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Financial Executives International Helmy, part of U.S.
@reporterbrett Monthly Dinner Meeting The Statewide Sen.
Hispanic Chamber Cory
What: “The Economic Impact of New
ART DIRECTOR
of Commerce of Booker’s
Robert F. Russo Jersey Higher Educations,” with Joel
New Jersey shuffled New
rrusso@roi-nj.com Bloom, president of NJIT.
the titles for its Jersey
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, two leaders, saying team, is
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Where: The Manor, 111 Prospect Ave., CEO and president over as Gov. Phil
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David Chmiel
More info: financialexecutives.org chairman for De La staff, succeeding Pete
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or 203-763-9255 Hoz better reflected Cammarano (and
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MARKETING organization. Kathleen Frangione).
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Editor’s Desk
J
ohn Kennedy remembers driving around the corner
and seeing a firefighter standing on the top of his
building.
It was nearly 25 years ago — at a company that
he eventually sold — but the head of the New Jersey
Manufacturing Extension Program said the moment sticks
with him until this day.
“The first thing I did was count
heads,” he said.
He flashed back to that moment
last Wednesday night, when he first
got word of the massive fire that was
ripping through the iconic Marcal paper
company plant in Elmwood Park.
“It is a tragedy,” Kennedy said. “Marcal is a company that
has been in New Jersey for 80 years.
“Anybody who drives on Route 80 knows Marcal and
loves looking at their sign.”
Whether that sign will ever be up again remains to be
seen. The 10-alarm fire appears to have totaled the facility.
Whether the company will rebuild — whether it will
rebuild in Elmwood Park — and what will happen to the
more than 200 employees during what figures to be at least a
two-year process, all is unclear.
Kennedy, working with officials from the Governor’s
Office and members of the Manufacturing Caucus in the In the aftermath of the Marcal fire, above, Gov. Phil Murphy visited
Legislature, has made it known his organization is there to the site, right. —
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
help in any way possible.
Among other things, NJMEP could assist in placing
workers, should that need exist. leaving and we have time to plan and work it out,” he said.
But Kennedy, who has owned two manufacturing “In this case, it could be an immediate situation for some of
companies in his career, said he wants to be respectful in the these individuals. They need an income.”
process. The only comparable time was after Superstorm Sandy,
“It all depends on what Marcal wants to do,” he told when companies were devasted without much warning.
ROI-NJ. “If they’re going to rebuild, then they certainly want Kennedy said how his group operates now — and how it
to keep ties into their people. Are they able, through various operated then — is different. And for the better.
means, to cover a certain amount of people’s salaries? I don’t “The last couple of years have given us some different
know. tools,” he said.
“That’s yet to be decided with Marcal. And you want to In addition to working with the Manufacturing Caucus
respect them. At the same time, if there are people back out — he noted state Sens. Linda Greenstein and Steve Oroho
on the street and they’re skilled manufacturing people, we already are on the case — NJMEP is working with Labor something he does whenever he talks to companies about
can help.” Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo and members of having a disaster plan.
This when the manufacturing sector in the state — various alphabet soup state groups, such as the EDA, DEP, But, as quickly as it came into his mind, it went out.
much stronger and bigger than most realize — comes into DOE and BAC. Kennedy said helping Marcal became a top priority when he
play, he said. “I hope the (Department of Labor) takes the lead,” he heard the news.
“We’ve got our feelers out, we always do, not only to see said. “We’ll work with them and see what has to be done. “My first thought was, hopefully they weren’t running
if there places where workers could be retrained, but maybe “We need to find out what people they are maybe not the night shift and nobody’s hurt,” he said. “My second
there’s a plug and play for some of these individuals,” he said. going to be able to support in the short term or long term thought was worrying about the firefighters, because they
“They’ve got a lot of experience, and that’s certainly needed.” and what people they are. You don’t want to poach people. won’t get the pats on the back, but to fight a fire under those
Making a connection isn’t easy. You don’t want to kick somebody when they’re down, but conditions had to be amazingly difficult.
“We already know a lot of companies that need certain you want to work with them, and you want to get people “My third question is, I know there’s over 200 people
skillsets, but we don’t know the skillsets of the people at back to work as soon as possible.” there. What are they going to do?”
Marcal,” he said. “And, again, what happens then if Marcal That’s what he did when a fire hit his own company. NJMEP, he said, is ready to assist as needed.
rebuilds. We want to be respectful of that.” In that case, there wasn’t much of a work interruption. A “They’ve got a heavy lift,” he said. “And we’ve got to be
Kennedy and his team have done this drill before. few trailers solved that problem. ready to help them as soon as possible.”
“But, usually, it’s when we hear of a company that’s Kennedy said he quickly thought back to the day — — Tom Bergeron
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Growing by
LEEPs “Thanks to our partners, our students
and bounds
and families are more connected to each
other and to their community, which makes
us all more successful,” Feinstein said.
NJ LEEP was originally founded in
2006 as a diversity pipeline program, in
partnership with Seton Hall Law School in
Newark, with four classes since graduating
from college.
Today, the program serves nearly 140
high school and an additional 140 college
students annually.
“Our program was founded for those
with a particular interest in law, but, today,
we use law as a way to teach transferrable
skills such as public speaking, writing, critical
thinking and analysis,” Dragon said. “The
goal is not simply to build another class of
lawyers, even though many of our students
are interested in law, but more so to build
skills and expose our students to different
career tracks and opportunities.”
With 14 staff members, NJ LEEP works
to recruit applicants from dozens of Newark-
area middle schools. This past year, it
presented to more than 1,500 students about
the program as well as provided information
on how to pre-apply and attend group
information sessions.
NJ LEEP students receive mentoring and sponsorship from top New Jersey companies. —
NJ LEEP Out of the more than 100 students who
applied and interviewed, 67 eighth-grade
Law, education nonprofit helping more and more underserved students graduates were accepted into the initial five-
week-long Summer Law Institute, taught by
build better futures — with help from Newark area’s business giants law students and overseen by NJ LEEP.
For five days per week, students learn
about criminal law, the trial process and the
BY MEG FRY that for more than a decade. support and partnership of dozens of corporate legal profession from law students, practicing
“Every student who has graduated from partners,” he said. “Because of their support, we attorneys and law professors, as well as take
C
mfry@roi-nj.com
our program has gone to college, with 85 are able to offer our students career exposure part in skills workshops and field trips prior
urrent research suggests just percent still in school,” Dragon, managing through field trips and a week-on-the-job to their participation in a three-day mock
25 percent of public school director for external engagement at NJ LEEP, program, mentorship through a Constitutional trial competition.
students in Newark will said. Law and Debate program, and professional “We create a lot of summer programming
earn a college degree, Claire Executive Director Matthew Feinstein said contacts through networking events.” with our corporate partners, such as inviting
Dragon said. the Newark-based nonprofit works with more The program has attracted many of the
But the New Jersey Law and Education than 50 corporate partners to help provide heavyweights of the New Jersey business
Empowerment Project, or NJ LEEP, an these students with the academic, social and community, including Prudential Financial,
Conversation Starter
Reach Claire Dragon,
intense college access and success program emotional skills necessary to succeed both in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New
of NJ LEEP, at:
for low-income and first-generation high school and in their future careers at no cost. Jersey, Gibbons P.C., McCarter & English, cdragon@njleep.org
school and college students in the greater “Since opening our doors 12 years ago, NJ Verizon, Honeywell, Bank of America and or 973-297-1555, ext. 208.
Newark area, has been working to change LEEP has been incredibly fortunate to have the Morgan Stanley.
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Kacy Erdelyi of Joyist, an organic functional foods café in Montclair. — PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRA PAIS
BY MEG FRY she wants to help other women business “That shows there was an absolute need “food you can feel,” Erdelyi said.
mfry@roi-nj.com owners do the same. for this,” Erdelyi said. “And we will all be “We work really hard to only include
W
“I therefore decided to host and structure smarter for it.” ingredients on the menu that have scientific,
hen Kacy Erdelyi opened Joyist, monthly meetings in which we could inspire nutritional fact behind them, because there
an organic functional foods café each other and exchange our expertise in Erdelyi successfully opened Joyist in May is a lot of misinformation in the health and
in Montclair, she said she craved different ways,” Erdelyi said. 2017. wellness space,” she said.
support and input from others. Erdelyi said she invited nearly two dozen However, by September, her optimistic In addition to breakfast bowls (soft-
“There are so many women in this town women to attend the new, community- sales were declining, she said. boiled egg, roasted maitake mushrooms,
doing incredible things, yet, most of the time, oriented, women’s networking group focused “I quickly learned there was more (that) roasted tomatoes, crispy kale and mashed
we sit alone in our spaces trying to solve the on and tailored for small business growth at people wanted from us,” Erdelyi said. “Plus, root vegetables), acai- and yogurt-based
same problem that 20 other women are also Joyist. when you’re in the suburbs, it’s difficult to bowls, Asian-Style, Mexican-style and classic
trying to, or solving a problem that someone More than 50 women showed up to her make enough revenue from a one-product grain bowls, toasts and granolas, Joyist also
found a solution to a month ago,” Erdelyi, inaugural meeting in January, with requests type of shop. provides a full coffee bar and “tonics,” such
founder and owner of Joyist, said. “We to attend more than doubling since, she said. “So, we diversified our menu to as The Jackie (house-made almond milk,
should take advantage of that rather than mitigate seasonality and cover more options coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon,
having to reinvent the wheel every time we throughout the day.” local honey and black pepper).
