Meadowlands Magazine: May 2021 by Meadowlands Media

MAY 2021

POWERING PAYMENTS IN THE MEADOWLANDS

AND BEYOND

Bank Card Systems is helping local businesses digitize and innovate Pg. 16

Business Profiles: Highlighting New York Jets, 16W Marketing and Kearny Bank Pg. 18

NJ Sharing Network leads statewide celebration of National Donate Life Month Pg. 25

Selling a business? Local M&A expert addresses top concerns and questions Pg. 7

Pictured: Estella Herrera, General Manager, and Tarek Saheli, CEO, of Bank Card Systems are helping local businesses digitize and innovate.

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LEADERSHIP COUNCIL American Dream BCB Community Bank Bergen Community College Bergen Engineering/ Branca Properties Blue Foundry Bank Contracting LLC Delta Dental Edison Properties ELEC 825 | Engineers Labor-Management Cooperative Ernst & Young, LLP Eastwick Colleges EZ Ride Forsgate Industrial Partners Genova Burns Goya Foods Hackensack University Medical Center Hartz Mountain Industries Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJNYC Hospital for Special Surgery IBEW 164 In Thyme Catered Events

J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc. Kearny Bank Lakeland Bank Langan Engineering New Jersey-NYC McGowan Builders, Inc. Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment M&T Bank MWWPR NAI James E. Hanson, Inc. New York Jets NJ Sharing Network NJM Insurance Group NJSEA Onyx Equities, LLC Personal Touch Experience PSE&G Quest Diagnostics Russo Development Scarinci Hollenbeck TD Bank Suez Water New Jersey Inc. Verizon Wacoal America WSP

Publisher: Meadowlands Media, a division of the Meadowlands Chamber 1099 Wall Street West, Suite 100 Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 (201) 939-0707 Director of Communications & Publications: Joe Garavente Email submissions: jgaravente@meadowlands.org Advertising Director: Martha Morley, Greer Enterprises, Inc. (201) 493-7996 Editorial Interns: Ohnyu Che, Brianne HaileyKilleen, Sebastian Pineda, Emma Rock, Nicole Rozenfeld Marketing Intern: Giselle Silva Design: Stephanie Kowalsky, Eighty6 Printing: A&P Printing Meadowlands Magazine Distribution: MTM Resources Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any artwork, editorial material or copy prepared by Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and appearing in this publication is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Additional magazines and reprints of articles are available. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the submitting authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and may not be attributed to the Meadowlands Chamber or Meadowlands Media.

New York Jets: Connecting with fans, partners and the community

Bank Card Systems: Powering Payments in the Meadowlands and Beyond

4 29 31 31 32 33 33 35

Kearny Bank: For today. For tomorrow.

Meadowlands Business Report Meadowlands Eat & Drink Meadowlands Transportation Event Planning & Catering Services Harmon Meadow Retail, Restaurants & Hotels Directory Explore the Meadowlands Stay in the Meadowlands Destination Meadowlands

DEPARTMENTS

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Business Wise Legal Lessons in Leadership Human Resources & Operations Innovation & Technology Business Profiles Community Education & Business Learning Advocacy & Public Affairs

COVER FEATURE

Bank Card Systems: Powering Payments in the Meadowlands and Beyond

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May 2021

BUSINESS REPORT “Now more than ever, we’re connecting Meadowlands businesses with the critical news and resources they need to stay ahead.”

’m pleased to report that the calls and emails I receive are increasingly filled with a new sense of optimism across all sized members. Metrics are headed in the right direction and vaccinations are really ramping up, especially in New Jersey and locally. While this optimism lifts my spirits incredibly, I continue to remind business owners and executives that the ‘new normal’ may be very different from the past. Thinking deeply about how you operate your business, how you engage with customers and how you lead your team must remain top priorities! Organizations that lead in these areas are the ones that will be catching the wave when our economy does in fact fully open up again. Those that hesitate or fail to think deeply may be swimming to catch that wave; unfortunately, some will miss it and continue to paddle all the way to shore. We are proud to be a resource While I do not have all the answers for you, the Meadowlands Chamber and Meadowlands Magazine can be of great help. There are tremendous resources within our membership to help business owners and executives understand what pivoting really means and what strategic planning can do for your organization. Our network includes a wealth of resources: leading marketing and advertising firms that help you sell better, social media consultants to get your message out, professional service firms with powerful competencies and even staffing and HR consultancies to guide your talent strategy amid recovery.

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May 2021

Within the 1,148 members of the MC lie incredible capabilities and valuable solutions. All you need to do is ask, or take a look at our membership directory: meadowlands.org What are we doing to ride the wave? The short answer is something I said in a past Business Report: “We are looking through the windshield and not the rearview mirror.” And we are looking both to the nearest corner and way down the road, because that will force us to see things more clearly and allow us to make decisions now that will help shape our future. I am a big fan of the “white board.” I have made the Podcast Studio at the MCHQ my “war room.” There isn’t a day that I don’t erase and rewrite something on the giant white board in that room. In fact, sometimes I cannot get that eraser out of my hand because all I do is write and then erase! However, my strategic planning consultant once told me that ideas are most often cultivated, shaped, erased, rewritten, erased – again and again. Eventually, the right idea finds its way in a bright color and it remains on the board! That is what deep thinking and collaborative discussions with your team, or even other business owners, can do for you. The MC white board has been filled and I am pleased to tell you we have arrived at the action item stage. The remainder of 2021 has been mapped out so we can host a plentitude of webinars, live events and learning sessions that are meaningful to you. So what are you waiting for?

Upcoming Events & Programs Small Business Council Presents: Integrating Your Whole Self into Your Business Webinar, April 28, 2021 Nonprofit Committee Presents: Expert Panel Discussion Webinar, May 12, 2021 2021 Arline Simpson Leadership Awards & Lunch For Love Benefit Webinar, May 12, 2021 2021 Arline Simpson Leadership Awards & Lunch For Love Benefit In-Person (outdoor), June 4, 2021 Annual Golf Classic In-Person (outdoor), June 21, 2021 Eggs & Issues: Public Affairs Series Webinar, June 23, 2021 Inaugural Meadowlands 2040 Foundation Corporate Challenge Cup In-Person (outdoor), August 2, 2021 Mdest Tourism Conference In-Person, Stay tuned! Thought Leaders Conference In-Person, Stay tuned! Annual Legacy Awards In-Person, Stay tuned! Annual Meeting Luncheon In-Person, November 11, 2021

Please seek help if you are having a hard time – that goes for you personally as well as for business. Your personal wellbeing is critical to helping your business navigate a recovery so you can ride the next wave. Again, we have many resources and we are enthusiastic about helping our members, so do not let pride or shame or even fear stop you from seeking help. Remember, covidhelp@meadowlands.org is strictly confidential and my line is always open to you: (201) 528-2941. You are not alone! See you on the next wave! With my imaginary surfboard in arms and with my clear goggles, I remain determined.

Jim Kirkos President & CEO Meadowlands Chamber

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May 2021

BUSINESS WISE

Are You Selling Your Business?

Part 1: Addressing common business owner concerns and questions in M&A transactions

ith 2020 in the rearview mirror, 2021 appears to be the year of possibilities. You are probably looking for options and selling your business might be one of those options. However, there are some things you should consider before doing so. Over A Neumann & Associates’ 18year history. we’ve seen and heard a lot while navigating individuals like yourself through what can be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Below, we will discuss the first five owner concerns when preparing to sell a business. In the next issue, we will discuss five more owner concerns. #1. Revenue is down, but I think my company has growth potential. Maybe 2020 treated you much like most companies and you had less than stellar revenue. No one will acquire a company for its current performance, but all buyers want to see that a company has growth potential. Thus, it is absolutely essential that a seller steps back and thoroughly defines all potential growth paths for the company, including the underlying capital infusion required to execute such growth plan. Rest assured; every business has growth potential. Naturally, the current business owner – most familiar with the business – is the most qualified individual to provide guidance for such growth. But sometimes said owner is tired after all the years of running the business and it might take an external consultant or business coach to help define such growth: geographical expansion by opening offices in new regions, synergistic product or service line expansions either by way of organic growth or by acquisitions, the bolstering of human resources by hiring additional personnel – just to name a few. Money well spent! #2. How long will it take to sell my business? While it varies greatly from one trans6

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action to the next, the typical selling time for a small retail or service business ranges from four to eight months. For a larger business, a six- to twelve-month time frame is more common. However, selling a business is a full-time job in its own right. For that reason, we always suggest hiring an external advisor as opposed to “doing it yourself”. Well-experienced advisors indeed know that a 8–12-month timeline for a business sale can be detrimental to the business’ performance if not handled externally. Thus, the best advisors urge owners to maintain their business’ performance, freeing up the owner’s time by navigating through the ins and outs of the sale. This includes a lot of “after hours” meetings, understanding that most owners work around the clock. #3. I’m not a salesperson. How do I even market my company? The market for ‘companies for sale’ is very competitive, to say the least. With thousands of companies for sale at any given time, there is great ‘market transparency’ with the internet. And with the impending demographic shift, there will be many more ‘baby boomers’ looking to sell a business rather than buy a business. Worse, the sub-

