Category: Culture

Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

Categories
Culture Local News

Most Mercer County government offices to close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Lawrence and West Windsor branches of the Mercer County Library System will be open for holiday hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other branches will be closed.

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following hours on Jan. 16:

Ice Skating Center, 8:30 to 10 a.m. for senior skating (62+), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for public skating;

Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.;

Mercer Oaks East and Princeton Country Club golf courses, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting; Mercer County Stables, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.;

and Wildlife Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.

Howell Living History Farm, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed on Jan. 16.

In addition, the Mountain View, Mercer Oaks West and Hopewell Valley Country Club golf courses are closed for the month of January.

For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercounty.org/parks.

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News Travel & Leisure Weather & Environment

Community Based Deer Management provides additional county benefits beyond NJ state standards

The Mercer County Park Commission has been issued a Community Based Deer Management permit from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The Community Based Deer Management (CBDM) permit allows for additional opportunities to improve forest habitat and the ecological condition of County-owned natural areas through deer reductions beyond standard state hunting regulations. Reducing deer overpopulation also improves public safety by reducing deer-vehicle collisions.

No CBDM hunting will occur in areas that participate in the County’s traditional deer management hunting program until after the regular season concludes. The additional measures permitted in the CBDM program will allow a professional culling firm to perform management activities during an extended season through March 31 at Baldpate Mountain, Howell Farm, County-owned golf courses including Mountain View, Hopewell Valley, Mercer Oaks East and West, and select regions of Mercer Meadows in Hopewell Township.

Management activities approved in the Park Commission’s permit include: deer harvest by crossbow and firearm, culling during evening hours, and periodic park closures for culling outside of the traditional State hunting season through March 31, 2023. As with the Park Commission’s traditional deer management program, there will be no culling permitted on Sundays under the CBDM permit.

At Mercer Meadows, CBDM deer management will be limited to the Curlis Woods region. Beginning February 20, these areas will allow for bow culling Monday through Saturday until 9 p.m. each day until March 31. These regions will remain open to the public during bow hunting. Park users are advised to remain on trails and wear bright colored clothing. All culling activity will take place from an elevated tree stand with a 75-foot safety buffer in place on either side of all County-recognized trails.

The Curlis Woods region will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 21 through March 30

At Baldpate Mountain, including Fiddler’s Creek Preserve, the permit allows for extended evening culling (until 9 p.m.)  February 20 through March 31, once the regular state hunting season ends. Beginning on Monday, February 20, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. These areas will remain open to the public on days when only bow is in use. The parks will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Baldpate Mountain, and Fiddler’s Creek Preserve will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Wednesdays from February 22 through March 29

At Belle Mountain, the permit allows for extended evening culling (until 9 p.m.), Beginning on Monday, February 20, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. The park will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Belle Mountain will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays from February 20 through March 31

At County golf courses including Mountain View, Hopewell Valley, the permit allows for evening culling (until 9 p.m.) January 1 through March 31. Beginning in January, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. At the Mercer Oaks East and West golf courses, culling with a bow may occur starting February 19 through March 31. The golf courses will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Golf courses will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling during the courses’ routine closure to the public. See below:

  • Mountain View and Hopewell Valley closed January 1 through January 31
  • Mercer Oaks East closed February 20 through February 28

At Howell Farm, the permit allows for extended evening culling (sunset through 9 p.m.) January 30 through March 31. Beginning in January, bow culling may take place Monday through Friday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. Shotgun culling may occur after daily operations cease at Howell Farm at 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Howell Farm will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling:

  • Mondays January 30 through March 31
  • Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. January 30 through March 31

The above dates do not include closures as part of the Park Commission’s existing deer management program. Please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/park-commission for details on all closures for deer management.

Categories
Business Culture

Turnbridge Equities marks banner year of success with the sale of 738,000-sq.-ft. warehouse portfolio in Newark, NJ

Last-mile industrial facility appreciates by 46% over 19-month investment

 

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Turnbridge Equities (Turnbridge), a real estate investment and development firm that invests in commercial and industrial opportunities in high-growth and high barrier-to-entry markets, in partnership with Long Wharf Capital (Long Wharf), has announced the sale of its 738,000-square-foot Newark Distribution Center, formerly known as the Ballantine Brewery Complex, a 19.4-acre portfolio of three infill industrial properties located in Newark, NJ.

