SPOTLIGHT Green for Greens Small business Kearny-based Bowery is newcomer to indoor farmin. Page 4 Page 23

Raising a glass, The music man lifting a brand Santelli thrilled to Cobalt’s move to buy famed bring Grammy Museum Scotch Whiskey to Newark paying o‰ Page 12 ® Page 10 njbiz.com MAY 1, 2017 $2.00 Experts say Marino’s pay is in line with the industry Horizon CEO’s $4.5M total YOU CAN has been targeted by Christie BY ANJALEE KHEMLANI

At an economic forum last week, Gov. Chris Chris- GO HOME tie told the crowd he would introduce legislation that would add more government appointees to the board of the state’s largest insurer. Christie also took an op- AGAIN portunity to criticize the sal- INSIDE For DeMetropolis and ary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Christie Shield of New Jersey’s chair- again her team at J.P. Morgan, man and CEO, Robert Marino. attacks a New Jersey location NJBIZ learned through a Horizon, is proving its worth public records request that Ma- proposes in numerous ways rino made $4.5 million in 2016, reform bill. including salary and bonuses. PAGE 14 PAGE 16 Experts quickly hit back at Christie by saying the number was not out of line with Horizon’s size. The insurer has more than 3.8 million covered lives, or about half the state’s population. Alan Johnson, of New York-based Johnson Associates, said the number may be big “in the real world … but it’s not unreasonable.” “With the mess New Jersey is in, we need someone who is good; if he’s good, he’s worth it,” Johnson said of Marino. “It’s really a political issue. “If (Christie) complained that Horizon is inef- ficient or wasting money, then hey, it’s a legitimate claim. But saying, ‘Gee, he should make a lot less because he won’t give me $300 million’ … the gov- ernor has no credibility on this stuff.” Steve Forbes, who, in editorials, has recently weighed in on the issue of Christie attacking Hori- zon, told NJBIZ that Christie is out of line. “Horizon is not a big Blue Cross Blue Shield See MARINO on page 15

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MAILING ADDRESS NJBIZ, 220 DAVIDSON AVE., SUITE 302 SOMERSET, NJ 08873 BRIEFS PHONE (732) 246-7677 Amazon announces three more FAX: EDITORIAL (732) 846-0421 BD paying $24B FAX: ADVERTISING (732) 249-8952 for C.R. Bard FAX: OPERATIONS (732) 846-0421 N.J. facilities, 2,500 new jobs SUBSCRIPTIONS (866) 288-7699 Medical technology compa- REPRINTS For licensing, reprints, e-prints ny BD is acquiring C.R. Bard Inc. and plaques, email reprints@journalmultimedia. s Amazon formally opened the doors last for approximately $24 billion, com. Authorization to photocopy articles for month to its largest New Jersey-based ful- the two New Jersey companies internal corporate or instructional use may be obtained from the Copyright A llment center, in Carteret, the Seattle- announced recently. Clearance Center at (978) 750-8400. based e-commerce giant also announced plans to BD, the Franklin Lakes- For photos, please see njbiz.com/photos open another three sites in the Garden State that based firm also known as Bec- call for the creation of more than 2,500 additional ton, Dickinson & Co., will pay ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER full-time jobs. $317 a share for Bard, a Murray Thomas Hughes [email protected] The new fulfillment centers will be in Logan Hill-based medical tech firm, BUSINESS OPERATIONS Township, Edison and Cranbury. under a definitive agreement. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS The newly opened 1 million-square-foot Cart- Both companies’ boards have Christopher DeCellio [email protected] eret facility, which was visited in April by Gov. Chris approved the deal that would see DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Christie, houses over 2,000 employees and will Bard shareholders get $222.93 in Tom Bergeron [email protected] serve as a main hub for the company’s shipping cash and 0.5077 of a share of BD BUSINESS MANAGER needs throughout the region. stock for each Bard share. AnnMarie Karczmit [email protected] While the planned 1 million-square-foot Logan “Combining with Bard will

ADVERTISING Township and 900,000-square-foot Cranbury loca- accelerate our ability to offer SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE tions will be used to pick, pack and ship larger cus- more comprehensive, clinically Penelope Spencer [email protected] tomer orders like furniture and music equipment, relevant solutions to customers ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Amazon says the 900,000-square-foot Edison site and patients around the globe, Susan Alexander [email protected] will focus on smaller items, like books and toys. creating a strong partner for Liz Dwyer [email protected] Amazon already has one facility in Logan health care providers who are Kirsten Rasky [email protected] Township. increasingly focused on deliver- Damon Riccio [email protected] “We applaud Amazon for investing in several ing better outcomes at a lower Frank Scancarella [email protected] expansions throughout New Jersey and for creat- total cost,” BD Chairman and Joanne White [email protected] ing greater opportunities for our high-quality work- Amazon will add three more fulfillment centers in New Jersey, it CEO Vince Forlenza said in a Barry Young [email protected] force,” said Christie. “Today’s great news is no acci- announced.  AARON HOUSTON prepared statement. “Our two MARKETING MANAGER dent or coincidence. Over the last seven-plus years, purpose-driven organizations Ali Brush [email protected] my administration has lowered a variety of taxes, full-time employees spread across sites in Robbins- are well-aligned strategically, improved New Jersey’s business climate, increased ville, Avenel, Florence, Carteret and Logan Township. sharing a strong track record of EDITORIAL the number of well-paying jobs and grown the over- “Our ability to expand in New Jersey is the re- performance and a deep com- EDITOR all economy. Amazon’s action should encourage sult of two things: incredible customers and an out- mitment to addressing unmet Tom Bergeron [email protected] even more employers to benefit from all New Jersey standing workforce,” said Amazon Vice President of needs in today’s challenging MANAGING EDITOR has to offer.” North American Operations Akash Chauhan. “We health care environment. Eric Strauss [email protected] Since first announcing its plans in 2012 to open are excited to continue growing by creating an addi- “We expect the transaction to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR distribution warehouses in New Jersey, the compa- tional 2,500 full-time roles at new fulfillment centers contribute meaningfully to BD’s Anjalee Khemlani [email protected] ny’s state-based workforce has grown to over 13,000 across the state.” — Andrew George plans for revenue growth and Health Care margin expansion, and generate WEB EDITOR/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR outstanding value both near- and Emily Bader [email protected] long-term for shareholders. I STAFF WRITERS Meg Fry [email protected] 8 added to state chamber board of directors am excited to welcome Bard’s Food and Beverage/Women in Business/ talented employees to our strong Manufacturing/Retail he New Jersey Chamber of Commerce elected • Robert Garrett, co-CEO, Hackensack Meridian and dedicated team as we bring Andrew George [email protected] Teight new members to its board of directors re- Health Network. together two companies with State House correspondent cently. • Debbie Hart, founding CEO and president, such complementary capabilities, Brett Johnson [email protected] Spotlight Chamber CEO and President Tom Bracken BioNJ. values and strong reputations for Mario Marroquin [email protected] said the group represents a wide range of industries, • Richard Hoefling, vice president, Newark Hub, delivering superior results.” Real Estate services, nonprofits and advocacy organizations. United. At the close of the transac- CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER “We welcome these respected leaders to the • Ronald Ladell, senior vice president, AvalonBay tion, scheduled for fall of this Aaron Houston [email protected] New Jersey Chamber of Commerce board of direc- Communities. year, Bard shareholders would RESEARCHER tors,” Bracken said. “Each of them brings a wealth of • Brian Molloy, president and managing director, own about 15 percent of the Jessica Perry [email protected] business experience that will strengthen our board Wilentz. combined company. The deal and help us achieve our goal of growing New Jer- • Joseph Roth, CEO and president, New Jersey involves $1.7 billion in cash from EVENTS sey’s economy and making the state more afford- Organ and Tissue Sharing Network. BD, as well as about $10 billion EVENTS DIRECTOR able for everyone.” Bracken said the board of directors provides in new debt and $4.5 billion in Wendy Berg [email protected] The new members of the board: the guidance necessary for the New Jersey Chamber equity and equity-linked securi- EVENTS COORDINATOR • Mike Bukowski, plant manager, Bayway Refin- to promote a vibrant business climate throughout ties. Bard shareholders will Anna Acquaviva [email protected] ery, Philips 66. the state and to develop proactive solutions that will receive about $8 billion in BD • Thomas Comiskey, regional president, solve the challenges facing New Jersey’s business common stock as well. M&T Bank. community. — NJBIZ Staff — Eric Strauss

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2 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com BUSINESS AROUND THE STATE

30 from New Jersey are The 30 New Jersey finalists Joseph Andreula, CKO Kickboxing Two N.J. colleges among finalists for EY award Abby Ayoub, Optical Academy hirty New Jersey businesspeople were Jarrett Bauer, Health Recovery Solutions announced as nalists in the New Jersey Steven Denholtz and Stephen Cassidy, Denholtz Top 15 on best values list T Associates region for the 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Giri Devanur, Ameri100 Year awards. hen it comes to colleges with the best Frank Dombroski, FlexWage Solutions LLC The awards, now in their 31st year, take return on investment, parents and pol- The list John Fornazor Sr., Fornazor International Inc. W place in over 145 cities in 60 countries around icymakers are all trying to get the best bang Here are the Top 15 colleges in New Jersey (note that John Fraher, Adare Pharmaceuticals the world. Each year, EY honors nominees for for their buck. in-state and out-of-state tuition play a big part): Ronald Gaboury, Yorktel 1. Stevens Institute of Technology (private) their initiative to transform markets and in- It turns out two New Jersey universities Dr. John Gallucci Jr., JAG Physical Therapy 2. Princeton University (private) dustries, as well as their contributions to their have scored high on PayScale’s 2017 College Tuvya Greisman, Modway Inc. 3. New Jersey Institute of Technology (in-state) communities through job creation and innova- ROI Report: Best Value Colleges list, focused Jason Grenfell-Gardner, Teligent, Inc. 4. New Jersey Institute of Technology (out-of- tion. on a 20-year net return on investment. The Sonny Jumani, Tulfra Realty state) One of the finalists will be named the New list also factors in financial aid, the difference 5. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Steven Klosk, Cambrex Jersey winner at a gala June 29 at the Hyatt Re- between in-state and out-of-state tuition and Jersey (in-state) Tony Lesenskyj, LMT Mercer Group Inc. gency in New Brunswick. The winner will then more to rank more than 1,500 private and 6. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Darren Magarro, The DSM Group be eligible for awards in several national cat- public institutions nationwide. Jersey (out-of-state) egories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur of the Carl Mazzanti, eMazzanti Technologies Twenty-year net ROI is defined by Pay- 7. Rutgers University – Newark (in-state) Year Overall National Award, which will be an- Jim McGivern, Sigma Corp. scale as the difference between 20-year medi- 8. Felician College (private) nounced Nov. 18. Abdul Naushad, PayCommerce Inc. an pay for a bachelor’s graduate and 24-year 9. The College of New Jersey (in-state) The finalists were selected by an indepen- Dana Pollack, Dana’s Bakery median pay for a high school graduate minus 10. Rutgers University – Newark (out-of-state) 11. The College of New Jersey (out-of-state) dent panel of judges. Jaime Raskulinecz, Next Generation TS LLC total four year cost. The cost utilized is the to- 12. Montclair State University (in-state) One award already has been determined. Jay Ruparel, Azure Knowledge Corp. tal cost for a graduate. 13. Seton Hall University (private) Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Devel- Todd Schobel, STOPit Stevens Institute of Technology came Neal Schuman, Schuman Cheese 14. Montclair State University (out-of-state) opment, will be the recipient of the Entrepre- in at No. 12 overall on the list and No. 1 in New 15. Rutgers University – Camden (in-state) neur of the Year 2017 Visionary Award for his Panna Sharma, Cancer Genetics Inc. Jersey, with a 20-year net ROI of $800,000. collaborative efforts to identify a solution for Behshad Sheldon, Braeburn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Hoboken university has a total four-year the future of one of the country’s most celebrat- Richard Taketa, York Risk Services Group Inc. cost of approximately $244,000. total four-year cost is $231,000. It has a higher ed architecturally and historically significant Scott Tannen, Boll & Branch LLC Princeton University also ranked highly graduation rate than Stevens, at 97 percent, buildings, the iconic former Bell Labs facility in Raj Valli, Prazas Learning Inc. on the list, at No. 15 overall and No. 2 in New and students normally take four years to Holmdel. — NJBIZ Staff Josh Weiss, Teliapp Corp. Jersey, with a 20-year net ROI of $764,000. Its graduate. — Emily Bader

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www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 3 GREEN FOR GREENS Deck: Bowery, though a newcomer to indoor vertical farming, has won over some big-name backers for its Kearny operation

BY MEG FRY

“Go ahead and try it,” Irving Fain said, as he hand- ed out clippings of lemon sorrel and sweet kale under the bright white lights of the indoor vertical farm. “Try some more — it tastes like what greens are supposed to taste like!” That is, until the Willy Wonka of produce dished out a sample of wasabi arugula — a decep- tively tiny plant with a hearty kick. “The ability to control the environment allows us to mimic the most unique of climates, allowing us to grow things we normally wouldn’t be able to here,” Fain, co-founder and CEO of Bowery Farm- ing in Kearny, said. NJBIZ asked: Was the intense flavor a result of crossbreeding, additives or genetic modification? “Nope,” Fain said. “It’s simply the result of en- abling the natural plants to thrive and flourish in the healthiest of ecosystems.” Bowery, a modern farming startup launched in late February, already is growing more than 100 different varieties of crops, with a current focus on greens and herbs. “We make sure, at all times, that the plants are getting exactly what they need when they need it, whether that be nutrients, light, water, whatever help solve such problems in agriculture today: a Irving Fain, CEO and they need, from the moment we plant that seed to Now hiring vertical indoor farm. co-founder, Bowery, an the moment we harvest,” Fain said. Irving Fain, co-founder and CEO of Bowery Farming in Bowery was not the first to the industry, but indoor vertical farm in Kearny.  PHOTOS BY What Fain said he needed a few years ago was Kearny, said he spends a lot of time thinking about and Fain and his team were excited to join a group of AARON HOUSTON to change the world for the better. focusing on not only cultivating the company’s plants, global innovators seeking to address the issues. ••• but also its talent. “It’s great that there are people who are think- Fain began his career helping early stage com- “A business like ours really thrives on its people,” Fain ing about and focusing on the incredibly important By the panies raise capital as an investment banker for said. “And, at Bowery, we have a wide gamut of needs. problems of today that are only becoming more Citigroup before becoming the director of digital We are hiring in everything from marketing and opera- important tomorrow,” Fain said. numbers marketing and content for Clear Channel Online tions to agricultural science to software and mechanical For one thing, vertical indoor farms can grow 70% engineering.” 365 days of the year, independent of weather and and iHeartMedia. Fain then co-founded and was Percentage of Fain said the various schools, business programs and CEO of CrowdTwist, a venture-backed enterprise seasonality. the global water industries in New Jersey and New York are just a few software company in New York City. “Just being able to provide consistent, reliable, supply is currently of the reasons that have made Kearny a great place to “As I started to think about what it was I want- high-quality supplies of produce year-round is a consumed by start — and expand. ed to do next, I realized I have always been a big big deal, particularly in this area, when it’s obvi- agriculture believer in the innovation economy and our abil- “We can draw in talented people from so many di‰er- ously pretty hard to get anything fresh in the dead ity to solve difficult problems,” Fain said. “I wanted ent areas,” Fain said. “We’ve got a lot of open positions of winter,” Fain said. 700 million and even more coming.” to spend my time, and a company’s time, solving Vertical indoors farms also can successfully Pounds of issues and problems that mattered not only to me grow pesticide-free and non-GMO crops. pesticides are but also to society and the world that we live in.” “When crops are grown the same way in the used each year in Fain said he thought back on his childhood in billion people on this planet. field, yields tend to substantially plummet,” Fain the U.S. alone Providence, Rhode Island, where he and his family “What drove us to build Bowery was that, while said. “In our case, we actually grow a number of dif- consistently ate local produce from nearby farms those changes are happening, up to 80 percent of ferent crops more than twice as fast as the field; we 70 percent and purveyors. the population is going to be living in and around grow more crop cycles per year than the field; and Percentage of “I started to spend a lot of time thinking and cities after major moves towards urbanization,” we grow more yield per crop cycle.” how much more learning about agriculture,” he said. Fain said. “So I asked, how can we provide fresh Bowery said it does so while saving water. food will be There are plenty of complex issues to solve food to urban environments in a way that is both “We end up more than 100 times more pro- needed to feed when it comes to industrialized agriculture. more efficient and sustainable?” ductive than the same square footage of farmland 10 billion people by 2050 Seventy percent of the global water supply is ••• while saving 95 percent of the water,” Fain said. “We currently consumed by agriculture; 700 million Fain teamed up with co-founders Brian Falther, don’t use soil — we simply provide a place for the pounds of pesticides are used each year in the U.S. systems engineer, and David Golden, finance and seed to germinate and sprout while the roots them- alone; and by 2050, the world will need up to 70 business operations, in 2014 to help develop the selves float underneath the raft in nutrient-rich, percent more food in order to feed the nearly 10 technology and grow the right business that would purified water that is as healthy of an ecosystem as