May 2021

sequent generations have been exhibiting a significant degree of ‘risk adversity’ in running – and acquiring – a business. Additionally, the COVID-19 effect has many questioning next steps. The implication is that investors will demand concise, convincing information to explore an acquisition. The most critical marketing documents in this process are the blind profile, confidential memorandum (CM) and an accredited business valuation by a third party. The blind profile should give an approximate synopsis of the key metrics of the company – assets, Employment and cash flow – but should not divulge the company name, specific operation or address. The CM – to be obtained by the investor after pre-qualification – should include a detailed asset listing, tax-return-based financial information, growth projections and current and projected EBITDA with normalized sellers discretionary cash flow (SDCF), including an explanation how it was developed. For example, discretionary personal owner expenses being run through a business should be indicated. In addition, the company’s competitive advantage needs to be illustrated, revenue streams explained, company organization charts shown and so

forth. Essentially, everything an investor needs to ‘make a decision’ should be truthfully disclosed. In short, the CM should represent putting ‘the best foot forward’ by the business owner in selling a business. Neglecting such, or simply relying only on a valuation, will significantly reduce the transaction price or jeopardize a sale altogether. #6. Is it going to be a rough process? Business owners are usually industry experts – highly competent in the day-to-day operations of their business. Selling a business is a completely different transaction – one in which business owners are not familiar with. Generally speaking, most business owners feel intense anxiety during the sale process, particularly during periods of uncertainty or conflict. Every deal comes with a unique set of challenges. A good M&A advisor does not expect a business owner to be an expert, but he/she will navigate the owner through the deal process. By being proactive, a good advisor can reassure a seller during these uncertain times. Such re-assurance prevents a loss of momentum that ultimately can kill deals. Buyers sense uncertainty on the sell-side and are inclined to lose interest in a deal in such a scenario – often interpreting such uncertainty as lack of motivation on the sell-side. Good M&A advisors can put a stop to this process before it spirals out of control by instilling confidence and ensuring the deal is appealing and efficient to all parties. #7. I haven’t been planning to sell, is it still possible? Long-term planning is key to any successful business sale. By

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keeping updated records, a detailed business history and sales portfolio on hand at all times, it will make your planning pay off. You just never know when that perfect buyer may walk into your business and make you an offer you just cannot refuse. Insufficient financials do not necessarily have to prevent a business owner from selling a business or to accept a lower business valuation or transaction price. A good advisor will give sellers an early heads-up as to what needs to be improved in the financial reporting system. Often this can be accomplished with rather small adjustments. Business owners and advisors need to honestly discuss such deficiencies, remedies and how it will impact the anticipated business valuation. A seller needs to understand the need for an immediate, consistent and correct financial reporting system as it will surely be requested from potential buyers. And whereas a proper valuation on the front end is very important, tax planning on the back end is just as important. It does a seller little good to have obtained one hundred percent of the asking price, only then to turn 50% of such over to the IRS or State government. In next issue: part 2 In the next issue, we will look at the next top five concerns and questions owners have when approaching an M&A transaction. We hope you have found part 1 helpful. If you’re exploring the sale of your business and have questions, please get in touch with me. Tony Valentino is A Neumann & Associates, LLC’s Managing Director of Northern New Jersey. A Neumann & Associates, LLC is a professional mergers & acquisitions and business brokerage firm having assisted business owners and buyers in the business valuation and business transfer process through its affiliations for the past 30 years. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the company has senior trusted professionals with a deep knowledge based in multiple field offices along the east coast and has performed hundreds of business valuations in its history. The firm’s competitive transaction fees are based on successfully completing transactions. For more information, please contact Tony at 732-872-6777 or t.valentino@neumannassociates.com. meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

LEGAL

Investment Fraud Alert

Be wary of ‘opportunities’ found via social media

mid the COVID-19 pandemic, social media is an increasingly common means of communication. While sites like Twitter and Facebook can help us stay connected to friends and keep up with current events, social media platforms can also be used to spread misinformation and conduct outright fraud. Accordingly, investors should be wary when using information from social media to inform their investment decisions. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it has experienced a significant uptick in tips, complaints and referrals involving investment scams in recent months. Social media is an attractive medium for fraudsters because they can reach large numbers of people with minimum effort and at a relatively low cost. SEC enforcement action involving false stock tweets Earlier this year, the SEC brought fraud charges against a California-based 8

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trader who used social media to spread false information about a defunct company, while secretly profiting by selling stock he owned in the company. According to the SEC’s complaint, Andrew Fassari published numerous false and misleading posts on social media platforms about Arcis Resources Corporation (ARCS), a publicly-traded company that has been defunct since at least 2016. At the same time, he was covertly trading the securities of ARCS in violation of federal securities laws. The SEC alleges that Fassari purchased tens of millions of shares of ARCS, then deceptively spread false information about the company’s purportedly revived operations and imminent positive announcements on Twitter, among other social media platforms. Fassari uses the Twitter “handle” @OCMillionaire and uses similar usernames on other social media sites. The @OCMillionaire profile joined Twitter in July 2013, lists “13.1K” followers, includes a picture of a black Ferrari,

May 2021

and states, in part: “Master short squeeze artist. #Pennystock Wizard.” The SEC’s complaint further alleges that, between December 9 and 21, 2020, Fassari made approximately 120 tweets that referenced “$ARCS,” dozens of which were false and misleading. For example, he tweeted, “$ARCS 380,000 indoor cultivation 1 Million+ sq ft processing. WEEEEEEEEE This CEO has big plans for us” and “a ton of news coming and backed by huge investors for its #cannabis operation[.]” Over the next several days, ARCS’s share price skyrocketed, ultimately increasing over 4,000%. On December 10, 14 and 16, 2020, Fassari sold all of his shares in ARCS for profits over $929,000, all while continuing to publish false and misleading information about ARCS and about his trading in ARCS. The SEC’s complaint charges Fassari with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and seeks a permanent injunction, disgorgement, pre-

Tips to protect yourself from investment fraud The SEC’s latest enforcement action represents just one form of social media investment fraud. According to the SEC, fraudsters will commonly use social media to spread stock rumors and manipulate the market to their advantage. In other cases, scammers will impersonate an established source of market information by setting up an account name, profile, or handle designed to spoof a particular company or se-

curities research firm. They may even use the company’s logo, website information or employee names to make the social media account appear legitimate. To avoid falling victim to fraud, it is imperative to always identify the true source of the investment information in your news feed. Below are several specific red flags to watch out for: Limited history of posts: Fraudsters often create new accounts in order to perpetrate their scam without revealing their true identities. Therefore, information from social media accounts that lack a history of prior postings or sending messages should be viewed with skepticism. Pressure to act “right now”: Investors should not trust messages that claim you will “miss out” if you don’t buy or sell stock quickly. Take the time to do your own research before engaging in any financial transaction. Unsolicited investment information or offers: Be extremely wary of social media posts on your wall, tweets, direct messages, e-mails or other communications that solicit an investment or provide infor-

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judgment interest, and a civil penalty from Fassari. The SEC also issued an order temporarily suspending trading in the securities of ARCS. “We allege that Fassari profited by using social media to deceive investors,” Melissa R. Hodgman, Acting Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, said in a press statement. “The SEC is committed to protecting investors by proactively monitoring suspicious trading activity tied to social media, and by charging those who use social media to violate the federal securities laws.”

mation about a particular stock if you do not personally know the sender. While the person may appear to be a representative of a reputable company or be a member of your larger social circle, it may also be a facade. Unlicensed sellers: Fraudulent investment schemes often involve unlicensed individuals or unregistered firms. To verify a promoter’s license and registration status, you can check the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)’s BrokerCheck website. Dan Brecher is Chair of the Securities and Investment Banking Group at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC. His experience ranges from general counsel of New York Stock Exchange and NASD/FINRA member brokerage firms to representation of companies in hundreds of public and private securities offerings and advising institutional and high net worth investors. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Brecher at (201) 896-4100 or visit: scarincihollenbeck.com

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May 2021

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

The Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership

Don’t make these common mistakes when managing your team

Leadership is a complicated craft. There have been countless books and scholarly articles written on the subject. There are leaders and managers who have gotten it right and others who have totally missed the mark. Yet, when you talk to most leaders, you find out that a lot of what they’ve learned about leadership has come through the mistakes they or those around them have made. Simply put, leadership involves a lot of trial and error. With that in mind, consider the following seven deadly sins of leadership. Micromanaging: Attention to detail is one thing but hovering over your people once you’ve given them an assignment is quite another. Too many managers are convinced that no one can do a job better than they can so they hold on way too tight. This is a big mistake because while you are micromanaging your people, lots of strategic opportunities are being missed. Plus, your people get demotivated. Surrounding yourself with “yes” people: Sure, it makes your ego feel good to have people tell you what you want to hear, but this has a terrible effect on the decisions you make. Leaders need to be challenged and sometimes criticized by those around them. It’s healthy and normal. Someone has to tell the emperor when he has no clothes on. Poor listening: Too many managers think they have all the answers or lack the patience to be good listeners. Big mistake. When your people come to realize that you are not listening to them, they begin to shut down and stop making suggestions and being straight with you. If you think you have all the answers, think again. No one does. 10

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Not acknowledging or thanking their people: Some people in top positions are either too self-absorbed or just assume their people know that they are doing a good job. Leaders who don’t get in to the habit of saying “nice job” to their people run the risk of alienating productive employees. No matter how talented or secure, everyone needs to be thanked and acknowledged. Leaders who ignore this pay a heavy price. Not growing and learning: Some managers stop reading, researching, going to seminars and refuse to be open to new ideas or ways of doing things. This can be out of laziness or once again thinking you have all the answers. Leaders who stop growing and learning get stale very quickly. There is always a new approach or idea to dealing with difficult or challenging problems. Being closed-minded is very dangerous for any leader. Not being candid with employees: People know times are tough and sometimes leaders have to make very tough decisions like laying people off, forgoing bonuses and cutting back on perks. When leaders refuse to be up front or sugarcoat these painful facts of life, they lose credibility. Being a leader is not a constant popularity contest. In the end, a leader must have the respect of

May 2021

his or her people, even if they are not happy with some of your decisions. Running really boring and uninspiring meetings: Come on, you know it’s true. If your boss runs a meeting that is rambling and unfocused where he or she does all the talking and nothing is accomplished, how do you feel? Running effective meetings is one of a leaders most important jobs. To take that responsibility lightly is a big mistake. Steve Adubato, PhD, is the anchor of several programs on PBS stations WNET and NJTV and is the author of five books including his latest, “Lessons in Leadership” and “What Were They Thinking”, which examines crisis communication and leadership during challenging times. Steve’s “Lessons in Leadership” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on News 12+. Log on to www.Stand-Deliver. com to watch this video podcast, or subscribe to the podcast on Google Play, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Steve also provides executive leadership coaching for a variety of organizations both regionally and nationally. For more information and to find other articles Steve has written on communication and leadership in challenging times, visit www.Stand-Deliver.com

HUMAN RESOURCES & OPERATIONS

Robots are Climbing the Corporate Ladder Automation is set to transform the white-collar job market

elf-checkout examples at local supermarkets – along with all of the similar AI and machine learning business algorithms –are accelerating in Corporate America! The pandemic and the transition to remote work have led companies to implement a wide range of automated solutions to deal with growing demand, closed offices and budget restraints. The trend to adapt to digitalization has been building for years – but has been accelerated by the pandemic. As a matter of fact, the transition to remote work for many corporations has already peeled away layers of positions for these companies, transforming workplaces in the process. Doctors, lawyers and bankers are also experiencing elements of their jobs being automated, as well. The rush to “telemedicine” is just one example. Executives typically describe the concept of “process robotic automation” as streamlining operations and liberating workers from mundane and repetitive tasks, while the process also increases profitability. For example, supermarkets with self-checkout machines allow store owners to have fewer employees on a shift. McKinsey, the major global consultancy, predicted before the pandemic that 37 million people in the U.S. would be displaced by automation by 2030. That projection has now been increased to 45 million. Sales of automation software are expected to rise by 20% this year, after increasing 12% last year, according to Gartner Research. As “bots” become more capable of complex decision making, rather than just doing single repetitive tasks, their disruptive potential will grow, even impacting highly educated, highly paid workers in technical and managerial roles. Midcareer professionals are among some of the most at risk.