Conversation Starter
encounter a new challenge.” Today, Joyist not only serves organic “When we press almond milk, for
Learn more about Joyist at:
Now, not only does the health-conscious joyistnation.com, smoothies and juices, such as The Kacy example, we use the leftover meal for gluten-
working mother of two want to create more or 973-337-5955. (spinach, kale, apple, banana, lemon, free flour in our zucchini bread,” Erdelyi said.
revenue for her business, but, Erdelyi said, ginger, date and flaxseed oil), but also Since diversifying the menu, Erdelyi and
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Tunnel vision Elected officials alarmed by what they saw during trip
under Hudson River in special car that gave them illuminated view
BY TOM BERGERON
tbergeron@roi-nj.com
I
t was just after he entered the tunnel that connects
New Jersey and New York under the Hudson River
in an Amtrak theater car — a specialty car fitted with
huge windows and floodlights — that U.S. Rep. Josh
Gottheimer said he fully realized just how desperate the
situation is.
“When you first got in the tunnel, when we slowed down
and they actually put these bright lights, these spotlights, onto
the cracks and crevices, and you could see the actual damage,
that’s when I threw my video on and said, ‘Everyone’s got to
see this,’ ” Gottheimer (D-N.J.) told ROI-NJ.
“It just really makes the case better than any article or an
explanation.”
Gottheimer, who represents the state’s 5th District in the
House, was one of approximately two dozen elected officials
and transportation leaders to take the ride through the
tunnel in an effort to see just how much the tunnel walls are
crumbling.
The group, which included Gov. Phil Murphy, U.S. Sens.
Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), numerous
members of New Jersey’s House delegation, Transportation
Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Assembly Gov. Phil Murphy along with elected officials and members of the business community, recently toured the train tunnel. —
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge) and Gateway
Development Corp. leaders Tony Coscia and Jerry Zaro, “It’s very frustrating,” he said. “I think you’ve got a lot of corners and refuse to talk. Anybody who’s ever negotiated
saw just how much damage has been done to the tunnels by frustration on that train of folks who have just felt like we any progress on any issue knows you have to sit at the table.
Superstorm Sandy — and the fact they are more than 100 keep having the same conversation, but we haven’t been able “What I’ve learned with the Problem Solvers is that it’s
years old. to move the ball. talking to and actually listening to the other side, so you can
Gottheimer was stunned. “Part of this is, ‘What can we do? What can we do that understand where their perspective is. Doing that can actually
“When you see this up close, you realize just how risky we haven’t done? How can we utilize the new majority in the help you find out where you can actually agree.”
the situation that we are facing is and how dire the situation House, but how do we also make sure that we actually keep Then again, there were those cracks.
is,” he said. “We were just kind of talking to ourselves, saying, engaging with the administration and we keep engaging with Gottheimer was quick to agree those images were, in fact,
‘I can’t believe people are playing political games with this our counterparts at the Senate?’” worth a thousand words of discussion.
project right now versus greenlighting this immediately.’ Zaro is hopeful. “Actually seeing it up close has a very powerful effect,”
“There’s no way that any official from anywhere who got He said he is grateful for Murphy’s support — which he said. “Getting to see the damage at that level and have it
in that train to see what we just saw would ever do anything came along with $600 million from the state — and said he explained to you from an engineering perspective of what’s
except say, ‘OK, how do we start this? How do we get this is confident the area’s leaders in Congress will be able to put going on just reinforces the case at a level that I think is critical.
thing going tomorrow?’ ” more pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration. “I’ve been talking about this for a long time, but seeing it
The Gateway Tunnel project has begun. But, until it gets “The table has been reset in the November election,” at this level is different. I’ve seen the Portal Bridge, because
a massive commitment from the federal government — Zaro said. “The House now is in Democratic control. The you can pass it, but actually having someone take you
estimates range anywhere from $15 billion to $35 billion — it Appropriations Committee is now chaired by Nita Lowey of through every crack in the tunnel and see them up close is a
will not get to the most meaningful stages. New York and (New Jersey’s) Frank Pallone is chair of the very powerful moment and an important moment.”
That’s why Zaro, member at Sills Cummis & Gross and Energy and Commerce Committee. Zaro just wishes everyone could see the damage.
chairman of the GDC, put this sightseeing tour together, at “It’s going to be very hard for people from other areas in “This tunnel is underwater, literally and figuratively,” he
the urging of Murphy. the country to get bills through Congress until they recognize said. “If we could pull it out of the water and span it across
“It’s the old adage: A picture’s worth a thousand words,” and do the right thing by this region.” the Hudson and everyone could see it, the outcry to replace it
he told ROI-NJ. “That’s what we accomplished today. I’m Gottheimer said it’s time for straight talk. It’s what he said would be deafening.
quite sure of it.” he has learned since he helped found the bipartisan Problem “This is what happened with the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Of course, convincing New Jersey of the need for the Solvers Caucus. People saw how decrepit it had become and the need to
tunnel has never been the issue. Convincing the federal “You’ve got to keep talking,” he said. “You actually have replace was so obvious that they did it. And, by the way, the
government to appropriate the funding has been. to engage. Tappan Zee Bridge is 50 years younger than our tunnel.”
Gottheimer said the failure to do so came through. “The one thing you don’t do is go to your respective twitter: @tombergeron5
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Economic Development
on the hook?
BY TOM BERGERON
tbergeron@roi-nj.com
T
he headlines and talking points were easy: The state spent $11 billion on tax breaks for
huge companies — with little to show for it.
But is that what the recently conducted audit of the New Jersey Economic Development
Authority’s tax incentive program by the Office of the State Comptroller really said?
To separate fact from fiction, ROI-NJ turned to a powerful voice of the economic development
community, the Smart Growth Economic Development Coalition, and a critic of public financial
incentives, New Jersey Policy Perspective, to get to the truth about everything you want
to know — or need to know — about the recent audit.
Here are their answers, some of which were edited for space:
}
NJPP:
No. As of February last year, the EDA (had) approved $10.9 billion in tax subsidies
for 1,000 projects. Between 2005-17, just 401 of those projects completed the necessary
requirements for creating jobs and/or making capital improvements, which allows those
businesses to ‘cash in’ their tax credits totaling $3.4 billion. As of the end of 2017, only
$700 million — less than a quarter — has been paid out, but that is expected to balloon
Gov. Phil Murphy, in his State of the
State message, said the state has very soon. The state budget is facing over a $1 billion loss per year from 2020-23, should
doled out $11 billion in incentive all qualifying businesses decide to cash in their full subsidy amount. And the true long-
dollars under the Grow New Jersey term fiscal impact is yet to come for at least the next 15 years as the backlog of tax credits
program. Is that accurate? is paid out.
SGEDC:
If ‘doled out’ means actually paid out to companies, then no, the state has actually paid
out only $697 million. On the other hand, if ‘doled out’ means the amount of tax credits
awarded to companies that can be earned in the future, that amount is $8 billion. There’s
another $3 billion that pertains to old programs, which gets to the $11 billion figure cited
by Gov. Murphy.
}
SGEDC:
Older programs. But don’t take our word for it. As Tim Sullivan, the CEO of NJEDA,
stated in his reply to the report, 70 percent of the OSC’s criticisms are aimed at programs
that are no longer active — namely, BEIP, BRRAG and UTHTC. Moreover, 88 percent
of the jobs that OSC found lacking in corroborating documentation pertain to these
Was the OSC’s recent report based inactive programs, not Grow NJ. In fact, the statute and regulations underlying Grow NJ
on current programs or older, now- corrected the inadequacies of the old programs in terms of oversight, documentation and
defunct programs? caps on award amounts.
NJPP:
Both. The audit reviewed a sampling of all programs currently being administered by EDA, whether they
are accepting new applications or not. That includes the phased-out BEIP, BRRAG and HUB tax subsidies, which represent about $1.7
billion in remaining obligations, as well as the Grow and ERG programs, which were greatly expanded in 2013 and are set to expire June
30 of this year. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Economic Development
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 NJPP:
}
True. Among the sampling of 37 approved projects, the comptroller’s audit found a pattern of faulty data collection so prevalent
that 1 out of 5 jobs could not be verified as being created or retained. That kind of sloppy oversight cost taxpayers almost $4 million in
overpayment, according to the audit.
But it should also be noted that recent changes made by the EDA to the ‘net benefits test’ do not apply to the $1.5 billion worth of 26
Grow NJ projects already approved in Camden. New Jersey estimates that these projects could create a net benefit of $777 million over a
35-year period. But the state only requires that Camden-based corporations uphold their end of the bargain for 15 years. That means that
It has been alleged that companies
have received incentive dollars without taxpayers could be on the hook for over $200 million should one of these businesses decide to move, slash its workforce or threaten to
upholding their end of the bargain on move after just a 15-year commitment.
job creation and retention. Is that true
or false? SGEDC:
False. It is inconceivable, if not impossible, for that to happen under the mechanics of Grow NJ. First, companies do not receive a single
dollar of tax credits under Grow NJ until they have completed their project and opened for business at the facility. Next, companies have to
provide proof that at least 75 percent of the promised jobs are in place; that at least 75 percent of the projected capital expenditure has been
incurred on the project; that prevailing wages have been paid and affirmative action has been met on all construction work on the project;
and that required green building design features have been incorporated into the project.