4 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com you’d find in the healthiest of soils for these plants.” Lastly, vertical indoor farms often can deliver fresh produce within a day or two, compared to traditional produce, which of- ten takes weeks to get from the harvest to one’s plate. Bowery products are guaranteed to travel 10 miles or less. ••• Though Bowery joins a budding indus- try, there is one very good — and unique — reason why the company was able to raise $7.5 million in seed funding, includ- ing from angel investors such as Matt Sal- zberg, founder and CEO of Blue Apron; Sally Robling, chairman of Plated; Adam Eskin, founder and CEO of DigInn; and Tom Colicchio, famed New York City chef, restaurateur, author and judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” “Everything, from the LED lights to our irrigation, is controlled by the proprietary Bowery operating system and software,” Fain said. “That is essentially the brains of our farm.” A vast network of sensors inside the farm, according to Fain, takes in millions of points of data that have an impact on the health, quality, growth rates, yields and and special growing processes,” Fain said. A vast network even the flavors of the plants. “There is a lot of sophistication and effi- of sensors inside “We’ve also built a vision-based system ciency here that also enables us to limit our Bowery Farming takes in millions of that takes pictures of the plants and then labor requirement.” points of data that processes those photos through machine ••• have an impact on learning,” Fain said. “Those photos, plus Bowery currently employs 12 between the health, quality, our entire dataset, get processed through the farm in Kearny and its office in Manhat- growth rates, yields more machine learning algorithms. tan, making it financially viable for Bowery and even the fla- vors of the plants. “By monitoring and understand- to sell its packaged greens starting at $3.49. ing what’s happening with the plants — if “We initially started selling in Foragers plants don’t look as healthy as they should, Market in New York City, which is focused if they are not growing as quickly as they on high-quality local ingredients,” Fain could — that enables us to then make prop- said. “Then, about six months ago, Tom er changes in real time through automated Colicchio — one of the original farm-to- systems in the farm. table advocates and restaurateurs — tried “We even have the capacity to tweak our product. different variables in order to change flavor “He said, ‘I’ve tried a lot of indoor enthusiastic people are about what we are to other cities,” Fain said. “We are currently itself.” product in my lifetime and never have I had doing, and why we are doing it, and the working on our next farm now.” Falther, one of the brains behind anything that is this good, and that is good idea of bringing such fresh, high-quality While the location is yet to be dis- Bowery’s farming systems, spent nearly a as anything coming out of the field.’ ” product to cities where they live,” Fain said. closed, Bowery’s goal is certain. decade as a mechanical engineer in auto- Bowery product is now featured in That was very much the originating “We want to have Bowery Farms in motive manufacturing before turning his Colicchio’s restaurants, craft and Fowler idea behind the way Bowery designed its as many cities around this country and attention to indoor modern farming. & Wells, and also is sold in select Whole technology. around the world as we can,” Fain said. “We’ve built a lot of automated ro- Foods in the tri-state area. “We focused on making sure we had a Email to: [email protected] botics equipment in order to use specific “It’s been interesting just to see how model that was scalable and viable to move On Twitter: @MegFry3

®

www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 5 Staying mellow, for now Marijuana business advocates are dreaming of the future, knowing little will get done with Gov. Christie in office

BY MARIO MARROQUIN

Leaders of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association have all the facts and figures they feel they need to show that legalizing marijuana would be good for the state’s health — both physically, among ailing pa- tients, and financially. They also know this: Nothing is going to change as long as Gov. Chris Christie is in office. The group, however, is undeterred. It feels a wave of legalization is starting to come over the country. And it knows the clock is ticking on Christie’s administra- tion. “We’re not really thinking about Chris Christie changing his position, so, although there’s some fascinating things coming down the pipe that may happen sooner rather than later, we don’t expect much in terms of legislation with Chris Christie, so trial space into growing space for canna- retail products to begin to be sold in 2020. we have to look past that,” NJCBA Presi- bis due to the fact that outdoor cultivation Rudder feels that is an acceptable dent Scot Rudder said. may not be possible year-round. timeline for expansion the NJCBA, but “There’s four major candidates for “Most of the cannabis cultivation real said he will try to accelerate the pace of governor right now. … We’re talking with estate is in factories,” she said. “So, facto- the process. them directly, we’re talking with their cam- ries that were sitting idle, that have been At least one person in the crowd can’t paign staff directly. We want to make sure repurposed. wait. that they understand the science and the “We hear a lot about artificial inflation Michael Figler, an executive board facts behind what cannabis is and what (it) in the industry. If you go and do some re- member of the New Jersey CannaBusiness is not.” search on this, you’ll see that, all of a sud- Association, said he returned to New Jer- Rudder was speaking a recent forum, den, warehouse space has gone sky-high. sey from the West Coast to be able to take where he was joined by Dr. Marianne It’s not necessarily so. In some areas, abso- part in the industry. Bays, a cannabis industry analyst and lutely. In prime locations in cities like Las “I felt that I could come back to New consultant, neurologist Dr. Andrew Med- Gov. Chris Christie Ve g a s .” Jersey and truly contribute to the legisla- vedovsky, and Aaron Epstein, the general But, in general, Bays said artificial tion here and truly create a viable indus- manager and counsel for the Garden State Rudder admitted none of this could inflation of the spaces is not the case. Or- try,” He said. “Help create jobs, help create dispensary. happen without legislation. ganizations she has worked alongside in real tax revenue and actually create an in- The group talked of how the potential “Our job is to change the law,” he said. New York state and dustry that would opportunities in the cannabis industry — “Our job is to provide access to medica- Nevada also tend to really supplement provided adjustments to the current legis- tion. Our job is to let grownups make avoid a large initial “Our job is to provide the patients and lation are made in Trenton — may come grownup decisions. capital investment give them what to fruition. “We know the science and we know by rolling the cost of access to medication. they need, because Rudder applauded the work the cur- the facts, we know the statistics, our job the fit-out into rent. right now our ail- rent cannabis operators are doing in the is to educate the legislators that are go- The panelists Our job is to let grownups ments are not state, but acknowledged the need for an ing to be voting on future legislation and also mentioned opened anywhere expansion in the medical cannabis pro- educating the governor, whoever that may they expected sec- make grownup decisions.” near enough to the gram. be, making sure they understand the fact ondary industries, Scot Rudder public that it needs “We have about 11,000 patients reg- so we can expand the medical cannabis logistics, informa- to be. Epilepsy, istered in New Jersey, we have 9 million program.” tion and data sys- Parkinson’s, PSTD, people (in the state). That number should The group said it also needs to make it tems, banking and chronic pain, all of be dramatically higher,” he said. “Using clear this is about more than just medical legal services to be positively affected. these things can be helped by cannabis, population data, we have one dispensary or recreational needs. Bays said her tentative timeline for and they’re currently not allowed in our for every 1.78 million people. You go to Ar- Bays said the industry could be a new legislation expects cannabis to be legislation.” izona, it’s one dispensary for every 55,000 boost for real estate. She feels there may be expanded in early 2018, with applications Email to: [email protected] people.” an incentive for transforming old indus- for retail to be accepted by early 2019 and On Twitter: @Mars3Vega

6 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com resilient” often clash with the fact that tactics,”taxes. In JCP&L addition, spokesperson establishing Ron a one-timeMorano will reduce the number of tax filers, but be less impactful because businesses aren’t “whenever the lights go out, people get said.10 percent “There tax is ona real repatriation need for the of foreign project.” in- may impact charitable donations given the likely to make major changes if by doing so angry.”GRAPEVINE vestmentsA final willdecision also provide is now in an the incentive hands of to elimination of the state and local tax de- there might be adverse consequences in “These projects are about making thebusinesses,” judge, Cookson. the source said. “Eliminating duction, which unfortunately will create a the future when the code reverts back,” the theseWhat’s power with delivery Christie services tougher, the netLast investment Wednesday tax night of 3.8 was percent the final and larger tax on taxpayers from high-tax states source said. “We won’t really know until we stronger, more resistant to storm,” Christie publiceliminating hearing. the AMT will not only reduce such as New Jersey.” see it reduced to legislative language.” said.and the number 300? the taxAdditional burden butclosed-door provide some proceedings simplifi - Another source wasn’t as concerned Why“I exactly understand is Gov. that Chris people Christie don’t so like in- willcation follow to tax this reporting.” month before she offers her with the shape of the proposal, but rather, Grapevine reports onState the Sen. behind-the- Joe Kyrillos ittent in theiron the backyard, amount ofbut $300 they million? like the elec- recommendationBut not all of toit isthe good, Board especially of Public for how long it will be law. scenes buzz in the business(R-Middletown) community. is tricityIt’s in the their number house proposed when they for theturn State the Utilities.New Jersey. “If the tax cuts and other changes aren’t Contact Editor Tom Bergeron calling at for tomb@JCP&L to switch.House renovationsIt’s a balance, and everybody.” the number he is “Increasing E-mailthe standard to: [email protected] deduction permanent, 10 years or shorter, it’s going to njbiz.com. find a different route. seekingState from Sen. Horizon Joe Kyrillos Blue Cross(R-Middle- Blue On Twitter: @andrgeorge FILE PHOTO town)Shield isn’t of New on theJersey fence. to fight opioid addic- tion.Alongside State Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-RedIt’s Bank)also happens last fall, toKyrillos be the introduced minimum threenumber resolutions that would aimed be gained at blocking in taxes the if marijuana was legalizedconstruction in New of Jersey. the And the amount transmissioninvested by theline state’s and pension system, undercalled Christie’son state watch, and on the failed Revelfederal Casino regulatory & Hotel. bod- NJ's “Opioid addictionies to is help a serious formulate issue, a but I don’t know morewhat viablethe 300 alternative. is for. He loves that 300,” one insiderKyrillos said. chief of Commercial The insider alsostaff pointed Tom toPerry other serisays- Jennifer Beck ous health issues thethat state the has, senator like obesity re- mainsand a high“100 rate percent of autism. opposed” to the proj- Financing ect after“Why both is he public not spending hearings on and that?” “hopes the thatinsider JCP&L, asked, being adding, the good“He is company right to raise that theythe issue, are, recognizesbut I don’t knowthat and what goes he wantsback to$300 the million drawing for board other thanand tries it’s his to petaddress proj- Leader thee c t .”issues that they need to address with a TERM LOANS • CONSTRUCTION FINANCING lesserIt impactis also onan theissue community.” which Christie has LINES OF CREDIT • COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES beenLast tapped week’s to leadhearing nationally was an at example the fed- oferal “democracy level. in action,” Perry said. Most Recent Closed Transactions: “PeopleBut why camehe has out, chosen and it’sto insistalways on re- it allyin his good last to year, see andso many why residentshe is so intent fight foron $9.1 Million $8.4 Million $6.35 Million what$300 million,they believe is puzzling in,” Perry a few said. insiders. Purchase Money Mortgage Construction to Permanent Loan Commercial Mortgage Acquisition of a 103,000 square Development of a 48-unit Refinance of a medical office building OppositionAnother insider groups offered have anot possible proposed ex- foot office building multi-family property Mercer County Bergen County Middlesex County alternativeplanation. routes. But they have been able $ $ 21 Million to gather“It’s justpeople small who enough are against to get the through proj- $2.75 Million 16 Million Commercial Mortgage ect.(Legislature), and just large enough to get Commercial Loan Commercial Mortgage Refinance of a student housing project Development of a new children’s Refinance of a 150,000 square foot University City section of Philadelphia somethingShari Martini done,” the, who source said said. her Middle- day care center home improvement store anchored retail property $ town home would sit less than 100 feet Bergen County 10 Million Monmouth County $ Revolving Line of Credit fromTrump’s the proposed tax plan construction site, was 4.68 Million $ Finance inventory for a adamant in her opposition. Commercial Mortgage 19.4 Million transportation company Development of a 53-unit Construction to Camden County “My American dream has turned into multi-family property Permanent Loan Development of a 106-unit a nightmare that I can’t wake up from,” she Essex County multi-family property said. Union County

Robert Billings said that, while his Middletown home sits at least 2,500 feet For More Information Please Contact away from project, his toddler son’s school Deborah Scelzo Paul A. Heilmann Gordon Gorab would be a lot closer. Sr. Vice President / Commercial & Sr. Vice President / Commercial Sr. Vice President / Commercial Lending Industrial Lending Middle Market Manager “I love my son and I am considering Real Estate [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] having him go to a private school,” Billings (201) 599-7006 (201) 599-7076 (201) 794-5653 said. “I don’t want him that close to the powerPresident lines.” Donald Trump Middletown resident Theresa Glynn wasIn regard more tosuccinct: Donald “It Trump is absolutely’s tax plan, un- necessary,most experts unsafe want andto see unwanted the fine printin our of community.”the proposal (accountants are funny like that)And and last — of Wednesday’s course — what forum changes followed will abe similarly made to packed it. crowd at the first public hearingTwo on sources, the matter however, in January. were eager to 19-01 Route 208 North • Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 give JCP&Ltheir take. officials, despite the opposi- ColumbiaBankOnline.com tion, “Reducinghave pledged the to business move forward tax from — and 35 Visit one of the 46 full-service branches near you or call us today at continuedpercent to to15 notepercent what is athey major feel element is the (800) 522-4167 to speak with a Columbia Bank representative. mostof the important proposal; fact: it would A transmission reduce incen line- hastives to for be companies built. to recharacterize their domestic“This incomeis not about as foreign the rhetoric to avoid or scare U.S.

