Congratulations Honorees
A Message from Steven Blumenthal, Chairman It is a pleasure to see all of you here to acknowledge today’s Arline Simpson Leadership Award recipients. Through the Chamber, I have spoken with and/or observed each honoree in their involvement with the Chamber, either through their work with the Operating Committee, or through their active involvement with a Membership Committee. As a past honoree, I know the hard work and dedication these members give to the Chamber on a regular basis and I want to congratulate each honoree on their deserved recognition. I would also like to welcome you all to the 2016 Meadowlands Regional Chamber Leadership Awards Bruncheon. It is one of the many events the Chamber hosts regularly throughout the year. As you may know, the Chamber provides its membership with benefits such as networking, relationship building, business education and promotional opportunities. The Chamber is also very active in public affairs advocacy; it is a leader on many critical issues facing the region. This advocacy provides the membership with representation and a voice that it might not otherwise have. If you are a member, thank you for your continued support. If you are not a member, please consider supporting the Chamber in its charge of membership benefits and advocacy; you will find it extremely rewarding. Thank you for attending. Steven Blumenthal Chairman of the Board 2006 Leadership Award Recipient
Remembering Arline Simpson Seidman Arline “Simpson” Seidman was a loyal member of the MRC for over 25 years with her staffing company ASA, Inc. She operated her small business and grew a customer base to include some of the largest companies in the Tri-State area. She was the quintessential networker, always taking the time to get to know anyone from whom she accepted a business card, regardless of how small or large their business was. Over the years as a member, she chaired just about every committee we had, later being elected to the Board of Directors. After serving in different officer positions, she was voted unanimously to be Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. Arline was a great businesswoman but more importantly, she was a woman of conscience. She cared deeply about those who could not help themselves and made sure the MRC never lost focus of the importance of being a community catalyst. She championed issues like affordable housing and spent time serving food in shelters, often bringing a homeless person into her home for a good cooked meal. Arline brought out the best of humanity in every breath she took. In 2007 after Arline passed from a battle with cancer, the MRC chose to keep her spirit and her core values alive by naming our Annual Leadership Awards after her. Those who have the honor of being selected for this award should know that they are part of an elite group of individuals. It is offered to those who are living up to and aspiring to Arline’s standards of participation and values of concern for others.
Keynote Speaker David J. DeNotaris DAVID J. DENOTARIS International Drug-Free-Power-Lifting Champion, Nationally Known-Speaker, Best-Selling-Author, and he also happens to be totally-blind. No-Sight-Great-Vision! When David was four-years-old, experts attempted to impose negative limiting labels, suggesting a child who was blind could never succeed at school, sports, work, and life. Today, David J. DeNotaris is married with three-children, leads an organization of eleven-hundred-staff with over a two-hundred-million-yearly-budget, and is a nationally recognized expert in the field of motivation/rehabilitation, connecting employers and individuals with disabilities. David was born in a small-town, Belleville, NJ; his parents were first-generation from Italy, with no advanced academic degrees, experience with disabilities, or how to navigate the educational system. David’s parents Joan and Dante DeNotaris believed in their son and worked to connect him with as many successful individuals as possible. Dante DeNotaris would say “it takes a network to make the dream work”. David’s parents surrounded David with teachers, coaches, mentors, and inspiration to help him over-come the very-scary-challenge of blindness. David said “I now believe my eyes were closed, so I could help others see their own true potential”. David has presented for fortune 100 companies, colleges/universities, government agencies and associations throughout the country presenting on the topic of over-coming-obstacles. If you would like more information on Mr. De Notaris’ speaking/consulting services, you can reach Sky’s The Limit Communications Inc. office at: 1.877.827.HOPE (4673) david@daviddenotaris.com www.daviddenotaris.com Conceive it, believe it and achieve it!
2016 Honoree CYNTHIA BROOKS BULLOCK, ESQ. Partner Archer & Greiner, PC Cynthia Brooks Bullock is a Partner with the law firm of Archer & Greiner, P.C. Cynthia’s law practice is focused on commercial real estate transactions and business transactions. She represents commercial real estate owners, investors, and operators. She assists them with purchasing, financing, developing, and leasing office buildings, apartment buildings, retail centers, and industrial parks. She also drafts and negotiates leases for commercial landlords and tenants. Archer & Greiner is a full service regional law firm with offices in NY, NJ, PA and DE. The firm has been an active member of the Chamber for over 10 years. Archer & Greiner was the Chamber’s Member of the Month in August 2015, largely due to Cynthia’s involvement with, and support of, the Chamber’s initiatives. Cynthia is Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Construction & Building Services Committee. She has also served the Committee as Vice Chair, a member of the Steering Committee, and as Counsel. In addition, Cynthia has served the Chamber as an Ambassador, on the Programs Committee, and as a member of the planning committee for the Basket Brigade. She believes that the best thing about the Chamber is the quality of the members.