Researchers at Brookings Institution have determined the those with bachelors or graduate degrees are more than four times as exposed to risk from AI as those with just a high school education. One of the revelations of the economic shock of the pandemic by executives is the raised level of awareness about the variety of work that no longer requires human involvement. AI experts are advising corporate CEOs that somewhere between one-half to two-thirds of all the tasks currently being performed by employees at their companies can be done by bots. What has happened historically, since the 1980s, is that tasks have been disappearing to automation faster than new ones are being created. In the past, automation arrived gradually and was mostly centered around manufacturing. But, today, white-collar automation is progressing faster and faster, as determined by Forrester Research. If you are a mid-career executive or small business owner, what are you doing to adapt to these very obvious trends to the new world of work? Robert M. Donnelly is an author, educator and brand builder for businesses and individuals. His consultancy business is called DoctorBusiness. com. His corporate life was spent in executive positions with IBM, Pfizer and EXXON and then as the CEO for several U.S. subsidiaries of foreign multinational firms. Professor Donnelly is on the faculty of Saint Peters University as well as Rushmore University, a global online university. His latest book is Personal Brand Planning for Life, available on Amazon. He also functions as an interim executive. You can contact him at rmdonnelly@aol. com or visit his website at DoctorBusiness.com.

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May 2021

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INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

Automate and Streamline Business Processes Four key technologies businesses can use to save time and money

usinesses can save time and money – and serve customers more effectively – by taking advantage of current technologies that help automate and streamline a wide variety of business processes. When suppliers save money, they can pass this savings on to customers and generate more business – making it a win-win for everyone. The following four technologies can help businesses realize this win-win dynamic.

Online contracts The rise of the internet means suppliers work with companies from around the world and need a simple, easy way to enter into a contract with those companies. Online contracts are the answer. These contracts are created and signed over the internet – and they are safe, reliable and legally binding. DocuSign and Pandadoc are two services that allow users to create and deliver contracts online and allow recipients to place their legally binding signatures in the document. Both services provide an app that allows someone to send, sign and approve documents on almost any device from anywhere in the world. Suppliers can create templates for documents that are used frequently. These online contract services are green solutions that support a pa14

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perless business and increase productivity by eliminating the time needed to physically deliver documents to various locations. Shipping hubs Shipping, fulfillment and returns are integral parts of any supply business. When it comes to shipping, customers look for service and speed. They have become used to free shipping offers with one- to two-day turnarounds, and they expect to be able to return an item just as easily. While these demands may seem unattainable for small businesses, online solutions such as ShipperHQ and ShipStation can help. ShipperHQ and ShipStation are user-friendly options that create a positive checkout experience for customers. These online shipping hubs help retailers quickly and efficiently import, organize, process, package, and ship their orders. With ShipperHQ, suppliers can offer flexible shipping rates and provide discounts, promotions, and markups, while ShipStation allows businesses to import orders from over one hundred merchants. ShipperHQ and ShipStation allow suppliers to place their brands on the product tracking page to keep it fresh in customers’ minds. ERP systems Enterprise resource planning (ERP) May 2021

systems are a type of software used to manage day-to-day activities such as accounting, project management, risk management, compliance, procurement and supply chain operations. With an ERP system, information is compiled in a central database so that leaders across all departments can analyze scenarios and discover improvements in processes. ERP systems are a critical component of any business because they eliminate data duplication, leading to cost savings, improved productivity and increased growth. Two popular ERP systems for businesses include NetSuite and QuickBooks Enterprise. NetSuite is a comprehensive, cloud-based ERP solution that integrates well with other automation software programs. It combines customer relationship management (CRM) and ecommerce capabilities with day-to-day management activities, uniting fragmented data. QuickBooks Enterprise streamlines accounting tasks such as payroll, payables, inventory tracking and advanced pricing. Features of ERP systems can be tailored for each business’s specific needs. Ordering apps Choosing the right ecommerce platform can save suppliers money, help them serve customers more effectively and improve customer relationships. JotForm and

Cloudfy.com can help suppliers gather and analyze customer behavior to deliver a high-quality customer experience that will make them stand out from the crowd. JotForm is a simple, user-friendly online form builder that allows suppliers to design customized forms to match their branding and securely collect payments from customers. JotForm allows an unlimited number of users able to work on a form, and it can be used from anywhere on any mobile device. Cloudfy.com offers a more robust B2B ordering system that syncs with a business’s ERP. Cloudfy is an intuitive, cloudbased ecommerce platform that gives sales, marketing, customer service and product development teams an accurate view of customer behavior to help businesses grow faster online. Conclusion Today’s technologies, such as online contracts, shipping hubs, ERP systems and ordering apps, can help suppliers improve the efficiency of their business in many ways. Integrating these technologies will increase productivity, free up time, save money and improve customer relationships. Suppliers can gain insight into business performance and redesign their strategies to be more effective and increase growth. Jake Schwartz is the Head of Sales & Marketing for Cloudfy (North America). Cloudfy helps manufacturers and suppliers save time and money by webifying their purchase-order-intake process. You can contact Jake and request a free demo at sales@cloudfy.com. Visit www.Cloudfy.com for more details.

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May 2021

BUSINESS PROFILE

Powering Payments in the Meadowlands and Beyond

Bank Card Systems is helping local businesses digitize and innovate Contact Information: 350 West Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 Telephone Number: (201) 226-1777 Website: info@bcspos.com www.bcspos.com Executives and Meadowlands Chamber Representatives Tarek Saheli, CEO Estella Herrera, General Manager

About Bank Card Systems Bank Card Systems is a merchant services provider. The company sets up new and existing businesses to accept credit cards. They also have a vast range of equipment and online processing to fit any business needs and requirements. Bank Card Systems prides itself on quality service and top of the line sophisticated equipment.

Company History Tarek Saheli founded Bank Card Systems in 2002. Since inception, the focus has been on satisfying the diverse payment needs of merchants. The company has achieved this through low pricing and equipment choice, enabling cutting-edge, cost-effective payments innovation. This focus has allowed the company to service merchants across the country. Helping Businesses Achieve Resiliency Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bank Card Systems is dedicated and determined to provide top-of-the-line contactless equipment to keep merchants and consumers safe. The imposed pandemic restrictions have caused business owners to endure hardship – and many have had to go out of business. Bank Card Systems has been making serious efforts to maintain and expand the free equipment/ POS program, providing the credit card processing service at the lowest possible cost to merchants. Therefore, these tireless efforts create resiliency

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and help small business press forward in the hard times caused by the pandemic. Bank Card Systems continues to provide free contactless equipment to all of our existing and new merchants, with exceptionally low rates. The aim is to reduce merchants processing fees and eliminate equipment cost.

Cutting-Edge Differentiator The point of Sale (POS) Systems are constantly changing within the credit card processing industry. Bank Card Systems focuses on secure transactions as technology changes in the industry. The company takes every opportunity to reduce equipment cost and offer the savings to merchants. One of the main focuses is on the online credit card processing fees. However, because of the huge jump in online transactions, the company has been laying early footsteps into the world of the Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, Bank Card Systems offers merchants zero processing cost programs, where the cost for each transaction is passed along to the card holders.

Innovative Products and Services Bank Card Systems has a competitive advantage over many other service providers because of the strong relationships made with back-end processors and equipment manufacturers. The company is also a registered office for processing directly with Visa and MasterCard. Bank Card Systems offers almost every POS system. If it is not free, it is made available at the lowest price on the market. The company also offers free contactless or stand-alone equipment, free WIFI or wireless equipment and free online virtual terminal. Protecting Merchants Bank Card Systems CEO Tarek Saheli believes in the never ending improvement process. Seeing gaps in the cybersecurity field, he completed a Harvard University Course “Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age’’ to safely protect merchants from security breaches and hackers. Client Portfolio Bank Card Systems works with both national and local businesses. Many restaurants, and other various small and larger businesses across America process with Bank Card Systems. Bank Card Systems works with many municipalities in New Jersey, as well.

Affiliations The CEO of Bank Card Systems, Tarek Saheli has served for many years on the board of advisors for Shift4, a top leading credit card processing company. He also serves on the board of advisors for the Meadowlands Chamber. Awards & Recognition During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bank Card Systems has made a huge effort to support families in the local communities. As a result of the company’s support for the local community during the pandemic, Tarek Saheli CEO of Bank Card Systems was selected by VIPS (Violence Intervention and Prevention Specialists) as the humanitarian of the year in 2020. While aiding the local community in times of need, Bank Card Systems has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for the past 15 years. Exclusive Program for MC Members Bank Card Systems, in partnership with the Meadowlands Chamber, has launched a cost-savings Program available only to members of the MC with the aim of rebuilding regional businesses. This program offers exclusive (and guaranteed) savings for any business that accepts credit and debit card payments, as well as access to innovative equipment and mobile technology. To learn more about how this program can accelerate organization’s payment infrastructure, please call the MC at (201) 939-0707.