16CB_12Dec_PA_NJBIZ.indd 2 12/2/16 12:27 PM www.njbiz.com NJNJBIZBIZ AprilMay 3, 1, 2017 2017 117 DMG looks to fill Gold Coast condo need with new complex BY MARIO MARROQUIN “There is a lot of rental Seeing its opportunity in the condominium market, DMG Investments has revealed product coming into the plans for a 14-story, 200-condominium complex in Cliffside Park. Jersey Gold Coast, from One Park will include 25,000 square Jersey City all the way up to feet of amenity space, including a gym, pool, sauna and residents’ lounge. Fort Lee. But there is not a “DMG decided on Cliffside Park be- cause we saw it as an up-and-coming area lot of condo inventory.” that was really sound for investment,” Ben- - Benjamin Watson jamin Watson, vice president for market- A rendering of the One Park project in Cliffside Park.  DMG INVESTMENTS ing for DMG Investments, said. “The town has a suburban feel with access to Manhat- to Jersey City because more and more busi- Halstead Property Development York City and easy access to the local din- tan Midtown or Wall Street in less than 30 nesses are moving there or opening offices Marketing has been selected by DMG to ing and shopping scene in Cliffside Park and minutes.” there.” handle sales of the project. DMG Invest- along the waterfront’s River Road, One Park The company said it chose 320 Adol- He said One Park is ideal for residents ments said it is confident One Park targets will appeal to those looking for a dynamic, phus Ave. for two reasons in particular: Its seeking to own luxury product along the an unmet demand on the Gold Coast. convenient and amenity-rich lifestyle.” location, on the side of a cliff and close to Gold Coast, while enjoying the suburban “We’ve put together a great team, and Sales at One Park are slated to begin New York, and the need to meet an unmet feel Jersey City and Hoboken cannot offer. we believe our product is really going to be this summer. The project will be DMG’s demand for ownership on the Gold Coast. “We’re extremely convenient to all of positive and accepted by buyers who want first construction in New Jersey. Watson “There is a lot of rental product coming these areas,” He said. “Hoboken has a won- full-service luxury condominium product,” said the company is most active in Texas, into the Jersey Gold Coast, from Jersey City derful nightlife and dining scene. Jersey Watson said. “Similar product to what you Tennessee and Wisconsin, and has only all the way up to Fort Lee,” Watson said. City, there’s a lot of attractions there. So, would get in Manhattan, in Jersey City or been truly active in the New York metro “But there is not a lot of condo inventory. perhaps, for someone that wants to have along the water, but with a more calming, market for two years. In fact, there is an undersupply, especially access but not live in the heart of it, and serene, relaxed feeling. DMG Investments chose Architectura of affordable luxury, and more and more they like quieter, more of a neighborhood- “With a location atop the Palisades offer- to design One Park. people are moving up the Gold Coast and type of environment, they will be drawn to ing uninterrupted views of the Hudson River Email to: [email protected] using the ferry system or taking the light rail our project.” and Manhattan skyline, proximity to New On Twitter: @Mars3Vega POWER NETWORKING LUNCH & BUSINESS EXPO

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8 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com Portrait by renowned illustrator Joseph Adolphe.

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BY MEG FRY

Here are three things you need to know about Usquaebach Scotch whisky: • It is one of the oldest premium whiskies in the world, with a history dating back to 1700s; • It was once the go-to drink for none other than Sean Connery (could there be a better celebrity endorser?); • And it once was destined for the scrapheap of iconic brands of yesteryear. Sean Perry had other ideas. As someone who grew up in a family business built on im- Biz in Brief porting and exporting alcoholic COMPANY: Cobalt beverages, Perry sensed an op- Brands portunity when he created and HEADQUARTERS: became CEO of Cobalt Brands Englewood in Englewood in 2005. FOUNDED: 2005 After four years of wrangling REVENUE: Undis- with the owners of the brand — closed; sales over the owners who had stopped pro- last three years have ducing the product — Perry increased more than purchased Usquaebach and has 20 percent each year. helped start a resurgence. EMPLOYEES: 20 “This is not your everyday brand,” Perry said. “Few to no brands have the heritage and the quality that Usquaebach Scotch whisky does.” Sean Perry, CEO of Cobalt Brands, which owns Usquaebach whisky, began his career in 1998, working with his father, to create global markets for His belief — and his investment — in the historical various alcoholic brands.  AARON HOUSTON craft whisky has started to pay off. “Our sales over the last three years have increased more than 20 percent each year,” he said. “Our challenge ence in college, it was not what he envisioned it to be. from Gaelic as “the water of life” — has one of the longest now is to recapture the history.” “The internet era was just emerging, so, while it was an histories of any Scotch whisky. ••• exciting time to study computers, computers did not really ex- “I have done a lot of research into finding out what is Perry developed a passion for distribution at a young age. cite me,” he said. real about the brand and what is not,” Perry said. “There He began his career in 1998, working with his father, Issac Perry continued to stay involved in his father’s business. was always a lot of mystique and folklore surrounding it.” Perry, to create global markets for various alcoholic brands. “While I was putting out my resume, I also started trading Usquaebach Scotch whisky was first trademarked in There was just one catch: He was still in high school. in wines,” he said. “That was what really kept my attention.” 1877 by the spirits merchants Ross & Cameron in Scotland “My dad would take me to countries such as Japan and Years later, that attention turned to Usquaebach Scotch. before being passed to William Grigor & Sons in 1926. China and I would learn the business with him,” Perry said. ••• Then, in 1969, Stanley Stankiwicz, owner of the Amer- While Perry ultimately decided to study computer sci- Dating back to the 1700s, Usquaebach — translated ican company Twelve Stone Flagons Ltd., purchased the

10 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com trademark and distribution rights in order to travel the which retails for around $120. U.S. in a Winnebago promoting Usquaebach from re- Usquaebach also produces a “reserve” premium tailer to retailer, Perry said. blended Scotch whisky ($50), a 15-year blended malt “Stankiwicz got Usquaebach to the point that it be- ($90), and a cask-strength blended malt ($200). came Sean Connery’s go-to, must-have whiskey,” Perry Perry knows bringing an old brand back to life isn’t added. easy. In the early 1990s, however, Stankiwicz took a mis- That is especially so for Usquaebach, considering step by moving the product from its original blenders, the stature of those drinking it. Douglas Laing & Co., to mass-producer Whyte and “Our current consumers are typically in their 70s Mackay Ltd. and older,” Perry said. “They remember the brand from When Stankiwicz died in 2001, Whyte & Mackay when it was one of the only high-end whiskies available.” gained the rights but ceased production of Usquaebach, Perry’s goal now is for Usquaebach to impress as it competed with its other whisky brands. younger generations — a feat made easier by the “The company used whatever inventory was left strengthening whisky movement. over for competitions in order to win medals under their “Ten years ago, it was cosmopolitans and mojitos,” Cocktail trends name, but they essentially sought to bury the brand,” Perry said. “Now, it’s cool to drink whisky again.” Cobalt Brands in Englewood works mostly with smaller, specialty Perry said. Sales seem to bear that out. brands, Sean Perry, the CEO, said. Perry therefore created his own entity, Cobalt In 2015, for example, year-to-year growth in volume “We continue to look at acquisition opportunities in order to bring Brands, in 2005 to purchase the brand. for premium blended whisky in the U.S. was up 13 per- great products to the U.S.,” Perry said. “I fought for (a few) years to legally rescue it,” he cent. During the same period, growth for super premi- For example, Cobalt Brands is now the exclusive U.S. importer for said. um blended Scotch whisky was up 11 percent, according Malecon Rum, a handcrafted, traditional Cuban spirit available in Once Perry was successful, he immediately re- to the company. 10-year-, 12-year-, 18-year- and 25-year-old blends. turned Usquaebach production back over to the Laing Cobalt Brands is upping its Twitter, Facebook and “People do not yet understand what ‘real’ rum is,” Perry said. “This family in Scotland in order to be able to sell the brand Instagram presence in order to continue attracting is no Captain Morgan — Malecon Rum is one that serious whisky again in 2009. younger drinkers. and bourbon drinkers will enjoy.” ••• And, Perry plans to host small, experiential tast- Perry said he believes that aged rum is the next “trendy” liquor in Currently, more than 11,000 bottles of Usquaebach ings for up to only 50 people “who are really enthusiastic line. are produced annually for sale in more than 30 states about trying something new and interesting.” “Scotch is defi nitely a part of the conversation, but it’s simply cool and five markets worldwide. “I want Usquaebach to once again become a house- to drink bourbon now,” he said. “As prices increase and players Usquaebach’s most popular blend — served at the hold name,” he said. struggle to put quality products on the shelf, the trend will move on 1969 and 1989 Presidential Inaugural dinners, for exam- Email to: [email protected] to the next.” ple — is its “Old-Rare” Superior blended Scotch whisky, On Twitter: @MegFry3

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www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 11 Bob Santelli stands in the Prudential Center during construction of the Grammy The Museum Experience. - PATRICK music DODSON man Grammys’ Santelli, born in Newark, hopes bringing museum to city will be boon for entire region

BY ANJALEE KHEMLANI said. “Music doesn’t know state boundaries.” on “experience” — has been slowly moving eastward But it goes beyond that for the New Jersey native. after it launched in 2008 in Los Angeles, adding loca- Bob Santelli was born fewer than 10 miles from the “Newark is great music town, particularly in the tions in Mississippi (two hours south of Memphis) Prudential Center in Newark. world of jazz, but not just jazz,” he said. “The thought and Tennessee (in Nashville). Though he currently lives in Los Angeles, the of coming here — I had recognized coming here since Now, more than 8,000 square feet of musical founding executive director knew there was no bet- my family is still here; I’m a big (New Jersey) Devils merriment is on its way to opening to the public in ter place to “plant the flag” of the Grammy Museum fan — it seemed like this place was on the rebound Newark. Experience in the tri-state area. and on the mend. It’s always really cool to be part of Santelli, in town get an update on progress of the “I don’t really distinguish the difference between something that is coming up from the ground.” build, said he hopes to open the museum by this fall. New Jersey and New York when it comes to music,” he The Grammy Museum Experience — emphasis And while the museum will carry the weight

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12 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com of the Grammy brand, which should easily draw in tourists, Santelli said the focus is on Nod to the NYC neighbors providing an experience for the local Newark While Bob Santelli, the founding director community. of the Grammy Museum Experience, made It is why, when he was in Newark last a point to emphasize the coming attraction week, he was meeting with community and to Newark will have strong New Jersey ties, school officials to determine how to build he said he’s not completely ignoring the city next door. out the experience to make it something that continuously will be a worthwhile school “We intend to incorporate elements of New field trip. York City into this,” he said. “It is not just a Newark museum, or just a New Jersey Daniel Cherry III, the chief marketing museum, it’s (for the) tri-state area.” and innovation officer of the Prudential Cen- ter, said the new attraction is going to be an Santelli, for example, said the museum will draw hip-hop artists from the Bronx and reg- anchor. gae artists from Brooklyn. All artists, he said, The Mulberry Street-fronting space is will be part of the greater Grammy family. located near the Investors Bank tower and will be one of the first few sights for anyone walking toward the center from Newark Penn Daniel Cherry III, the chief marketing and innovation officer of the Prudential Center, looks over plans for the Station. the Grammy Museum Experience. - PATRICK DODSON In addition, he said, the location in And there is no doubt having the muse- downtown Newark makes it far easier to ac- um at the venue will open up opportunities there and offer the same opportunities to ru- displays. So if there is a blues experience in cess and more attractive than a mall — which to attract performances, as well as music lov- ral kids that urban kids have. Mississippi, it can be sent to Newark. are typically located in suburbia and have ers everywhere. “The Grammy Museum, as you will find “It’s promoting each other, sharing each been seeing decreasing foot traffic over the “This is not closed to just the rest of the out, is very education-driven.” other,” he said. ”And with each exhibit comes years. tri-state,” he said. “This is, we think, a destina- There will be an admission fee, but the a lesson plan and educational strategies and And the businesses in downtown New- tion for all those who love music. organization is working to defer that cost for initiatives.” ark, such as Audible, Prudential and Pana- “It doesn’t just happen to be in Newark, students. The education also will come from local sonic, add to the appeal of the location. that is critically important. Newark has a mu- The idea behind the experience is to ca- and famous artists and music team members Both Cherry and Santelli believe that, sic heritage. And because of the shadow over ter to a new generation of music lovers and — those behind the scenes, such as compos- above all, the location is going to become a the Hudson (River), people tend to gravitate create greater appreciation — basically, to ers and lyricists — providing lessons on how point of pride for the greater Newark com- over to one small island. The reality is, this build up the next generation of a music au- they do their jobs. munity. city was founded in 1666. It’s older than the dience, Santelli said. “Folks of all ages can interact,” Cherry E-mail to: [email protected] country, so the heritage here is greater. We With the loss of the arts in schools, and said. On Twitter: @anjkhem felt we could leverage that, tap into that, and a lack of experiencing music in most areas make it greater.” of the country, there are fewer people criti- Cherry said it will have a halo effect for cally appreciating the art form, he said. It’s a the center’s business and attract artists to the point many don’t connect to the brand. region. “Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, it’s the Grammy “If the Grammys chose the Prudential Awards,’ which is just one day a year,” he Center, how could they not?” he said. said. “The rest of the 364 days is about edu- Santelli said he is fully aware how big of a cation.” win this is for Newark, and the potential to be That means opening not just another one of the forces that pushes the city into an “look-but-don’t-touch” museum space. era of economic vitality. This museum, Santelli said, is going to “We have a history,” he said. “The first be interactive, and require hardware and time we stepped out of Los Angeles was into software parts that allow greater flexibility in the Mississippi Delta. Mississippi is one of refreshing the displays and “stations” every the, if not the, poorest states in the union. couple of years so it continues to be relevant There is so much music there, it is probably and interesting. It’s your career. the birthplace of American music, so there The dream, Santelli said, is to make MBA was a need for us to have a presence down each of the existing museums share their Master it. Advance your career at the Leon Hess Business We Build Business School, with optional concentrations in: INFO Accounting SESSIONS Reputations May 16 - Virtual Finance + 6:00pm Management Graduate and Hess scholarships June 14 are available for Marketing those who qualify! 6:30pm Real Estate Applications accepted Register today: monmouth.edu/MBA_NJ year-round! The Princeton Review “Best Business Schools” AACSB Accredited

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www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 13 Christie again attacks Horizon, proposes reform bill

