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Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

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New Jersey American Water and Apex Solutions Group host graduation ceremony for ‘Water UP!’ training program

Second annual workforce development program offers Plainfield-based adults water utility industry training throughout 11-week program.

 

CAMDEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Today, New Jersey American Water hosted a graduation ceremony for its second cohort of Water Utility Pipeline (Water UP!) training program graduates in partnership with Apex Solutions Group. Over 11 weeks of field training and classroom-based curriculum, 13 adults, mostly from Plainfield, learned about the water utility industry, New Jersey American Water’s role, and essential business skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in the industry upon graduation.

“The innovation and service that New Jersey American Water provides tomorrow will be driven by the next generation of diverse water quality workers today,” said Mark McDonough, President, New Jersey American Water. “The Water UP! program presents a unique opportunity to invest in our most important asset, people. We are proud to see the program continue as we expand the ways in which New Jersey American Water recruits and retains talented members of the communities where we do business, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of Plainfield for this cohort, which is home to our largest operations center in the state.”

 

The training took place at New Jersey American Water’s Plainfield Operations Center and other nearby facilities in the company’s Central Operating Region, and included utility mechanic, field operations, water production, water quality, OSHA 30, customer service, software and procedures, resume writing, job interview skills and other classes provided by Apex Solutions Group and New Jersey American Water. A career fair was also held the last week of the program, in an effort to pair prospective employers with graduates for job opportunities.

 

“New Jersey American Water is a great partner in our community, and they are investing in service and success at all levels through their Water UP! program—including empowering the next generation of water utility leaders,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, who delivered the graduation address. “This Water UP! graduation is the result of a commitment to growth and innovation for Plainfield, paired with hard work from the participants. I’m excited to see the success of each graduate here today and encouraged by their focus on a stronger tomorrow.”

 

New Jersey American Water first launched the Water UP! training program in Camden in September 2021 as part of New Jersey American Water’s Workforce Development Program. The program is designed to create a career path to connect young adults from underserved populations in New Jersey American Water’s service areas with a career path by helping participants identify and pursue transformative career opportunities in the water and wastewater industry. Completion of the program uniquely prepares participants for open opportunities within New Jersey American Water, American Water, and its utility industry partners.

 

The Water UP! program is part of a broader workforce development initiative by New Jersey American Water that includes career education and outreach initiatives, as well as an ongoing GIS career development program between New Jersey American Water’s Engineering team and the Camden-based nonprofit career development organization Hopeworks. These workforce development initiatives provide innovative and collaborative opportunities that connect young adults in underserved communities to water utility careers.

 

To learn more about Water UP! and New Jersey American Water’s workforce development programs, visit the website, www.newjerseyamwater.com and click on Workforce Development under the About Us tab.

 

About APEX Solutions Group

APEX Solutions Group is a Minority, Disabled Veteran owned company that leverages the 100 plus years of combined professional experience to exceed the needs of clients while uplifting the communities it operates in. To learn more about APEX Solutions Group, visit https://apexsolgroup.com.

 

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

 

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water 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

Denise Venuti Free

Sr. Director of Communications & External Affairs

New Jersey American Water

Denise.Free@amwater.com

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Business Culture Environment Lifestyle Science Technology

GrowGeneration announces 60th location at Mount Holly, NJ store opening

DENVER — (BUSINESS WIRE) — GrowGeneration Corp. (NASDAQ: GRWG) (“GrowGen” or “the Company”), the largest chain of specialty hydroponic and organic garden centers in the United States, today announced the opening of the Company’s newest store in Mount Holly, New Jersey on November 21, 2022.


The Mount Holly location represents the Company’s 60th store and officially expands operations into 16 states. The new store is 7,700 square feet and will include vertical farming demonstrations and educational support for growers to build and maintain state-of-the-art grow operations to maximize their yields.

 

Darren Lampert, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GrowGen said, “We are excited to open our first store in New Jersey and increase our reach and operations into a fast-growing and strategically important market. We expect New Jersey to be highly active in the coming years, with a strong medical patient base, over 800 conditional licenses that have been issued, microenterprise and social equity licenses, as well as a pending law to allow for home cultivation.”

