JEFF HAAG – FOUNDER AND MANAGER OF MORRISTOWN ORDER OUT TWICE A WEEK STIMULUS PLAN

Early into the COVID-19 crisis, Morris Township resident and Morris School District parent, Jeff Haag, came to the realization that this was not going to be a short-term situation. As he worked from home for Novartis, there were no sporting events on TV, no activities to bring his children to and nowhere to meet friends and family. With his wife, Andrea, a Nurse Practitioner at Morris View Healthcare Systems and former ER RN at Morristown Memorial and many of their friends in the healthcare industry he felt he needed to do something.

Thinking of who were some of the most vulnerable groups of this never-before-experienced pandemic, restaurants immediately came to his mind. They are one of the attractions that bring people to our amazing community. We celebrate many significant events that take place in our lives with the owners, managers, hostesses, waiters, waitresses and bartenders at these establishments. From a night out with friends to family celebrations, restaurants help make wonderful memories during important times in our lives.

Jeff had an idea. If everyone in the surrounding area would commit to ordering out two times a week, the community may be able to help this industry stay afloat. From that, Jeff created the Facebook group,  Morristown Order Out Twice a Week Stimulus Plan. He invited 46 people and asked them to share the link to everyone they know and within three days 1,000 people joined the group. Restaurants started posting specials, hours and menus. Supporters started posting positive reviews with photos.

The group continued to gain momentum and Jeff took notice of one incredibly active and vested member, Melissa Spiotta, 1985 MHS Alumna. A huge supporter of the community, Jeff asked her to help manage the group and she jumped into action without any delay. A few days later, 3,000 members joined the group, of which the majority of were restaurants engaging in a new way with customers and vice versa.

Around this time, Jeff connected with those involved in Morristown Partnership, Downtown Morristown's business community. It was apparent that other small businesses in our area needed support as well, therefore he encouraged the community to support these businesses as well through gift certificates, online shopping, reviews and more as the indoor shopping and dining restrictions were in effect.

With over 6,000 members of the group, an average of 80 posts are shared per day to assist our local businesses. Jeff and Melissa continue to manage the page with the goal to shift the focus on increasing traffic back into the small businesses when indoor dining is allowed as that is a key element in what makes this area such a special place. It may be difficult, but with support from restaurants, small businesses and of course the community, they are confident there will be a resurgence to the area.

“The most amazing thing I have learned from this is that we live in an amazing community, which is not limited to just Morristown or Morris Township," said Jeff Haag. "The surrounding areas have all shown what NJ Strong is all about. The Morristown Facebook group has led to numerous other groups in Morris Plains, Hanover Township, Ewing NJ. There is even one in New Mexico! It’s been really uplifting and impressive to see.” 

When Jeff isn’t managing the Facebook page, he works as a Director at Novartis managing the Web, Social, Mobile Center of Excellence for the Americas, and is a volunteer soccer and baseball coach.

He is also a proud father of three children attending schools in the local school system; Marco (4 yrs old in pre-school), Sebastian (7 yrs old – Alfred Vail) and Alexander (9 yrs old – Sussex Avenue).

Jeff is one of many who selflessly stepped up during this challenging time. Stay tuned for more spotlights on our amazing community!