BY ANDREW GEORGE Christie said the bill would require to something like this,” said Christie dur- called on the state’s largest insurer to set Horizon, which maintains nonprofit status ing scheduled remarks on the economy to aside $300 million from a surplus of over Gov. Chris Christie said last Thursday that in New Jersey, to publicly post salary and the Commerce and Industry Association $2 billion to fund programs for drug treat- legislation he feels is needed to reform Ho- bonus information for its employees on- of New Jersey at an event at Goya Foods in ment, which the governor added the com- rizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jer- line and also calls on the company to add Jersey City. pany seeks to deny coverage for “at every sey will soon be introduced and is current- four Legislature-appointed members to its It is the latest development in a run- turn.” ly “in the hands of legislative leadership as board. ning dispute between Horizon and Chris- Horizon has since repeatedly rebuked we speak.” “I don’t know who could be opposed tie, who earlier in the year unsuccessfully the governor, claiming that any raid on its reserves would likely result in the health care services it provides becoming more expensive. Christie said that, while he is not call- ing for Horizon to ditch its nonprofit sta- tus, he wants the company to be transpar- ent about how it uses its money if it aims to maintain it. “I just want reforms of a system that has run off the rails,” Christie said. In describing what he feels is a current lack of transparency at Horizon, Christie personally criticized company Chairman and CEO Robert Marino and other ex- ecutives for taking excessive bonuses and “hiding behind” paid in-house and private lobbyists, while at the same time taking advantage of its nonprofit status. Through a recent public records re- quest, NJBIZ obtained the salary of senior executives at Horizon, among other insur- ers. Marino made $4.5 million in 2016, in- cluding roughly $950,000 in salary, plus $3 million in bonuses, as well as other com- pensation. This, according to some experts, is not a big number for a company like Horizon. Alan Johnson, of New York-based Johnson Associates, said the number may be big “in the real world … but it’s not un- reasonable.” “With the mess New Jersey is in, we need someone who is good; if he’s good, he’s worth it,” Johnson said of Marino. “It’s really a political issue. If (Christie) complained that Horizon is inefficient or wasting money, then, hey, it’s a legitimate claim. But saying, ‘Gee, he should make a lot less because he won’t give me $300 mil- lion’ … the governor has no credibility on this stuff.” Steve Forbes, who, in editorials, has recently weighed in on the issue of Chris- tie attacking Horizon, told NJBIZ that the governor is out of line. “Horizon is not a big Blue Cross Blue Shield company, it’s just on the line,” Forbes said. “The compensation is not out of line for a business of that size. (Christie) is just trying to arouse public opinion. It’s a cheap shot. I don’t see him going after football players or baseball players. He’s not concerned about the company, he’s just trying to find a way to raid the com- pany.” See ATTACKS on page 15

14 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com MARINO hearing to determine whether any health Secaucus) said a bill would be a tough sell. Christie believes the bill will have sup- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 service corporation’s condition or operation “I’ve always said I will listen to ideas, es- port. do not breach its legal obligations to the pub- pecially those that improve transparency and “I am confident leaders of this Legisla- company, it’s just on the line,” Forbes said. lic, its subscribers or potential subscribers. It accountability, but I think it’s going to take ture will stand with me to protect and serve “The compensation is not out of line for a would also provide a means for New Jersey’s a very persuasive argument to convince the the people of New Jersey, no matter how business of that size. next governor and legislature to consider us- Assembly that the state should be taking Ho- many internal and external Horizon lobbyists “(Christie) is just trying to arouse public ing health service corporations’ surplus to ex- rizon’s funds, especially amid the dire health are deployed to Trenton, and no matter how opinion. It’s a cheap shot. I don’t see him go- pand access to affordable, quality health care care uncertainty in Washington,” Prieto said. much millionaire Horizon executives plead ing after football players or baseball players. for underserved people, including cancer “I would like to see the governor put as much for us to let them continue skate under the He’s not concerned about the company, he’s patients, military veterans and people with effort into saving the Affordable Care Act and radar,” he said. just trying to find a way to raid the company.” substance use disorders.” the benefits it brings to millions of New Jer- Email to: [email protected] By comparison, other New Jersey insur- Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D- seyans as he is targeting Horizon.” On Twitter: @AnjKhem ance executives’ pay varied based on their company size. The New Jersey president of UnitedHealthcare Oxford, Paul Marden, earned $204,000 in 2016, and national in- surer Aetna’s CEO, Mark Bertolini, earned Get $18.6 million last year. THE PERFECT PLACE TO PLAY AmeriHealth New Jersey, a subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross in Pennsyl- FOR YOUR NEXT vania, declined to provide financial infor- COMPANY FUNCTION! mation through the public records request INSIDEINSIDEINSIDE made through the state Department of Banking and Insurance. THE FUN! Christie also criticized Horizon’s in- house lobbyists and revenue from Medicaid, New Jersey’s and said the insurer is taking advantage of its LARGEST nonprofit status. INDOOR No bill draft was released last week, but Christie said in a statement he sent one to Ropes Course! the state Senate president, Assembly speak- er and minority leaders of both chambers. The proposed legislation, according to the statement, “authorizes the state Depart- ment of Banking and Insurance to conduct an inquiry, audit, investigation and public

ATTACKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Horizon also responded, noting that, in his seven years in office, the governor has never been this concerned with it. “Gov. Christie is attacking the com- pany for protecting our policyholders from a $300 million tax hike. Not once in the prior seven years has the governor raised any concern about Horizon’s publicly filed financial information, including executive compensation. Packing Horizon’s board with political appointees, jeopardizing the FOR WINNING CORPORATE EVENTS BOOK iPLAY AMERICA security of health insurance and taxing our AND GIVE YOUR TEAM A DAY OF FUN! 3.8 million members is wrong,” said Kevin McArdle, spokesman for Horizon. • Groups of 10 to 3,500 “Here’s the bottom line, everybody: • Corporate Events Book your corporate event now! Bob Marino works for you,” Christie said. • Team Building • Company Outings “Seamless from start to finish. Our two guides for Christie also chided the company • Professional Event Planners the day were fantastic. iPlay America was a great for the formation of a tax-exempt so- • Meeting Rooms place for our company to foster team building and cial welfare organization called “Hands • Employee Incentive Program engage employees in an exciting way.” Off Healthcare NJ,” which he says is run • Full Bar and Restaurant Johnson & Johnson Event Planner • New Brunswick, NJ by paid Washington, D.C.-based lobby- ists and set up to “oppose legislation that iPlayAmerica.com/CorporateGroups hasn’t even been introduced yet.” Nearly 4 acres of event space including VIP suites, banquet and meeting spaces, event center, trade show floor and MORE! “Here’s the bad news for Horizon,” Christie said. “Chris Christie’s hands aren’t going anywhere.” Deputy Managing Editor Anjalee 110 Schanck Road Freehold, NJ 732.577.8200 Khemlani contributed to this report. www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 15 “Our new location in Summit has been very rewarding for me and many of my em- ployees, who are so thrilled to be able to be home in time for dinner, bedtime stories and the great family bonding that should be hap- pening throughout the week and not just on weekends,” DeMetropolis said. “If my employees are happier in their personal lives, they are happier at work, too.” The move to Summit, however, is about more than just balance. Move to Summit DeMetropolis said the move is great for business, too. helps DeMetropolis “The company was incredible in their and J.P. Morgan’s strategic support and belief that we should be here, on this side of the river, this year,” N.J. team build their she said. “At the highest level, we wanted business — and their to invest in being in New Jersey for the long t e r m .” work-life balance That is why the company consolidated the office with 30 additional team members from its Morristown location, DeMetropo- lis said, and why there are plans to increase staffing by 25 percent in the next 18 months. “New Jersey, for us, is a real growth mar- HOMECOMING ket,” she said. ••• BY MEG FRY rather be. work in Summit, 10 minutes from her home DeMetropolis didn’t dream of rising to Alma DeMetropolis has worked in nearly DeMetropolis, managing director, se- in New Providence. the top of the banking world when she got two dozen cities on three continents in her nior investment specialist and market man- The location is a perfect match of work- out of college. 25-year career at JPMorgan Chase. ager for J.P. Morgan Private Bank in New Jer- life balance for her — and most of the 40 In fact, after graduating from Cornell Last November, she got to come home sey and president of the New Jersey Market people who came with her from their office University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree to New Jersey. And there’s no place she’d Leadership team, now has the opportunity to in New York City. in human development and family studies,

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16 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com DeMetropolis had planned to go to medical money 2017 rankings. Jersey City Liberty Science Center, DeMetropolis and technological innovation. school. It’s just one of the many reasons De- said she is particularly interested While J.P. Morgan Private Bank, SciTech Scity, a large campus “At the same time, however, I needed to Metropolis was named to the Best 50 Women in the recent investment in SciTech designed for those invested in global New Jersey, chose to be located in Scity in Jersey City. get a job in order to make a living,” she said. in Business by NJBIZ in 2012 and a Top 100 Summit, Alma DeMetropolis said she innovation, will consist of a new Having minored in accounting, De- Financial Advisor by the Financial Times in is interested to see what happens in Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and grade school focused on cutting-edge the Jersey City Redevelopment Agen- STEM education; more than 160,000 2014. Jersey City. Metropolis worked for the Federal Deposit cy awarded Liberty Science Center, the square feet of research labs, private Insurance Corp., closing branches during She is confident the company will find “Our strategic technology hub in largest interactive science center in studios, open workspaces and confer- the savings and loan crisis to reopen them greater success in New Jersey, but admits the Jersey City will continue to grow,” she the tri-state area, with the redevelop- ence space; and Scholars’ Village, a said. “As we continue to grow in the under FDIC protection. state does have its obstacles. ment rights to 16 acres of adjacent collection of short- and long-term state, we cannot get the real estate That is when she learned of an opening “Absent of what is going on with the pen- land in order to transform the region residences for those working at or fast enough in that area.” and further strengthen New Jersey as visiting SciTech Scity and for local with what was then J.P. Morgan & Co. sion crisis, which is something that worries As vice chair of the board of the an international leader in scientific STEM graduate students. “It was not a large firm at the time, but it See HOMECOMING on page 18 was special,” DeMetropolis said. “It had this incredible history and opportunity for up- ward mobility and growth.” DeMetropolis began her career with JPMorgan Chase in 1992 as an analyst be- fore spending four years in London, Madrid, Paris and Zurich, helping the firm to prepare for the coming euro. Upon returning to the United States, DeMetropolis joined the private bank asset management division, predominantly work- ing for international clients. “I am fluent in Spanish and Greek, so I spent four years working with global families in Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Venezuela,” DeMetropolis said. She became an expert in advising high net worth individuals, families, endowments and foundations on a broad range of wealth matters and managing investment portfolios — a skill for which she is still very much in demand today. ••• In 2003, DeMetropolis began to strate- gically focus on New Jersey. “As JPMorgan Chase grew, we became much more regionally focused,” she said. DeMetropolis helped J.P. Morgan Pri- vate Bank, New Jersey, grow to more than $14 billion in assets under management, and more than $32 billion in investments, credit, banking and fiduciary solutions. Team revenue is up more than 9 per- cent this year, according to JPMorgan Chase, and J.P. Morgan Private Bank is ranked No. 1 overall in North America, according to Euro-

1,000 FREE MONTHLY TRANSACTIONS2 Finance and technology CASH BACK ON Alma DeMetropolis said she would categorize FREE EVERY PURCHASE3 JPMorgan Chase a bit di‰erently than most. BUSINESSADVANTAGESM 1 BUSINESS MOBILE “We are, of course, a bank in the financial CHECKING BANKING WITH sector, but more than 40,000 of our 240,000 CHECK DEPOSIT 4 employees are focused on technology that will help us to stay innovative,” she said. “The reality is that we are becoming much more of a technology company as we become more active on the digital side.” JPMorgan Chase grossed about $100 billion last year, investing nearly $10 billion of that 1. A $2,500 minimum average daily balance is required. If minimum average daily balance is not met in a statement period, a $10 into technological and cybersecurity capabili- minimum balance penalty fee will be assessed. 2. Free BusinessAdvantage Checking account includes 1,000 free transactions ties, DeMetropolis said. per statement period, with 12 statement periods per year. Free transactions include checks paid, deposited items, debits and credits. Fees will apply if the transaction limit is exceeded. 3. Cash Back rewards credited to your account will equal the total amount of eligible signature-based point-of-sale transactions posted to and cleared through your Provident BusinessAdvantage “Top of mind for us is making sure our clients’ 866.465.2499 Checking account each statement period multiplied by a factor of 0.25% (.0025). This Cash Back rewards factor is variable and data is safe, as we see more and more financial www.Provident.Bank may change at our discretion. To be eligible, qualifying point-of-sale signature-based transactions must be posted to and cleared through your Provident BusinessAdvantage Checking account as of the last business day of the statement period. Cash information being compromised,” she added. Back rewards will be redeemed, deposited and available on the fi rst business day of the following statement period.4. There is a $0.50 fee for each check deposited using the Business Mobile Banking application. Message and data rates may apply. Please contact your mobile carrier for details.

www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 17 HOMECOMING here are the millionaires,” she said. “Regard- The company has more than 8,000 em- Diversity initiatives CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 less of wealth, however, New Jersey residents ployees currently working in New Jersey — More than 58,000 employees at JPMorgan Chase and more than 13,000 employees residing in who have raised their children and grand- participate in nine business resource groups that all New Jersey residents, I think that there is children here have a tremendous amount of the state. help to advance and support employees of various an incredible amount of innovation that oc- pride in their state. DeMetropolis is glad she can say she’s ethnicities, employees with disabilities, LGBQTA em- curs within this state, particularly in the life “However, policy has sometimes affect- one of them. ployees, early career professionals, administrative sciences and in health care,” she said. ed the choices that people make for their bal- “I’ve lived and worked in nine different professionals and military personnel and veterans to leadership roles within the industry. DeMetropolis said that the rapid urban- ance sheets as they try to optimize the future countries while still having the flexibility in ization of suburbs and the increase in real for their families. Hopefully, New Jersey will which to parent my two children, now teen- While there is also a group dedicated to helping women advance in the company, Alma DeMetropo- continue to make strides in order to attract agers,” she said. “JPMorgan Chase manage- estate development has also helped to create lis said more could always be done. more clients. new residents to the state.” ment has always supported me in my ability “There will always be certain roles that will be more “Part of the population that is growing JPMorgan Chase is doing its part. to balance my life and work.” challenging for women entering their childbearing years,” DeMetropolis said. “And whether you stick with the path you are on or step away for a bit and come back, it is never easy. “The hardest part about being in this industry is that it is very demanding. Sixty-hour workweeks are the norm. So I always tell younger women mentees that the ages of 28 and 35 will most likely be their toughest yet. Finding some support during that time By switching to is absolutely critical.” DeMetropolis’ team at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, New Jersey, is more than 69 percent female. NJM, you could save JPMorgan Chase has therefore increased its support in order to retain such talent by o‰ering 16 weeks % of maternity leave, two weeks of paternity leave and an average of 20 flexible work arrangements. Its Maternity Mentors initiative also supports work- ing mothers by connecting them with each other and a senior mentor, and its ReEntry Program helps … and enjoy extra benefits like dividends women return to the company after having been out and Roadside Assistance. of the workforce for caretaking purposes. Last year, The Times (U.K.) named JPMorgan Chase a Top 50 Employer for Women, while Working Mother named the company to its 100 Best Companies and Top 25 Best Companies for Multicultural Women Now that’s extraordinary. lists. Get a quote: StartYourNJM.com Philanthropic focus As a board member of the New Providence Educa- tion Foundation and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Alma DeMetropolis believes that breaking the cycle of poverty is key to sustaining the financial health of New Jersey residents. “While New Jersey has some of the strongest educa- tional o‰erings, unfortunately, that is not pervasive in every school district,” she said. “So how can we help to provide the infrastructure and support for job training, especially for those who do not have the ability to attend college?” DeMetropolis works with JPMorgan Chase to help tackle such social issues, with the global company contributing more than $2.7 million and more than 2,700 hours to New Jersey nonprofits in support of workforce readiness, business development, finan- cial capability and community development. Here are just a few examples of the di‰erences JPMorgan Chase has helped to make in the state over the last year: $1 million grant to New Jersey Community Capital to help catalyze the creation and preservation of a‰ordable housing in Newark and Jersey City. $400,000 grant to New Jersey Institute of Technol- ogy and Greater Newark Enterprises Corp. to help local entrepreneurs access the training, capital and expertise they need to grow their businesses. $300,000 grant to New Jersey City University in support of its workforce training program for the growing transportation, logistics and distribution sector. $125,000 to New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund to launch a financial coaching program that will help low-income populations in Jersey City and Newark reduce debt, improve credit and build assets.