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May 2021

BUSINESS PROFILE

16W Marketing, LLC

Talent Representation & Corporate Consulting Contact Information: 75 Union Ave Rutherford, NJ 07070 Telephone Number: (201) 635-8000 Website: www.16wmktg.com Number of Employees: 6 employees Year Founded: 16W Marketing, LLC was founded in October 2000 by Steve Rosner and Frank Vuono. About the Company 16W Marketing, LLC, is a full-service sports marketing company based in Rutherford. 16W represents an extensive list of athletes and celebrities, while also pursing other various sports marketing and management initiatives. Some of their other practices include corporate consulting, property representation and licensing. Each of the practices 16W participates in are met with comprehensive planning and execution of integrated marketing. 16W believes that the creation and maintenance of a client’s position and image requires that all marketing disciplines be fully synchronized so that a clear, effective and unified message is communicated to the appropriate audience.

FRANK VUONO Partner / Toll Collector

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May 2021

Goals and Objectives As a marketing partner, 16W’s primary goal is to assemble all marketing elements –whether it is for an athlete, celebrity or property – into a comprehensive package. This package helps meet the specific business needs of each project. 16W Marketing also has experience working on corporate hospitality and sponsorship, broadcasting negotiation, and stadium and event development. All of 16W’s service packages are prepared and executed in a cohesive manner. Leadership 16W Marketing is led by Partners Frank Vuono and Steve Rosner. Both are heralded as prominent executives in the sports marketing industry. Maximizing Opportunities: 16W’s mission is to provide clients with a competitive advantage in their respective category. To create and maximize opportunities, 16W makes sure to employ those who acquire the skills and knowledge to identify those opportunities that are best suited for each of the clients needs. The partners of 16W Marketing, Steve Rosner and Frank Vuono, pull from their vast experience to plan, implement and evaluate marketing strategies to ensure the satisfaction of the client.

STEVE ROSNER Partner / Toll Collector

Client Portfolio 16W Marketing represents: • Howie Long • Boomer Esiason • Phil Simms • Cris Collinsworth • Cal Ripken Jr. • Ron Darling • Brian Griese • Thom Brennaman • Chris Long • Kyle Long • Bob Papa • Chris Simms • Kordell Stewart • Beasley Reece • Clyde Drexler • Hakeem Olajuwon • Harry Carson • Vashti Cunningham • Chad Kelly

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HorizonBlue.com/Coronavirus

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2020 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105

BUSINESS PROFILE

New York Jets

Connecting with fans, partners and the community Contact Information: 1 Jets Drive Florham Park, NJ 07932 Telephone Number: (800) 468-5387 Website:www.nyjets.com Top Executives Hymie Elhai, President Brian Friedman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Gelfand, Senior Vice President, Communications & Content Ian Lasher, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnership Fred Mangione, Senior Vice President, Commercial Ticketing, Premium Partnerships & Marketing Number of Employees: 150-200 Year Founded: The New York Jets were founded in 1959. Company History The New York Jets are rooted in seven decades of history. The New York jets were founded in 1959, originally as the New York Titans by Harry Wismer. They were an original member of the American Football League, later to merge with the National Football League in 1970. The New York Jets are a part of the AFC East division with current head coach, Robert Saleh, as the 20th head coach in the franchise’s history. The New York Jets won their first NFL Championship in 1969. The team has also appeared in the playoffs several times. The New York Jets history has included some of American footballs iconic moments including Super Bowl 3 and the Monday Night Miracle. Driven By Passion The New York Jets are driven and inspired by an unwavering passion for the fiercely loyal fans, partners and community. The intense passion for the New York Jets has led the organization to continue to grow and develop with these audiences. The organization utilizes opportunities to

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connect with fans, the partners and community all year-round. Brand Strategy The New York Jets use a multipronged strategy to help extend the reach of the brand. This method is used to cultivate new fans and retain current fans. The multipronged strategy is implemented through innovative programming, award-winning content and trademark events. Another method of cultivating the fan experience is the organization provides the highest level of fan experience at MetLife Stadium through, interactions, promotions and engagement with fans on game day. The team continues to expand and engage its passionate and active fan base through custom and innovative platforms. Awards The New York Jets have won 13 New York Emmy awards over the past three

May 2021

years in several categories, more than any other New York based professional franchise’s in-house production unit. Giving Back The New York Jets take great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to the community. Some community partners include the Lupus Research Alliance, Stomp Out Bullying and Atlantic Health System. Programs funded by the New York Jets Foundation look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area by supporting youth football, preventing bullying and promoting social justice, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Some social justice programs the organization works with are the All Stars Project, Innocence Project, NY Urban League and Year Up. The New York Jets organization has immense pride with their work within the community.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Kearny Bank

For today. For tomorrow. Contact Information: 120 Passaic Avenue Fairfield, NJ 07004 With branches throughout the region Telephone Number: (800) 273-3406 Email Address: info@kearnybank.com Website: kearnybank.com Executives: Kearny Bank ‘s executive team consists of many individuals. Two of them include Craig L. Montanaro who serves as the President and CEO and Eric B. Heyer who serves as the Senior Executive VP and COO. Number of Employees: 500+ History Kearny Bank was founded in 1884, as a building and loan association. Kearny Bank was established with the purpose of helping the local community succeed. Over 135 years have passed since its inception; and the idea of helping the community succeed has been integrated into 49 more communities. What we do Kearny Bank is dedicated to providing professional service and financial advice to its clients. The mantra of Kearny Bank is people performance and relationships. Kearny Bank performance is award winning, because of the engagement of the employees. The employees of the bank are engaged with the community and clients, making the success of both an investment for the community. Kearny Bank prides itself on having a deep understanding of the clients needs. By obtaining this understanding, Kearny Bank is able to provide superior service that retains lifelong clients. Our services Kearny Bank focuses on personal, business and lending banking services. Each client has different financial needs and goals, thus Kearny Bank provides a wide range of programs suited for any client – whatever their needs may be. Even 22

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for the commercial side of banking, businesses are given access to flexible options to expand their business. Businesses are given entry to earn capital that can help grow their business and real estate holdings. Kearny Bank is a New Jersey preferred Small Business Administration lender with the ability to accelerate lending for qualified businesses. Building relationships in the community While Kearny Bank may be large, the firm maintains the importance and value of building robust relationships with the community. Kearny Bank has deep-rooted principles of strong values consisting of ethics and integrity, and due to these values they are committed to giving back to the communities they serve. Kearny Bank’s clients are able achieve their financial goals because of the strong relationships built. Kearny Bank builds that solid relationships by treating each client with dignity and respect. The bank is devoted

May 2021

to being the trusted bank in all of the communities they serve. Giving back Kearny Bank is passionate about giving back to their community. Some of the organizations Kearny Bank works with are Meadowlands YMCA, Kip Center in Rutherford, Habitat for Humanity, Chilton Medical Center Foundation, Mental Health Clinic of Passaic, St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, AtlanticCare Foundation, EVERFI and many more. Awards and accolades Coming down through the parent company to touch each branch, award winning business practices are recognized and applied throughout the brand’s entire footprint. Fortune magazine included Kearny Bank’s parent company on the annual listing of the world’s “100 Fasted Growing Companies.” Additionally, Kearny Bank has been recognized in the prestigious 2020 Forbes Best-in-State Bank survey.

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COMMUNITY

P2P Fundraising

MC Nonprofit Committee webinar explores ‘the power of empowering’

onprofits can have a great impact on a community by providing aid and supporting causes that benefit the area it serves. One important aspect of nonprofits that allow them to complete their objectives is fundraising, where these nonprofits call upon donors and other companies to help promote and support their causes. Fundraising gives nonprofits the resources to make an impact and truly give back to the community. At the MC’s Nonprofit Committee Webinar in April, keynote speaker Jeff Key, Principal Consultant of Nfinity Enterprises, went into detail about how to efficiently conduct peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising, while including all kinds of ideas on how companies can best use this method to their advantage. Key started off by describing P2P fundraising as supplying donors with the background and tools that directly empowers donors to help a certain cause. This is a more personable method that can call for fewer individuals to connect with donors in a way that makes them more invested in the cause and ready to provide funds or service when needed. Some notable points to strengthen one’s peer-to-peer fundraising include engaging with one’s volunteers to make them more excited about the cause, to be active on social media and interacting with donors and to have a clear goal that the company is working towards in order to more efficiently plan out their execution. According to Key, nonprofits should keep in mind the company’s strengths and the amount it is overseeing so that the organization can best strategize methods of personable fundraising and keep the close bond between donors and the organization. To start out, nonprofits can plan out trials and put into motion different fundraising methods such as direct giving platforms, like GoFundMe pages. Others may allow donors to host their own events

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May 2021

that rally for the cause. Important pieces of information to note throughout the trial phase is who the core donors are and what methods are most effective in creating a powerful message that will put donors to action. Key emphasized that it is acceptable to start off small because having a group of fervent supporters to one’s nonprofit can be just as helpful in raising the necessary funds.