 

As the former home of the P. Ballantine and Sons Brewing Company founded in 1840, the 100%-occupied property was purchased by Hines, a global real estate investment, development, and property manager. Turnbridge was represented by JLL in the transaction.


“We’re excited to complete the sale of the Newark Distribution Center to Hines,” said Ryan Nelson, managing principal at Turnbridge Equities.

 

“The sale was a great execution by the entire team, especially in the current and challenging market environment. The transaction speaks volumes about the quality of the real estate, the renovations Turnbridge completed, and the property’s strong tenancy. We’re very proud that during our investment, we completed an extensive renovation, brought the property to 100% occupancy, and realized value by selling off portions of the original property for self-storage and multi-family projects. This project had it all.”

 

Turnbridge and Long Wharf acquired the property in May 2021 for $92 million from a joint venture between Turnbridge and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Upon acquisition, Turnbridge completed the last stages of a $13 million renovation of the Newark Distribution Center, which brought the older complex up to modern logistics standards. As a result of the renovation, the property is occupied by multiple tenants, including Iron Mountain, One Stop Logistics, and Worldpac, Inc., illustrating the property’s attractiveness to multiple tenants. In May 2022, Turnbridge and Long Wharf created and sold a subdivided portion of the property at 425 Ferry Street to Storage Blue for $8.25 million.

 

“We’re excited to have completed the successful repositioning and sale of this Class A industrial property in one of the strongest markets in the country with our partners at Turnbridge,” said Philip Murphy, Managing Director of Acquisitions at Long Wharf.

 

Located in the Ironbound district of Newark at 397-447 Ferry St., the property sits two miles from the Port of Newark and is conveniently positioned to serve consumers and businesses throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area. The property, situated within an Opportunity Zone, is among Turnbridge’s extensive portfolio of infill industrial and last-mile logistics centers. Hyper-focused on high barrier-to-entry markets, such as New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C., Turnbridge invests in last-mile industrial properties that address a rapidly increasing demand for same-day deliveries and urban logistics. Other last-mile industrial investments of note within Turnbridge’s portfolio include Bronx Logistics Center, New York’s largest industrial development, and National Capital Business Park outside Washington, DC.

 

Photos of Turnbridge Equities’ Newark Distribution Center, along with headshots of Turnbridge Founder Andrew Joblon and Managing Partner Ryan Nelson can be found here.

 

About Turnbridge Equities

Founded in 2015 by Andrew Joblon, Turnbridge Equities is a vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm that brings a tenacious passion and fresh approach to the traditional real estate model. The firm pursues uniquely diversified investment strategies and a highly selective market entry process, leveraging more than 150 years of combined industry experience. With a firm commitment to environmental and social stewardship, Turnbridge Equities offers an unrivaled competitive advantage that creates long-term value for investors, occupants, and end users.

 

About Long Wharf Capital

Long Wharf Capital LLC is a Boston-based private equity real estate manager focused exclusively on value-added investments in the U.S. Formed in 2011, the firm invests on behalf of institutional clients including pension funds, endowments, foundations, and family offices. Long Wharf’s investment approach utilizes multiple value creation strategies to target opportunities across property sectors and U.S. markets. Since Long Wharf’s first fund in 2012, the team has invested over $1.2 billion of equity in more than 70 investments across the U.S. with an aggregated gross cost of $3.9 billion. For further information, visit: www.longwharf.com.

Contacts

Donna Haldipur

Marino

dhaldipur@marinopr.com
(424) 363-0848

Categories
Art & Life Business Culture Lifestyle

American Girl’s 2023 Girl of the Year™— Kavi Sharma™— steps into the spotlight!

Kavi joins American Girl’s line of popular character dolls that inspire kids with courage, confidence, and strength of character

To support Kavi’s love of performing, company partners with Camp Broadway®—an award-winning theater arts program that helps children develop their characters on and off the stage

 

MIDDLETON, Wis. — (BUSINESS WIRE) —  American Girl, a cornerstone in the Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) portfolio of purposeful brands, on Saturday unveils its 2023 Girl of the Year, Kavi Sharma.

 

Kavi joins the company’s long line of contemporary characters, introduced more than 20 years ago, that represent a wide range of backgrounds to reflect what it means to be an American girl today.