18 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

NJBIZ is looking for successful leaders under the age of 40 who are making a splash in the New Jersey business community.

Nomination Deadline: Friday, June 23, 2017 Visit www.njbiz.com/events Questions? Contact Anna Acquaviva at [email protected]

Sponsorship Opportunities Available! For information contact Tom Hughes at 732-246-5729 or [email protected] WHEN Tuesday, June 20, 2017

2017 TIME 8am-10:30am Presented by: LOCATION The Palace at Somerset Park

Join us for the 2017 Healthcare Heroes awards breakfast and ceremony. During the awards ceremony, finalists will be recognized for their heroic actions and the winner in each category will be revealed! Reserve your seats at www.njbiz.com/events Questions? Contact Anna Acquaviva at [email protected] or (732) 246-5713. Congratulations to the 2017 Healthcare Hero Finalists!*

Education Hero- Individual John Halperin Rashmi Kaura Robert Orozovich Olubunmi Afonja Atlantic Health System Atlantic Medical Group, Atlantic Health System Holy Name Medical Center Bayer Prakash Rao Mario Leitao, Jr. Chadwin Sandifer Jody Beach NJ Sharing Network Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Basking Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy Inspira Health Network Melissa Smith Ridge & Health Sciences Andre Goy Children’s Specialized Hospital Shyan Sun Roslyn Schwartzberg Hackensack Meridian Health Innovation Hero – Organization Saint Barnabas Medical Center Trinitas Regional Medical Center Chris Kirk Bayer Public Health Hero Workplace Wellness Hero Atlantic Health System Capital Health Kyung Hee Choi Anity Federal Credit Union Michele Samarya-Timm Inspira Health Network Holy Name Medical Center Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Somerset County Department of Health Labor First, LLC Alana Cueto Center of Warren County Samantha Singh Princeton House Behavioral Health Eastern International College, Jersey College Inserra Supermarkets Saint Barnabas Medical Center-RWJ Barnabas St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center George Kimmerle Onsite Innovations Health Kimmerle Group T&M Associates Nurse of the Year Barbara Mintz Transwestern Education Hero – Organization Ludovina Archeval RWJBarnabas Health Alzheimer’s New Jersey e Holy Redeemer Home Car Ashok Patel Healthier Somerset Cate Collyer-See Holy Name Medical Center’s Healthcare Indian Health Camp Atlantic Health System of New Jersey Careers Discovery Program Joanne Porter Newark Beth Israel Medical Center James Proodian AtlantiCare HealthCare Natural Healthcare e Center for Korean Health and Jennifer Sheets Center Wellness-Englewood Hospital and BAYADA Home Health Care Gwendolyn Medical Center Desiree Sokoli Rippey Hospital of the Year Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center Ann Welenofsky Volunteer Saint Barnabas Medical Center Summit Medical Group/Summit Medical Group Southern Ocean Medical Center MD Anderson Cancer Center of the Year Gail Fiske Individual Innovation Hero- Physician of the Year Inspira Health omas Bartiromo Christopher Bolich Network Holy Redeemer Visiting Nurses and Hospice of New Jersey Innovation Institute Beatriz Garcia omas M. Birch, M.D. Atlantic & Mercer Counties Hackensack Meridian John Chovanes Holy Name Medical Center Health Mary Ann Boccolini Cooper University Health Care Suraj Kaufman Jan Huston (posthumous) Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice Sneaker Room Hackensack Meridian Health

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Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Contact Tom Hughes at 732-246-5729 / [email protected] OPINION OUR POINT OF VIEW Time to fi nd new (and creative) uses for malls n an editorial a year ago, NJBIZ noted that Sports stores aren’t stocked with merchandise to sell. Purchases Authority was hitting the showers and closing its Approximately two-thirds of are shipped to you from Bonobo warehouses. Amazon Istores. Sports Authority stores? No offense intended, itself is opening stores across the country where consum- but who remembers them now? Since then, the drop in American consumers prefer to shop ers can buy books and the company can showcase its brick-and-mortar retail sales and the closing of stores online, according to surveys. entire line of products, including a store that will open throughout New Jersey has become what we feared just soon in the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus — in 12 months ago — the new normal. a former Converse store. But make no mistake, the age of Reports of store closings come almost daily now. J.C. commerce, of course, is the culprit. Approximately two- the “zombie mall” is coming, if not already here. Penney, Macy’s, Payless, HHGregg, Rue21, Bebe — they thirds of American consumers prefer to shop online, This is the kind of “creative destruction” that econo- all have closed stores in New Jersey and elsewhere in according to surveys. mists like to trumpet. But it is time, past time, for business recent weeks. And the pace is accelerating. Credit Suisse The bad news about retail stores in New Jersey has and government leaders to start thinking about how to has said that more than 8,600 stores will close in 2017 — a been somewhat mitigated by the opening of seven Ama- repurpose empty retail space, large and small. deluge worse than the record 6,163 stores that closed in zon warehouses in the state in recent years and plans to The state is probably good on coffee shops, gyms and the recession year of 2008. That would translate into 147 open three more. The largest so-called Amazon “fulfill- maybe even craft breweries. But community workspaces million square feet of retail space, the brokerage firm said ment center” opened in Carteret less than two weeks ago, in empty storefronts? Indoor farms? Affordable hous- in a research report. Sears, which owns Kmart — Sears! — with more than 2,000 employees working in a 1-million- ing? Uses no one has thought of yet? Right now, there is has said it has “substantial doubt” that it can survive. square-foot facility. more destruction at work than creativity. We don’t know It all reminds us of Ernest Hemingway’s famous And, indeed, retailers are creating new models. what the answer is. But we do know New Jersey needs a line in “The Sun Also Rises” about how a character went Bonobos has opened more than 30 brick-and-mortar stronger, more concerted effort to confront the new retail bankrupt: “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” Online “stores” where customers can try on clothes. But the reality.

TRIPLE PLAY QUICK HITS Alan Rubin is a member of the law firm Cole Schotz P.C. in its corporate WIN SOME, LOSE A WHOLE BUNCH and business transactions, and tax, trust and estates departments. His President Donald Trump’s plan to streamline the federal tax system seemingly has some advantages for New Jersey residents, practice includes advising on mergers and acquisitions, planning joint including lower tax brackets. But there’s a big “but”: The plan also does away with the deduction for property taxes, and that’s a ventures and more. favorite of New Jersey residents as they try to offset their giant local bills with a nice federal break. NJ.com reported one expert said the average Garden State bill could rise $3,500 without the deduction. We asked Alan for three things to put at the Our take: Ouch. This could really hurt New Jersey’s middle-class homeowners. Be interesting to see how the state’s congressional delegation responds, particularly the Republicans who might otherwise be expected to side with the president on this issue. top of your to-do list if you are looking to

OFF TRACK AGAIN monetize the value of your business. A recent article on a website called, appropriately, Tedium, pointed out that Amtrak’s delay problems are as much fundamental as maintenance-related. See, as the website explains it, the national passenger railway owns plenty of trains, but it doesn’t own Consider the business and personal timing for implementing many of the tracks they run on. And that means the freight lines that do own the tracks are in no mood to help with things like an exit strategy: Is the business on an upward (or downward) on-time arrivals. Of course, Amtrak does own the tracks along the Northeast Corridor. But, as any New Jersey-to-New York com- 1trajectory? Will there be significant long-term investments/com- muter could tell you, that hasn’t helped in recent weeks. mitments required to protect the business going forward? Are long- Our take: We’re believers in Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman and Chairman Tony Coscia. But deferred maintenance can easily become a death spiral for any term arrangements about to expire? How is your health? Is there an organization. And things are starting to get even uglier than usual in the New York Penn Station area, even with upgrades planned. internal succession plan? All of these can argue for a liquidity event sooner or later. SALUTING SHARON Prudential Financial Inc.’s HR guru, Sharon Taylor, announced her retirement last week, and the company quickly named a veteran exec to replace Consider what your business could realistically be worth: You her. Things should go smoothly at the Newark giant, where most employees — like their peers worldwide — probably only care about HR during open may have had some recent valuation exposures in connection enrollment season. But Taylor was no ordinary HR chief. She has been a champion of women, diversity and, as chair of The Prudential Foundation, the with a financing. You can consult with your accountant or chief communities the company serves. 2 financial officer. There are many formulae that could be used, although Our take: No doubt Taylor is deserving of a nice, relaxing retirement after 40 years of service. But, with all due respect to successor Lucien Alziari, she’ll the only one that ultimately matters is be missed not just by her Pru colleagues, but by the New Jersey business community — particularly its women and minorities — as a whole. what a buyer is willing to pay. FACE TIME: THAT DIDN’T LAST LONG Consider engaging experi- Gov. Chris Christie hadn’t been blasting away (much) at opponents in recent days, with a recent sampling of enced professionals to assist media statements heavily weighted toward the opioid crisis — and even offering something nice about the 3you in planning your next beleaguered Amtrak. But then came Thursday, when Christie reverted to form and went to town on Horizon moves: This will start with legal Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey at an event ostensibly to tout his economic record. Must have been counsel to protect your interests. Then, it may be prudent to engage awkward for the good hosts from Goya Foods. an investment banker to help package and market your QUOTE MARKS business. Your counsel “He just lost the election.” — Hudson County Republican Chairman Jose Arango, will assist in the en- gagement process quoted by Insider NJ blasting gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli for criticizing with the bankers to Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, an election rival. Arango added: “He shouldn’t attack be sure you do not obligate yourself to Chris Christie that way. He’s just helping the Democrats.” an uneconomic ar- rangement. www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 21 Atlantic Health System is proud to bring our best to the communities we serve.

1-888-4AH-DOCS atlantichealth.org SPOTLIGHTSmall Business Week “If you’re not making a profit as a small business here, you and your family may not eat.” Paul Heyman , owner of Renova Environmental Services LESSON LEARNED Many small businesses launched on the eve of the Great Recession took a financial beating. The ones that figured out how to adapt are thriving

BY BRETT JOHNSON

ny small business owner who was launching a startup a decade ago, right before the financial crisis hit, A had to face up to an unfortunate fact: There was never a worse time to have a good idea. Whether it was the virtual shutdown of lending activity or the losses sustained by tanking markets, business was bad. That’s slowly changing. In fact, local entrepreneurs who are hitting their stride today, rounding the fi- nal corner on the last lap on a decadelong race to grow their ventures out of the small business category, are celebrating their ability to overcome the skyscraper of a hurdle they faced. All Cherry Hill-based B Positive Na- tional Blood Services needed was about $50,000 to get the blood plasma manufac- turing company started, but founder Ben Ruder had trouble securing even that. “At such a low point, getting a startup financed was not the easiest thing in the world to do,” he said. “At that time, banks were not lending money at all unless you were collateralizing it with a dollar-for- dollar deposit.” Even a niche like being the only com- pany doing blood plasma manufacturing in the whole state — not to mention the value of selling blood plasma to organiza- tions for research and the manufacturing of life-saving therapies — didn’t entice the capital he needed. The company, which today is expand- ing its three blood plasma manufacturing centers, eventually made a connection Ben Ruder, owner, B Positive National with the Cooperative Business Assistance Blood Services.  AARON HOUSTON Corp. in Camden, the U.S. Small Business See LEARNED on page 28

www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 23 SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Two-for-one celebrations The recognition of entrepreneurs that takes place during National Small Business Week each year in Perth Amboy coincides with a Cinco de Mayo festival, which is well-attended in the largely Hispanic city. Wilda Diaz, the city’s first Latina mayor (and, for that matter, first woman mayor), said the cultural celebration, during which attendees can sample local cuisine, is an event that gets to the heart of small business in Perth Amboy. “There is a very diverse community here; people have talked about Perth Amboy as the state’s Latino hub,” she said. “And we have a business district that is (full) of restaurants with a variety of great cuisine.” Xiomara Menza of La Terrazza Latina said a local Mexican restaurant probably wouldn’t even face loads of competition, as the Hispanic Daniel Zaki, manager of Sipos Bakery in Perth Amboy.  PHOTOS BY AARON HOUSTON food scene is so diversified and particular to regions. It features a mix of Dominican, Puerto Rican and other Latin American as well as South American cuisine, she said. One thing’s for sure — the city’s tastes evolved ‘Small business, alongside its demographics, as Daniel Zaki of Sipos Bakery explained: “We were at one time a bakery with only Hun- garian, Polish and other European (goods), but we’ve definitely taken in some Spanish (foods) BIG PICTURE’ to keep up with the changing community.” Such grants are offered in the city to Perth Amboy officials are going all-in to help city entrepreneurs thrive modernize quaint storefronts — entryways, display windows and the overall street ap- peal of businesses — in the downtown busi- BY BRETT JOHNSON sure,” Zaki said, adding that it was “nice to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social ness district, a hub of small enterprises that know the resources are out there,” just as the media accounts for promotion purposes at still constitutes the bread-and-butter of ggressive is the word Daniel Zaki bakery’s business is growing. no cost. Perth Amboy’s business makeup. used to describe the outreach Perth It’s a product of the city’s ramped-up These activities, including the meetings But the commercial character of Perth AAmboy officials have been doing in activities in its Business Improvement Dis- between businesses and city officials, are all Amboy is in a state of change. A large site on the small business community. trict under Mayor Wilda Diaz. done at the place of business for local entre- its outskirts that once housed Chevron and That’s not him knocking it. That’s what Meetings are being arranged in quick preneurs — not in an unremembered office then sat dilapidated for years has become a works. succession between businesses and police somewhere in the depths of a city depart- polestar of local investment, with pipeline So say the managers at Sipos Bakery in and fire chiefs, as well as directors of public ment building. company Buckeye set to get major opera- the city. works, code enforcement, economic devel- “It’s difficult for small business own- tions underway there. “I don’t live in the city, so it’s easy to opment and other departments. All in the ers, people who are really busy working in But it’s still the view from the city’s many fall into doing your own thing — just going name of growing the business community. a mom-and-pop shop, to leave their estab- mom-and-pop storefronts that remains at to work and then going home,” he said. “But “The point is this: Let’s say they want lishment,” Diaz said. “We want to make it as the forefront of local officials’ minds. you can miss a lot of opportunities that way. to make an expansion or do some other im- easy as possible for them … to learn some- “If our residents are able to work at any And we’re finding now that what the (city’s provements; it gives them an opportunity to thing like how to utilize social media, which local corporate locations, chances are that officials) can come in and offer can help us speak directly to directors responsible for has become important.” they’re going to be able to shop and dine a lot.” permitting or what’s all required,” Diaz said. Xiomara Menza, an owner at La Ter- locally, too,” Diaz said. “It provides an op- Zaki has seen an increase in traffic into It also serves as networking events for razza Latina, hosted one of the business portunity to have purchasing power to visit his bakery over the past few years. small business owners to get familiarized district’s meetings at her restaurant. She said small businesses, which does nothing but During that time, he also has had more with the other merchants around the city’s that, although she hasn’t called on the city help our local stores and restaurants. regular interactions with the city the bakery downtown area as they all congregate for for additional assistance with something “Small business owners here, they see has been based in for decades. He probably meetings, she added. like social media, the restaurant did apply the big picture — that it’s an exciting time for would have been too busy to seek them out Additionally, the city’s business district for funding to update its exterior through the city.” — but they’ve come to him. makes social media professionals available a façade improvement grant she learned Email to: [email protected] “They’ve gotten us more involved, for to these businesses to help them set up their about. On Twitter: @ReporterBrett