About Jeff Key Jeff Key is the founder and principal consultant of Nfinity Enterprises. He has fifteen years of experience working in multiple sectors, specializing in providing operations and technology support to small and midsized nonprofit organizations and businesses. His experience also includes extensive coaching, mentoring and leadership development training for nonprofit professionals. Outside of his work with operations and technology, his work in the nonprofit sector includes developing partnerships, resources and consulting with organizations on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access), organizational learning, professional development, succession planning, board engagement and governance. The goal of the MC Nonprofit Committee is to encourage and support area nonprofits by providing resources, guidance and visibility to better connect them with the business community. The committee is comprised of nonprofit professionals representing the nonprofit members of the MC Chamber. The group meets monthly and offers educational programming throughout the year. Co-Chairs: Denise Morelli, Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare: dmorelli@cbhcare.com, (201) 935-3322; Jeffrey Ware, District 6 Little League: district6da@njd6ll.org, (201) 916-8496

COMMUNITY

NJ Sharing Network Celebrates National Donate Life Month

Local residents show support for organ and tissue donation and celebrate those who have saved lives Celebrated in April each year, National Donate Life Month features local, regional and national activities that encourage Americans to register as organ and tissue donors and to celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

n April 1, Emma Rothman of Cranford helped NJ Sharing Network kick-off National Donate Life Month by celebrating the 10th anniversary of her life-saving heart transplant. She is also just weeks away from graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Food Studies. Like most college graduates, Emma has mixed emotions about taking the next step in her life’s journey. She also remains humble and always thankful for her donor who gave her the gift of life and made her achievements possible. “I am definitely a bit terrified, but I am excited about the variety of opportunities that lie ahead,” said Emma. “Everything after my heart transplant was working towards moments like this. It motivates me to appreciate the day to day – being able to travel, go away to school, and have life experiences without my health dictating what I can and cannot do is a blessing. I owe all of this to my organ donor’s act of extraordinary humanity, and I am proud to help NJ Sharing Network encourage others to register to be organ and tissue donors.” Joe Roth, president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, appreciates Emma’s support and the efforts of its thousands of local volunteers and healthcare partners. “Donate Life Month has always been a time to rally around the importance of organ and tissue donation, which we have traditionally done through community events and activities,” said Roth. “Although we will not be able to do in-person activities this year, our team of dedicated staff and volunteers are driven to spread our life-saving message using our online platforms.”

Raising awareness Lakisha Bray of Plainfield is an incredibly strong and resilient woman who is using Donate Life Month as a time to help raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Lakisha’s daughter, Talea, was born with cerebral palsy and passed away just before her 21st birthday, but she was able to save three lives with her donations. Just six months later, Lakisha’s sister Tabitha died while waiting for an intestinal transplant. “I was touched on both sides - I was able to give the gift of life and had a family member not be able to receive the gift life,” said Lakisha. “I became an advocate for organ donation to honor both of their memories.” Michael and Lucy Patriarca of Point Pleasant Beach have been advocating for organ and tissue donation since the tragic passing of their son Alexander. Michael and Lucy hoped to one day meet the recipients of their son’s gifts. With the assistance of NJ Sharing Network,

the Patriarca family united with two of the four individuals whose lives Alex saved. In December 2019, they met with his heart and kidney recipient, Bill Hoffman. Surrounded by family and friends, they greeted one another with hugs and tears, exchanged small gifts, and took turns listening to Alex’s heart beat in Bill’s chest. Two months later, they united with Alex’s lung recipient Ed Walsh, and his wife, Tammy. The day Alex died was the Walsh’s son’s birthday, and Ed’s restored health was the best gift the young man could ever receive. “Out of our tragedy those families had a triumph,” said Michael. “I think it’s important that we connected with them and understand their stories.” In New Jersey, there are nearly 4,000 residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and one person in New Jersey dies every three days waiting for a transplant. Just one organ and tissue donor can save 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. Transplantable organs include heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and intestine. Transplantable tissue includes corneas, heart valves, skin grafts and bone grafts, ligament and tendons. NJ Sharing Network is the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for recovering organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization is part of the national recovery system, serving the 110,000 people on the national waiting list. NJ Sharing Network was selected by NJBiz as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for the third consecutive year. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org. meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

EDUCATION & BUSINESS LEARNING

Ramapo College Alumni Played Key Roles on Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Research Teams

In 2002, Ramapo College was among the first fouryear colleges in the U.S. to develop a bachelor of science in Bioinformatics program.

our Ramapo College alumni who work for Pfizer Inc. at its Pearl River, N.Y., facility experienced first-hand the excitement when the company announced last fall that its mRNA vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections. The extraordinary achievement and emergency use approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was a major milestone in the campaign to combat the virus that had already affected millions of people worldwide. Amanda Gryzmolowicz ’10 (B.S. Biology, minor in Chemistry), Jake Stass ’10 (B.S. Biology), Mingzhao Liu ’16 (B.S. Bioinformatics, B.S. Computer science) and Patrick DeMarinis ’19 (B.S. Bioinformatics) each contributed in their own way to Pfizer’s success, culminating with the FDA announcement in early December. Jake Stass, a key member of Pfizer’s Vaccine Research Development team, said the news was “surreal.” “The world was waiting and we were about to offer something that could help turn the corner in this pandemic,” said Stass, adding that the real “wow moment” for him came when the results of the vaccine’s efficacy were shared internally. “Up to then, we only had the data from blind studies so we really didn’t know how effective the vaccine would be until it was announced. We were thrilled, to say the least.” Amanda Gryzmolowicz, a senior manager in Research Informatics Operations, Compliance & Support, shared Stass’s excitement. “We were working on a number of activities when Covid took center stage. It consumed us for the next eight months of our lives,” Gryzmolowicz said. “The only word I can use to describe how I felt is

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‘proud’ — for everyone and for the teamwork and commitment they showed. It was a tremendous effort.”

A pioneer in bioinformatics In 2002, Ramapo College was among the first four-year colleges in the U.S. to develop a bachelor of science in Bioinformatics program. Ramapo Professor Paramjeet Bagga, who was a co-founder of the program and teaches senior level Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology as well as the Bioinformatics course, had high praise for his former students. “These courses are known to be extremely challenging but these students worked very hard and accepted the challenges with smiles,” said Bagga. He said that his four former students displayed exceptional organizational skills, a professional approach to problem solving and excellent communication skills. “It is said that ‘coming events cast their shadows before.’ These students certainly proved that proverb.” Neither Stass nor Gryzmolowicz imagined their careers would lead them on such a high-profile journey. Stass said he wasn’t really “laser-focused” on any field in particular but his interest in the sciences peaked when he studied biology and chemistry at Westwood High School. “I was intrigued by the constant advances in the field and how they affected our everyday lives.” He brought that intrigue to Ramapo College and after earning his degree, he worked at a local doctor’s office coordinating electronic records. Two years later in 2012, he received a contract position with Pfizer as a lab analyst responsible for receiving biological samples collected from the company’s vaccine programs and clinical trials. He

spent four years at Pfizer La Jolla in California, helping the site launch its first vaccine clinical trial before he returned to Pearl River in 2019. His current role involves providing training materials for the company’s clinical sites on sample collection and processing instructions. This includes logistical support to ensure samples are shipped from those sites to Pearl River. “Our department is basically responsible for generating data and results from people in the vaccine studies,” Stass said. Gryzmolowicz said she always had an interest in science and felt she would work in the healthcare field; but she thought she would follow in her father’s footsteps as a dentist. She attended DePaul High School, a small Catholic school in Wayne, and was attracted to Ramapo’s small class sizes and the potential for one-on-one instruction. “Ramapo was the logical choice for me,” she said, adding that she completed her studies in three years, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. “I thought after graduation in May I would take some time off. Then in June that year, Professor Bagga reached out to me about an opportunity—I had no information except that it was with a pharmaceutical company in either New York or Virginia. I jumped on it,” Gryzmolowicz said, accepting a contract position with Pfizer in Pearl River by August 2010. She has been part of the Vaccine R&D organization for almost eleven years, beginning her career as a scientist working on two high-profile vaccines focused on pneumonia and meningitis. While in the lab, her primary contributions to Pfizer were data review and analytics. Gryzmolowicz made a move five years ago from the laboratory to the Research Informatics group. As the Informatics Operations Lead, she manages a team that is responsible for duties such as customer communication, system validation, clinical research organization access and collaboration, account management, and project planning and resourcing. “I love to slice and dice the data,” she said. Mingzhao Liu decided to study Bioinformatics because it “touched on almost every science discipline,” but he also wanted to focus on Computer Science. He earned a Bachelor of Science in both disciplines. He joined Pfizer as a Senior Informatics Engineer in 2017 and is responsible for developing and testing new systems for data tracking, maintaining existing systems, and assisting with support tasks.

Professor Paramjeet Bagga, who was a cofounder of Ramapo College’s Bioinformatic program and teaches senior level Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology as well as the Bioinformatics course, had high praise for his former students. “These courses are known to be extremely challenging but these students worked very hard and accepted the challenges with smiles,” said Bagga.

“I was directly responsible for building and supporting the application for one of our COVID-19 assays,” said Liu, a Park Ridge resident. “The work could be best described as being constantly on alert since everything relating to COVID-19 had to be handled carefully and quickly. We were constantly picking up one task and dropping it to work on COVID-19 related work. It naturally took precedence over all other projects.” Patrick DeMarinis, a Wayne native, also knew the Bioinformatics program was for him. “It was exactly the type of thing I was interested in,” said DeMarinis, noting that the unique combination of biology, medicine and technology were just what he was looking for in a major. He began his career at Pfizer as a Validation Engineer on the Research Informatics team shortly after graduation. “Things were busy, to say the least. Everyone knew the importance our work could have and was totally committed to it. There was a lot to get done, but I was really thrilled to see how people helped each other and came together to make it all happen.” He, too, credits his experience at Ramapo for his current career success. “When I went to Ramapo, I took my interest in the sciences and learned about applications that I had never previously known about. A lot of hard work went into this [vaccination] project. It was amazing to see all of that effort pay off. I was excited, proud and relieved.”

Indeed, the intense workload leading up to the vaccine authorization was exhausting, Gryzmolowicz said. “The weekend after the FDA announcement were the only two days we had off during that entire time,” she said. “When we returned to work on Monday, we had to get back to some type of normalcy. But we had accomplished something in record time.” Stass noted that despite the recent success, the work is never really done. “There is still more Covid work to do, namely in other groups,” noting Pfizer’s interest now is focused on maternal and pediatric trials. “I love what I do and I work with fantastic people. Even before covid, it was so rewarding.” Liu remains pragmatic. “Realistically, our work didn’t change,’’ he said. “We were happy that our work produced something worthwhile, but our responsibilities didn’t stop once the vaccine got approved. The testing must continue, and we must continue to support the labs in their efforts.” Ramapo College’s Bioinformatics and Biology programs are part of its School of Theoretical and Applied Science which is also home to such programs as Data Science, Nursing, Biochemistry, Clinical Laboratory Science and Applied Health Technologies. A 2020 study published by Investopedia identified life sciences, inclusive of biotechnology research and development as among New Jersey’s leading growth industries. For more information, visit: www.ramapo.edu meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

ADVOCACY & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

NJEDA Relaunches 21st Century Redevelopment Program

Grants available to suburban communities to redevelop, repurpose or regreen

he New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board of Directors approved the reopening of the 21st Century Redevelopment Program in April of 2021, which had been put on hold in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program makes grants up to $50,000 available to suburban communities to help them redevelop, repurpose or regreen vacant and underutilized retail or office park properties.

