Category: Culture

Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

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Business Culture

Golden Peak Media names Farrell McManus Chief Sales Officer

Executive brings deep media experience

 

GOLDEN, Colo. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #leadership — Jeffrey Litvack, CEO of Golden Peak Media, today announced the appointment of Farrell McManus to Chief Sales Officer. Farrell will lead the sales, success and support teams focused on building deeper relationships with the company’s community of crafters, artists, and partners serving this community. Farrell’s appointment parallels the company’s upmarket trajectory and evolving business opportunities for Golden Peak Media.

 

Before joining Golden Peak Media, Farrell held executive positions with media, technology and professional service companies. Most recently, he led business development and marketing teams at law firms Norris McLaughlin and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, bringing innovation to their client engagement and vendor management efforts. In addition, he spearheaded diversity efforts at both firms pushing for more inclusive hiring and client outreach efforts. As Associate Publisher at ALM Media he oversaw the New York Law Journal, New Jersey Law Journal, and the Connecticut Law Tribune and was integral in the transformation of ALM’s regional brands’ offerings from predominantly print programs to digital, face-to-face, and research-based initiatives that grew revenue and profitability.


“We’ve seen sustained growth over the past three years and are continuing to accelerate our move upmarket and are excited to add Farrell, a leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to transform sales processes and organizations,” Golden Peak Media CEO Jeff Litvack said.

 

“This is an unprecedented time in the world of creators and makers. Over the last two years, we have seen a surge of people around the world finding their creative side in a range of pursuits. I’m looking forward to working with Jeff and the team at Golden Peak to increase and diversify our offerings, awareness and reach in these rapidly growing communities of creators and makers,” McManus said.

 

About Golden Peak

Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies serving Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. The Company publishes 15 magazines, including Love of Quilting and Artists Magazine, and has more than 5000 digital videos and 15,000 digital patterns. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.

Contacts

Kimberly Greenlee, kgreenlee@goldenpeakmedia.com

Categories
Business Culture Lifestyle

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow National Winners tackle food waste, crowd stampedes and bus driver shortages

New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia schools awarded $100,000 each in technology in 12th annual $2 million STEM competition

 

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — After a two-year virtual hiatus resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. announced the three National Winners of the 12th annual $2 million* Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest during an in-person event at Samsung 837 in Manhattan. Students from across the country convened both in-person, virtually and in the metaverse via 837x to present how they used STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills to address local issues and inspire change in their communities. Selected from 10 finalists, the National Winners will receive $100,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies.


Over the course of the school year, middle and high students have worked to develop sustainable projects using problem-based learning to address issues in their local community from climate change to public transportation and mobility. These innovations, developed by bright young minds, demonstrate how STEM learning can take an idea and transform a community, while empowering students to make a difference despite the adversities they may face.

 

“We are thankful to have the opportunity to recognize such a remarkable group of inspiring and innovative Solve for Tomorrow students in person after a two-year virtual hiatus,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “These students continue to tackle problems of national importance with extraordinary solutions. We look forward to seeing our Samsung Solve for Tomorrow students continue to make a difference in our world in the years to come.”

 

The three National Winners in the 12th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest and their grand prize-winning STEM innovations are:

 

1. Princeton High School – Princeton, New Jersey

Food waste is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and Princeton, NJ does not have any specialized municipal collection of organic waste. Therefore, most of the food that is not consumed within the community is thrown into the garbage and ultimately winds up in landfills. To combat the overproduction of greenhouse gas emissions in landfills, the students utilized technology, and the black soldier fly to bioremediate food waste into usable products such as protein for animal feed and as a substitute for palm oil in cosmetics like soap.

 

Princeton High School was also named the Samsung Employee Choice Award Winner, winning an additional $10,000, bringing their total to $110,000 in technology for their school.

 

View Princeton High School’s project video here: https://youtu.be/VmYo5etiWII

 

2. Porter High School – Porter, Texas

To help get students to safety and prevent crowd panic caused by an active shooter, or the threat of one, students from Porter High School developed an evacuation system to address crowd stampedes. First, a mesh network of microcontrollers will detect if there is an active shooter and relay that information. Second, if an evacuation is necessary, the microcontrollers will activate a color-coded system of lights and arrows located along the floor and walls of the hallways that will convey the most expedient and safest route out of the area to help reduce panic.