24 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com T:10.125” T:13.5” SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS WEEK THE ‘NO’ PROBLEM When bankers truly partner with entrepreneurs, it sometimes means saying what they don’t want to hear

BY BRETT JOHNSON

ost entrepreneurs wouldn’t want to hear “no” uttered even once in a con- Mversation with a banker about funding their venture. Frank Sorrentino, CEO of Englewood Cliffs- based ConnectOne Bank, said that his fear in a business lending space increasingly influenced by the ease of accessibility of fintech is that they won’t hear enough of it. “Sometimes, you have to hear that you may be borrowing money for the wrong reasons,” he said. “A third of the time, I’m talking entrepreneurs out of doing something. And I’ve From the Raritan had people tell me that’s the to Morocco most valuable thing.” “No” is exactly what The Natirar (an anagram for Rari- Bob Wojtowicz, founder of tan) estate has had many lives. Natirar and Ninety Acres, It was first built when Kate Macy came to appreciate hearing Ladd — a heiress of Industrial from Sorrentino in getting Age riches — and her husband, his long-delayed resort and Walter Ladd, acquired 1,000 acres real estate project at the his- in Somerset County’s rolling hills in 1905, following a trend of toric Somerset County estate wealthy families moving from New funded. York City into large mansion in In meeting with Con- rural communities. nectOne Bank, Wojtowicz Forty years later, after both the was looking at financing pri- owners had passed away, the marily the residential part of 33,000-square-foot mansion was his project. used as a convalescence center Sorrentino’s counter was for women. It retained that use that he should be instead be until 1983, when the property prioritizing financing the was sold to the king of Morocco, renovation of the estate’s who wanted an estate close to banquet and catering hall to Princeton University, where his capitalize on a robust market sons attended. He apparently only for wedding venues. visited the property a handful of “He said, ‘You’re already times. doing the hard part, the res- In the early 2000s, the prop- taurant, you need to do the erty was sold again following the banquet and catering; for ev- king’s death, to Somerset County for $22 million. Ninety acres of ery day that you’re not open the property, which includes the and doing that business, there’s a wedding you don’t mansion, was then leased in a ABOVE: Bob get back,’ ” Wojtowicz said. public-private partnership with Wojtowicz, the intent to be restored as Bob “When I heard that, it was founder of Natirar Wojtowicz’s Natirar and Ninety like being hit with a brick — a and Ninety Acres Acres. CEO of a bank was talking to in Somerset me as a business partner.” County, is pictured Two years removed from in Ninety Acres restaurant. that meeting, the business has most of this year’s weekend weddings booked up and is already start- LEFT: Somerset Couonty’s historic ing to fill next year’s wedding schedule, Wojtowicz Natirar is being said. restored and It shouldn’t be a surprise that a bank leader expanded thanks might have good perspective on what a small busi- to the loan ness should focus on, given that these institutions that Wojtowicz recieved. see tens of thousands of projects across the state. But Wojtowicz was somewhat cynical after PHOTOS BY many years of searching for a partnership with a AARON HOUSTON

26 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

More than a pet project Lisa Aumiller was another local entrepreneur who did her homework before going to a bank for a loan. Regardless, she was turned down time and time again. Then she got a banker to spend the day on the road with her as she operated her HousePaws Mobile Veterinary Service, which brings pet Ninety Acres restaurant, shown in the left and center photos, and the social pavilion are among the attractions at the site. - COURTESY PHOTOS care to the comforts of their owners’ homes. She eventually secured a loan financing institution. At one point, back in portunities with folks that have a vision or level of capital and equity he’s putting into it.” with the bank, allowing her startup 2007, he even had a deal that was about to be passion to do something but end up with a If there’s a lesson to be taken from Woj- to invest in the equipment it needed finalized with Lehman Bros. — a story with larger institution that isn’t invested in a long- towicz’s approach to getting a loan from his to grow. an ending that everyone already knows. term relationship.” bank, Sorrentino said, it’s to do a lot of home- After increasing business by leaps and “I was told at a meeting (late that year) But for every satisfied entrepreneur is work before having a conversation with lend- bounds, the Mount Laurel enterprise that we would not be closing (on the loan) an anecdote of a startup being turned away ers. has earned signifi cant recognition. because syndication markets in Germany countless times from even the most locally “He didn’t just come in and half-heart- This year, Aumiller was named the state’s Small Business Person of had dried up,” he said. “I didn’t know it at the focused of community banks in this post- edly tell us what he was going to do,” Sorren- the Year by the U.S. Small Business time, but that it was the beginning of the end financial crisis era. tino said. “He had a plan backed up by facts, Administration. for Lehman.” Sorrentino is no stranger to seeing ac- good projections, schematics — a whole It represents the long road Aumiller Watching that deal unwind put him in a counts of these stories in the news. He argues well-thought-through process that he could has taken. situation unique to the time — a failing finan- that it comes out of a conflation between bor- convey to us in a short period of time.” cial sector that almost overnight closed down rowing on debt and on equity. It’s about knowing the potential pitfalls, “I didn’t have much money when I started the business — just a truck on its openness to lending. “It has more to do (with) the undercapi- he added, and leaving nothing unanswered. and a stethoscope,” she said when Yet, Sorrentino said small business own- talized position of the business than it does “The truth is, the bank isn’t going to roll NJBIZ interviewed her late last year. ers coming to community banks from bad with the bank not cooperating in financing out the carpet for you,” Sorrentino said. “But “I think I did a thing on Facebook tell- experiences with larger institutions is still a them,” he said. “Banks are not in the position we can be great partners for the right pur- ing people I was launching a mobile regular occurrence. of taking on the same risk as the entrepre- p o s e .” practice to start o‰ .” “From our perspective, it’s the gift that neur. We are not making the same risks that Email to: [email protected] keeps on giving,” he said. “We get lots of op- (Wojtowicz) is in this enterprise — with the On Twitter: @ReporterBrett

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www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 27 SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

LEARNED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Administration’s most active microlender, and found the financing it needed through that tie. It is since found success. And success, any small business own- er will tell you, is about profit, not publicity. Just ask Paulo Heyman, who launched Ocean Township-based Renova Environ- mental Services in 2006. He is most proud about his ability to meet his payroll. “I read that Uber lost $2.8 million last year … yet its CEO is hailed as a disciple of business,” he said. “That doesn’t fly in the small business community. If you’re not making a profit as a small business here, you and your family may not eat.” When Heyman’s site remediation business took a massive hit from the af- termath of the recession, as funding dried up for a state program to help residents offset remediation costs, he was making comparable profit to (or even less than) his first entrepreneurial venture — sell- ing hot dogs out of a small stand on the beaches of Hawaii. “It put me in touch with the kiss of death — what it takes to shut a company down,” he said. “That level of intimacy with Paulo Heyman, president of Renova Environmental Services, is pictured at a remediation job site in Montclair. Heyman launched the Ocean Township-based company in being so close to going out of business, 2006 and says he is most proud about his ability to meet his payroll. AARON HOUSTON

Who gave one New Jersey company funding that fit them to a tea? A dagio Teas, E lmwood P ark, N J When Elmwood Park-based Adagio Teas wanted to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities, it turned to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), which supports New Jersey small businesses with direct loans or participations and guarantees of a commercial bank loan or line of credit.

Through the EDA’s Small Business Fund, Adagio Teas received a 50 percent guarantee of a commercial bank loan, allowing the company to ramp up its manufacturing and increase its workforce by 20 percent.

“With the EDA’s support, we will be able to continue our growth and focus on providing customers with the best quality teas and products,” said Adagio Teas CEO Michael Cramer.

To find out how the EDA can help your business access financing, call 609-858-6767 or visit NJEDA.com.

28 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

that’s where I came to an appreciation of totally different from the books. We needed business. After expanding its product line And, at the least, these entrepreneurs just staying in business as the primary goal.” capital to manufacture (it).” to include organic repellents, body oils and came out of it with some important lessons. Renova Environmental Services has He went on to visit every bank in New baby oils, the company has emerged as ex- “What we learned was to not bet the since added construction and project Jersey. But his answers to three key ques- tremely fast growing, with sales jumping barn in places we don’t need to,” Heyman management services alongside its resi- tions — do you have sales? Collateral? Ex- from 200 percent up to 1,000 percent each said. “We want to be resilient. So we’re dential business. The company has made perience in the industry? — were all met year, Moon said. against unneeded risk where it presents massive adjustments to its revenue stream with a negative response. New Jersey business owners that itself and sometimes even saying no to op- and distributed it in such a way as to not So, it failed. weathered the recession — aside from portunities that have an out-of-balance have too many eggs in one basket. He, like the others, did eventually seek sharing in the chip-on-the-shoulder atti- risk-reward.” “Thankfully, we have a good cushion the help of the SBA microloan provider, tude — share a palpable appreciation for Email to: [email protected] now, and I don’t wake up every day saying, which proved to be enough to rev up the business going well. On Twitter: @ReporterBrett ‘It will be an accomplishment just to stay open today,’ ” Heyman said. Renova Environmental Services also tapped SBA resources to open up avenues to government contracting work to further diversify the business. The SBA’s offerings took on special value during the big economic downturn. Incidentally, SBA New Jersey District Di- rector Al Titone said that the organization also generally can tell when recessionary GET A $300 CASH BONUS periods are close at hand (and don’t wor- ry, he didn’t mention that another was). “We’re like the canary in the coalmine; When You Open a New Essential Business Checking we tend to see it first,” Titone said. Even those who were there to see the or Alliance Business Checking Account and Link it to a financial sector’s tumble firsthand weren’t 1 immune to its effect. New Sun National Bank Merchant Services Account. Leonard Moon, founder and CEO of Passaic-based U.S. Organic Group Corp., Get faster access to your funds and a wide array of features to support your business’ success. left the financial sector behind after years Simply open a Sun National Bank Business Checking account and link it to a new Merchant Services of experience managing hedge and mutu- account. Plus, for a limited time you can receive a $300 CASH BONUS1 as a new business customer. al funds. He took the (not so) natural step of starting an organic anti-itch balm com- pany a few years after the crash. “I worked with large and well-es- tablished companies at that time, and I thought it would be easy to get financing Streamline Your Business with Merchant Services once I have a good item to sell,” he said. “But I was wrong.” Moon and his partner had spent a year developing the product, and doing the research and paperwork for it. “When we had the prototype in our Receive next-day Rely on the latest security Track inventory, manage hands, we already spent our seed money funding to your Sun technology to protect employees, accept and credit card balance was reached near National Bank Business your transactions payments with ease, to maximum limit,” he said. “Reality was Checking account and more

Small business temperature reading SBA New Jersey District Director Al Titone said the current climate for small business in New Jersey is a good one. So far this year, the organization 866.904.6748 has guaranteed about 862 loans sunnationalbank.com/BusinessBonus totaling around $372 million, roughly even when compared to 1 the numbers from this time last T Too receive $300 cash bonus, your business must not currently have a business checking account with Sun National Bank. Offer requires opening of a new qualifying Sun National Bank business checking account linked with a merchant account through First Data between April 3, 2017 and July year, though the loan approval rate 30, 2017. Your merchant service ACH must be deposited into the qualifying business checking account prior to August 31, 2017 to be eligible for the is 8 percent higher while the dollar bonus. $300 bonus will be deposited automatically into new account on or around September 30, 2017. amount is 2 percent less. Any credit, if earned, will be forfeited if checking account is closed before the credit is awarded. Limit one cash bonus per business or Tax ID number. Subject to change. “But even with the average loan size going down, more people are © 2017 Sun National Bank. All rights reserved. getting money, which we like to see,” Titone said.

www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 29 SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Congratulations to the General Counsel of the Year Honorees!

Presented by:

Join us for an awards breakfast as we honor these outstanding finalists and announce the winner in each category.