If either 75 percent hurdle is not met, NJEDA may rerun the project’s ‘net benefit test’ and reduce the amount of the Grow NJ award.
NJPP:
}
Yes. The EDA now has a claw-back provision in place so it can recoup some of the subsidy it already awarded if a corporation breaks the
promise to stay beyond the official commitment period. But this does not apply to Camden projects approved under the 2013 Economic
Opportunity Act.
SGEDC:
What happens after that initial set If the actual number of jobs at the project in the first year following project completion are less than 100 percent of the promised
of proofs submitted to the EDA if a number of jobs in the company’s application for a Grow NJ incentive, the award amount for that first year and all nine remaining pay-out
company fails to meet its employment
years is capped at such lower headcount number; there is no going back up.
commitments? Are there safeguards
in place? Thereafter, if the average monthly number of jobs in any of the nine remaining years decreases even more, the tax credit amount for the year
in question is further reduced. In fact, if the number of jobs at the project in any of the nine remaining years decreases by 20 percent or more, that
year’s tax credit amount is forfeited by the company and, if that failure continues into additional years, NJEDA can terminate the award entirely.
Moreover, as a condition of receiving a Grow NJ incentive, companies must commit to remaining in New Jersey and maintaining the
jobs for an extra five years after the 10-year pay-out period, for a total of 15 years. And, if the number of jobs decreases in any of years 11-
15 — in other words, after the tax credits have been paid out — NJEDA can ‘claw back’ an amount from the company pursuant to a strict
formula.
}
SGEDC:
To be eligible for a Grow NJ incentive, a company must demonstrate — by words and numbers — that it is at risk of leaving New Jersey.
This process is known as the ‘material factor’ or ‘but for’ test. For starters, the company’s CEO must certify under oath, under penalty of
perjury, that the Grow NJ award is a material factor in the company’s site selection process. In addition, any lease or contract for the project
must be expressly conditioned on the Grow NJ award; if the company takes any action prior to NJEDA’s grant of a Grow NJ award that would
Can a company already doing business indicate its decision to remain in New Jersey regardless of the outcome, the company is deemed ineligible for the incentive. Further, the Grow
in New Jersey simply threaten to leave NJ application includes a ‘comparative benefit analysis’ — essentially, a side-by-side comparison of the 15-year projected cost of operating
the state, and thereby qualify for a the proposed New Jersey facility versus a comparable facility at an out-of-state location that is also under consideration. These costs must be
Grow NJ award? supported ‘to the penny’ by hard evidence of each cost item, such as base rent, property taxes and utilities.
NJPP:
Not quite. A company can threaten to leave the state and thereby be encouraged to apply for a Grow NJ award. If it qualifies for an
award, then yes. But some positive changes made in 2013’s tax subsidy overhaul make it a little harder for a company like this to be eligible
for an award. (See below.)
}
NJPP:
The bigger issue is that New Jersey became deeply invested this decade in retaining ‘at-risk’ jobs by doling out enormous tax breaks
to corporations that essentially move down the block. Consider the $210.8 million tax break for Prudential to vacate its office space in
Is it possible for an existing New
Newark’s Gateway Center and build a new tower a few blocks away; the $102.4 million subsidy to Panasonic to move its headquarters one
Jersey company to add jobs in
one place and then eliminate jobs train stop; the $81.9 million award to Goya Foods to move one mile, from Secaucus to Jersey City; or the $40 million grant for Burlington
somewhere else in the state, without Coat Factory to build a new facility (on land it already owned) less than half a mile away from its current location.
recourse, as has been alleged by
some? If that is the case, can you point SGEDC:
to any particular company that has
Not under Grow NJ. If a Grow NJ recipient operates more than one facility in New Jersey, it is subject to scrutiny of its statewide
done so?
headcount in addition to the scrutiny of its headcount at the Grow NJ facility. If a company’s aggregate number of jobs statewide decreases
by 20 percent or more in a given year, its Grow NJ tax credit amount will be forfeited for that year, and if the headcount remains low for
multiple years, the rest of the award may be terminated by NJEDA.
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Economic Development
}
SGEDC:
Yes. The enabling statute requires NJEDA, before granting a Grow NJ award, to determine that the project will return a ‘positive net benefit’
to the state. NJEDA has adopted a stringent standard — known as the ‘net benefit test’ — to make that determination. In essence, the applicant
must project to the satisfaction of NJEDA that, over a 20-year period, the project will yield a 110 percent return on the Grow NJ award amount
The OSC report talks of a ‘net benefit in terms of new state tax revenue. Not a bad exchange rate — 100 cents out over 10 years and at least 110 cents back to the state treasury over
test’ conducted by NJEDA to determine 20 years. And that’s not counting the local taxes generated or the ‘multiplier effect’ of the taxes generated from spending during the work day
whether the state is receiving a return
by the company’s employees, or from the purchase of homes and the rental of apartments by new employees moving to New Jersey.
on its Grow NJ investment. Is that an
effective process?
NJPP:
Absolutely. The NJEDA took important steps to reform the rules of the net benefits test back in 2017. Now it’s up to the Legislature and
governor to restore some fiscal responsibility and realism of these tax breaks by codifying these rule changes, starting with ensuring that
the net benefits test covers only the number of years the corporation is committed by statute to stay in the state.
}
NJPP:
Most of the subsidies have gone to small and midsize companies, but the awards that have gone to large companies have attracted more
attention. Regardless, the impact of these subsidies has been overestimated, considering the amount they’ve cost the state and the number
of companies that have benefited. Only a tiny sliver of New Jersey’s businesses have been granted tax subsidies through Grow NJ program
— just over 300 of New Jersey’s approximately 194,000 businesses since the 2013 reforms. That’s less than two-tenths of 1 percent of New
Does Grow NJ benefit larger
Jersey’s businesses having received tax subsidies, leaving the other 99 percent to make up for the revenue the state must forego in the future.
companies over small companies?
SGEDC:
When the Grow NJ program was revised in 2013, the minimum job eligibility threshold was reduced from 200 jobs to as few as 10 jobs
for tech startup and manufacturing companies, 25 jobs for ‘targeted industry’ companies and 35 jobs for all other businesses. Very few of
the Grow NJ recipients, contrary to the myths out there, have been Fortune 500 companies.
}
SGEDC:
The sheer reality is that Camden, in the darkest days of the Great Recession of 2008, needed extra help to get the attention of corporate
site selectors. A decade and several Grow NJ projects later, a real estate submarket is emerging in Camden where none previously existed,
and Corporate America has noticed.
Some say the city of Camden has NJPP:
received unnecessary, extraordinarily
According to our analysis, Camden County received about 30 percent of all tax subsidy awards since 2013, to the tune of $1.7 billion. All told,
costly special treatment under the
50 projects helped to create or retain just over 7,500 jobs in the Camden area. In other words, New Jersey taxpayers are on the hook to the tune of
Grow NJ program. What do you think?
about $224,000 per job. For a few projects, the cost was even greater — $658,000 per job for Holtec, $328,000 per job for the Philadelphia 76ers and
$196,000 per job for Subaru. For comparison, just 10 years ago, the average cost for each job a subsidy recipient created or retained was $41,600. In
the 2000s, the cost was $16,427 per job. Regardless of what one thinks about the efficacy of tax subsidies for economic development, all can agree
that per-job subsidies that enter six-figure territory are unnecessarily extravagant and unlikely to ever recapture the value of the state’s investment.
NJPP:
Much of the conversation on the state’s tax subsidy programs has sought to change the debate from the egregious scope of the awards to
the need for the existence of the programs. While there is much to debate regarding just how effective subsidy programs actually are — and
we would argue that they are not nearly as effective as proponents make them out to be — the core contention that is being made by critics
is that the scope of New Jersey’s program is grossly out of balance considering the size of our budget and our GDP.
}
A 2017 report by McKinsey & Co. shows that the state overspends on tax subsidies, paying more than five times as much as peer states
for every dollar it attracts and every job created or retained. The report demonstrates that New Jersey’s average subsidy per newly created
job is 2.3 times higher than across the country, and 20.3 times higher than it is in Virginia. The average subsidy per retained job is 3.8 times
higher than across the country, and 13.1 times higher than it is in Virginia.
Bottom line: These ineffective tax breaks are making it harder for New Jersey to maintain and improve the kind of assets that are proven
drivers of a state economy. The dramatic expansion of these tax break offerings since 2013 has created a damaging cycle of disinvestment
and puts New Jersey’s future at risk. Every dollar spent on tax subsidies is a dollar lost in the coming years, making it harder to restore
Any closing thoughts? key investments in the kinds of things corporations consider when deciding where to locate or expand: an educated workforce, efficient
transportation networks, safe communities and affordable housing, to name a few.