 

Mr. Lampert continued, “As we expand our footprint in the Northeastern United States, we are excited to continue our efforts in cooperation with Harvest 360 to support our national program with education and training for Social Equity License holders. The program focuses on delivering top-notch support and solutions to operators and their communities. To date, we have 30 holders of micro licenses who are active in the program within the New York and New Jersey markets.”

 

About GrowGeneration Corp:

GrowGen owns and operates specialty retail hydroponic and organic gardening centers. Currently, GrowGen has 60 stores across 16 states, which include 22 locations in California, 6 locations in Colorado, 6 locations in Michigan, 5 locations in Maine, 5 locations in Oklahoma, 4 locations in Oregon, 3 locations in Washington, 1 location in Arizona, 1 location in Florida, 1 location in Massachusetts, 1 location in Mississippi, 1 location in Missouri, 1 location in New Jersey, 1 location in New Mexico, 1 location in Rhode Island, and 1 location in Virginia. GrowGen also operates an online superstore for cultivators at growgeneration.com. GrowGen carries and sells thousands of products, including organic nutrients and soils, advanced lighting technology and state of the art hydroponic equipment to be used indoors and outdoors by commercial and home growers.

Contacts

Investor Contact
ICR, Inc.

GrowGenIR@icrinc.com

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News Sports & Gaming Travel & Leisure

Input sought on Trenton’s Bike Plan

Needs Assessment Survey Released

 

Do you ride a bike in the City of Trenton? Or do you wish you could ride but don’t because of safety or other concerns?

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the City of Trenton want to hear from you!  Please fill out @DVRPC’s online survey to identify future needs and improvements.  Versions of the survey exist both in English and in Spanish.  Please fill out the survey if you live or work or go to school in Trenton.

 

Trenton’s bicycle plan complements previous work, including DVRPC’s downtown Trenton bicycle and pedestrian plan, its Complete Streets Design Handbook for the City, and a Trenton Health Team/Rutgers complete streets existing conditions analysis.

Trenton is not alone in planning for bicycle facilities.  Mercer County adopted a Bicycle Master Plan for its roads in 2020 and has been striping bicycle lanes, where feasible, as part of its annual paving program.  As County projects are implemented, they will link Trenton to surrounding destinations.

For more information about the Trenton project, please reach out to Cassidy Boulan, Assistant Manager, Bicycle Programs, DVRPC, cboulan@dvrpc.og

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Culture Lifestyle Local News

Nominations are open for 2023 Woman and Young Woman of Achievement

Mercer County Exec. Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women are seeking nominations for the 2023 Woman of Achievement and Young Woman of Achievement awards and encourage the public to assist in identifying outstanding individuals who give back to their community and to submit the name of a deserving woman or young woman.

 

Recipients will be recognized at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Mercer Oaks Clubhouse, West Windsor. More information regarding the reception will be available soon!

 

The deadline for accepting nominations is Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.

To nominate a Woman of Achievement, please complete this form.

To nominate a Young Woman of Achievement, please complete this form.

 

The Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women looks forward to your recommendations.

For more information, please contact Adrienne Hart at 609-989-6526 or womenscommission@mercercounty.org.

Categories
Business Culture Lifestyle Science

B&G Foods to partner with America’s Grow-a-Row to provide over 1 million servings of fresh produce to those in need

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) announced today a philanthropic partnership with America’s Grow-a-Row (AGAR), a not-for-profit organization that grows and gleans fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables that are donated to those suffering from hunger or living in areas that lack reliable access to fresh, affordable produce. In 2023, B&G Foods will donate $250,000 to AGAR, which will result in the planting, growing, harvesting and distribution of 1.25 million servings of fresh produce to communities in need across the United States.

B&G Foods is guided by philanthropic principles adopted earlier this year that include promoting food security, supporting local communities where B&G Foods employees live and work, and accelerating diversity in the culinary arts. Its partnership with AGAR, an organization based in B&G Foods’ home state of New Jersey, provides a new opportunity for its NJ-based employees to volunteer locally. Employees will be given the opportunity to help harvest produce that will go on to be donated to other areas of the country where B&G Foods has manufacturing or distribution facilities, creating an opportunity for a full circle donation experience and providing an opportunity for B&G Foods employees throughout the country to get involved.