 

View Porter High School’s project video here: https://youtu.be/wcbbE-mirAA

 

3. Great Bridge High School – Chesapeake, Virginia

When faced with an unreliable public transportation system, students from Great Bridge High School developed AcceleRoute, a system to help bus drivers construct personalized and efficient routes determined by the students they are transporting on a given day. As the students board the bus, they scan a programmed card that connects to an app that will determine the most efficient route to transport all students to their homes.** The system increases efficiency and bus ridership while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Great Bridge High School was also named the Community Choice Award Winner, winning an additional $10,000 bringing their total to $110,000 in technology for their school.

 

View Great Bridge High School’s project vide here: https://youtu.be/hRYP3k1S8iM

 

New this year, Samsung partnered with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) for the first Solve for Tomorrow Sustainability Innovation award, furthering Samsung’s commitment to sustainability. This year, Central Falls High School from Central Falls, Rhode Island, was selected as the winner by a committee of judges for addressing environmental justice and redeveloping abandoned areas to increase urban greenery.. The school was awarded a $10,000 in energy efficient Samsung technology prize package of products to help bring their project idea to life.

 

“NAAEE is proud to collaborate with Samsung for the Solve for Tomorrow Contest to select a Sustainability Innovation Award Winner,” said Judy Braus, Executive Director NAAEE. “The students at Central Falls High School exemplified the thoughtful and community-focused innovation we need to create an equitable and sustainable future for all. It was inspirational to see how so many of the projects tackled environmental challenges and highlighted the power of teamwork, creative problem solving, and passion in creating positive community change.”

 

As part of Samsung’s guiding vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’, Solve for Tomorrow launched in 2010 to encourage innovative thinking, creative problem-solving and teamwork to address the most pressing issues impacting society. Today, the competition fosters critical thinking and creative problem solving, anchored in problem-based learning. For the past decade, Samsung has awarded $20 million in technology and classroom materials to more than 2,500 public schools in the United States.

 

To learn more about the National Finalist schools, please visit www.samsung.com/solve or follow on Instagram @SolveForTomorrow. For official rules and judging criteria, click here.

 

*$2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value.

**The school is responsible for ensuring the proper handling and security of all data potentially shared and/or collected as part of their project. Samsung takes privacy very seriously and encourages all Semi-Finalists to consider how information that is part of their project is being handled.

 

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, N.J., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA) is a leader in mobile technologies, consumer electronics, home appliances and enterprise solutions. The company pushes beyond the limits of today’s technology to provide groundbreaking connected experiences across its large portfolio of products and services, including mobile devices, home appliances, home entertainment, 5G networks, and digital displays. As EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Corporate Commitment Partner, SEA is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment through its eco-conscious products, practices and operations. To learn more and to get involved, visit Samsung.com. For the latest News visit news.samsung.com/us and follow @SamsungNewsUS. SEA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest News please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

Contacts

Cat Lyons

Allison+Partners for Samsung

SamsungSFT@allisonpr.com

Categories
Business Culture

Blue Foundry Bancorp announces Kelly Pecoraro will join the company

Seasoned finance executive brings years of leadership, accounting and management experience to the Company

 

RUTHERFORD, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Blue Foundry Bancorp (Nasdaq: BLFY) (the “Company”), announced today that Kelly Pecoraro will be joining Blue Foundry Bancorp on May 9, 2022. Subsequently, Ms. Pecoraro is expected to be appointed as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on May 18, 2022 at the May meeting of the Company’s Board of Directors.

James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are excited to welcome Ms. Pecoraro to Blue Foundry’s executive leadership team. Her years of experience as a finance executive at a large, fast growing regional bank will prove to be invaluable at Blue Foundry.”

 

Ms. Pecoraro comes from Investors Bank where she served as Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Comptroller of the $28 billion bank operating in the New York metropolitan area. This month Citizens Financial Group, Inc. completed its acquisition of Investors Bancorp, the holding company of Investors Bank. Prior to joining Investors Bank, Ms. Pecoraro served as an audit professional at KPMG. Ms. Pecoraro is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

Ms. Pecoraro commented, “I am eager to join Blue Foundry’s dynamic, inclusive, and energetic culture. I look forward to leveraging my experiences to support the Company at such an important juncture in their expansive history.”

