solar energy is the wave of the future and I think Middlesex County can play a vital role.”

   South Brunswick officials have begun to make moves toward green energy to reduce the utility cost on municipal buildings and applauded the move to attract such companies to the county.

   ”In the long run, we all have to become more energy efficient and this is a big step toward that,” said Councilman Joseph Camarota. “As we move forward, if you can mitigate utilities and reduce costs, then that’s a big plus. In addition, anything that can make it more attractive for businesses to save money and create a more business-friendly environment here we would support.”

   Mr. Polos said the committee would dedicate itself to expanding the job market in the county, which could lead to opportunities for other businesses as well.

   ”By virtue of our efforts we will uncover other businesses that may not be green in nature but are still interested in basing in our communities,” he said. “We will not ignore them. We will attract and assist them to bring them into the county. South Brunswick can anticipate other job opportunities to appear and we will aggressively pursue them.”