When: Friday, May 19th • Location: The Palace at Somerset Park Time: 8 – 10:30am • Make your reservations online at www.njbiz.com/events 2017 GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

PUBLIC COMPANY Arlene Hong Tracy Hubbell RISING Star Joshua Horenstein Amazon. Prime Healthcare Cassia Beierle Innophos John Mauro Management, inc. Investors Bank Michael Hutchinson FinPro, Inc. David Mebane Jason Brocks Stryker Corp. Michael A. Ochs, Esq. RWJBarnabas Health Benecard Tamara Linde Hollister Construction Donna Michael-Ziereis Stephen Herbes PSEG Services, LLC. AtlantiCare Health System, a Member of Konica Minolta Business Kimberly MacKay Djenaba Parker Geisinger Health System Solutions U.S.A., Inc. Novartis Business Services Red Bull New York Uche Ndumele NON PROFIT or Gina Merritt-Epps Charles H. Sarlo Pinnacle Foods Inc. DMR Architects, PC GOVERNMENT South Jersey Industries Organization Joshua Sabloff Stryker Corporation PRIVATE COMPANY Christine Baker PRIVATE COMPANY NJ Transit Corporation Jeff Tang with revenues over$500 Million NEX Group with revenues up to $500 Million Melissa Hager Anne Baretz Isles, Inc. John Bonelli Crestron Electronics, Inc. Citrin Cooperman Diana Jeffrey 2017 LIFETIME & Company, LLP Emily Wolf Jersey City Kushner Copanies ACHIEVEMENT Redevelopment Agency William A. Brandt Jr. AWARD Berkeley College Alida Kass Honoree HEALTHCARE Bill Reilly Richard Crooker New Jersey Civil Advance Realty Organization Justice Institute Ansell Limited David De Simone Eric Gross Melissa Wheatcroft CentraState Healthcare System Vitals Rowan University

Follow us on Twitter QUESTIONS? Contact Anna Acquaviva at [email protected] or (732) 246-5713. @NJBIZEvents #NJGCA

Major Sponsors: Supporting Sponsors:

For sponsorship opportunity information, Contact Susan Alexander at (201) 969-9061 or [email protected] 30 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com NEW JERSEY’S TOP NEW JERSEY'S TOP Chambers of Commerce For full list, visit www.njbiz.com/lists Chambers of Commerce Ranked by: The number of New Jersey members Lists Ranked by the number of New Jersey members By Jessica Perry BY JESSICA PERRY FOR FULL LIST, VISIT NJBIZ.COM/LISTS

CHAMBER WEBSITE ADDRESS RANK | PREV. YEAR EST. PHONE | FAX SENIOR EXECUTIVE(S) AREA(S) SERVED N.J. MEMBERS 1 | 1 Statewide Hispanic 1280 Wall St. W. Carlos Medina, Jazlyn L. Carvajal Statewide 3,356 Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Lyndhurst, 07071 www.shccnj.org (201) 935-0035 | (866) 226-1828 1989 2 | 4 New Jersey Chamber of Commerce 216 W. State St. Tom Bracken NA 1,550 www.njchamber.com Trenton, 08608 1911 (609) 989-7888 | (609) 989-9696

3 | 2 Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey 4015 Main St. Debra P. DiLorenzo, Kathleen A. Davis, Seven counties of southern N.J., 1,500 www.chambersnj.com Voorhees, 08043-4659 Christina M. Renna, Meredith K. Lorrilliere greater Philadelphia and northern 1873 (856) 424-7776 | (856) 424-8180 Delaware

4 | 3 Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce 182 Nassau St. Peter Crowley, Lorraine Holcombe NA 1,327 www.princetonchamber.org Princeton, 08542 1960 (609) 924-1776 | (609) 924-5776

5 | 6 MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce 423 Riverview Plaza Orsola Andersen, Heather Kearns-Latini Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington, 1,275 www.midjerseychamber.org Trenton, 08611 Monmouth, Ocean, Hunterdon, 1868 (609) 689-9960 | (609) 394-6829 Somerset counties; and Bucks County, Pennsylvania 6 | 7 Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce 201 Route 17 N. Jim Kirkos, Judy Ross Greater Meadowlands region 1,102 www.meadowlands.org Rutherford, 07070 1973 (201) 939-0707 | (201) 939-0522

7 | 8 Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce 205 Rowan Blvd. Les Vail Gloucester County and the South 927 www.gc-chamber.com Glassboro, 08028 Jersey-Philadelphia region 2001 (856) 881-6560 | NA

8 | 9 Morris County Chamber of Commerce 325 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 101 Paul Boudreau, Dina M. O'Keefe, Angela Kubisky Morris County and surrounding areas 926 www.morrischamber.org Florham Park, 07932 1921 (973) 539-3882 | (973) 377-0859

9 | 10 Cape May County Chamber of Commerce 13 Crest Haven Road Vicki Clark, John E. Kelly, Brigitta Scott Cape May County 800 www.capemaycountychamber.com P.O. Box 74 1916 Cape May Court House, 08210 (609) 465-7181 | (609) 465-5017 10 | 13 Somerset County Business Partnership 360 Grove St. John Maddocks, Michael Kerwin, Diana Sieberg Somerset County 747 www.scbp.org Bridgewater, 08807 1919 (908) 218-4300 | (908) 722-7823

11 | 15 Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce 3306 Pacific Ave. Tracey DuFault The greater Wildwoods and Cape May 643 www.gwcoc.com Wildwood, 08260 County 1938 (609) 729-4000 | (609) 729-4003

12 | 19 Hudson County Chamber of Commerce Harborside 1 Maria L. Nieves Hudson County 615 www.hudsonchamber.org 150 Hudson St., Suite 100 1888 Jersey City, 07311 (201) 386-0699 | (201) 386-8480 13 | 20 North Jersey Chamber of Commerce 547 Union Blvd. NA Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Essex 535 www.northjerseychamber.org Totowa, 07512 counties 1898 (973) 470-9300 | (973) 470-9245

14 | 20 Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce 456 N. Broad St. Gordon F. Haas, Yasmin Fisher Elizabeth, the state of N.J. and 525 www.elizabethchamber.com Elizabeth, 07208 surrounding area 1997 (908) 355-7600 | (908) 436-2054

15 | 18 Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce One International Blvd., Suite 211 Sharon Rounds, Shannon Lazare New Jersey and New York state 522 www.mahwah.com Mahwah, 07495 1957 (201) 529-5566 | (201) 529-8122

16 | 23 Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce 300 W. 9th St. Michele Gillian NA 520 www.oceancityvacation.com P.O. Box 1706 1926 Ocean City, 08226 (609) 399-1412 | (609) 398-3932 17 | 30 Greater Westfield Area 173 Elm St., 3rd Floor Gene Jannotti Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, 515 Chamber of Commerce Westfield, 07090 Scotch Plains and Westfield www.gwaccnj.com (908) 233-3021 | (908) 654-8183 1948 18 | 12 Camden County Regional 295 Hwy. 70 W. Debra A. Arthur, Rita Owens Western and southern N.J. 500 Chamber of Commerce Cherry Hill, 08002 www.camdencountychamber.com (856) 667-1600 | (856) 667-1464 1977 18 | 25 Eastern Monmouth Area 8 Reckless Place, Suite 1 Lynda Rose Monmouth County 500 Chamber of Commerce Red Bank, 07701 www.emacc.org (732) 741-0055 | NA 1928 18 | 22 Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce 2115 S. Delsea Drive Dawn Hunter NA 500 www.vinelandchamber.org Vineland, 08360 1919 (856) 691-7400 | (856) 691-2113

21 | 26 Newark Regional Business Partnership 60 Park Place, Suite 1800 Barbara E. Kauffman, Chip Hallock Newark metro area 430 www.newarkrbp.org Newark, 07102-5567 1922 (973) 522-0099 | (973) 824-6587

22 | 28 Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce 2510 Belmar Blvd., Suite I-17 Evelyn Mars Southern Monmouth County and 422 www.JerseyShoreChamberNJ.com P.O. Box 1305 surrounding areas 1979 Wall, 07719 (732) 280-8800 | (732) 280-8505 23 | 26 Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce 1027 Hooper Ave. Noelle Carino The greater Toms River community 400 www.tomsriverchamber.com Building 1, 2nd Floor, Suite 5 1918 Toms River, 08753 (732) 349-0220 | NA 23 | 29 Salem County Chamber of Commerce 174 E. Broadway Jennifer A. Jones, Sue Ann Leighty, Angela Kates, Salem County 400 www.salemcountychamber.com P.O. Box 71 Ronald D. Zarin 1943 Salem, 08079 (856) 351-2245 | (856) 351-2243 25 | NR Paramus Regional Chamber of Commerce 322 Route 4 E. Michelle McGivney, Donna Perkosky, Frederick Rohdieck Northern Bergen County 310 www.paramuschamber.org P.O. Box 325 1951 Paramus, 07652 (201) 261-3344 | (201) 261-3346 Source: The chambers. NA: Not Available. NR: Not Ranked. There is no charge to be included in NJBIZ lists. We assume that information provided by representatives is accurate and truthful. We are not responsible for the omission of organizations that do not respond to our requests for information. Information received after press deadline cannot be included. If you wish to be included in future lists visit www.njbiz.com/lists and click on "Complete Survey" or e-mail [email protected]. The list, or any parts of them, cannot be reproduced without written permission from NJBIZ. For more information on NJBIZ, please visit www.njbiz.com.

www.njbiz.com NJBIZ May 1, 2017 31 DEALS ROUNDUP

BANKRUPTCIES Bed Bath & Beyond Quest Diagnostics MERGERS Tatra Construction LLC, Inc.; Arthur Stark, Inc.; Michael E. & ACQUISITIONS 356 W Mountain Road, One Blow Dry Bar Inc., president; Transaction: Prevoznik, general Sparta, 07871; Contact: Transactions 116 Broad St., Red Bank, Option Exercise; Trans- counsel; Transaction: Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Zbigniew Stoch 07701-1962; Indus- Estate, Seller/Target: North action Price: Low 28.33, Sell; Transaction Price: Jennik LLC, 82 Colonial ■ Commercial real estate firm NAI James try: Beauty; Adviser: High 28.33; Amount: Low 100, High 100; HomeServices of America Inc.; Date: Apr-04-2017; Drive, Tinton Falls, 07753; E. Hanson recently announced it brokered Pasquale Menna, Esq.; $253,072; Current Amount: $2,951,300; Price: NA; Percent: 100%; Contact: Robert Tantullo the lease of 1,397 square feet of medical Court: Trenton; Chapter holdings: NA Current holdings: 11; Case Number: 17- Type: Real estate agency Payero Auto Repair LLC, office space for Dr. John Pantazopoulos Bed Bath & Beyond 45,119 17664-KCF JG Finneran Associates 367 E 22nd St., Paterson, at 23-00 Route 208, Fair Lawn.The firm’s Inc.; Steven H. Te- Quest Diagnostics Inc., Seller/Target: Porvair 07514; Contact: Antonio Darren Lizzack and Randy Horning Jole Inc., 372 Main St., mares, chief executive Inc.; Michael E. PLC; Date: Apr-04-2017; Payero Madera represented the owner, 2300 RT 208 West Orange, 07052; officer; Transaction: Prevoznik, general Price: 8; Percent: 100%; LLC, in the transaction. “The landlord of Industry: Business Sell; Transaction Price: counsel; Transaction: South Jersey Customs Type: Surgical appliance this property is cognizant of the needs of services; Adviser: Vincent Low 39.5, High 39.86; Option Exercise; LLC, 350 Railroad Ave., and supplies manufac- Commisa; Court: Newark; Amount: $7,965,854; Transaction Price: Low Hammonton, 08037; Con- today’s medical office tenant and has posi- turing Chapter 7; Case Number: Current holdings: 55.65, High 56.82; tact: Robert H. Hodges Iv tioned the property as a premier medical 17-17764-JKS 701,751 Amount: $1,675,744; TEAMS Conference + The Liberty Institute LLC, office in this market,” Lizzack said. “Dr. Expo, Seller/Target: Pantazopoulos recognized that the space Bed Bath & Beyond Current holdings: NA 1101 Gibbsboro Road, Apt INSIDER TRADING Northstar Travel Media 322, Lindenworld, 08021; and its location were a great fit to serve Inc.; Steven H. Te- Vonage Holdings LLC; Date: Apr-04-2017; Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.; Contact: Esthers Glow as the new home of his growing cardiology mares, chief executive Corp.; Jeffrey A. Price: NA; Percent: 100%; Arthur Stark, president; officer; Transaction: Citron, director; Trans- Generic Lawn Service practice. Quality medical office space can Type: Convention and be limited, especially ones in prime locations like 23-00 Route 208.” The Transaction: Sell; Trans- Option Exercise; Trans- action: Sell; Transac- trade show organizers LLC, 867 East Drive, Bor- action Price: Low 39.73, action Price: Low 28.33, tion Price: Low 6.5, dentown , 08505; Contact: property at 23-00 Route 208 is a three-story, 28,000-square-foot medical Meetings Quest, Seller/ High 39.73; Amount: High 28.33; Amount: High 6.51; Amount: Andrew Chainer office building located between Hackensack University Medical Center Target: Northstar Travel $354,908; Current hold- $5,666,000; Current $2,149,863; Current and Valley Hospital. Pantazopoulos will continue to grow his cardiology Media LLC; Date: Apr-04- T&R Xpress LLC, 104 ings: 140,662 holdings: NA holdings: 12,786,497 practice in the space after he moves from his current office in Paramus. 2017; Price: NA; Percent: Cotsword Circle, Ocean, 100%; Type: All other 07712; Contact: Thomas ■ Commercial real estate firm Bussel Realty recently announced it bro- business support services Saldutti kered the sale of 400 Federal Blvd. in Carteret from 400 Federal Boule- Transactions Sunnymeath Asset Mgmt Lia Transportation LLC, vard LLC and an undisclosed buyer. The buyer, represented by senior vice Inc., Seller/Target: Granite 430 Howe Ave., Passaic, president of BRC Leo Esses, purchased the 55,560-square-foot property for Central Springs Asset Mgmt LLC; 07055; Contact: Daly M ■ Mahwah-based The Capacity Group, an $5.14 million. The buyer also secured a $9.8 million Grow New Jersey award. Date: Apr-05-2017; Price: Rosado “I worked with my client for several years in order to locate the right prop- EPIC Co. and retail property and casualty NA; Percent: 100%; Type: Baghdadcuisine LLC, erty, in the right “limited” location, in order for them to qualify for a Grow insurance brokerage, announced that Portfolio management 187 Dey Road, Cranbury, Jeanne Braun has joined the firm as pres- New Jersey award which was approved for their operations,” Esses said. emPower Doctors LLC, 08512; Contact: Rodana ident of The Capacity Group of NY LLC, “They will be relocating from Brooklyn, New York, and are in close proximity Seller/Target: iHealth Kamil Salih to New York City via highways and mass transportation.” The property is a newly-established health care strategy Solutions LLC; Date: 10 Oak Investments LLC, located near Exit 12 on the New Jersey Turnpike. division of TCG. Braun, who has more than Apr-05-2017; Price: NA; 528 Lafayette Ave., Haw- 25 years of experience in the medical Percent: 100%; Type: thorne, 07506; Contact: ■ Mahwah-based Radware, a provider of cyber security and application de- liability field, will be responsible for new Provide medical, health Michael Felixson livery solutions, announced that it has signed a multimillion dollar product business development, program design services subscription deal with a business information provider to support applica- Azer Investment Group and management and coverage place- Undisclosed Industrial, LLC, 158 Lindwood Plaza, tion delivery, application security and data center cyber security solutions ment. She will oversee CGNY’s product Seller/Target: Monmouth Fort Lee, 07024; Contact: across its network. The multyear contract covers customer applications and delivery, services and solutions to clients RE Invest Corp; Date: Apr- Antoney Azer, Esq. its primary U.S. data centers and global entities within its IT infrastructure. in the health care industry. “As a part of 05-2017; Price: 32.12; “Companies that deliver real-time information and insights are required by Percent: 100%; Type: Chichi Chic Products LLC, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, their customers to deliver near instantaneous response times, as close to Lessors of nonresidential 1726 Prospect St., Ewing, The Capacity Group — already one of the 100 percent availability, and bullet-proof security for these online news largest privately-held insurance brokers in the country — now has access to buildings (except mini- 08638; Contact: Marlena warehouses) Besser applications,” Roy Zisapel, CEO and president of Radware. “With this the broad resources and global reach of a Top 20 U.S. retail insurance broker. enhanced relationship for the next three years Radware solutions will assist Allegheny Energy Supply Our combined organizations share similar beliefs and values, and understand 83 Bentley Avenue this organization to be protected from attack while maintaining maximum Co.-Cer, Seller/Target: Realty LLC, 83 Bentley the importance of comprehensive risk management support and client service uptime of its online applications and information. We are pleased with their excellence, particularly in view of the many changes continuing to impact the APV Renaissance Partners Ave., Jersey City, 07304; Opco; Date: Apr-05-2017; continued trust of Radware with their mission-critical infrastructure and are health care industry. This is an exciting time to be EPIC,” Braun said. Contact: Goda M. Abdel- Price: NA; Percent: 100%; menam committed to delivering the utmost value to them – and as an extension – Type: Cert assets of their customers.” ■ Advaxis Inc., a Princeton-based biotechnology company developing J&N Industries LLC, 594 Allegheny Energy Supply cancer immunotherapies, announced that Anthony A. Lombardo, has joined Hyatt St., Avenel, 07001; Co. LLC, Masontown the company as its new chief business officer, effective April 17. Lombardo, Contact: Yesenia Victor who has more than 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry, NEW BUSINESS Fitspoon LLC, 18 Lincoln was previously CEO and president of E-Z-EM Inc. “Tony has led successful Jk Jb Li LLC, 403 32nd Place, Moonachie, 07074; companies, achieved aggressive milestones and driven growth at all levels,” St., Brigantine, 08203; Contact: Jacqueline Eliza- Eloquent Pen Publica- Kolari Development Computers Experts Daniel J. O’Connor, CEO and president of Advaxis, said. “His leadership, Contact: John F Burns beth Roa tions LLC, 1795 Spring- L.L.C., 12 Brittany Court, Of New Jersey LLC, 29 knowledge and experience will be assets to Advaxis.” Lombardo joined Guardian United LLC, Forever In Time Photog- field Ave., Maplewood, Howell, 07731; Contact: Evergreen Ave., Neptune Advaxis from The Channel Group, where he was partner providing strategic 1451 Parkside Ave., raphy LLC, 257 Erie Ave., 07040; Contact: Sheila R. Vullnet Kolari City, 07753; Contact: advisory services to biotech, pharma and med-tech companies. Previously, Ewing, 08638; Contact: Rear Apt., Midland Park, Thompson Weaponry Archives LLC, Matthew Christopher he was chief operating officer of Bracco Diagnostics. Before joining E-Z-EM, Jamala Kidd 07432; Contact: Jenny Mufasa LLC, 156 Ames 17 Edgewood Road, Ring- Brand the company Bracco acquired, he was president of ALI Imaging Systems Kelly World Convention Ave., Leonia, 07605; Con- wood, 07456; Contact: Shk Management LLC, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of ALI Technologies. He also has held leadership Services LLC, 24 East Wagabout Products LLC, tact: Mukarram Ismail Michael Renes 110 First St., Jersey City, roles at General Electric Medical Systems, Philips Medical Systems, 31 St., Bayonne, 07002; 246 Park Ave., Marlton, Clientbook LLC, 110 First Strength By Grace LLC, 59 07302; Contact: Kangs Loral/Lockheed Martin Corp. and Sony Corp. Contact: World Convention 08053; Contact: Frederic St., Jersey City, 07302; Wright St., Newark, 07114; Holdings Llc Services T. Forman Contact: Kangs Holdings Llc Contact: Jabueline Da Silva ■ Edison-based Fuji Electric Corp. of America announced it has appointed Continued on page 33 Darrell Hoffman as president of Reliable Turbine Services, a whol- ly-owned subsidiary of FEA. RTS is a service provider for field services, re- pairs and manufacturing of turbine generator equipment and parts. Hoffman has more than 20 years of experience and will bring that to RTS’ expansion efforts as it seeks new opportunities in the Americas and select markets throughout the world. Prior to RTS, Hoffman was chief operating officer at Orbital Energy Services. Prior to that, he founded the construction and field services division for Toshiba International Corp. He’s also worked at Alstom and Dresser-Rand. Hoffman will be based in RTS’ corporate head- “Like us.” quarters in Sullivan, Missouri. There he will oversee all business operations facebook.com/njbiz worldwide.