 

Whether it’s singing show tunes or learning new dance moves, Kavi loves performing. And, growing up with her close-knit Indian American family in New Jersey, she’s only a short train ride from her two favorite places in the world: New York City and Broadway! While Kavi shines onstage, keeping up with her offstage priorities like schoolwork, friendships, and family responsibilities can be a challenge—just like it is for so many kids today. Through Kavi, young readers will learn the importance of finding a healthy rhythm in life and feel inspired to pursue their own unique talents and reach for their dreams.


“As we ring in a new year, we’re excited to have Kavi Sharma take center stage in our popular Girl of the Year lineup,” says Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “Just like all our beloved characters, Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are.”

 

To create Kavi’s story, American Girl worked with New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj (Thirst and Count Me In). Kavi’s story is shared in both an illustrated paperback journal that comes with the doll and a hardcover novel, It’s Showtime, Kavi, debuting later in 2023. According to Bajaj, “Kavi’s story is important to all the young readers who will see parts of their lives represented. I took immense delight in showcasing slivers of Indian culture, including dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and magical festivals like Diwali and Holi.” In addition to Bajaj, a team of advisers also helped with Kavi’s development, providing real-world insights and weighing in on key product and story themes to ensure authenticity and accuracy.

 

Kavi’s character comes to life in a beautiful 18-inch Kavi™ doll, featuring brown eyes, medium skin tone, and layered dark-brown hair styled in a half ponytail. Kavi’s product collection is filled with fun, showstopping outfits and accessories that reflect her passion for performing, including her signature outfit complete with a multicolored cropped mesh top, silver joggers, and pink tennis shoes, plus an accessory set that includes a faux-fur bucket hat, quilted purse, charm, and journal. Other items include: Kavi’s Songwriting Accessories, featuring a mini keyboard that plays six different tones; Backstage Set with folding stage, rolling wardrobe, and a vanity with working lights that plays five songs; Kavi’s vibrant Bollywood Dance Costume; and, a plush of her lovable dog, Scamper.

 

To support young performers like Kavi, American Girl is partnering with the Broadway Education Alliance’s Camp Broadway, a cultural enrichment program that makes theater arts accessible and relevant for kids, helping them discover their unique talents and boost their confidence. American Girl is donating $25,000 to fund full and partial scholarships for kids participating in the camp’s 2023 summer program in New York City. To learn more about Camp Broadway and how to apply for a scholarship, visit American Girl’s blog.

 

To further celebrate Kavi’s debut, fans can participate in the following activities:

  • Visit American Girl retail stores between 12/29/22 – 1/1/23 to explore Kavi’s world, enter to win Kavi product and receive a free giveaway (while supplies last), plus enjoy Kavi-inspired activities and experiences throughout the month of January and beyond.
  • Tune in to Kavi-inspired videos on both American Girl’s popular YouTube and YouTube Kids Channel, including a six-episode Kavi animated series, plus a music video, and other Kavi-inspired digital and social content throughout the year.
  • Tour Kavi’s room, play games, and learn more about each American Girl character via the brand’s free Virtual Museum experience.
  • Read about Why Kavi Matters, including a Q&A with author Varsha Bajaj.

 

The Kavi product collection is available December 29, 2022, at americangirl.com and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide and, starting January 1, 2023, at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ locations in Canada and online at Indigo.ca. The hardcover book, It’s Showtime, Kavi, will be available at American Girl and other retail and online booksellers later in 2023.

 

ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL

American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT, www.mattel.com), a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a girl’s spirit and help develop her strength of character. Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby®, WellieWishers™, Create Your Own™, and American Girl’s classic historical characters. The company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S. experiential retail stores, as well as at specialty retailers nationwide. By inspiring girls to be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and the praise and trust of parents and educators. Connect with American Girl on:

Facebook: @americangirl
Twitter: @American_Girl
Instagram: @americangirlbrand
Pinterest: agofficial

MAT-AG

Contacts

Susan Jevens, American Girl: susan.jevens@americangirl.com
Julie Parks, American Girl: julie.parks@americangirl.com
Hannah Jones, Weber Shandwick: hjones@webershandwick.com

Categories
Business Culture Lifestyle

Cross River Bank spreads holiday cheer and warmth to children in need

Company’s compassion shines bright with continued commitment to giving back to the local community

Employees spearhead initiatives to pay it forward with organizations like Hindi’s Libraries and students at Chancellor Avenue School

 

FORT LEE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cross River Bank “(Cross River),” a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, spent the month of December spreading holiday cheer—specifically to children in need—through employee-driven volunteer opportunities and impactful philanthropy. The New Jersey-based technology company continues to focus on investing deeply in initiatives that help communities drive positive change for a better future.