 

“Partnering with AGAR is an opportunity to use our passion for food to make a real impact in communities, especially food deserts,” said Casey Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer of B&G Foods. “By providing 1.25 million servings of produce to those who are in need, we are making it easier for families to eat healthy, nourishing foods.”

 

Through the partnership B&G Foods will also help fund educational programs for adults and children. These programs range from ‘day on the farm’ experiences for kids in underserved communities to healthy cooking demonstrations, and more.

 

“We are very grateful to B&G Foods for the generous donation that will do so much to further our mission,” said Chip Paillex, President & Founder, America’s Grow-a-Row. “Each year, we donate 2.5 million pounds of produce and corporate donors like B&G Foods help us give even more to those in need.”

 

For more information about B&G Foods’ philanthropic and other corporate social responsibility efforts, including the company’s environmental, sustainability and DEI efforts, please visit www.bgfoods.com/about/responsibility/.

 

About B&G Foods, Inc.

Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute high-quality, branded shelf-stable and frozen foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With B&G Foods’ diverse portfolio of more than 50 brands you know and love, including Back to Nature, B&G, B&M, Bear Creek, Cream of Wheat, Crisco, Dash, Green Giant, Las Palmas, Le Sueur, Mama Mary’s, Maple Grove Farms, New York Style, Ortega, Polaner, Spice Islands and Victoria, there’s a little something for everyone. For more information about B&G Foods and its brands, please visit www.bgfoods.com.

 

About America’s Grow-a-Row

America’s Grow-a-Row’s mission is to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce. As part of its mission, AGAR educates people of all ages about the hunger crisis, nutrition and healthy eating, and agriculture. AGAR impacts more than 100,000 people each year through its hunger relief and education programs. AGAR is celebrating 20 years of service to those in need in 2022 and has donated more than 17 million pounds, or 68 million servings, of fresh produce since its beginning. AGAR’s nourishing produce is distributed to food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries in New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania. In addition, produce reaches food banks from Maine to Virginia through a Feeding America mixing center in Philadelphia. Expansion plans in 2022/2023 include distributing fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables to southeastern and mid-western states.

Contacts

B&G Foods:

Kristin Berlew

kristin.berlew@bgfoods.com
908.601.1407

Categories
Culture Local News

Most Mercer County offices to close for Thanksgiving holiday

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices and facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in observance of Thanksgiving.

 

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office will close at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, instead of holding its normal extended hours. Both the Clerk’s Office in Trenton and the County Connection office in Hamilton will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 25. County Connection, which is normally open Saturdays, also will be closed Saturday, Nov. 26.

 

All branches of the Mercer County Library System will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, Nov. 25, the Ewing, Hickory Corner, Lawrence and West Windsor branches will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; all other branches will be closed.

 

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

 

Holiday hours for Park Commission facilities are as follows:

Mercer County Tennis Center will be open Thanksgiving Day from 7:30 a.m. to noon and will have regular hours, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Friday. Outdoor courts are open, weather permitting. Mercer County Skating Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will be open Friday, with public skate sessions from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m., and 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Hopewell Valley Golf Course, Mountain View Golf Course and Princeton Country Club will be open Thanksgiving Day, weather permitting, with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. Call the respective pro shops to reserve a spot. Thanksgiving Day tee times at Mercer Oaks (West and East courses) will start at 8 a.m. and end around 1 p.m., weather permitting. Pro shop will be open until 2 p.m.

 

The Park Commission will hold its annual Golf Gift Card Sale on Black Friday. Customers will earn an additional 20 percent bonus on all gift card purchases in any golf shop or online at https://golfmercercounty.com/.