2016 Honoree ANTHONY GUZZO, AIA Principal Guzzo + Guzzo Architects Anthony has over 20 years’ experience in the field of architecture and currently serves as the principal of Guzzo + Guzzo Architects. Guzzo + Guzzo Architects is a second generation architecture firm designing and developing commercial properties, retail centers, public and private schools as well as multi-family residential projects throughout New York and New Jersey. Since early 2000, Anthony has broadened the firm’s traditional offerings by implementing a wide variety of new in-house services to include sustainable design, 3D computer technology, interior design, and design-build services. Anthony has been a member of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber for over 6 years and currently serves as co-chair of the Contractor and Building Services Committee and event coordinator for the annual Basket Brigade Food Drive. His family, including his wife Michele and four children, has strong ties to the community and are actively involved in local town events. Anthony coaches several youth sports and served as president of the Lyndhurst Youth Soccer program for over 10 years.
2016 Honoree WILLIAM P. MURRAY Executive Vice President & National Director MWWPR Mr. Murray runs MWW Group’s public affairs practice from the firm’s headquarters in East Rutherford, N.J. He has more than 30 years of experience in directing and conducting public relations, public affairs and government relations campaigns for clients in a wide range of industries and on a variety of issues. He specializes in campaigns that focus on impacting public policy; building and mobilizing third party advocates at the state and federal level, and directing supporting media relations programs. From finance, gaming, education, product liability, energy, the environment, and public utility issues to human rights, health care, patient advocacy and general advocacy issues, Mr. Murray has the expertise to mobilize support and to gain public recognition for client positions. Mr. Murray has created and managed campaigns that have included strategic relationship development with critical third party organizations and NGOs in order to build stronger alliances for image management, as well as public policy objectives. His experience also includes broader based public affairs programs utilizing social media, traditional media, alliance engagement, complete coalition building and voter/public mobilization to support public policy initiatives at the federal and state level. Mr. Murray created the Environmental Engagement practice at MWW, leading community and national communications programs on behalf of clients with environmental legacy and liability concerns. This has included local property owners – particularly in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York – as well as national corporations with multiple site issues throughout the U.S. In fact, Mr. Murray has specialized in litigation support, issues management, coalition support and public communications programs on behalf of clients engaged in remediation programs under both state and federal mandates. Mr. Murray also specializes in broad-based community relations campaigns and manages the firm’s 50-state government relations and public affairs network. A former journalist and community activist, Mr. Murray holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from West Virginia University, where he specialized in both print and broadcast journalism. He is an Executive Board Member of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, the Adler Aphasia Center, CIANJ and NEW JOBS of New Jersey. He has received honors and awards for his work in communications from such organizations as the Public Relations Society of America, International Association of Business Communicators, Working Press Association, Mercury Awards, PRWeek, and the New Jersey Advertising Club. He also has received the American Business Stevie Award and the Holmes Report Sabre Award for communications. Mr. Murray was named the 2012 Government Relations and Public Affairs Executive of the Year Award by PRNews and also was named the Bulldog Awards Public Affairs Professional of the Year in 2011.
2016 Honoree PAUL C. THOMASSET Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Paul is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Ridgewood, NJ. Paul has found an amazing depth of experience and knowledge amongst the Meadowlands Regional Chamber members. Through his involvement, Paul has formed many rich friendships and relationships. He is grateful to the Chamber for introducing him to so many opportunities including the Bergen Leads program from which he graduated last year. Paul currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Small Business Council. Paul is also a member of the Retention Committee and serves as the Chamber liaison to the Bergen Workforce Development Board. In all three roles, he strives to bring members together and share experience in a way that enriches everyone’s involvement and value from the chamber. Paul has been a Bergen County for resident for 19 years and is very active in the community. Paul is married to his wife Marie and they have a son and daughter.
2016 Honoree BARBARA J. TOSCANO Founder & Principal Evolution, Inc. Barbara J. Toscano helps organizations and individuals be the best they can be through Leadership Development, Personal Coaching and Human Resources Consulting. In addition to her varied work through her own company, Evolution, Inc., Barbara facilitates workshops on all topics related to job search and networking, as well as one-on-one coaching, for a leading outplacement firm. Formerly a senior human resources executive with over 20 years of corporate experience, Toscano is a progressive leader, team builder, mentor, and problem solver, with a successful track record of developing, motivating and enhancing people. Toscano’s business career has spanned various industries, including legal, public utilities, retail, consumer products, manufacturing and distribution, cosmetics, chemical/flavor and fragrance. She has worked with large, public companies, (Bloomingdale’s, FAO Schwarz, Unilever), as well as smaller, privately held organizations, both union and non-union. Barbara managed people and businesses prior to managing the HR function. She incorporated what she learned from outside of HR, having experienced the challenges of line responsibility first hand. She leads by example, is hands-on, and when delegating, advocates assuming both responsibility and accountability. When charged with building an HR organization from the ground up, her inclusive leadership style empowered employees to assume ownership of business responsibility, resulting in fostering loyalty, satisfaction, and long-term retention, and business success. An articulate communicator, Barbara has the ability to establish, build, and maintain trusting relationships. She has coached senior leaders, taken entire organizations through cultural integrations, and facilitated team building for management and cross-functional teams, as well as departments and individuals. She enhances the business function through human capital, recognizing the true value in people, through talent assessment, personal and performance management and development. It is through people that business successes are realized, enhancing performance and creating efficiencies. Toscano holds a BA in English from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa.; completed paralegal training at the Institute for Paralegal Training, Philadelphia, Pa.; is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, and Bergen County Professional Women’s Network.