 

Since inception, Cross River’s focus has been on giving back, and throughout the pandemic the Company has been at the forefront of helping businesses survive and saving jobs. Through the team’s herculean efforts, Cross River was able to save more than 1.4 million jobs through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This holiday season, Cross River is helping the New Jersey community through a series of donations and drives that will make the season a bit brighter for families still recovering from the financial impacts of recent years.

 

“The winter holiday season is, understandably, a tough time for many—especially those experiencing financial hardships,” said Phil Goldfeder, SVP Global Public Affairs at Cross River. “At Cross River, we have always, and will always, be committed to our community and doing whatever good we can to bring some joy and basic necessities to those in need. We’re proud of our employee culture, which is filled with like-minded individuals who gave both sweat equity and equity to help others.”

 

Year-round, Cross River provides financial literacy trainings through community partners, so this holiday season, the Company decided to help to spread a love of general literacy by providing increased reading options for local communities through a book drive. Cross River employees also packed and donated the children’s and young adult books to Hindi’s Libraries, an organization which collects and donates new and gently used children’s books to families in need across the globe through their network of over 750 nonprofit partners. The books from Cross River’s drive went to Bergen HEARTS, an organization that provides services for Bergen County families facing homelessness.

 

The team wrapped up the Company’s community giving efforts with the 4th annual “Sharing the Warmth”, an initiative spearheaded by Cross River employees, focused on providing winter essentials for students at the Chancellor Avenue Elementary School in Newark, NJ. Employees from teams across Cross River packaged and delivered over 1,500 gloves, hats and scarves with smiles to the students on December 19th.

 

“Chancellor Avenue School and its Falcons are eternally grateful for Cross River’s generosity and philanthropy,” enthused Kashon Lopes, Principal at Chancellor Avenue School. “This year is particularly special because the hats, scarves, and gloves will keep our students warm this holiday season. Thank you for paying it forward to our Falcon family! We appreciate you all.”

 

A leading financial technology company reshaping global finance and financial inclusion, Cross River has been committed to social responsibility since inception. The Company’s impact spans philanthropic giving and social responsibility initiatives. Cross River is especially proud of its significant employee engagement, which includes charitable giving and stepping up in times of need—whether through impactful philanthropy or rising to support small businesses during times of crisis.

 

About Cross River

Cross River provides technology infrastructure powering the future of financial services. Leveraging its proprietary real-time banking core, Cross River delivers innovative and scalable embedded payments, cards, lending and crypto solutions to millions of consumers and businesses. Cross River is backed by leading investors and serves the world’s most essential fintech and technology companies. Together with its partners, Cross River is reshaping global finance and financial inclusion. Member FDIC. Find out more at www.crossriver.com.

Contacts

Mackenzie DeLuca

Mdeluca@crossriver.com
(201) 808-7000 x 778

Categories
Art & Life Culture Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Celebrating 20 years of Rose Parade participation, the 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade® float, ‘Lifting Each Other Up’ will honor 59 organ, eye and tissue donors and recipients

The float will be featured on the 2023 Rose Parade® on New Year’s Day

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Donate Life community is celebrating 20 years of participation in the traditional Rose Parade in Pasadena. The 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade® float, “Lifting Each Other Up,” will feature 59 honorees representing 24 states in the United States. With ages ranging from 17 to 78 years old for riders and walkers, and from 3 1/2 months old to 68 years old for floragraph honorees, these participants and their families will travel to Pasadena to be part of America’s Donate Life celebration on New Year’s Day’s traditional Rose Parade®.


The 2023 Donate Life Float will feature:

  • 4 walkers, including living donors, as well as organ recipients
  • 16 riders who are organ and tissue recipients
  • 39 floragraphs (floral portraits) representing organ, eye and tissue donors who gave the gift of life to others

 

Float Walkers
Four honorees whose lives were connected to organ donation will walk alongside the 2023 Donate Life float. The 2023 Donate Life float walkers include Keith Gooch, a 63-year-old living kidney donor from Fresno, Calif. who helped start a kidney chain that saved nine lives, including the life of his late brother.