 

Howell Living History Farm will be closed both Thanksgiving Day and Friday, but will reopen with Wreath & Sleighbell Sale and Share the Harvest Tours on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mercer County Stables will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday. The Tulpehaking Nature Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday but Opt-Outside self-guided programs will be offered on the day after Thanksgiving. The Wildlife Center will be open both Thanksgiving Day and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accept new patients by appointment only. The Outdoor Education Environment will be open the same hours. Park Commission administrative offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, and will reopen Monday.

 

For more information on Park Commission facilities and programs, please visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News Perks Sports & Gaming

Mercer Holiday Toy Drive under way

The Mercer County Park Commission and Hughes Administration’s annual Holiday Toy Drive is underway, and County Exec. Hughes encourages community-wide participation.

 

“If you are able, please join me in bringing a smile to the face of a child whose family might be struggling this holiday season,” — Mr. Hughes

Categories
Business Culture Lifestyle Perks

​​B2C2 appoints Nicola White as Group CEO

LONDON, TOKYO, & JERSEY CITY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — B2C2, the institutional digital asset pioneer, today announces that it has appointed Nicola White as Group CEO. Having been instrumental to the acquisition of B2C2 by SBI, Phillip Gillespie will step down as Group CEO to focus on a ventures role with SBI. The appointment is effective as of November 4 and follows a planned transition over the past three months.


Nicola was previously CEO, USA for B2C2, during which time she led the effort to expand B2C2’s capabilities in electronic trading across spot and derivatives and has grown the US business to gain significant market share across institutional clients. Nicola joined B2C2 in 2021 from Citadel Securities, where she was global COO of fixed income. Prior to this, she was Global Head of Electronic Markets within the fixed income division at Morgan Stanley.

 

B2C2 also recently announced the appointment of Thomas Restout as EMEA CEO. Thomas joined B2C2 from Morgan Stanley, where he was latterly Global Head of Macro Electronic Trading. He has brought additional and complementary market knowledge, as well as risk management and product innovation expertise to B2C2.

 

Max Boonen, Co-Founder & Director of B2C2 said: “I knew we made a strong hire when Nicola joined the New Jersey office in 2021. Earlier this year I supported her promotion within B2C2’s leadership. The next twelve months in the crypto market will not be for the faint of heart and I am glad to have Nicola with us as we embark on an aggressive effort of market share expansion.”

 

Nicola White, Group CEO, B2C2 said: “I am honored and excited to be appointed to the role of Group CEO at this time of significant growth for the firm. We wish Philip success in his role with SBI. While we are experiencing volatile times in the crypto market, our firm has continued to provide critical, deep liquidity to our clients. B2C2’s role as a pioneer that creates a sustainable ecosystem, is to support our clients and the market as a whole, with dependable liquidity and robust risk management. Despite the current stresses the market is experiencing, in the future the crypto market will emerge stronger, and I’m looking forward to working with Thomas and my outstanding team as we drive the industry forward.”

 

ENDS

About B2C2

More than just a liquidity provider, B2C2 is a digital asset pioneer building the ecosystem of the future. The firm has unlocked institutional access to crypto by providing reliable liquidity across market conditions. B2C2’s success is built on crypto native technology and continuous product innovation, making it the partner of choice for diverse institutions globally. Founded in 2015 and majority owned by Japanese financial group, SBI, B2C2 Ltd is headquartered in the UK, with offices in the US and Japan.

 

B2C2 Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 07995888 with its registered office at 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE. B2C2 Ltd is the parent company of the B2C2 group of companies. Products may be provided by different members of the B2C2 group of companies, depending on the jurisdiction of the client and the regulatory status of the product and/or B2C2 group member. B2C2 is a registered trademark.

Contacts

Media Contacts:

B2C2@eternapartners.com
Serra Balls and Jenny Berlin

+ 44 (0)7775 763018

Categories
Culture Local News Regulations & Security

Join Mercer County Veteran Services for their annual Veterans Expo

Mercer County Veteran Services, led by a veteran, Chief Medina Wilson, and the Trenton Branch of NAACP are supporting local veterans at the annual Veterans Expo, Thursday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing.