 

About Blue Foundry Bancorp and Blue Foundry Bank

Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic and Somerset counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, progressive bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements about the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They may or may not include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include conditions related to the global coronavirus pandemic, changes in the interest rate environment, changes in the rate of inflation, general economic conditions or conditions within the securities markets, and legislative and regulatory changes that could adversely affect the business in which the Company and its subsidiaries are engaged.

Contacts

James D. Nesci
President and Chief Executive Officer

Blue Foundry Bank

201-972-8900

jnesci@BlueFoundryBank.com

Lindsay Erickson
Tierney Communications

610-331-2354

Lindsay.erickson@tierneyagency.com

Categories
Business Culture

CORRECTING and REPLACING County Market experiences a 500% increase in monthly app downloads after transforming the Penny Pincher coupon book with Birdzi

Birdzi and County Market successfully replaced the costly paper Penny Pincher coupon book with an in-app digital alternative across all store locations

 

ISELIN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Please replace the release dated April 20, 2022, with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

The updated release reads:

COUNTY MARKET EXPERIENCES A 500% INCREASE IN MONTHLY APP DOWNLOADS AFTER TRANSFORMING THE PENNY PINCHER COUPON BOOK WITH BIRDZI

 

Birdzi and County Market successfully replaced the costly paper Penny Pincher coupon book with an in-app digital alternative across all store locations

 

Birdzi, the supermarket industry’s most comprehensive customer intelligence and engagement ecosystem, today announced the successful implementation of the digital Penny Pincher at Niemann Foods’ County Market. In order to reduce printing costs and increase shopper engagement, County Market was determined to quickly pivot from the popular paper Penny Pincher coupon book to a more profitable digital format. A month after implementation, the regional grocer witnessed a 400% increase in digital coupon redemption rates and a 300% increase in digitally engaged shoppers, including those that had previously resisted a transition away from paper.

 

To better digitize the in-store experience, County Market turned to its long-standing partner, Birdzi. The regional grocer is engaged with Birdzi for their mobile app, web app, personalized email marketing, and customer segmentation and analytics capabilities.

 

County Market converted their paper-based Penny Pincher coupon book into digital offers using Birdzi’s platform, which also highlights relevant offers for each shopper in the myCountyMarket app. When clipped, these coupons are automatically added to their customer profile and easily activated at checkout. Unlike paper circulars, the success of the digital Penny Pincher campaigns is monitored in real-time via Birdzi’s dashboards, thus allowing County Market to be more strategic and adaptable.

 

With Birdzi’s partnership, County Market’s digital Penny Pincher greatly improved critical metrics for a fraction of the cost of paper circulars. In only one month, the results of the switch to digital included:

 

  • An over 300% increase in the number of digitally engaged customers compared to the previous highest number of digitally engaged customers
  • A 500% increase in monthly app downloads and web registrations
  • 80% of shoppers who clipped and activated an offer redeemed it with a purchase
  • A 45% overall redemption rate for the digital coupons, a 400% increase compared to previous digital coupon redemption rates

 

“County Market did an exceptional job encouraging customers to try the digital Penny Pincher,” said Shekar Raman, CEO and co-founder, Birdzi. “As a result, County Market immediately earned lifts in loyalty and engagement. Over time, they will gain invaluable data and customer intelligence that can be used to better cater to the needs of their shoppers and improve profitability.”

 

In Dec. 2021, County Market began the transition to digital by consistently offering 2-5 digital coupons on the store’s app for two months. Additionally, the grocer used signage, flyers and bag stuffers to educate and encourage customers to download the app. QR codes were placed next to select items; if scanned, these QR codes launched the app and took customers to the related coupon. Finally, all in-store associates were trained to use the platform so they could support customers. By March 2022, County Market had implemented the digital Penny Pincher campaign in all forty-two stores.

 

“We were impressed by our shoppers’ willingness to switch to digital Penny Pincher,” said Avry Brown, consumer engagement manager, Niemann Foods, Inc. “With Birdzi, we witnessed an over 400% increase in digital coupon redemption rates compared to previous digital coupon trials in just the first month. Birdzi has been an essential partner for us as we enhance the customer journey for both our in-store and online customers.”

 

To learn more about how Birdzi is revolutionizing the weekly ad circular, visit www.birdzi.com.

 

About Birdzi

Birdzi was founded with a vision to make the shopping experience “Smart, Personal and Seamless” for the shopper, while empowering retailers and brands to easily and intelligently connect with the shopper at the right time and place with the right message. For more information, visit: www.birdzi.com.