 

Additional walkers include:

  • Thomas Dougall, a 67-year-old living kidney donor from Columbia, SC, who will be accompanied by his wife and his neighbor and kidney recipient, Jo Byrd
  • Wendy Dougall from Columbia, SC, a 63-year-old tissue recipient who is an advocate for donation, and who will walk next to her husband, Thomas, who is a living donor
  • Yadira Ortega, a 37-year-old from Anaheim, Calif., who donated one of her kidneys, as well as stem cells to her brother Ricardo, as part of a groundbreaking medical study conducted by UCLA and funded by OneLegacy that will hopefully eliminate the need for anti-rejection medications on organ transplant patients in the future.

 

Bios to all four 2023 Donate Life float walkers are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/walkers.html

 

Float Riders

The 2023 Donate Life float will feature 16 riders including Dr. Martha Gonzalez de Vidal, a 67-year-old Mexican American obstetrician from Hermosa Beach, Calif. who, after the COVID-19 virus destroyed her lungs, received a lifesaving double lung transplant in 2022.

 

Additional float riders include:

  • Bree Majsiak, a 28-year-old nerve allograft tissue recipient from Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Caitlin Pendzinski, a 24-year-old kidney recipient from Monroe City, MO
  • David Wheelis, a 36-year-old liver recipient from Oklahoma City, OK
  • Goldie Williams, a 38-year-old liver recipient from Oakland, Calif.
  • Harleen (Leena) Sandhu, a 51-year-old kidney recipient from East Windsor, NJ
  • Hayden Schiller, a 20-year-old bone tissue recipient from Vancouver, WA
  • Jo Byrd, a 78-year-old kidney recipient from Columbia, SC, whose living donor will also be honored on the float
  • Dr. Larry Yokoyama, a 68-year-old kidney recipient from Bakersfield, Calif. whose kidney donor will also be honored with a floragraph on the float
  • Lavender McKillip, a 17-year-old liver recipient from Sparks, NV
  • Marcus Roberts, a 43-year-old heart and kidney recipient from Long Beach, Calif.
  • Mary Louis, a 50-year-old skin tissue recipient from Baytown, TX
  • Megan Mehta, a 19-year-old heart recipient from Pleasanton, Calif.
  • Olga Gomez, a 59-year-old liver and kidney recipient who is currently waiting for a kidney transplant from Ontario, Calif.
  • Ricardo Ortega, a 33-year-old kidney recipient from Bellflower, Calif., whose sister and kidney donor will also be honored on the float
  • Xavier McLeod, an 18-year-old kidney recipient from Lemon Grove, Calif.

 

Bios to the 2023 Donate Life float riders are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/riders.html

 

Floragraph Honorees

39 deceased donors will be memorialized with floral portraits or floragraphs placed on the body of the legendary Asian dragon which serves as the centerpiece of the 2023 Donate Life float. These donors gave the ultimate gift of life to save and heal others through the power of organ, eye and tissue donation. The floragraphs were made using organic materials like rice, farina, coffee, yellow millet, and cinnamon.

 

Among the 2023 floragraph honorees is James Parsons, a 57-year-old avid handyman from New Market, AL, who was part of a groundbreaking study. Upon his being declared brain dead, and while on a respirator, he was the first human selected to successfully receive a genetically modified pig kidney. The kidneys produced urine throughout the 77-hour study, now called “The Parsons Model.” Doctors will conduct more testing with hopes of implanting pig kidneys into living humans.

 

The 2023 Donate Life float floragraph honorees include:

  • Tammy McKeown, a 47-year-old travel enthusiast from Bakersfield who saved three lives as an organ donor, and whose kidney recipient will also be honored on the float
  • Amanda Wilken, a 23-year-old gifted student from Norwalk, IA, who wanted to become a pharmacist and help veterans
  • Anthony Galvan, a 23-year-old outdoors enthusiast and tissue donor from Ontario, Calif.
  • Asante Contreras, a 20-year-old EMT and tissue and cornea donor from Del Rio, TX
  • Barbara Schmit, a 65-year-old outgoing woman from Tustin, Calif. who became an organ, eye and tissue donor in 2021
  • Brittany Hoover, a 32-year-old hard working woman and organ, eye and tissue donor from Virginia Beach, VA
  • Dalton Rashad Criss, an 18-year-old musician, athlete and prolific student from Peru, NY who became an organ, eye and tissue donor
  • Ivan Sandoval, a 5-year-old superhero enthusiast from Anaheim, Calif. who became an organ and tissue donor
  • Joseph Peter Keenan, a 48-year-old hairstylist from Pawtucket, RI who saved 3 lives as an organ donor
  • Kaylea Curry, a quirky and creative 10-year-old girl who donated her organs, corneas and tissue