SGEDC:
Every New Jersey taxpayer should hope that our state will be fortunate enough to have to pay out the full Grow NJ award amount of $8
billion over the coming years. If you believe in the ‘but for’ or ‘material factor’ test — namely, that the in-state company applying for a Grow NJ
incentive is at risk of leaving New Jersey and that the out-of-state company considering New Jersey would not otherwise relocate to our state —
then the amount of incentive dollars paid out to these applicants is essentially ‘found money.’ And when one considers that the state of New Jersey
is realizing a return on investment of at least 110 percent on every dollar in tax credits paid out, the deal becomes even better for taxpayers. Throw
in the program’s limits on amounts awarded for existing jobs and for low-paying jobs, and the Grow NJ program is even more compelling.
The OSC’s criticisms of the Grow NJ program are tame in contrast to its knocks on the older, inactive incentive programs, but that doesn’t
mean that the OSC’s suggestions should be disregarded. To the contrary, every recommendation ought to be given serious consideration
in the full light of day as a revised Grow NJ or a replacement program is debated in Trenton.
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Focus
On …
HOSPITALS
INFORMATION
SUPERHIGHWAY
W
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Focus On … Hospitals
meaning
is paying off for former Kennedy system
BY BRETT JOHNSON changed last year, symbolizing the The South Jersey health system was in When Kennedy Health and Jefferson
bjohnson@roi-nj.com completion of the systems’ late 2017 merger. the middle of a two-phase renovation to Health inked their merger agreement in
And the former Kennedy Health president, transform its Cherry public, the hospitals’ leaders called it a first
To say Philadelphia-based nonprofit Jefferson Joseph Devine, is now president of Jefferson Hill campus, a project step toward revolutionizing the region’s
Health made inroads into the Garden State Health’s New Jersey division. expected to be completed health care.
through its merger with the longstanding Devine took that final rebranding as a by summer or spring More parking may not seem like
South Jersey institution Kennedy Health sign the health system he led would become of next year. Its biggest that paradigm shift in itself, but Devine,
would be an understatement. even more relevant in the region it has long hospital, the one in who also has a role as executive vice
To be fair, the former Kennedy Health — served. Washington Township, president of hospital and health services
Joseph
now flying under the Jefferson Health flag — He felt the backing of another longstanding also is undergoing an at Jefferson Health, said it goes a long way
Devine
already had a big presence in the state. institution just across the Delaware River — expansion that will add to meeting the needs of a growing patient
It had about 5,000 employees, sizable and the capital infusion it’s expected to bring a larger parking population.
facilities that are undergoing even more in — was a welcome addition to a system that structure. And he said other investments — a $110
expansion and a rapidly growing network has been trying to keep up over many years million computer system upgrade
of primary care doctors across southern with population increase in its communities: being one of them — along
portions of the state. Among other surprising Burlington, Camden and Gloucester with investments to
facts is this: The organization was, and counties. come, will all add up to a
continues to be, the largest provider wholly improved patient
of behavioral health services in experience.
South Jersey. “We’re really
The signs on its Cherry focusing on having
Hill, Stratford and Washington state-of-the-art
Township hospitals were facilities with a new
The former Kennedy Health hospital, now under the Jefferson Health flag. —
JEFFERSON HEALTH
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Focus On … Hospitals
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Focus On … Hospitals
Comfort zone
Inspira thinks improving MRI ambiance is worth big investment
— and expects other health systems will agree
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
Y
ou know hospitals in the Garden
State are really taking off in terms
of technology when its leaders are
drawing analogies to “Star Trek.”
Dr. Robert Lazarus, a radiologist
at Inspira Health Network, chose a
fictional device from that TV show to
describe a new MRI technology soon
coming to its facilities.
“You remember the holodeck
from that show? You’d walk up to it,
there was a plate on the wall, you’d
program something in and then a
door opened and you experienced
whatever was programmed,” Lazarus
said. “Maybe it’s
not 25th century
like it was on TV,
but it’s moving in that
direction.”
Using the Vineland-
based nonprofit’s system,
Robert
Lazarus which it is purchasing
from Philips Healthcare,
patients can select from different aesthetic
experiences on a panel outside MRI rooms Virtual ambience panels aim to ease patients' minds. — INSPIRA
and then have that virtual ambiance
surround them once they are in the room. “Often times, it can be a really unpleasant to stay relatively still, otherwise it won’t have Inspira is purchasing these new devices
“And, when you’re in there, it really does experience for people,” Gajewski said. “The clear enough images for physicians. for local hospitals as well as another
feel like you’ve been transported to some patient doesn’t feel well, sometimes even Keeping patients relaxed makes that improved computer program that’s involved
other place,” Lazarus said. scared. They’re going inside a magnet, and requirement a little easier — and reduces the in MRIs from Philips Healthcare that will
There’s a benefit outside of space age they might be claustrophobic with a fear of amount a hospital has to reschedule patients nearly halve the time it takes to do this scan.
novelty, of course. Hospitals across the South enclosed spaces. This helps to ease patients’ and have radiologists redo tests. Lazarus It adds up for a significant capital expense.
Jersey health system, as well as hospitals concerns.” expects patients will be less apt to move “It’s up to us to prove it’s going to work and
outside Inspira, have long struggled with the With new technology now available around if they’re comfortable. that it’s a good value for your dollar,” Lazarus
traditional MRI experience. to hospitals, gone is the menacing room. “And no one in this South Jersey area said. “You have to prove that patients love it and
It involves tucking into a dark space in Patients can now, at least virtually, escape to has this experience yet,” he said. “So, for us, that they’re going to respond to it. Once you see
a noisy room; it gets the job done, but it’s no a scenic mountain retreat or swim alongside we’re looking to differentiate ourselves from that, everyone will want on the bandwagon.”
fun. sea turtles — with sounds and all. our competitors in offering this health care Lazarus is confident people will respond
It’s no wonder why patients report a lot It might not replace the spa, but the service.” well to it.
of discomfort, according to Fred Gajewski, verdict is that it works well. That might not be true for long. More “Because it’s not just for claustrophobic
director of ambulatory imaging services at “I’ve spoken to other health care health care institutions are going to catch wind people — it’s for anyone who is used to
Inspira. institutions who have this, and all the of this and start to offer it, too, Lazarus said. going in a room and seeing a typical sterile
feedback has been really positive,” Gajewski “I think in time it will become very environment,” Lazarus said. “Instead, they’re
said. “And customer satisfaction scores are widespread,” he said. “Philips Healthcare going to see something different, something
Conversation Starter
something we really take pride in.” has really mastered this technology. And, pleasing, where they can come out and say,
Reach Inspira Health Network at:
inspirahealthnetwork.org Easing patient worries is one perk, but, as over time, we’re going to see other vendors ‘Hey, that wasn’t so bad.’ That’s really what
or 1-800-INSPIRA. both Gajewski and Lazarus explained, when besides Philips slowly start offering this.” we’re excited about.”
a hospital does an MRI, it needs the patients The catch? It doesn’t come cheap. twitter: @reporterbrett
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Focus On … Hospitals
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
Conversation Starter
Now? Health care data is like the New Reach the New Jersey
Jersey Turnpike. Gregorio wants everybody Innovation Institute at:
— especially the hospitals that data would njhin@njii.com
drive to and from — to know it’s there. or 973-596-5800.
He’s not the only one.
NJII’s government grant-funded New
Jersey Health Information Network got abuse across different providers.
a great deal of help in that recently from If the implementation of the network
New Jersey Commissioner of Health goes smoothly, the benefits of its expansion
Shereef Elnahal. The commissioner gave a over the next few years could start to be
serious nod to the program in mid-January noticed by those being treated in hospitals
testimony in front of the or other facilities. Less filling out of the same
state Assembly. doctor office forms would be a good start,
Elnahal even went as Gregorio said.
far as to call the developing “Because it’s a very interesting time: The
network “a pillar of the consumer aspect of health care is becoming
governor’s vision for an more like Amazon or Uber all the time —
innovation economy.” it’s all driven by consumers, and making it
Shereef The project, which Thomas Bartiromo, left, Tomas Gregorio and John Novak of New Jersey Innovation Institute. —
ALEXANDRA PAIS as express as it can be,” Gregorio said. “So, to
Elnahal
began several years ago, keep up with that — to make it kind of like
now has a total of $6.6 million in funding “It’s about who has the right to consent to attempts to order a medication that you the EZ Pass on the highway — we have a lot
from the state health department as part of a information being shared, whether it’s being should not receive, an allergy alert pops up of work to do.”
four-year agreement. In partnership, the state used for treatment or operations and who has and anaphylactic shock is avoided.” And the wheels are turning.
and NJII — a part of New Jersey Institute access,” he said. “All of those aspects require Gregorio, other NJII leaders such as “We’ve started to be able to get our
of Technology in Newark — are building a lot of negotiations between attorneys and Thomas Bartiromo and John Novak, and hands around the topic of barriers to
a platform that will electronically exchange (health care providers) figuring out what their state partners have argued that an implementation, so I’m very excited,”
patient data across different health care insurance requirements they need.” improved system of information sharing Gregorio said. “I’m happy with the progress
providers and health information sources. Gregorio admits that something like a may help coordinate efforts involving the we’ve made; and we’ll continue to make a lot
Currently, according to the hospital, busy as it can be with its individual opioid crisis by better communicating more.”