Contacts

Jenna Gibson

Ketner Group Communications (for Birdzi)

jenna.gibson@ketnergroup.com

Categories
Business Culture

B&G Foods announces date of first quarter 2022 earnings conference call

 

PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) announced today that it intends to issue a press release with first quarter 2022 financial results after the market close on Thursday, May 5, 2022. B&G Foods has scheduled a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET that same day to discuss the results. Hosting the call will be Casey Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer and Bruce Wacha, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

 

The earnings press release and live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed at www.bgfoods.com/investor-relations. A replay of the webcast will be available following the conference call through the same link.

 

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.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Dara Dierks

866.211.8151

Media Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Matt Lindberg

203.682.8214

Categories
Business Culture

CompoSecure CEO named winner of Manufacturing Leadership Awards

Jon Wilk Recognized as a Digital Transformation Leader

 

SOMERSET, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $CMPO #BusinessAwards—CompoSecure, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPO), a leading provider of premium financial payment cards and a cryptocurrency storage and security solution provider, today announced that President and CEO Jon Wilk was named a winner of the 2022 Manufacturing Leadership Awards for his outstanding achievement in the Digital Transformation Leadership category. Winners will be celebrated at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala on June 29, 2022, in Marco Island, Florida.

“Our company was built and continues to be driven by our ability to innovate. We’ve led the creation and growth of the metal card form factor through our expertise in material science. We’ve been at the forefront of emerging payment technology, and now we are accelerating innovation in digital asset and authentication technology,” said Wilk. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the impact CompoSecure is having within the industry and I share this award with all of our employees.”

 

As a 20-year veteran in the banking and payments industry, Wilk helped transform CompoSecure into a leader within the fintech industry by accelerating adoption of its contactless metal payment cards. In 2021, CompoSecure introduced Arculus, the next generation of cryptocurrency cold storage and security solutions for digital assets.

 

Winners of the Manufacturing Leadership awards are among the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders who are essential to ushering in manufacturing’s digital era and serve as role models for their peers. Leaders in digital transformation demonstrate excellence in their commitment to digital technology and drive transformational changes within their companies. Details about the awards are available at https://www.manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com/leadership-awards/.

 

About CompoSecure and Arculus

Founded in 2000, CompoSecure is a pioneer and category leader in premium payment cards and a provider of cryptocurrency and digital asset storage and security solutions. The company focuses on serving the affluent customers of payment card issuers worldwide using proprietary production methods that meet the highest standards of quality and security. The company offers secure, innovative, and durable proprietary products that implement leading-edge engineering capabilities and security. CompoSecure’s mission is to increase clients’ brand equity in the marketplace by offering products and solutions which differentiate the brands they represent, thus elevating cardholder experience. For more information, please visit www.composecure.com. ArculusTM was created with the mission to promote cryptocurrency adoption by making it safe, simple and secure for the average person to store, buy, swap, send and receive cryptocurrency. With a strong background in security hardware and financial payments, the ArculusTM solution was developed to allow people to use a familiar payment card form factor to manage their cryptocurrency. For more information, please visit www.GetArculus.com.

 

About the Manufacturing Leadership Awards

The Manufacturing Leadership Awards honor manufacturing companies and individual manufacturing leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing through digital transformation. Winning projects and individual manufacturing leaders have demonstrated achievement in one of a wide range of categories, and are chosen by a panel of expert judges for results that have delivered clear and compelling value, return on investment, and other tangible outcomes. The highest-scoring High Achiever in each project category, 2022 Manufacturers of the Year, and 2022 Manufacturing Leader of the Year will be unveiled at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala on June 29, 2022.

 

For more information on the Manufacturing Leadership Awards, please go to https://www.manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com/leadership-awards/.

 

About the Manufacturing Leadership Council

Founded in 2008 and now a division of the National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturing Leadership Council’s mission is to help manufacturing companies transition to the digital model of manufacturing by focusing on the technological, organizational, and leadership dimensions of change. With more than 3,300 senior-level members from many of the world’s leading manufacturing companies, the MLC focuses on the intersection of advanced digital technologies, growth and improvement opportunities in operations, and changes to leadership and organizational structures as manufacturing enterprises pursue their journey to Manufacturing 4.0.