 

Admission is free, and Veterans will have the opportunity to enjoy raffles, food, entertainment, information, and more, and connect with other service members. Among the vendors and resources promised are:

 

  • Mercer Veteran Service for on the spot, DD214 request
  • County Connection
  • County Clerk’s Office
  • VA Vet Center
  • Rutgers Cooperative Extension
  • Mercer County Community College
  • Amazon
  • DMAVA
  • NAMI Mercer County Penn Medicine/Princeton Health
  • Greenwood Cemetery
  • Wegmans
  • Attitudes in Reverse (AIR)
  • Catholic Charities
  • USA Mortgage
  • Harkes Realty
  • Westin Hotels

 

To learn what goes on behind the scenes at Mercer County Veteran Services, led by Chief  Wilson, watch our video! 

Check out our other videos on the Mercer County, NJ YouTube Channel. 

 

Mercer County Veteran Service provides veterans and their families with a variety of supports, including assistance with VA claims, career fairs, transitional housing, and more. If you are in need of services, please visit the MCVS website here: Mercer County Veterans Services.

 

To learn more about the Mercer County Veterans Expo, please contact the organizers at (609) 989-6120

Categories
Business Culture

New Jersey Resources names Lori DelGiudice senior vice president of human resources

WALL, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) Monday, announced the appointment of Lori DelGiudice to the position of Senior Vice President of Human Resources (HR) effective Nov. 7, 2022. Ms. DelGiudice, a career HR professional with more than 20 years of experience, will be responsible for designing, implementing and overseeing NJR’s human capital management strategies and programs to maximize the potential and effectiveness of a diverse and growing workforce. Her responsibilities will include labor and employee relations, professional development and training, strategic workforce planning and compensation and benefits initiatives.

“As a premier energy infrastructure company with nearly 1,300 employees and operations in six states, maintaining a productive and engaged workforce is an essential part of our operations and key to our continued growth and success,” said Steve Westhoven, President and CEO of New Jersey Resources. “Lori’s depth of experience and track record of strong organizational leadership and talent management will strengthen our ability to attract, develop and retain the best talent. I congratulate and welcome her to our leadership team.”

 

Ms. DelGiudice joins NJR from Honeywell International, where she served as Vice President-HR for Advanced Materials for the Performance and Technologies division, overseeing HR strategy and operations for a global workforce of over 3,200 employees.

 

Over a 16-year career at Honeywell, Ms. DelGiudice held HR management positions of increasing responsibility, including Global HR Director for Advanced Materials and Global HR Manager for Corporate Functions. Her responsibilities and accomplishments included leadership in business transformation, mergers and integrations, talent management and acquisition for diverse business segments, labor relations, and driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

 

Ms. DelGiudice holds a master’s degree in HR Management and a bachelor of science in Management from Rutgers University.

 

About New Jersey Resources

New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) is a Fortune 1000 company that, through its subsidiaries, provides safe and reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, asset management and home services. NJR is composed of five primary businesses:

  • New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR’s principal subsidiary, operates and maintains over 7,600 miles of natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve over 560,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean and parts of Morris, Middlesex, Sussex and Burlington counties.
  • Clean Energy Ventures invests in, owns and operates solar projects with a total capacity of over 380 megawatts, providing residential and commercial customers with low-carbon solutions.
  • Energy Services manages a diversified portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage assets and provides physical natural gas services and customized energy solutions to its customers across North America.
  • Storage and Transportation serves customers from local distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale marketers through its ownership of Leaf River and the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline Project, as well as our 50% equity ownership in the Steckman Ridge natural gas storage facility.
  • Home Services provides service contracts as well as heating, central air conditioning, water heaters, standby generators, solar and other indoor and outdoor comfort products to residential homes throughout New Jersey.

 

NJR and its nearly 1,300 employees are committed to helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency through Conserve to Preserve® and initiatives such as The SAVEGREEN Project® and The Sunlight Advantage®.

For more information about NJR: www.njresources.com.

Follow us on Twitter @NJNaturalGas.

“Like” us on facebook.com/NewJerseyNaturalGas.

Contacts

Media:
Mike Kinney

732-938-1031

mkinney@njresources.com

Investors:
Adam Prior

732-938-1145

aprior@njresources.com