2016 Honoree LAUREN TURIELLO Chief Philanthropic Officer Bergen Volunteer Center Lauren Turiello currently serves as the Chief Philanthropic Officer at the Bergen Volunteer Center, where she is responsible for many initiatives to effectively fundraise and develop strong partnerships with community leaders, organizations, individuals and corporations. Lauren’s comprehensive development program is essential to the successful execution of the overall goals and objectives of the organization. She possesses many cultivation, planning, event-related, marketing and networking skills that have enabled her to successfully fundraise for organizations within any industry for the last decade. Additionally, her passion has led her to form a non-profit called We Heart, where she co-teaches dance and life skills to students, with varying abilities. She likes to say her students aren’t disabled; they are “THIS”abled. She is also involved in a number of civic and community based organizations and has served in several leadership roles including President-elect for Rotary Club of Greater Westwood, member of Bergen LEADS Class of 2014, past Chair of the Non-Profit Committee and current Chair of the Ambassador Committee at the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce. Lauren has an MA in Leadership Studies and Public Administration from Centenary College. She currently resides in Lyndhurst, with her husband, Anthony, two sons Anthony Jr. and James Joseph, and dog Bauer.
LEADERSHIP COMES IN MANY FLAVORS, ALL WITH THE ABILITY TO ENGAGE ENCOURAGE ENFORCE Action Graphics salutes the leaders we honor today.
A LEADER IN THE MARKETING INDUSTRY, HELPING ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNICATE BETTER SINCE 1982.
Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc.
Helping to Build a Better
New Jersey
Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc., 400 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1515 201.348.1200 – Phone • 201.348.4358 – Fax • www.hartzmountain.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO WILLIAM P. MURRAY RECOGNIZED FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOTH OUR COMMUNITY AND TO THE CHAMBER, CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL DIRECTOR, BILL MURRAY, ON BEING HONORED WITH THE 2016 ARLINE SIMPSON LEADERSHIP AWARD.
One Meadowlands Plaza | East Rutherford, NJ 07073 | 201-507-9500 222 West State Street | Suite #306 | Trenton, NJ 08608 | 609-396-0067 FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.MWW.COM
Congratulations to all the Honorees
Cynthia Brooks Bullock, Esq.
Anthony Guzzo
William Murray
Paul Thomasset
Barbara Toscano
Lauren Turiello
Hackensack • Parsippany • naihanson.com
Congratulations! The world needs more “Do-gooders” like you. We salute all people that use their own potential to help others use more of their potential. That is what leadership is all about.
Doug Brown (908) 276-4547 www.ParadigmAssociates.US
Strategic and Executive Development for Professionals
All the bank I need FOR COMMUNITY ~ Congratulations to Anthony Guzzo & The Other Recipients ~ From checking, to home financing options, to saving for retirement, you’ll find everything you need right here at Spencer Savings Bank. Most importantly, we're a bank that cares about our community and is actively involved with local civic activities.
Come and visit one of our 21 branch locations! Servicing Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union, Morris and Mercer Counties.
PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE MEADOWLANDS REGIONAL CHAMBER
21 Branches throughout New Jersey 611 River Drive, Elmwood Park, 07407 www.spencersavings.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO... CYNTHIA BROOKS BULLOCK ANTHONY GUZZO WILLIAM MURRAY PAUL THOMASSET BARBARA TOSCANO LAUREN TURIELLO FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT FORSGATE INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS.
400 Hollister Road | Teterboro, NJ 07608 | P 201-393-4300 | F 201-393-4301 WWW.FORSGATE.COM
Serving Westwood, Hillsdale, River Vale and the Township of Washington - Join us!
A Message of Congratulations Congratulations on your Leadership Award, Lauren! You make the Centenary community very proud! From your friends and family at Centenary College. Bogota Savings Bank would like to congratulate Cynthia Brooks Bullock, Esq. and all of the 2016 honorees for their continued commitment to our community and to the Chamber. Lauren, We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments! You are a beautiful Wife, Mother, Daughter and Sister! Love, Dad, Alice & Jay Parsons Brinckerhoff is proud to support the Meadowlands Regional Chamber and congratulates the 2016 Leadership Award recipients for their outstanding leadership and dedication!
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