 

Bios to all 39 floragraph honorees for the 2022 Donate Life float are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/floragraphs.html

The Donate Life Rose Parade float is produced by OneLegacy, designed by Charles Meier, built by Fiesta Parade Floats and made possible thanks to more than 50 sponsors, including: American Association of Tissue Banks, Artivion, AxoGen Corporation, Bridge to Life, Cedars-Sinai, We Are Sharing Hope SC, Center For Donation and Transplant, Community Tissue Services, David’s Final Flight, Ryan’s Legacy, Dignity Memorial Providers of Las Vegas, New Jersey and Seattle, Donate Life California, Donate Life Indiana, Donate Life South Carolina, Donor Alliance, Donor Network West, Global Transplant Solutions, Indiana Donor Network, Iowa Donor Network, JJ’s Legacy, Kamden’s Group Hug, Inc., Legacy Donor Services Foundation, Legacy of Hope, UAB Medicine, LifeCenter Northwest, LifeLink Foundation, LifeNet Health, LifeShare of OK, Lifesharing, Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, Midwest Transplant Network, MTF Biologics, Nevada Donor Network, New England Donor Services, OneLegacy, RTI Donor Services, Sharing Network Foundation, Student Organ Donation Advocates, Thermo Fisher Scientific, UAB Medicine, Union County Community Foundation, We are Sharing Hope, SC, Xtant Medical, Mark Wesley Pinckard – Renaissance Scholarship Fund, CPMC, Stanford Children’s Hospital, UCSF Health, CompuMed, First Republic Bank and Specialist Direct.

 

As the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ, eye and tissue donation, the Donate Life Rose Parade® float inspires viewers to help the more than one million people in need of organ, eye or tissue transplants each year. Register today to become an organ, eye or tissue donor by visiting http://registerme.org/campaign/float.

 

About Donate Life America

Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Donate Life America manages and promotes the national brand for donation, Donate Life, and assists Donate Life State Teams and national partners in facilitating high-performing donor registries; developing and executing effective multi-media donor education programs; and motivating the American public to register now as organ, eye and tissue donors.

Contacts

Tania Llavaneras

213/229-5654

Tllavaneras@onelegacy.org

Ross Goldberg

818/597-8453

ross@kevinross.net

Categories
Art & Life Culture Lifestyle

Power Home Remodeling hosts 10th Annual Quest Music Festival featuring Bruno Mars, Wiz Khalifa, Quinn XCII, & more

The top workplace’s annual holiday party provides private music festival, wellness retreat, and immersive art experience all in one as an end-of-year thank you to employees

 

CHESTER, Pa. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Power Home Remodeling “(Power),” a Fortune 100 Best Company to Work For, hosted their annual ‘Quest’ music festival and retreat in Cancun, Mexico December 14th – 16th featuring a collection of internationally-recognized, Grammy-award winning musical acts that haven’t been seen together anywhere else.


The unprecedented roster brought together a mix of world-renowned artists like 15-time Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, Bruno Mars; and multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa; alongside a host of additional artists who have graced major stages around the world.

 

These global stars were also joined by a diverse mix of emerging talents like multi-platinum selling artist Quinn XCII, who’s accumulated over 3.5 billion global streams and has sold out iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall and The Greek Theatre; and contemporary electronic dance pop trio, A R I Z O N A, who’s generated over one billion streams worldwide and earned praise by Forbes. The 2022 Quest lineup featured (in alphabetical order):

  • A R I Z O N A
  • Bruno Mars
  • Bryce Vine
  • Quinn XCII
  • Wiz Khalifa
  • And more. To get an inside look at the event, check out #QuestByPower on Instagram.

 

To envision Quest, think Coachella meets a wellness retreat meets a beach vacation — except instead of bumping elbows with 100,000 spectators, it’s an exclusive viewing party for you, your closest friends and loved ones on the beaches of Mexico. Your ticket in? Being a Power employee. Room, board, food, swag, and admission to one of the hottest music festivals of the year are all included in this unique workplace perk. As an added bonus, Power employees are also able to bring their significant other.