commissioner’s testimony, six health priorities, might struggle to see the value in data about substances associated with twitter: @reporterbrett
information exchanges, about 6,000 the resources required to connect up to this
physicians, 91 long-term care providers and new network. As he puts it — the Turnpike
three federally qualified health centers joined has a toll booth.
the New Jersey Health Information Network. For that reason and others,
Along with that, 62 hospitals agreed interoperability across the state has long
to participate — up significantly from the been limited to various point-to-point
two participating at the same time last year, connections across providers. But the more
when the program was being piloted in the institutions that join NJII’s network and start
Newark region. moving information through it, the more
“We’re supposed to have all 62 online by it becomes in the best interest for others to
May ... and we will,” Gregorio said. “When join.
that happens, this exchange — this highway That’s where Elnahal comes in: He’s
of information — becomes more regional doing a lot to convince state leaders in
and relevant.” health care that the network is needed. It can
Gregorio, who serves as senior executive improve safety, reduce medical errors and
director of the Healthcare Delivery Systems duplicative testing, he says. To that last point
Innovation Lab at NJII, envisions many — Gregorio expects that hospitals could
more hospitals being linked up to the reduce blood panels or other unnecessary
infrastructure that’s being built. But the testing due to the network’s connectivity.
construction of that highway has its own Part of the argument for a larger adoption is
bumper-to-bumper frustrations. that hospitals might be able to leverage the
“There are all sorts of legal barriers network to reduce operating expenses.
— which, quite frankly, have been our Above all, the data can be life-saving. In
nightmare — to move forward,” he said. his testimony, Elnahal spoke to why that’s
It turns out, the technology is the easy true.
part. What’s hard, Gregorio said, are the legal “Say you have a medical emergency
issues surrounding consent to share. and you are rushed into the emergency
department unconscious — providers won’t
be able to take your full medical history,” he
Conversation Starter
said. “However, if the hospital is connected
Reach Tomas Gregorio of NJII
at: tomas.gregorio@njii.com to other providers through the network, they
or 973-596-5857. will have the critical health information they
need to treat you. Therefore, if a provider
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Food Fella
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
The Food Fella at age 19 dressed as a Keebler elf for a supermarket promotion. —
DAMON RICCIO
FOOD FINDINGS
Have a question, idea or news about the food business? You can reach Damon Riccio at driccio@roi-nj.com or 973-512-7525.
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Sports Marketing
NOT ALL
FUN AND GAMES
Frank Vuono and Steve
Rosner, left, partners
at 16W Marketing,
represent stars such as
Fox broadcaster Howie
Long, below right, fourth
from left. — COURTESY OF
16W MARKETING
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
definitely didn’t want that much room to expand. We heavy, but that’s by choice. What we do and the way we
didn’t want to take on more personnel and overhead. do it could be for any talent. Sports marketing gurus’
We’ve said more “nos” to clients than “yesses” in terms of big sports betting fear:
representing people, entities and organizations, because ROI: Speaking of what you do and how you do it, sports
we do really want to keep it personal. management has become an increasingly popular field of Point-shaving
study in higher education. What sort of advice would you
ROI: Keeping it personal probably means you must rely give to those students who want to break into the business?
more heavily on certain people and times of the year. How SR: Someone will come in for an interview, and
much of your business is done during Super Bowl season? the first thing they will say, and this is textbook, is the
SR: It’s only one week, so it wouldn’t be a large following: “I’ve been a sports fan all my life and I know
percentage of our overall business. … Two weeks before I’m going to be good at this.” And I say, very simply,
the Super Bowl, the number is 56 appearances we have to “That’ll be great. When I need somebody to tell me about
date that we have on the books that our guys are making, my fantasy football team, I’ll give you a call.” Because,
either our direct clients or we’re hired by third parties to if you can’t put the business acumen that goes with this
secure talent for all their events. … By game time, there world of sports ahead, then you’re up against it. You’ve
will be upwards of 80 to 85. That means our guys, or guys got to combine your love for the sport with the business
that we’ve put, are making appearances either on retainer portion. One doesn’t survive without the other.
with a corporation, or as one-offs — meaning they don’t FV: If you think you’re going to rub elbows with
have a contract, but are doing a chalk-talk or signing athletes and live this glorious life, you have to understand
autographs. The first appearances start the Sunday before that it’s a business, you have to understand it’s work and The biggest threat to legalized sports betting in the
the Super Bowl and go until right before kickoff. you have to understand that it’s not only during the state is point-shaving.
FV: It’s just an extension of what we do all year long. day, but it’s at night, on the weekends and on holidays. So says Steve Rosner.
But, we kick off the week with our own invitational Sports doesn’t stop. It’s not 9 to 5. Steve and I are texting
“My concern is, anytime it’s legal, it will get to the
party. It’s become a major event. A lot of the top industry each other all hours, we’re watching games and doing
athletes and there’ll be some sort of point-shaving,”
folks, including all our clients, attend. It’s a who’s who criticisms of broadcasters at 1 o’clock in the morning. We Rosner told ROI-NJ.
in the business, from the networks to the leagues to lived this, and, as glamorous as it might sound, it’s still a
Rosner, a partner at Rutherford-based sports marketing
corporations. job, it’s still business.
agency 16W Marketing, thinks college athletes will be at
the center of it.
ROI: Most of your clients are also affiliated, in one way ROI: Those hours must be quite an adjustment when
or another, with the NFL — which I can only guess is the you first get into the business. When did you guys know this “College athletes are susceptible because of their lack
of finances, endorsements, etc.,” he said. “You just miss
reason why Super Bowl season is such a busy time of year. is what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?
a couple shots or so.”
Was it by design to maintain a football-heavy roster? FV: I think Steve came into it much more deliberately,
SR: You go to your strengths, right? Frank comes because it was part of his plan, ultimately. He made the Rosner and his partner at 16W, Frank Vuono, recently
sat down with ROI-NJ to discuss their business, the
from a football background, and early in my playing decision to go into sports from the get-go when he got
industry as a whole and legalized sports betting.
career is a football background. It came with osmosis. But out of school. I was quite different. I was in advertising
we’ve represented other types of athletes, especially from at Young & Rubicam out of college and, by chance, I was “I’m not saying it’s going to happen in the pro game —
our days at ISI — (basketball star) Clyde Drexler, Dan able to get a job at the NFL through a mutual connection. because they’d have to pay a quarterback a whole lot
of money when he’s already making $18 million a year,”
Jansen, Janet Evans, baseball players and golfers. (Former If that chance hadn’t come along, who knows? I could still
Rosner said. “(But) I’m afraid we’re going to have some
New York Mets pitcher, now baseball broadcaster) Ron be in advertising. sort of point-shaving scandal in the world of sports, and it
Darling is still a client of ours. Yes, we are football top- twitter: @alex_wolmart will be credited towards the legalization of sports betting.”
According to Rosner, if you were a gambler two years
ago, you didn’t need to stay in New Jersey, because it
wouldn’t be hard to find another way to bet, offshore
perhaps. From a talent representation standpoint,
Rosner said, some networks talk about making picks,
but those affiliated with the NFL have stayed away from
discussing the point spreads.
“They can talk about it, like Boomer (Esiason) on the radio
might pick something different, or talk about it differently,
because on the radio there’s no affiliations or rights fees,”
Rosner said. “But on CBS, they’re not necessarily going
to talk about it — they’ll just pick the game, the team they
think will win, and not mention the point spread.”
The topic has become an increasingly hot one in the
state, particularly around Super Bowl season, as there’s
a lot of money to be made for participating leagues and
corporations.
And Vuono agrees.
“From a corporate standpoint, I think it’s huge,” he said.
“The leagues will find a way to make a licensing deal
and make money out of it. Some already have. That’s
the next billion-dollar pot for the NFL. (Commissioner
Adam) Silver’s been progressive about it with the NBA.
The other leagues will follow. It’s newfound revenue for
all these guys.” — Alex Wolmart
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Network news
At Bell Labs in Murray Hill, the future of industrial automation is on display for customers
BY ESTHER SURDEN FOR ROI-NJ
esurden@njtechweekly.com
TECH PARTNERS
ROI-NJ has teamed up with Esther Surden, creator of NJTechWeekly.com, to bring you weekly insight into the tech world.
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “walk away with their win,” an insider said. attempt to think creatively to get around the getting the Legislature to a place where the
“The Senate moved off of a proposal that box that these people put themselves in,” one governor could work with (them). I think
budget, for marijuana, for EDA tax credits,” they put in in December, and that was what insider said. without him it probably doesn’t happen.”
the person said. “The real significance here is we ultimately agreed on,” the person said. One key point they all agreed on was that The two weeks before the agreement
the speaker didn’t pick sides. It’s almost like a “That took a few days, but that was really a it had to get done at the start of 2019. was announced were the most critical, with
swing vote on the Supreme Court.” final piece. I think the speaker was influential “Everyone wanted to get it done this regular meetings and a sense of urgency.