Stronger, fairer recovery from COVID-19 “The 21st Century Redevelopment Program will play an important role in Governor Murphy’s plan for a stronger, fairer recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing resources to help municipalities repurpose dormant office spaces and industrial parks into valuable community assets,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This has always been necessary, but it is an even better opportunity now as communities adjust to the post-pandemic future of work and the changes in demand for office and retail space that will come with it.” Responding to shifting demographic an economic trends The 21st Century Redevelopment Program was created in October 2018 in response to a number of demographic and economic trends that resulted in suburban offices and shopping malls emptying out, leaving communities stuck with the costs of maintaining infrastructure and roads around these facilities and a lack of resources to do so. Adjusting eligibility criteria In response to stakeholder feedback, the NJEDA adjusted the eligibility criteria for the program in 2019 to make more properties eligible while ensuring that properties of significant scope and scale remain prioritized. To accommodate the significant business disruptions resulting from the 28

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COVD-19 pandemic and work-from-home directives, the NJEDA put the program on hold in April 2020.

Grants applications to launch soon The recent Board action paves the way for the NJEDA to resume administering the 21st Century Redevelopment Program in accordance with the updated parameters approved in 2019. As such, the program will make grants of up to $50,000 available to help municipalities, counties and redevelopment agencies develop plans to repurpose vacant properties into productive economic assets. Potential uses of the grant funding include, but are not limited to: • Legal analysis to explore designating one or more relevant properties in the community as an “area in need of redevelopment.” • Stakeholder engagement and facilitation to identify community desires and needs. • Identification of appropriate funding sources to support community led reuse of one or more properties. • Cataloging relevant retail and office

May 2021

properties in a community and identifying priority sites when considering community needs. • Economic analysis relating to the feasibility of various redevelopment and/or reuse scenarios. • Land-use planning identifying the most suitable re-use scenarios. Grant recipients will also be required to participate in at least two events hosted by the NJEDA to foster a dynamic discussion about repurposing stranded assets and provide guidance to communities facing similar challenges. The NJEDA will use a competitive application process to award 21st Century Redevelopment Program grants. Applicants will have 45 days from the date the application launches to submit proposals. Once all applications are received, staff will evaluate and score them competitively, with the fifteen highest scoring applications recommended to the Board for grants. More information about the 21st Century Redevelopment Program, including detailed eligibility and application scoring criteria, is available at https://www.njeda. com/21stcentury/

MEADOWLANDS EAT & DRINK

Al Di La East Rutherford, (201) 939-1128

Bistro Six-Five-Zero Hasbrouck Heights, (201) 288-6100

Cheeseburger In Paradise Secaucus, (201) 392-0500

Olive Garden Secaucus, (201) 867-3543

Applebee’s Bar and Grill Clifton, (973) 471-6161

Boogie Woogie Bagel Boys Weehawken, (201) 863-4666

Chili’s Restaurant Secaucus, (201) 319-0804

Panera Bread Secaucus, (201) 348-2846

Angelo’s Ristorante Lyndhurst, (201) 939-1922

Annabella’s Fine Foods, Inc. East Rutherford, (201) 804-0303 Bagels Plus & Deli Secaucus, (201) 330-0744 The Barrow House Clifton, (862) 336-7070

Bazzarelli Restaurant & Pizzeria Moonachie, (201) 641-4010 Big Bowls Little Plates Secaucus, (201) 514-4163 Biggies Clam Bar Carlstadt, (201) 933-4242

Bistro at Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands Secaucus, (201) 617-8888

Bonefish Grill Secaucus, (201) 864-3004

Buffalo Wild Wings Secaucus, (201) 348-0824 Burger King Secaucus, (201) 325-0498 Cafe Four Fifty Five Secaucus, (201) 864-7300

Caffe Capri East Rutherford, (201) 460-1039 Carrabba’s Italian Grill Secaucus, (201) 330-8497

Casa Giuseppe Restaurant & Bar 503 Lyndhurst, (201) 460-0060

Chart House Restaurant Weehawken, (201) 348-6628

Outback Steakhouse Secaucus, (201) 601-0077

Chevys Clifton, 973-777-6277

Pink at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment East Rutherford, (201) 842-5013

Chipotle Mexican Grill Secaucus, (201) 223-0562

Colonial Diner Lyndhurst, (201) 935-3192

CUPS frozen yogurt - that’s hot Secaucus Dunkin Donuts/Subway Secaucus, 201-617-9200

Elia East Rutherford, (201) 939-9292 Finch’s Rutherford, (201) 231-3141

Good Chinese Kitchen North Bergen, (201) 295-0806

Hoboken Road Tavern East Rutherford, (201) 939-1128 Houlihan’s Secaucus, (201) 330-8856

PUBLIC ENTITY LIFE/HEALTH AUTOMOBILE HOMEOWNERS

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATES A Division of World Insurance Associates, LLC

James V. Gardella - President Professional Insurance Associates

429 HACKENSACK STREET • CARLSTADT, NEW JERSEY 07072 Phone: (201) 438-7500 • Fax: (201) 438-8781

Visit us at: www.pianj.com

Redd’s Restaurant & Bar Carlstadt, (201) 933-0015

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Weehawken, (201) 863-5100

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Paramus - Maywood, (551) 258-0013

Francesca’s Gourmet Food Fair Lawn, (201) 773-8293

Ghost Hawk Brewing Company Clifton, ghosthawkbrewing.com

CONSTRUCTION BONDS CASUALTY PROPERTY

Red Lobster Secaucus, (201) 583-1902

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Jersey City, (201) 448-8664

Firenza Pizza Secaucus, (201) 210-2562

Gabriel’s Grille & Bar Hasbrouck Heights, (201) 288-9600

BUSINESS INSURANCE CONSULTANTS ALL FORMS OF COVERAGE

Poke Bros Secaucus

Rutherford Pancake House Rutherford, (201) 340-4171

Saladworks East Rutherford, (201) 939-8886 Sals Good Eats Teterboro, (201) 375-4949

Segovia Restaurant Moonachie, (201) 641-4266

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub Ramsey, (201) 962-7602

Il Cafone Lyndhurst, (201) 933-3355

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas Clifton, (973) 661-2435

Jack Austin’s Weehawken (201) 348-4444

Starbucks Coffee Secaucus, (201) 223-4924

La Reggia Restaurant & Banquets & Lounge Secaucus, (201) 422-0200

Subway Weehawken, (201) 865-2500

Il Villaggio Carlstadt, (201) 935-7733

Starbucks Coffee East Rutherford, (201) 438-0584

Justin’s Ristorante II Wood Ridge, (201) 933-4276

Stefanos Mediterranean Grille Secaucus, (201) 865-6767

Subway Secaucus, (201) 325-0300

Marco Polo Pizza/ Breakfast Grill Weehawken, (201) 863-0057

Subway North Bergen, (201) 869-4469 Tandoor on the Hudson Weehawken, (800) 221-6721

Mamma Vittoria Nutley, (973) 662-0242

Masina Trattoria Italiana Weehawken, (201) 348-4444

McDonalds North Bergen, (201) 868-9888 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Lyndhurst, (201) 933-2220

Varrellman’s Baked Goods Rutherford, (201) 939-0462 Vesta Wood Fired Pizza & Bar East Rutherford, (201) 939-6012

New Jersey Beer Company North Bergen, (201) 758-8342 Oceanaire Seafood Room Hackensack, (201) 343-8862

Top That! Donuts Rutherford, (201) 559-5485 Urban Plum Gastropub Secaucus, (201) 520-0574

Morton’s The Steakhouse Hackensack, (201) 487-3614 Mr. Bruno’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Lyndhurst, (201) 933-1588

Tokyo Hibachi & Buffet Secaucus, (201) 863-2828

Volare’s Restaurant Rutherford, (201) 935-6606 Wayback Burger Secaucus, (201) 293-4654

meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

WORK. SHOP.

Welcome to

The Plaza at Harmon Meadow

DINE. STAY. PLAY.