 

Since 2012, Power has hosted the three-day retreat and exclusive music festival to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of their employees from the last 365 days. Past musical performances have included more multiplatinum artists who’ve sold out major music venues around the world and dominated the Billboard Top 100 — and this year’s event was aimed to top them all.

 

“We strongly believe that there’s a direct correlation between the quality of someone’s experiences and the quality of their life, and we want to provide our people with an experience they couldn’t dream of – or get – anywhere else,” said Power co-CEO, Asher Raphael. “Our Quest music festival is an investment in our people, and investing in our people has always been, and will always be, the best investment we could make.”

 

Quest is created for Power employees, by Power employees. The company’s internal Brand and People Experience departments intentionally create every element of the event, from interactive art installations, to curating the music lineup, to designing Quest merchandise for attendees to remember their unique experience. In fact, the home remodeling company dedicates approximately 2% of top-line revenue every year on more than 250 unique internal events and experiences to foster both personal and professional development, and Quest is one of the most anticipated. This year’s signup period sold out in just seven minutes.

 

Those looking to score a spot to next year’s exclusive Quest music festival can visit apply.workatpower.com/job for open career opportunities across Power’s 18 territories nationwide.

 

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram

 

About Power Home Remodeling

Power Home Remodeling is a dream realization company — believing its purpose is to create positive change in everything the company touches — from customers’ homes to employees’ lives to the communities they live and work in. Power realizes this purpose by being people-first. Its employees and customers come before profit and their well-being factors into every business decision. Established in 1992, Power is the nation’s largest, full-service, exterior home remodeler with more than 3,000 employees, over one million lifetime customers, and $1 billion in annual revenue. Headquartered in the Philadelphia region, Power’s primary product line includes windows, siding, roofing, doors, solar roofing panels, and attic insulation, providing energy-saving solutions to residents across its operating territories, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.

Contacts

Andrea Recine

Public Relations Manager

andrea.recine@powerhrg.com
609-477-9217

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Technology

NICE Enlighten AI receives 2022 CUSTOMER Magazine Innovation Award for setting the standard in customer experience

Enlighten AI for CSAT is honored for improving customer service technology through all channels

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #NICE—NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today announced that TMC, a global, integrated media company, and CUSTOMER Magazine has named NICE Enlighten AI for Customer Satisfaction as a 2022 award winner for Customer Experience Innovation. The 2022 Customer Experience Innovation Award recognizes best-in-class companies setting the standard in delivering exceptional customer experiences through all channels.

 

Enlighten AI for Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) is NICE’s industry leading Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ‘out-of-the-box’ solution that drives exceptional customer experiences by consistently and objectively scoring the agent behaviors that positively impact customer satisfaction, in real-time.

 

Traditional, manual interaction assessments of agent performance are time consuming, subjective and rely on a small random sample size that isn’t representative of an agent’s overall performance. Enlighten AI for CSAT removes the burden and subjectivity of manual evaluations by automatically analyzing every moment of every interaction, whether they happen across digital or voice channels. Measuring and improving upon agent soft-skills behaviors – such as showing empathy, demonstrating ownership, acknowledging loyalty – have been proven to directly influence customer satisfaction.

 

By automating scoring of agent soft skills on 100% of interactions and empowering agents with performance dashboards and the opportunity to self-correct, Enlighten AI offers a more objective standard to process. Supervisor dashboards allow supervisors to monitor team performance; see who is struggling and provide targeted coaching in minutes. Furthermore, Enlighten AI captures the customer data from each interaction and then operationalizes these customer insights, accelerating action, and turning customer service into a real competitive differentiator.

 

“NICE is laser-focused on innovating new AI-driven technologies to enhance contact center performance and help businesses deliver exceptional CX,” said Barry Cooper, President, CX Division, NICE. “Enlighten AI for Customer Satisfaction is the proud result of years of R&D and access to the world’s largest interaction dataset across industries. This solution provides our customers with AI-driven insights and analysis of the behaviors that create improved experiences for their own customers, and therefore provides a competitive advantage.”

 

“Congratulations to NICE for receiving a 2022 Customer Experience Innovation Award. NICE was selected for setting the standard in delivering world-class customer experiences across all channels,” said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. “We’re pleased to recognize this achievement and look to continued innovation from NICE in 2023 and beyond.”

 

To learn how organizations are delivering exceptional CX by improving agent behaviors, please visit our website for videos, demos, and expert articles: www.nice.com/enlighten-ai.