“This was his moment to show the kind in getting the Senate president to agree.” month,” the insider said. “The concern was, “This was a complete logjam between
of seismic impact he can have.” Key issues Coughlin weighed in on were if it didn’t, even though there are other voting Murphy and Sweeney and their staffs before
Consider how the minimum wage bill lowering the timespan to reach $15 and sessions, then there might be a perception Craig intervened,” one insider said.
got to the finish line. carveouts for small firms and seasonal workers. that it was never going to happen. There was Another added, “Hopefully, we can do
Last year, Murphy “A lot of ideas were floated that never a fair amount of urgency … to try to reach the same on marijuana now.”
repeatedly called on made it into the bill, but here was a genuine a deal. I give the speaker a lot of credit for twitter: @anjkhem
the Legislature to pass
a bill that he could sign,
especially before the last
vote of the year on Dec. 17.
The minimum wage
Phil
Murphy discussion had taken
a back seat during the
budget battle. And, when it resurfaced, it did
so with little tangible movement. It could have
suffered a similar fate this year if not for the
urgency Coughlin felt in light of the Assembly
elections this year, according to one insider.
“He was really joined at the hip with the
Senate on many issues in the last calendar
year,” the insider said. “(This) was a signal that
(because) the Assembly is on the ballot next
year, the Senate is not and the governor is not,
the speaker (is willing) to carve out a voice
here for the Assembly on an important issue.”
And it could just
be the start of a more
independently-minded
Assembly.
Coughlin said so
himself at his swearing-
in, back in January 2018.
Stephen “I will always look for
Sweeney
collaboration with the
Senate and with our governor, but, inevitably,
there will be times when the Assembly must
set its own course and act as an independent
and equal branch of government,” he said at
the time. “I will not be afraid to chart that
path when it is necessary.”
The catalyst that restarted serious
conversations about the $15 minimum wage,
according to three sources with knowledge
of the deal, was an op-ed that Coughlin
wrote at the end of November.
After that, the meetings began, and
escalated at the end of the year.
“Starting around Christmastime, the
three leaders really started to work out a
framework of a deal and finished it at the
start of the new year,” one source said.
Many aspects of the final bill were ironed
out by early January, and the final sticking
point was farm workers.
Sweeney was dug in on farmers. The
governor was dug in on other issues,
including the timeline.
Behind the scenes, Coughlin worked
hard to enable both Murphy and Sweeney to
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Non Fiction
T
he three-part question
about former Gov.
Chris Christie’s book, … Just another
book from
“Let Me Finish,” was
straightforward:
Will it A) help, B)
hurt or C) have no impact on: a politician,
His personal brand?
His ability to run for office in the future?
The Republican party in New Jersey?
one that will
The answer to all three — after talking
with many people who interacted with him
soon end up
and his administration
— was D) None of the
at bargain-bin
above.
“I haven’t read the bookstores …
book and I don’t plan to,”
came back repeatedly.
For the few people of the Republican Governors Association,
(read: fellow media) who presidential transition leader), the simple
have (accurately) found (many) passages that truth is that everyone in this state made up
appear to stray from the public record, the their mind about Christie years ago.
view appears to be that it is simply another It’s why there’s little buzz about the book.
book from another politician who gets to And could be one of the reasons
look back at his time in office. That means it Palatucci does not think the book will have
comes with his own positive perspective and any impact on any future races Christie may
allows one last opportunity to take a negative enter (and Palatucci in no way suggested he
swipe at his opponents (whether it be the is going to) or on Christie’s personal brand. If
Kushners, Steve Bannon, the media) while anything, Palatucci said, it just reinforces it.
trying to adjust his legacy (see: Bridgegate). “The book is vintage Chris Christie,”
In other words, it’s just another book he said. “He’s got something to say and he’s
from a politician, one that will soon end going to say it clear and emphatically.
up at bargain-bin bookstores after failing “Good for him. People can agree or
to resonate on Amazon and making only a disagree — and everybody will be right.”
brief stop at Costco and Target. Most importantly, Palatucci said he feels
That doesn’t mean it is it will have no impact on the
inconsequential. Republican Party in New Jersey.
So said Bill Palatucci, one “Everybody has to stand
of the architects of Christie’s on their own two feet, pick up
political career, who remains a the mantle themselves and move
supporter. forward,” he said.
“This is one of the very few “We had to build the party
books from a person with high from scratch ourselves and got it
level and direct contact with all accomplished, and if that’s what
candidate (Donald) Trump others want to do, then they need
and President Trump,” he told ROI-NJ. to blaze their own path.”
“I think it’s very insightful (to hear) what The Christie book tour is just getting
happened when we were dismissed from the started. The guess here is that it soon will be
transition from Chris, who continued to be winding down.
a frequent visitor to the White House. These The governor — love him or loathe
are his observations about why things were him — certainly was one of the most
and were not working (in the Trump White consequential in the state’s history in the past
House). I think that it’s good for the country generation. Even his critics concede that.
to hear that person’s perspective.” And, like all politicians, he wanted an
Readers and viewers ultimately opportunity to get the last word.
will answer that question. And, while “Let me finish,” the book’s title implores.
Christie has the resume to speak (federal Most people apparently feel he already
prosecutor, two-term governor, chairman had. — Tom Bergeron
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
View Point
T
oday, I am co-founder and CEO of apply for technology jobs — even when they are qualified.
PAMTEN.COM, an information technology
That gave me the idea to That gave me the idea to create SheTek, a for-profit
staffing and services company. I am also initiative that provides training, mentoring and a strong
an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a create SheTek, a for-profit ecosystem for young girls and women to thrive in tech
passionate champion for women who want initiative that provides training, careers and show all industries the value that women bring
to build a career in technology — a career I mentoring and a strong to the tech space. SheTek has three pillars with which to
almost never got to pursue. carry out its programs:
I was born in a small town called Samalkot in
ecosystem for young girls SheTek STEM focuses on introducing young minds
Andhrapradesh, India, where I grew up in a conservative and women to thrive in tech to the opportunities that exist in science, technology,
family that didn’t believe young women careers… engineering and math. The SheTek STEM program
should pursue careers in technology. focuses on mentorships, hands-on workshops, field trips,
Keeping the promise I made to mother, unforgettable experiences and building lasting friendships by
I accepted that I would have to push I grew stronger each day and developed the skills that would partnering with community organizations and nonprofits.
myself to get the education I needed and eventually help me build my own career. SheTek Power helps young women and women
build my own career. When I earned that My husband, Satyamohan Pamula, our daughter, re-entering the workforce to get started in a career in tech.
opportunity, at a large manufacturing Anusha, and I moved to the U.S. in November 1997. Efforts are specifically tailored to empower young women
Chaya company in northern India, I was the From 1997 to 2011, I worked as a software engineer and through mentorships, “soft” skill training, community-
Pamula
only female employee in a company with program manager in a large pharma company in New building and internships. Graduates also will have access to
more than 5,000 employees. Jersey, until we opened the doors at PAMTEN.com. It was the SheTek job network.
During my time there, I encountered gender a dream come true, but I was concerned that we received SheTek Preneur gives women business owners
discrimination, often when my subordinates would few resumes from women. We saw some shocking access to outsourced CTO services and provides them with
intentionally try to ruin a project to undermine my surveys, showing that only 25 percent of tech jobs are knowledge on leading technology trends to help them grow
authority. But I stood up for myself, worked twice as hard filled by women, that an alarming number of young girls their existing businesses or spur ideas for new ones.
and proved my worth to the company. I did not have a are dropping out of STEM programs after high school or
support system to nurture my professional development, but that most women don’t think they are smart enough to Chaya Pamula, owner, PAMTEN.com
“
pay doesn’t seem like good optics, never mind justice. Jeers.
would relocate for a job.
SILVER LINING: It was a massive fire that drew statewide headlines, as the iconic Relocating for a job is becoming more common, especially
Marcal plant off Interstate 80, along with its red neon sign, crashed to the ground after in a tight labor market. Employers are having to look outside
a devastating blaze. But, in the wake of disaster, there are still reasons to cheer: First, no the company’s geographic area as the
one was hurt. Second, first responders bravely battled ice-cold temperatures and raging war for talent heats up. For workers,
winds to control the damage as best they could. And, finally, business folks like the New it can be a good thing. Depending
Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program immediately began working on ways to help on the benefits the company is
hundreds of employees left jobless. Cheers to the helping hands! offering, you might be looking
DOCTOR, DOCTOR: The Casino Reinvestment Development at better pay and benefits.
Authority gave AtlantiCare preliminary approval for a $38 It could also be a situation
million medical arts building to better serve Atlantic City. The where you can advance
CRDA will provide the health system with the land rights and your career by gaining
$15 million toward the project. Remember: Better access to more responsibilities.
care means better health for the community. Cheers! Finally, the cost of
living has gotten
really expensive
in certain cities
throughout the country.
If you relocate, you
“We’re not making proper investments because might be able to lower
we don’t have new money. So, each year, we’re your cost of living
considerably.”
in a situation where we just continue to squeeze,
squeeze, squeeze programs that would make things
better, just to fund government. It’s time to fix it.”
— Senate President Steve Sweeney, talking about
(what else?) New Jersey’s taxes and pensions.
