Botox makers and 'Real Housewives of N.J.' cast could partner

BY PAM LOBLEY

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

NOW THAT’S FUNNY

Governor Christie has made an aggressive bid to get Allergan, the pharmaceutical company and maker of Botox, to build their new facility in New Jersey. He has promised them a grant of $17 million over a 10-year period if they do so, and says it will create 400 jobs in the Garden State.

When he mentioned this to Kim Guadagno, his Lieutenant Governor, she was surprised. Well, she said she was surprised. It was hard to tell, because she couldn’t raise her eyebrows.

Governor Christie has said that creating good paying, sustainable jobs in New Jersey is the number one priority of his administration. He feels very emotional about it, but he keeps a stiff upper lip.

New Jersey, at one time home to many pharmaceutical companies, has been shedding those jobs because companies have downsized. Christie wants to turn that around … you could say he wants to turn back to the years to younger, healthier time.

There are still a couple of wrinkles to smooth out – the grant must be approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and there is word that Pennsylvania is also prepared to make Allergan a very good offer. But here’s where New Jersey comes forth as the obvious better choice.

The cast of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" could act as Allergan’s clients and promoters. There could be an entire episode in which the wives shout and curse at each other while remaining totally expressionless. I’d tune in for that. Snooki, as soon as her tan has faded and her skin has puckered, will be a regular customer. In fact, Allergan could just set up a branch at a Seaside Heights bar, dispensing free injections with every Frozen Margarita.

New Jersey businesses could certainly use a shot in the arm, or in this case, the face. As our own Frank Sinatra would say “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

Pam Lobley writes the “Now That’s Funny” column. Follow her on Twitter @plobley.