18 6

FOOD / DRINK

27 ES AC

28 Y

ive

6 Chipotle Mexican Grill

Secaucus Meadowlands

DO EA ON RM

AT M

16 8

14 Starbucks 15 Stefano’s Mediterranean Grille 16 Subway/Dunkin’ Donuts

31 12

3 11

13 Red Lobster

22 29 30

0102

12 Plaza Candy

11 Niko Niko Sushi

10 Houlihan’s

9 Firenza Pizza

8 CUPS frozen yogurt

5 Chili’s Grill & Bar

O Se utd at oo in r g

EV AR

4 Carnegie Deli - Coming Soon

3 BURGERFI

M RA

CK G

2 Big Bowls Little Plates

-2

1 Bagels Plus

Public Restrooms

Secaucus Meadowlands

17 Tokyo Hibachi & Sushi 18 Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

HOTELS

29 Poke Bros. 30 Cumin N’ Eat

A Residence Inn B Holiday Inn

SPECIALTY 19 Bank of America

26 Terra Dental Center

20 GNC

27 The Max Challenge

21 Hair Cutter in the Meadow 28 USPS 22 Jewelry Exchange

31 Cellphones Guy

23 Kerasotes Showplace 14

32 Taiji Oriental Massage

24 Mill Creek Art Gallery

700 Plaza Drive | Secaucus, New Jersey 800.488.0768 @PlazaHarmonMeadow theplazaatharmonmeadow.com

MEADOWLANDS TRANSPORTATION

AAA Giants Limousine & Car Service (201) 933-3313 Academy Bus, LLC (201) 420-7000 Axis Global Systems, LLC (718) 458-3666 Country Club Services (973) 376-4352 Empire CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services (888) 826-3431

Lyft Lyft.com

Minuteman II Limousine and Car Service (973) 347-6100 NJ Transit (973) 491-8903, www.njtransit.com NY Waterway (201) 902-8700 Panorama Tours (973) 470-9700

Enterprise Rent-A-Car (908) 497-1234

State Shuttle (800) 427-3207

Enterprise Rent-A-Car (845) 537-6067

Stout’s Transportation Services (609) 883-8891

EZ Ride (201) 939-4242

Vander Plaat Executive Limo (201) 891-3856

EVENT PLANNING & CATERING SERVICES

16W Marketing Rutherford, (201) 635-8000

Audience Pleasers Garfield, 973-773-0953

4 Wall New York Moonachie, (201) 329-9878

Bounce Music & Entertainment Englewood Cliffs, (201) 482-8191

Adam Leffel Productions/ Petals Premier Event Design Hackensack, (201) 487-1300

Cliffhanger Productions Inc. Rutherford, (201) 460-1489

Al Di La Fine Italian Private Catering Rutherford, (201) 939-1128 Annabella’s Fine Foods, Inc. East Rutherford, (201) 804-0303 Any Excuse For A Party (973) 808-8700 Apple Spice: Box Lunch Delivery & Catering Company South Hackensack, (201) 525-2775

Freeman Kearny, (201) 299-7400 Graycliff Catering Inc. (The Graycliff) Moonachie, (201) 939-9233 Il Villaggio Carlstadt, (201) 935-7733 In Thyme Catered Events River Vale, (201) 666-3353 Jimmy’s Artistic Creations East Rutherford, (201) 460-1919

LTB Entertainment Secaucus, (201) 282-1117

Sal’s Good Eats Teterboro, (201) 375-4949

Mamma Vittoria Nutley, (973) 662-0242

Seasons Catering Washington Township, (201) 664-6141

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment East Rutherford, (201) 842-5013

Sterling Affair Caterers Carlstadt, (201) 372-0734 Sweet Dreams Studio Photo Booth Madison, (703) 585-4704

Nanina’s In The Park Belleville, (973) 751-1230 Party Supplies Co, Inc. Rutherford, (646) 431-1805 Personal Touch Experience & Catering Hackensack, (201) 488-8820 Pink at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment East Rutherford, (201) 842-5013

Unique Event Center Little Ferry, (201) 880-5025 United Eventures (201) 694-6583 Venetian Garfield, (973) 546-2250 Willwork Inc. Woodland Park, (201) 321-1135

meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

• • • • • •

Secaucus, NJ • harmonmeadow.com • 201-348-1200

25+ Restaurants with a variety of choices 9 Hotels, 1,529 Rooms Expo Convention Center Located on Route 3, Secaucus, NJ Exit 16E & 17 on NJ Turnpike, direct to Harmon Meadow Pedestrian-Friendly Campus with LA Fitness Signature Club & Kerasotes ShowPlace 14 Theatres

Res ide ntial, Retail, Restaurant & Hotel Direc tory RESTAURANTS and CAFÉS at HARMON MEADOW

MILL CREEK at HARMON MEADOW

Bagels Plus Big Bowls Little Plates Bonefish Grill Buffalo Wild Wings Burger Fi Café 455 (455 Plaza Drive) Carrabba’s Italian Grill Cheeseburger In Paradise Chili’s Chipotle Mexican Grill Cosi CUPS Frozen Yogurt Dunkin Donuts Houlihan’s In Thyme Plaza Café (100 Plaza Dr) Nikko Sushi & Bento Olive Garden (500 Route 3) Outback Steak House Panera Bread Press Coffee Bar (at Holiday Inn) Red Lobster Red Robin Starbucks Stefanos Mediterranean Grille Subway @ Mill Creek Subway @ Plaza The Urban Plum American Pub Tokyo Hibachi Asian Cuisine

201-330-0744 201-514-4163 201-864-3004 201-348-0824 551-257-7979 201-864-7300 201-330-8497 201-392-0500 201-319-0804 201-223-0562 201-330-1052

Bob’s Discount Furniture Bonefish Grill Casual Male XL HomeGoods Jenny Craig Kohl’s Marshalls Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Michaels Olive Garden (500 Route 3) PetSmart & PetsHotel Subway @ Mill Creek Supercuts TJ Maxx Verizon Wireless

Tokyo Buffet Which Wich

201-863-2828 201-325-8000

201-617-9200 201-330-8856 201-583-9663 201-325-1000 201-867-3543 201-601-0077 201-348-2846 201-520-0570 201-583-1902 201-471-9795 201-223-4924 201-865-6767 201-866-9111 201-617-9200 201-520-0574 201-863-4848

SECAUCUS OUTLETS Secaucus, NJ Burlington Coat Factory (275 Hartz Way)

Calvin Klein Company Store (30 Enterprise Ave)

Eileen Fisher (45a Enterprise Ave) Group USA (25 Enterprise Ave) Gucci (50 Hartz Way) Lenox (60 Enterprise Ave) Prato Menswear

201-866-1665 201-223-9760 201-866-0300 201-867-4455 201-392-2670 201-319-1980

201-864-1450 Rent the Runway Warehouse Store (100 Metro Way) 800-509-0842 Children’s Place 201-223-4849 (210 Meadowland Pkwy) Tommy Hilfiger (25 Enterprise Ave) 201-223-0601 Worth NY (210 Meadowland Pkwy) 201-605-2010 (210 Meadowland Pkwy)

0418

1-101 Mill Creek Drive, Secaucus, NJ

ENTERTAINMENT/FITNESS at HARMON MEADOW Kerasotes Theatres 1-800-Fandango (#1658) LA Fitness Signature Club 201-751-9940 Meadowlands Expo Center 201-330-7773

PLAZA at HARMON MEADOW

700 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ Art Gallery 201-902-0889 Bank Of America 201-319-0031 Chase Bank (450 Plaza Drive) 201-348-9204 Dunkin Donuts/Subway 201-617-9200 GNC 201-348-9549 Haircutter In The Meadow 201-863-3900 Harmon Meadow Jewelry Exchange 201-864-9666 Harmony Early Learning Center 201-348-2905 Pier 1 Imports 201-319-1110 Plaza Candy News & Lottery 201-520-0043 Raymour & Flanigan 201-809-1353 Sam’s Club (300 Park Place) 201-974-0702 Travel Meadows 201-348-3400 U.S. Post Office 201-866-6314 Walmart (400 Park Place) 201-325-9280

HARMON MEADOW HOTELS Secaucus, NJ Aloft Hotel Courtyard By Marriott

OPENING SOON

(455 Harmon Meadow Blvd)

Embassy Suites

(455 Plaza Drive)

Extended Stay America (1 Plaza Drive)

Meadowlands River Inn

(250 Harmon Meadow Blvd.)

Holiday Inn

(300 Plaza Drive)

Hyatt Place

(575 Park Plaza Drive)

La Quinta Inn and Suites (350 Lighting Way)

Residence Inn (800 Plaza Dr)

201-617-8888

LINCOLN HARBOR

1200 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, NJ Info & Security Desk Best Wishes Cards & Gifts Blue Ale House Boogie Woogie Bagel Boys Bright Horizons Family Solutions CarePlus/CVS Pharmacy Chart House Estuary Living Houlihan’s Jack Austin’s Eat & Drink Lincoln Harbor Shoe Repair Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club NY Waterway Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel Harbor Cleaners

201-348-3703 201-713-9762 Coming Soon 201-863-4666 201-351-5350 201-330-8147 201-348-6628 201-355-0455 201-863-4000 201-348-4444 609-505-1640 201-319-5100 800-53-Ferry 201-863-5100 201-617-5600 201-453-3300

HARTZ RESIDENTIAL

201-864-7300 201-553-9700 201-867-4400 201-348-2000

TheHarperApts.com 2 0 1 . 9 7 4. 8 8 9 9

theharpermgr@greystar.com

201-422-9480 201-863-8700 201-223-9901

harmonmeadow.com 201-348-1200

201-643-1370 201-864-3004 201-223-1330 201-864-4832 201-330-0110 201-553-9143 201-864-4832 201-863-7700 201-293-0214 201-867-3543 201-583-0861 201-866-9111 201-330-7676 201-866-6279 201-553-6600

VIE WS OF NYC WE E HAWKE N

LEASING UNITS 201-355-0455

LEASING UNITS SECAUCUS 201-271-1700

EXPLORE THE MEADOWLANDS ECOTOURISM Hackensack Riverkeeper Hackensack, (201) 968-0808 NJSEA DeKorte Park Lyndhurst, info@njsea.com / (201) 460-1700 River Barge Park and Marina Carlstadt (201) 460-1700

BERGEN COUNTY PARKS Belmont Hill County Park Garfield Borg’s Woods Nature Preserve Hackensack Dahnert’s Lake County Park Garfield

Darlington County Park Mahwah, (201) 327-3500

Samuel Nelkin County Park East Rutherford, (973) 777-0318

Mill Creek Point Park Secaucus, (866) 927-6416

Hackensack River County Park Hackensack, (201) 336-7275

Van Saun County Park Paramus, (201) 262-3771

Losen Slote Creek Park Little Ferry

Wood Dale County Park Hillsdale, (201) 336-7275

Washington Park Jersey City/Union City, (201) 348-5700

Laurel Hill Park Secaucus, 201-915-1386 Overpeck County Park Leonia, (201) 336-7275

HUDSON COUNTY PARKS Mercer Park Bayonne

Pascack Brook County Park Westwood, (201) 336-6000

Stephen R. Gregg Park Bayonne, (201) 858-7180

Ramapo Valley County Reservation Mahwah, (201) 327-3500

Columbus Park Hoboken, (201) 915-1388

Riverside County Park Lyndhurst, (201) 939-9339 Saddle River County Park Saddle Brook, (201) 796-0324