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Scott Christie went
from fighting
hackers to
representing health
care clients. —
MCCARTER & ENGLISH
to health care
McCarter & English attorney says advancing medical technology
paints big cybercrime bull’s-eye on industry
S
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
cott Christie led the computer hacking division for the U.S. Department of Justice’s
Newark office, where he went after big-time cybercrime intrusions.
It has a surprising overlap with his current gig — representing health care clients.
Christie is an attorney that assists these clients with data privacy matters and cybersecurity issues. And this
industry is one of the top targets for cyberattacks, with various sources putting the dollar figure in terms of damages
within the ballpark of an annual $5 billion, or sometimes more.
The longtime expert on hacks said that picture is only getting more complicated. The same technologies in the health care industry
that sound most exciting also bring the potential of opening up new vulnerabilities to hackers and making for a murky legal landscape.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
possibility
The first questions: What is it? And how “Conservatively, 2.3 percent of the Perekupka referred to as a soft launch of the
does it work? population will be diagnosed with this over device.
Put simply, TMS is a device that uses magnetic their lifetime,” he said. “And it’s really a chronic “But the demand for it was so high that we
fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. In this disorder, with a waxing and waning aspect. had to expand it faster than we wanted to,” he
case, magnetic pulses are sent into the region of “OCD is also quite disabling and costly. said. “In the next phase of the rollout … we’re
the brain known to be involved in OCD. We suspect it ranks 10th in causes of disability launching a larger patient awareness program.
The device, a magnetic H-coil inside a and fifth in a younger “We broke it up that
padded helmet, is used for treatment in doctor’s population.” way, because the worst thing
offices. And it apparently comes without many Perekupka added that’s you can do is get patients
side effects. According to the FDA, the most another surprising feature excited about it before
frequent side effect experienced by patients was of OCD: It’s a young person’s there is anywhere they can
a headache, but no serious adverse reactions disease. actually get the treatment.
were reported. “The average age a Right now, hopefully, there’s
Joseph Aron
Joseph Perekupka, the company’s Perekupka person is diagnosed is 19,” Tendler someplace relatively close
vice president of sales operations, said the Perekupka said. “And, in where people can find it.”
technology, which already has been approved most cases, they’ve been treated for a decade on The devices are dispersed across the country,
for use in the treatment of major depressive average for a potential mental illness before that with a small percentage staying in Garden State
disorder, is generating a lot of interest from diagnosis.” health care centers. A number of facilities in
those suffering from OCD. There has long been only five medications New Jersey also are utilizing the BrainsWay
“But it’s not just potential patients excited and psychotherapy as options for OCD device marketed for depression treatment.
about it,” he said. “Physicians and psychologists treatment. But up to half of patients don’t see BrainsWay has a pipeline of trials underway
have been having the exact same discussions adequate results from those existing treatments, with its H-coil devices. It’s evaluating how
with patients about treatment options according to Tendler. effective the technology will be in helping
for almost 10 years. … There was a For those who don’t respond to people cease cigarette smoking, as well as
desperate need for something new.” conventional treatment, BrainsWay’s in the treatment of post-traumatic stress
Importantly, he added, OCD device is now being marketed disorder and bipolar disorder.
is one of the most difficult as an alternative. And In fact, the company’s system was
diseases to treat in the mental the new treatment one of only a few medical devices
health spectrum. It’s a long- option started — and the only system of its sort —
lasting disorder in which being introduced to selected by the FDA out of more than
a person has reoccurring outpatient centers 250 applications to participate in a
thoughts and behaviors that around the country program dedicated to finding tools
prove difficult to control — as part of what to prevent and treat opioid abuse.
the prototypical example The device is being tested for its
being contamination potential to help prevent relapse
anxieties and repeated after detox in addiction treatment.
hand-washing. “We’re proud to support
And Dr. Aron Tendler, research and development with
chief medical officer at BrainsWay, consistent investment in these
said this is an unexpectedly trials,” Tendler said. “We’re doing more
prevalent disorder. in this space than anyone else. We really
believe in this technology and want to
expand the utilization of it.”
Conversation Starter
twitter: @reporterbrett
Reach BrainsWay at:
info@dtms-nordic.com, or visit
brainsway-global.com/contact-us BrainsWay's transcranial magnetic stimulation
device. — BRAINSWAY
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 content might be a patient in some state of That means the medical staff follows all of scalpels and other instruments in the
undress, as might be required to diagnose a HIPAA laws and information is secure.” surgical theater, to make sure everything is
“All of the technology that is condition. While local health care providers are located where it should be.
revolutionizing medical care carries with it Besides privacy matters, there are other finding the right protective mechanisms for “But, very quickly, this technology is
concerns that may not be fully addressed — legal challenges that come up, including current telemedicine uses, an attorney such not used for things as narrow as tracking
some might not have even been considered,” the uncertainty regarding where a patient as Christie sees potential pitfalls in the way surgical instruments but also to help identify
Christie said. “The proliferation of is located and how that interacts with a these technologies may start to be utilized as the location of patients in a hospital,” he
technology as well as health care data ups the physician’s licensing. it becomes even more widespread. said. “These RFID tags on a bracelet can
store data, much more than you could print
on those bracelets. … Attendant to that
“Patients should expect the same level of care and professionalism are privacy issues, because this sensitive
data — unless you could encrypt the radio-
during a telemedicine visit as with an in-office visit. That means the frequency content — could be intercepted in
medical staff follows all HIPAA laws and information is secure.” transmission. That’s a problem.”
Even further on the horizon, Christie
— James C. Wittig, chairman, orthopedic surgery, Morristown Medical Center expects virtual reality to introduce additional
privacy problems, particularly once it begins
to realize its potential to be used for treatment
consequences.” “So, you run the risk if you’re dealing Also on Christie’s radar are some next- of dementia or other mental illnesses.
The health care industry is perhaps in a telemedical manner with people as a gen medical innovations that might be If Christie seems to see the potential for
better than most industries at thwarting New Jersey doctor, that you’re unwittingly extraordinarily difficult to totally secure. a hacker disruption anywhere, it’s because
these threats, but with the pace of medical treating a patient in Hawaii or some other For example, radio-frequency time dealing with them has taught him
technology being also more rapid than most, state in which the doctor is not licensed to identification — or RFID — is a technology this: When it comes to new technology, he
the assurances are few. practice,” Christie said, adding that third- that’s starting to gain more relevance in the said, “It’s only a matter of time before a hack
Christie, who practices at McCarter & party services were cropping up now to health care setting. This technology is starting occurs.”
English LLP, said health care innovations validate the state of residence of patients that to be more widely adopted for keeping track twitter: @reporterbrett
in some cases might be trading security for contract with doctors permitted to practice
greater flexibility. Telemedicine might be one there.
of the most broadly adopted of recent health Telemedicine has many local pioneers;
care technologies — and it’s certainly not Atlantic Health System is definitely one.
immune. Among the many new ways it is used by the
“As we sit here today, telemedicine organization is to connect neurologists with
is becoming a much more common and patients who are having strokes, beginning
accepted practice with new advances in an assessment of the time-sensitive condition
technology,” Christie said. “Platforms such during the ambulance trip to the hospital.
as Skype or Facetime are becoming more That’s starting to be introduced as well for
popular for this real-time interactivity. And cardiac patients and those suspected to have
videoconferencing tools have ratcheted sepsis.
telemedicine up a level.” James C. Wittig, chairman in the
From a legal perspective, there are clear orthopedic surgery arm of Atlantic’s
benefits — doctors have an objective record Morristown Medical Center, said that, last
of what is said to a patient if there were to year, the system also began offering around-
be a claim that led to a malpractice lawsuit. the-clock access to physicians with “virtual
Patients profit from that session being visits.” The remote appointment is sometimes
preserved because they have something to done on a live video conference.
refer back to when part of the conversation Wittig, who also serves as a medical
was missed. director for orthopedic surgery, orthopedic
But, with any sensitive information oncology and sarcoma surgery, said the
transmitted electronically — particularly service is conducted using a platform called
when it’s potentially being stored — there’s MDLive. It’s a secure tool, he said, designed
a target for hackers. Christie said those specifically for the purpose of these virtual
concerns are intensified by the fact that the doctor visits.
“Atlantic Health System has produced
a series of standards, guidelines and best
Conversation Starter
practices for providers to ensure that they
Reach Scott Christie of
McCarter & English LLP at: are using these online platforms responsibly,”
schristie@mccarter.com, he said. “Patients should expect the same
or 973-848-5388. level of care and professionalism during a
telemedicine visit as with an in-office visit.
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Non Profit
Benefactors
We are incredibly grateful
that individuals from
all walks of life and
throughout the country
support the Hugs for
Brady Foundation! We
have giving that varies
from monthly gifts of $5
all the way to individual
contributions of $20,000
— no gift is too small or
too large!
We are always looking
for dedicated volunteers
to join our board of
directors! We are seeking
The Winter Gala is the Hugs for Brady Foundation's biggest event of the year. — HUGS FOR BRADY FOUNDATION skilled volunteers in
the following areas of
Origin Goals Achievements expertise to volunteer on
Sherrie and Michael Expand the Hugs in the Hospital program 2018 was a banner year for the Hugs for specific projects, provide
Wells started the Hugs We hope to expand our Hugs in the Hospital programming to Brady Foundation! advice and insight, or
for Brady Foundation in include more holiday celebrations for children spending a holiday serve on our committees
2009, shortly after their in the hospital. Currently, we host annual Thanksgiving Eve and In August, we announced a $500,000 and boards.