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32 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com DEALS ROUNDUP

Bunny Coffee LLC, 200 Mariposa Essence LLC, 10 J & E Gorilla Racking Hodge Design Associates, REAL ESTATE* Winston Drive, Cliffside Winston Drive, Somerset, & Shelving LLP, 90 P.C., 14 Scenic Drive, Dayton, NJ Retail Acquisitions Park, 07010; Contact: 08873; Contact: Maritza Pasadena Ave., Lodi, 08810; Contact: National purchased: 32 US Transactions Steven Han Cruz 07644; Contact: Julio Corporate Research, Ltd. South Cesar Aliaga Route 10, East Hanover Da Source Custom Librarydiy LLC, 42A Fire & Ice Hvac-R L.P., 17 (O); from: Charles ■ The monthly report by the Federal Printing Services LLC, Southbrook Drive, Eaton- Queen World Media Olszak Court, Hamilton, Kramer; size: 5,100 Reserve Bank of Philadelphia shows 571-575 Grove Street town, 07724; Contact: LLP, 102 Bailey Avenue, 08691; Contact: Justin square feet; price: another month of continued manufac- #5, Irvington, 07111; Jonathan Upton Hillside, 07205; Contact: Webster not disclosed; seller’s turing improvement in the economy in Diane Murray Contact: Hassan I Coles Reup Sneakers LLP, 1750 Smoke Mobile L.P., 204 broker: John Schilp, NAI the region that includes South Jersey, 168 Fair Group, LLC, 168 Deptford Center Road, Law Office Of Aihong You Lakeview Ave., Clifton, Hanson; buyer’s broker: but at a slower pace than last month. Its Passaic Ave., Fairfield, Deptford, 08096; Contact: P.C., 200 Centennial Ave- 07011; Contact: Forms Jeffery Realty Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey nue , Piscataway, 08854; 07004; Contact: Zi Zhou Rob Hagmann Made Easy 744 EC Palisades LLC showed indexes for general activity, new Contact: Aihong You Zhang Vet Out LLP, 200 Lewis St., Yung Family L.P., Yung purchased: 744 Pali- orders and shipments were all positive, Avents Car Hauling LLC, Apt. 110, Rahway , 07065; City Anesthesia Irrevocable Grantor Trust, sades Ave, Englewood but they decreased from their readings 413 Central Ave., Rahway , Contact: Raymond Bissaillon Healthcare, P.C., 330 Towaco, 07082; Contact: Cliffs (O); from: EC last month. They survey said most of the Changebridge Road, Ste. Acquisitions Group; size: 07065; Contact: Terry Avent Hennion Properties Wai Yee Yung, Trustee broad indicators remained positive, al- 101, Pine Brook, 07058; 13,000 square feet; LLP, 168 B Route 15, Franklin Market Urban though most fell this month, but this still Bk Soft LLC, Five Green- Contact: United States price: $6.5 million; bro- Lafayette, 07848; Contact: Renewal Associates L.P., suggests continued growth in the regions tree Centre, 525 Route Corporation Agents, Inc. kers: Lew Finkelstein, 73, Marlton, 08053; Ryan Hennion 77 Park St., Montclair, manufacturing sector. The employment Bergen County Rehab & CJ Huter, The Goldstein Contact: Registered Lura Rehab LLP, 3 Dell 07042; Contact: Edward G. index, which is continuously improving, Wellness P.C., 596 West Group Agents Inc Court, Fairfield, 07004; Martoglio was the only exception. Englewood Ave., Te- 2300 RT 208 leased Contact: Rachael Hill Nheb5 Fund 1 L.P., 616 Kristal Cargo Courier aneck, 07666; Contact: to: Dr John Pantazo- LLC, 27 Broadway, Palisade Ave., Englewood A Gordillo Mechanical Mark Eisen poulos (O); location: Elmwood Park, 07407; LLP, 505 Mayfair St., Cliffs, 07632; Contact: Paladina Medical 23-00 US Route 208, Contact: Adekunle Kuku Vineland, 08360; Contact: John Keh Group Of New Jersey Fair Lawn; size: 1,397 Deborah Demilio B & E Foods, LLC, 61 P.C., Princeton South Th Start Scp L.P., 1771 square feet; Landlord’s Mandrake Road, Monroe Bc2 Properties LLP, 326 Corporate Center, Ewing, Front St, Scotch Plains, broker: Darren Lizzack, Twp, 08831; Contact: Stewart Ave., Kearny, 08628; Contact: Corpo- 07076; Contact: John Randy Horning, NAI William Diekmann 07032; Contact: Betty Comer ration Service Company Amorosa Hanson

MORE INFORMATION Mergers & Acquisitions data were supplied by FactSet Mergerstat and Thomson Reuters. was supplied by the state Treasury’s Division of Revenue. Bankruptcies are obtained from federal courthouse records available on Public Access to Court Electronic Records, Real Estate Transactions are provided by brokers and their representatives. Listings should include the names of the buyer or PACER. Listings are organized by the office in which they were filed. and seller or lessee and lessor; the square footage or acreage; the address of the property; and the brokers representing Insider Trading reports on the stock transactions reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission by officers, directors each party. For sales transactions, please include the price. Send all transaction information to [email protected] with “real and major shareholders. These data were compiled by Thomson Financial and are listed in order of transaction value. estate” in the subject line. New Businesses include businesses that have moved to New Jersey or opened a new office in the state. The information *(I) – Industrial; (O) – Office; (M) – Multifamily; (R) – Retail

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Lapels Dry Cleaning will host their annual clothing drive to benefit Big Brother Big Sister organizations starting April 22 and running through May 7. Lapels In 2017, Brach Eichler celebrates its 50th anniversary and began its year-long cele- Dry Cleaning stores in Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, bration with an employee cocktail party held at the firm’s Roseland offices. Pictured New Jersey, and Michigan will be accepting clothing donations. Last year’s drive from left to right are members of Brach Eichler’s Executive Committee: Brian R. Lenker, generated 13,180 pounds of clothing, the equivalent of $13,180. member and chair, business transactions and financial services practice (33 years with the firm): Alan R. Hammer, member and former chair, real estate practice (48 years with First Bank MJCC Distinguished Corporation.jpg- the firm); Charles X. Gormally, member and chair, litigation practice (30 years with the Patrick M. Ryan, chairman of the board, First Bank firm); John D. Fanburg, managing member and chair, health law practice (34 years with (center) accepts the MidJersey Chamber of Commerce the firm); Mark Manigan, member, health law practice (21 years with the firm).. Distinguished Corporation of the Year award from award sponsors Jeffrey Barnhart, Creative Market- Ryan Cohen ing Alliance (CMA) president and CEO (right) and of GrandStand Chris Borden, account executive at Borden Perlman Sports accepts the Salisbury & Kelly (left), at the Annual Awards Gala Community Services on April 6 at the Stone Terrance in Hamilton. and Partnership Award from Alyssa HOW TO SUBMIT Mistretta, fundrais- NJBIZ welcomes your Off the Clock and Guest List ing coordinator at items. Pictures, and captions that identify everyone in Community Access As part of the firm’s national Read to Succeed initiative, KPMG Short Hills pro- the photo from left to right, may be emailed to [email protected] with “Off the Clock” or Unlimited. fessionals recently visited Branch Brook Elementary School in Newark to host a “Guest List” in the subject line. Please send electronic book fair, bingo and classroom reading circles for 200 pre-K through fourth grade files at 300 DPI at an original size of 6 inches wide. students. KPMG also donated 800 books for children to take home.

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services in a unique and cost effective way! MARCH 7, 2016 www.njbiz.com Modern solutions for age-old problem in health care SmithSolve feels its mobile Reprints can be used for: platform can spur communication BY ANDREW SHELDON Chris Smith worked in communications C o n t a c t B o b W e i s e for health care companies around New • promotional packets York City for 15 years. In 2006, he got the revelation that sparks so many entrepreneurs: There’s a better way to do things. With that in mind, he founded Smith- • trade shows Solve as a mobile technology that he hopes will revolutionize the way people in P h o n e : 6 0 9 - 2 5 9 -3 3 8 8 0 0 0 0 xx 11 0 0 4 4 health care communicate. “You have a new media environment and a lot of communication needs, where • formal presentations a lot of information is shared very open- ly across different audiences, whether it’s Chris Smith, left, president and CEO, and Dan Kurpick, account coordinator, SmithSolve. AARON HOUSTON Biz in brief o r 9 7 3 - 2 7 7 - 4 3 7 8 industry, policymakers, patients, advo- COMPANY: SmithSolve cates or hospitals,” he said. “So, what we “There’s a business goal, but there’s also the science, sup- FOUNDER: Chris Smith specialize in is delivering a message that a really important mission of helping peo- portive care and in- FOUNDED: 2006 HEADQUARTERS: Morristown everyone can understand and explains ple, and I think that’s what is the common formation,” he said. ONE LAST THING: The company • email campaigns works across the nation and even how sciences and medicines are helping thread through everything we do,” he said. “They’re all in it to- internationally, but Smith says he Em ail: bw eise@ xdsinc.com patients.” “It’s what motivates our talent.” gether and they’re fi nds business around the world to refl ect the same issues: “Because The company’s mission, as Smith tells One aspect of its business that touches all connecting. what we do is getting at the essence it, is to help biomedical and pharmaceu- on this drive is the work it does in the realm “There’s a great of the story, it’s universal,” he said. tical companies “tell their story” by devel- of rare diseases, which Smith says is a great exchange of con- • valuable web content oping messages through videos, websites, model for what he calls “relationship-based tent and informa- infographics and other multimedia plat- communication.” tion regarding rare diseases, more so than forms and delivering that to patients. “You’re dealing with very small numbers other areas. That teaches us how to make But the drive for Smith and his team ex- of people that are highly motivated to con- the messages clear and involve the right tend beyond a business’s mission statement. nect, learn and support each other,” he said. people in the right conversations to move While conferences for diseases such people toward health.” The rarest calendar day as blood pressure attract researchers in Working with clients that include PTC Feb. 29 is the rarest day of the calendar year. It’s only fi tting, then, that it’s also tens of thousands, rare diseases do not get Therapeutics, Ophthotech and Jazz Pharma- Rare Diseases Day. near that amount of attention. ceauticals, Smith says that’s the real mission. For Chris Smith, who founded the medical commu- “You go to a rare disease conference and “The goal is informing people so they For more information, contact Lisa nications fi rm SmithSolve in 2006, it’s an opportu- nity to use his particular set of skills to deliver health you may have 100 people, if you’re lucky, can make smart decisions about their care-related messages. “With rare diseases, there’s often a lack of information, that might include researchers, policy- health,” he said. “It all comes down to that.” research or fi nding the right physicians,” he said. “We makers, patients, advocates, industry, gov- In an industry as complex and personal Arnold at 717-236-4300 ext 242 or email help make these connections and give information.” ernment and every other aspect of it from as health care, communicating those is-

Reprinted with permission from NJBIZ. Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved. [email protected] 117 North Gold Drive · Robbinsville, NJ · www.xdsinc.com · Tel: 609-259-3800

34 May 1, 2017 NJBIZ www.njbiz.com GUEST LIST

Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts 28th Annual Mayors Dinner

The Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its 28th Annual Mayors Dinner, held at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel. More than 400 people listened as may- ors or their designees from 20 of Union County’s 21 municipalities provided updates on the states of their communities. Awards were given out for Mayor of the Year, Business Administrator of the Year, Public Safety Official of the Year, Business Development Official of the Year and Best Speaker, which usually goes to the most entertaining and/ or imaginative speaker.

Sheriff Joe Cryan was named Public Safety Official of the Year.

Mayor Adrian Mapp of Plainfield was named both Mayor of the Year and Best Speaker Richard Puschel of Linden was named Economic Development John Laezza of Clark was named Business Administrator of the of the Night. Official of the Year. Year.

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