West Hudson Park Kearny, (201) 217-5482 Braddock Park North Bergen, (201) 915-3188 Laurel Hill Park Secaucus, (201) 915-1388

NJSEA PARKS Richard W. DeKorte Park Lyndhurst, (201) 460-1700

Liberty State Park Jersey City, (201) 915-3403

River Barge Park and Marina Carlstadt, (201) 460-1700

Lincoln Park Jersey City, (201) 915-1388

STAY IN THE MEADOWLANDS Aloft Secaucus Meadowlands Secaucus, (201) 809-1000

Fairfield Inn By Marriott East Rutherford, (201) 507-5222

AVE CLIFTON Clifton, (973) 859-3200

Fairfield Inn By Marriott North Bergen, (201) 272-6600

Best Western Premier NYC Gateway Hotel North Bergen, (201) 758-5770

Hampton Inn Carlstadt, (201) 935-9000

Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District Jersey City, (800) 445-8667 Courtyard by Marriott Edgewater, 201-945-5440 Courtyard by Marriott Lyndhurst, (201) 896-6666 Courtyard by Marriott Secaucus, (201) 617-8888 Courtyard by Marriott Wayne/Fairfield, (973) 646-3377 Crowne Plaza Saddle Brook, (201) 880-5952 Econo Lodge Carlstadt, (201) 935-4600 Element Harrison, (862) 234-4922 Embassy Suites Secaucus, (201) 864-7300

Hampton Inn & Suites Teaneck Glenpointe Teaneck, (201) 883-9777

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hasbrouck Heights Hasbrouck Heights, (201) 552-5600

Residence Inn East Rutherford, (201) 939-0020

Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford, (201) 460-9030 Homewood Suites by Hilton Teaneck/Glenpointe, (201) 883-1777

Residence Inn by Marriott Port Imperial Weehawken, (201) 758-7922 Residence Inn Saddle River, (201) 934-4144 Saddle Brook Marriott Saddle Brook, (201) 843-9500

Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus, (201) 864-1400

Hyatt Place Secaucus/ Meadowlands Secaucus, (201) 422-9480

Hilton Hasbrouck Heights Hasbrouck Heights, (201) 288-6100

La Quinta Inn & Suites Clifton/ Rutherford Clifton, (973) 778-6500

Hilton Meadowlands East Rutherford, (201) 896-0500

La Quinta Inn & Suites Secaucus, (201) 863-8700

Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe Teaneck, (201) 836-0600

Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights Hasbrouck Heights, (201) 288-9600

Marriott at Newark Liberty International Airport Newark, (973) 623-0006

The Meadowlands River Inn Secaucus, (201) 867-4400

Holiday Inn Secaucus Meadowlands Secaucus, (201) 809-4746

MC Hotel Montclair, (973) 329-5500

Holiday Inn Express Paramus, (201) 843-5400 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carlstadt, (201) 460-9292

Sheraton Lincoln, Harbor Hotel Weehawken (201) 617-5600 Station at Lyndhurst Apartments Lyndhurst, (201) 252-4036

W Hotel Hoboken, (201) 253-2420 Element by Westin Jersey City, (973) 484-1500

Red Roof Inn Secaucus, (201) 319-1000 Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel Rutherford, (201) 231-3100

meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

www.naninasinthepark.com 973.751.1230

540 Mill Street, Belleville, New Jersey 07109 info@naninasinthepark.com

DESTINATION MEADOWLANDS

SOJO Spa Club Edgewater, (201) 313-7200

RECREATION, SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Hornblower Cruises & Events 888-467-6256

Statue Cruises Jersey City, (201) 432-6321

Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum Of NJ Teterboro, (201) 288-6344

Kerasotes Showplace 14 Secaucus (201) 210-5364

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (212) 344-0996

The DOJO Rutherford, (201) 933-3050

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) Englewood, (201) 816-8160

Liberty Science Center Jersey City, (201) 200-1000

ECOTOURISM

SHOPPING MALLS/CENTERS

NJSEA Meadowlands Environment Center Lyndhurst, (201) 460-8300

Bergen Town Center Paramus, (201) 845-4051

Bowlero Walllington Wallington. (973) 773-9100 Chuck E. Cheese’s North Bergen, (201) 861-1799 Durkan Fencing Company South Hackensack, 201-880-9585 Entertainment Cruises | Spirit of New York & New Jersey Dining Cruises (201) 333-8600 Field Station: Dinosaurs Leonia, (855) 999-9010 Fun Ghoul Costume Co. Rutherford, (201) 460-1489 GolfTec Englewood, (201) 567-0103 Hi-Tech Billiard Club & Lounge Weehawken, (201) 624-8240 High Exposure Rock Climbing/ Ninja Warrior Gym Northvale, (201) 768-8600

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment East Rutherford, (201) 460-4166 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Lyndhurst, (201) 933-2220 MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, (201) 559-1562 NY Giants East Rutherford, (201) 935-8111 NY Jets Florham Park, (516) 560-8100 NY Red Bulls Harrison, (201) 583-7000

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY GNC Live Well Secaucus, (201) 348-9549

Westfield Garden State Plaza Paramus, (201) 843-2121

RPM Raceway Jersey City, (201) 333-7223

LA Fitness Signature Club Secaucus, (201) 751-9940

Sofive Carlstadt, 347-790-5032

Poofy Organics Rutherford, (201) 438-6800

Space Farms Zoo & Museum Sussex, (973) 875-5800

Sally Beauty Supply North Bergen, 201-295-0020

www.kad-associates.com 1000 Woodbridge Center Drive Suite 124 Woodbridge, NJ 07095 732-943-2192 (p) 732-218-8684 (f) anthony@kad-associates.com

Newport Centre Jersey City, (201) 626-207z

The Shops at Riverside Hackensack, (201) 489-0151

Jenny Craig Secaucus, (201) 330-0110 King’s Court Health & Sports Club Lyndhurst, (201) 460-0088

New Furniture Specification & Sales Space Planning & Design Private Offices Movable walls Modular Open Plan Workstations Relocation & Asset Management Reconfiguration, Delivery & Installation Seating-Executive, Conference, Reception, Task Custom Mill Work and Furniture Warehousing & Storage

The Plaza at Harmon Meadow Secaucus, (908) 226-5285

The Mills at Jersey Gardens Jersey City, (908) 436-3005

Haircutter in the Meadow Secaucus, (201) 863-3900

NY Waterway Weehawken, (201) 902-8700

Bringing your vision to life.          

American Dream East Rutherford, 1-833-AMDREAM

Hackensack Riverkeeper Hackensack, (201) 968-0808

OUTLET SHOPPING

Calvin Klein Company Store Secaucus, (201) 223-9760 Gucci Secaucus, (201) 392-2670 Tommy Hilfiger Secaucus, (201) 863-5600

FOR ALL YOUR LOADING DOCK AND OVERHEAD DOOR NEEDS COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL

CORPORATE OFFICE 20 META LANE | LODI NJ 07644

CONTACT JAI PATEL | jai@dockndoors.com www.overhead-doors.com

OTHER OFFICES SERVING WESTCHESTER COUNTY, ALL BOROUGHS OF NYC

RECENT JOBS METLIFE STADIUM • AMERICAN DREAM MALL WORLD TRADE CENTER

meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Allstate Agency, www.allstate.com/kmeredith........................................................ 29 MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

Bank Card Systems, www.bcspos.com...................................................Front Cover, 5 Bogota Savings Bank, www.bogotasavingsbank.com............................................ 21

WE TELL THE STORY. INTEGRATED PRINT & DIGITAL MEDIA PACKAGES

Branca Properties Inc., www.brancaproperties.com................................................. 9 CBH Care, www.cbhcare.com.................................................................................. 15 DMR Architects, www.dmrarchitects.com................................................................. 1

print & digital visibility packages for your business

Guzzo & Guzzo Architects, www.gg-architect.com.................................................... 7 Hackensack Meridian Health, www.hackensackumc.org.......................... Back Cover Hackensack Riverkeeper, www.hackensackriverkeeper.org................................... 31 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, www.horizonblue.com....................................................................................... 19 J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, www.jfcson.com................................... Inside Back Cover Jewel Electric, www.jewelelectric.com.................................................................... 13

Meadowlands Magazine is

NOW REACHING

50,000 +

BUSINESS OWNERS/ EXECUTIVE AUDIENCE (TOTAL BASED ON PRINT & DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION)

JLL, www.us.jll.com................................................................................................ 23 KAD Associates, www.kad-associates.com.............................................................. 35 NAI James E. Hanson, www.naihanson.com..................................Inside Front Cover Nanina’s In The Park, The Park Savoy & Park Chateau, www.naninasinthepark.com.............................................................................. 34 Overhead Door, www.DockNDoor.com................................................................... 35 PIA, www.pia.org.................................................................................................... 29 The Plaza at Harmon Meadow, www.theplazaatharmonmeadow.com................... 30 Prologis, www.prologis.com................................................................................... 15 Suez, www.suez.com................................................................................................ 2 Think Tank with Steve Adubato, www.nj.com/SteveAdubato.................................. 11

Now publishing: Meadowlands Magazine Meadowlands Live! | Visitors Guide Economic Development & Relocation Guide The Table: Metropolitan NJ Dining Guide Emerging Leaders Podcast Meadowlands Minute with Steve Adubato Financial Futures: Business 4.0

For more information on multimedia advertising in Meadowlands Media products, please contact Martha Morley at (201) 493-7996 or email: greerentps@aol.com

ADVERTISING CONTACT: MARTHA MORLEY 201) 493-7996 | GREERENTPS@AOL.COM

Call for new items! If your organization has news or announcements

MEADOWLANDSMEDIA.COM

JGaravente@meadowlands.org or call (201) 939-0707

meadowlandsmedia.com

May 2021

to share with our audience, please send to Joe Garavente at

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Meadowlands Magazine: May 2021

Articles inside

Advocacy & Public Affairs

Education & Business Learning

Community

Innovation & Technology

Bank Card Systems: Powering Payments in the Meadowlands and Beyond

Human Resources & Operations

Business Profiles

Lessons in Leadership

Business Wise

Legal