13-month old son, Brady Christmas Eve celebrations and we would like to expand this pledge to Rutgers Cancer Institute of
Michael, was diagnosed New Jersey to support a dedicated Programs
programming to include more holidays, including Halloween and
with Non-Differentiated laboratory space for pediatric cancer Donate Brady Buggies to
Fourth of July.
Acute Leukemia, a very research — the only lab of its kind in pediatric oncology centers
rare form of leukemia. Continue our commitment to research in the U.S. and abroad.
our state.
Over the next 10 months, We plan to sustain our funding commitment to the Hugs for Brady The Brady Buggy is a
Brady’s tiny little body Foundation Pediatric Cancer Research Lab and look forward to the Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the specially designed wagon
progress made by the research team there. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that safely transports a
went through 66 blood
President’s Grant Fund, we were able child and an IV pole as
and platelet transfusions, Build organizational capacity and expand the board
to deliver a Brady Buggy Wagon to a a single unit, with “kid-
multiple surgeries and In this unprecedented period of exciting growth and change, we friendly” animal designs.
six rounds of intensive hospital serving kids in nearly every
plan to focus on our long-term sustainability, build our capacity to
chemotherapy. After all state in the country. Support children and
ensure the successful delivery of our programming and to expand
he had been through, their families with
our board in order to extend our reach into the local community. Raised over $285,000 for the fight
Brady’s doctors told generous donations
Sherrie and Michael the against childhood cancer and — the of toys, games, books,
Mission Fundraising best part — we were able to celebrate
news no parent ever food, clothing and other
The mission of the Hugs We raise money through events,
wants to hear: There the night with some of our amazing necessities to support
for Brady Foundation is partnerships with local businesses and
was nothing more they oncology families thanks to donors their fight against cancer.
to eradicate pediatric foundations and through individual
could do. Brady passed cancer and to bring joy sponsoring their tickets. Fund entrepreneurial
giving. Our biggest fundraiser of the
away in his mother’s to local children battling childhood cancer
year is our annual Winter Gala, taking Small gifts from hundreds of donors
arms one month before this disease. We strive research.
place at the Palace at Somerset Park enabled us to donate more than
what would have been to increase awareness on March 2. This is our largest source $10,000 in items to the Bristol-Myers
his 2nd birthday. The for the need to become a of unrestricted revenue. We also
Finally
organization was formally Squibb Children’s Hospital in New
donor for blood, platelets, As a small, local
formed as a 501(c)(3) hosted the Toby Tyler Invitational Golf Brunswick.
and bone marrow, to nonprofit, we are always
two months later. Brady’s Tournament in October of 2018 and
provide resources to seeking volunteers
memory lives on in the plan to continue in October 2019. We
hospitals and cancer who are able to donate
work of the Hugs for institutions to enhance partner also with local businesses, Conversation Starter their time and talents
Brady Foundation, which the lives of pediatric schools, and community groups to host For more information go to: toward helping our
supports children battling cancer patients, and to fundraisers on our behalf. Last, but hugsforbrady.org mission! Please visit
cancer “one hug at a fund research to find certainly not least, the Hugs for Brady or 908-334-7740. hugsforbrady.org and
time” and funds applied a cure for childhood Foundation is a grassroots organization click “get involved!” to
research to ultimately find cancer. that relies on giving from individuals. see our current list of
a cure. volunteer opportunities!
32
ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Executive Moves
Executive Moves is an occasional feature describing some of the important personnel changes in the New Jersey business community.
Reports are written by ROI-NJ staff. To see more moves, go to roi-nj.com. To submit your move, email editorial@roi-nj.com.
Marketsmith Inc., a Cedar Knolls-based woman-owned and -operated, AeroFarms, an indoor vertical Rebecca Lubot has been named
data-science-driven advertising and marketing agency, announces the farm based in Newark, director of the Governor’s STEM
formation of its inaugural C-suite, announced it has named Roger Scholars program, the Research
naming two veteran employees, Carina Post as its new chief operating & Development Council of New
Pologruto, formerly executive vice officer. Jersey announced.
president, strategy and innovation, to
chief innovation officer, while Nasir In this role, Post will oversee Established in 2013, the
Michael is elevated from EVP, finance the company’s operations, food Governor’s STEM Scholars
and operations, to chief financial officer. safety and quality assurance, program is a
engineering, farm construction, public-private
“The tremendous growth we have partnership
data systems, and research and
experienced, combined with our strategic plans for the next 10 years of among the
rapid expansion, driven by data science, new product development and development.
Governor’s
acquisition, crystalized, Marketsmith enters its 20th year of existence Post, who has more than 28 Office, the
stronger and more determined than ever to be a dominant force in the years of manufacturing and New Jersey
market,” said founder and CEO Monica C. Smith. supply chain experience, most Department
Michael’s role will encompass areas critical to the continued financial health recently served as senior vice of Education, the Office of the
of the business. Pologruto will be responsible for creating more state-of- president of manufacturing Secretary of Higher Education
the-art marketing technology and offering clients predictive analytics found operations and fulfillment at and the members of the R&D
only in the MarketsmithIQ platform. Both will report directly to Smith. Danone Foods North America. Council of New Jersey.
Lubot also will serve as a
director at CN Communications
KRISTIN PECK
International, which oversees
Brian Clayton
the STEM Scholars program
Conduent Inc.
under the direction of CN
Feather in Her Cap Awards founder and Chairman Anthony
Conduent Inc., a Florham
Cicatiello.
Park-based business services Over 200 industry leaders attended the second annual Feather
technology company, has Lubot, who earned a Ph.D.
in Her Cap Awards dinner, where women leaders in the animal
named a new chief compliance in U.S. history from Rutgers
officer to oversee its security
health industry were recognized for their achievements and University, has an impressive
and contractual obligations. significant contributions to the industry and for mentoring and background in government and
developing future women leaders. policy positions. She began her
The company said in a news career as a White House intern
release that Kristin Peck, executive vice in the Domestic Policy Office of
Brian Clayton president and group president, the Vice President Al Gore and
has been U.S. operations, business served as a legislative aide and
promoted to a policy adviser to former U.S.
development and strategy
the new role Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New
focused on
at Zoetis, was awarded the
Jersey, among other positions.
corporate 2nd annual Feather in Her
compliance. Cap Award. Jenny Trudeau,
He has been with the company previously the director of
since 2003, including serving large animal and equine Mariana Moghadam;
as chief privacy officer and national accounts at John R. Mellage
associate general counsel. Boehringer Ingelheim, was SobelCo
“Compliance with information posthumously awarded a
SobelCo, a Livingston-based
and data security requirements Feather in Her Cap Award, certified public accounting and
is a critically important area honoring her lifetime advisory firm, announced it has
for Conduent, and integral to
achievements. named two new members to
our company’s operations,” the firm.
CEO Ashok Vemuri said in a To continue the
prepared statement. “Since Mariana Moghadam and John
tradition started R. Mellage, who both previously
joining Conduent, Brian has last year, Peck served as senior managers,
continuously sought out
received a gold have been named members.
increased responsibility in his
roles. He has the experience feather brooch “The SobelCo partnership team
and leadership skills we need and a feathered welcomes John and Mariana,
to ensure compliance for both hat; Trudeau’s acknowledging the depth of
Conduent and the clients we daughter their technical skills but more
serve is always top of mind.” importantly, their industry specific-
accepted these knowledge and their business
Clayton has his law degree awards in honor acumen,” Alan Sobel, managing
from New York Law School. of her mother. member of the firm, said.
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Park Square Apartments, a mixed-use retail and residential complex in Rahway, has been sold
for $34.9 million, according to real estate firm Holliday Fenoglio Fowler L.P.
HFF said in a news release that the 159-unit, Class A complex, which offers nearly 6,000
square feet of ground-floor retail, was sold by Parsippany-based Roseland Residential Trust to
Newark-based One Wall Partners.
HFF marketed the downtown property at 1 and 2 Park Square exclusively on behalf of the seller.
The investment advisory team that represented Roseland, a subsidiary of Jersey City-based Mack-
Cali Realty Corp., included Jose Cruz, senior managing director; Michael Oliver, senior director; Kevin
O’Hearn, senior managing director; Stephen Simonelli, senior director; and Mark Mahasky, associate.
The property in the Arts District includes two four-story buildings connected by a shared
courtyard. Its mix of one- and two-bedroom units averages 1,163 square feet, and the property
includes common-area amenities such as fitness centers and a club room.
One Wall Partners was represented in-house in the deal. Meridian Capital Group’s Jacob
Schmuckler, senior vice president, negotiated acquisition financing, which was provided by
ConnectOne Bank.
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ROI-NJ.COM February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Business resources
NEW JERSEY BANKS Ranked by revenue
Lists on ROI-NJ.com/book-of-lists/ Business resources researched and compiled by Corfacts Online; list management by Legendary Data
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY February 4, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Business resourcescontinued
NEW JERSEY BANKS Ranked by revenue
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Business resources
NEW JERSEY CREDIT UNIONS Ranked by revenue
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39