 

About CUSTOMER

Since 1982, CUSTOMER magazine (formerly Customer Interaction Solutions) has been the voice of the customer experience, call/contact center, CRM and teleservices industries. CUSTOMER has helped the industry germinate, grow, mature and prosper, and has served as the leading publication in helping these industries that have had such a positive impact on the world economy to continue to thrive. Through a combination of outstanding and cutting-edge original editorial, industry voices, in-depth lab reviews and the recognition of the innovative leaders in management and technology through our highly valued awards, CUSTOMER strives to continue to be the publication that holds the quality bar high for the industry. Please visit http://www.customer.tmcnet.com.

 

About NICE

With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it’s never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform – and elevate – every customer interaction. www.nice.com

 

Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE’s marks, please see: www.nice.com/nice-trademarks.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Cooper, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the “Company”). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “project,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; successful execution of the Company’s growth strategy; success and growth of the Company’s cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company’s products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company’s dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners;, cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

Contacts

Corporate Media Contact
Cindy Morgan-Olson, +1 646 408 5896, ET, cindy.morgan-olson@niceactimize.com

Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET, ir@nice.com
Omri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, CET, ir@nice.com

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News

Most Mercer County government offices to close for Christmas and New Year’s holidays

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, in observance of Christmas, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, for New Year’s observance.

 

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office in Trenton and the County Connection office in Hamilton will be closed on both Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. County Connection, which is normally open Saturdays, also will be closed Dec. 24 and 31.

 

All branches of the Mercer County Library System was closed at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, and will also be closed Saturday, Dec. 31. They will also be closed on Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2.

 

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

 

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following holiday hours: The Tennis Center will be closed on Christmas Day but will be open Dec. 24 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

The Skating Center will be closed Dec. 25 but will have public sessions Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m. and 7:45 to 9:45 p.m., Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

All five county golf courses will be closed Dec. 25 but will be open Dec. 26, and Jan. 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.

 

Mercer County Stables will be open Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2. The Wildlife Center will be open, by appointment only, Dec. 25 and 26 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Jan. 1 and 2 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

 

Howell Living History Farm is currently open Tuesday-Friday only, from 1 to 4 p.m., for gift shop sales and barnyard visits. (Milking demonstrations with Blizzard the cow will begin at 2 p.m.) The farm will close for the season at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and reopen Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, for ice harvesting.

 

The Tulpehaking Nature Center and. Park Commission administrative offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

Categories
Culture Environment Perks Science

American Water Charitable Foundation provides $40,000 donation to Center for Aquatic Sciences

CAMDEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced a $40,000 donation to the Center for Aquatic Sciences in support of their 2023 Community and Urban Science Enrichment (“CAUSE”) Program.

 

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with the Center for Aquatic Sciences by funding the CAUSE program for a fourth year,” said Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “As neighbors on the Camden Waterfront, we remain committed to strengthening and improving educational opportunities for Camden’s youth and supporting the next generation of environmental leaders.”

 

CAUSE, the Center for Aquatic Sciences’ flagship program, has served youth in Camden, N.J. since 1993. It’s a community-focused development model that:

  • Strengthens STEM academic preparedness for Camden teens
  • Increases diversity in STEM career fields
  • Creates employment opportunities for Camden youth
  • Provides no-cost STEM enrichment experiences for Camden youth in grades K-12

 

“Our partnership with American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation has been critical to the continued success of the CAUSE program and the Center’s goal to support Camden youth as environmental leaders. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and proud to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of CAUSE with American Water as our partner,” said Nicole M. Gillespie Ph.D., President & CEO, Center for Aquatic Sciences.

 

Since its inception, CAUSE has provided opportunities for more than 400 Camden teens as interns and 3,000 Camden children as campers.

 

About the Center for Aquatic Sciences

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1989 and has since been advancing the understanding of and concern for aquatic animals and their habitats. The Center’s mission is: “education and youth development through promoting the understanding, appreciation and protection of aquatic life and habitats.” In performing this mission, the Center strives to be a responsible member of the community, assisting in its economic and social redevelopment by providing opportunities for education, enrichment, and employment. For more information, visit www.aquaticsciences.org.

 

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

 

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Contacts

Media
Alicia Barbieri

Manager, Corporate Communications

(856) 676-8103

alicia.barbieri@amwater.com