VERNON, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Mountain Creek in Sussex County to welcome visitors to Northwestern New Jersey heading to the ski lifts — as a part of his “Josh on the Job” tour across the Fifth District to promote small businesses and tourism in the Greater Highlands region. 

Gottheimer also toured the Mountain Creek facility and met with employees to discuss steps to boost job creation and to ensure North Jersey businesses can grow and thrive. 

Gottheimer has been working with small business owners, farmers, growers, and local officials as a part of his Tourism Task Force to help boost ecotourism to Sussex and Warren Counties.

Mountain Creek Resort employs more than 2,000 people each year and attracts nearly 700,000 visitors to the property annually. Sussex County had 2.2 million visitors in 2020, with more than $340 million spent on Sussex County lodging, food, retail, recreation, and transportation.

“Mountain Creek is a vital part of the Sussex County and Greater Highlands eco-economy, and I want to thank CEO Joe Hession for having me here to help out. Mountain Creek is a spectacular destination for families and a great job producer in Northwestern New Jersey, and a perfect example of all the Greater Highlands has to offer. I was proud to get the chance to help out and learn the ropes from the ski lift operators and great staff who make sure everyone stays safe,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Businesses like Mountain Creek are critical to boosting eco-tourism across North Jersey, creating jobs, and supporting our local economy.”

In December 2021, Gottheimer honored Mountain Creek’s CEO, Joe Hession, as a Hometown Hero for partnering with the Chill Foundation to help youth with a positive development program through outdoor activities. Hession has also helped donate $50,000 to fight the opioid crisis, helped more than 55 small businesses get PPP loans throughout the pandemic, and helped start the Joseph P. Hession Foundation, a nonprofit that increases awareness and education related to drug and alcohol addiction.

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