 

www.manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com

Contacts

Samantha Short

sshort@olmsteadwilliams.com
310.824.9000

Categories
Culture Local News

D&R Greenway Land Trust announces Annual Gala, presentation of Donald B. Jones Conservation Award (s) to local conservation advocates

D&R Greenway Land Trust is pleased to announce local bird and conservation advocates, Hannah Suthers and Sharyn Magee, as recipients of the land trust’s 2022 Donald B. Jones Conservation Award (s).

 

Hillside Farm at Sunset

 

The award ceremony will take place at the annual Greenway Gala on Sunday, May 15, 2022, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Hillside Farm in Hopewell, NJ, which was recently gifted to D&R Greenway by Betty Wold Johnson’s family in her memory.

Members of the public are invited for a special opportunity to have a Bird’s Eye View of Hillside Farm, home of the future Betty Wold Johnson Preserve!  The new preserve is not yet open to the public, and this is a special opportunity to get a glimpse first-hand. Join D&R Greenway Land Trust at the Greenway Gala on May 15 to congratulate Sharyn and Hannah and to be one of the first to experience Hillside Farm.  High on a hill with sweeping views across the Hopewell Valley, the land holds great ecological value for birds and wildlife and is of historic significance. This 800-acre property will not open to the public until next year after a thoughtful process is completed to ensure protection of conservation resources.

Sponsorships are available from $500 – $5,000. Individual Ticket Price is $200.     Admission is by advance ticket or sponsorship purchase only by May 5 at www.drgreenway.org or by calling 609 578-7470. Safety precautions will be taken including limiting the number of participants; reserve your place now. Gala sponsorships and tickets benefit D&R Greenway’s conservation of birds and habitat on the future Betty Wold Johnson Preserve.

 

D&R Greenway 2022 Donald B. Jones Conservation Awardees, Hannah Suthers and Sharyn Magee

 

D&R Greenway’s Donald B. Jones Conservation Award annually recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to conservation. It is a high honor that stands for personal commitment with on-the-ground results. In 1977, The Featherbed Lane Bird Banding Station in the Sourlands was initiated by Hannah Suthers. Sharyn Magee joined two decades ago. These two scientists have dedicated 15,000 hours at one of the longest-running bird banding stations in the U.S.! Their data informed Cornell University’s 2019 study that sounded an alarm: 2.9 billion birds have disappeared across North America in the last 50 years, largely due to loss of habitat.

 

“Sharyn and Hannah are special people who have devoted many years to helping us understand and protect local bird life.  They work on the front-lines of the battle to save wildlife conservation.”   Linda J. Mead, President & CEO, D&R Greenway.

 

The  2022 Donald B. Jones Awardees, Hannah Suthers and Sharyn Magee, will be introduced at the Greenway Gala by Paul G. Rodewald of Cornell University, Science Editor, Birds of the World project.

####

About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Categories
Business Culture

Cross River supports American veterans through partnership with Heroes to Heroes program

FORT LEE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cross River Bank (“Cross River”), a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, today announced its support of Heroes to Heroes, a foundation that offers spiritual healing and peer support for combat veterans of all faiths and backgrounds who are suffering from the post traumatic effects of their service time. Cross River team members in both New Jersey and Jerusalem greeted and thanked American heroes as they kicked-off and landed on their trip to Israel as part of their spiritual healing journey.


“With Cross River offices in New Jersey and Jerusalem, our employees were able to interact and take part in the healing process for true American Heroes,” said Phil Goldfeder, SVP of Global Public Affairs at Cross River. “We’re thrilled to support Heroes to Heroes, an organization close to our hearts on both sides of the ocean, in this momentous initiative to provide life-saving resources that have the power to impact American veterans for the better.”

 

Heroes To Heroes is a non-denominational 501(c)(3) organization, providing emotional and spiritual healing, suicide prevention, and peer support for veterans who suffer from Moral Injury. The three-year and beyond program begins with a 12-month curriculum for emotional strength where the veterans focus on building trust and connecting with their emotions as well as their family and peers. Following this period, the next “journey” takes the veterans on a 10-day trip to Israel where they can begin to find reconnection to spirituality, forgiveness, faith and peace into their lives.

 

“Cross River’s support allows us to save and change lives for the better. Twelve veterans’ lives have been changed and they have chosen life,” said Judy Isaacson Elias, Founder and President, Heroes to Heroes Foundation. “This outcome not only affects the veteran, but impacts the lives of family members, friends, and the community. Successfully returning veterans to civilian life is crucial to the future of our country.”

 

On March 21st, 2022, Cross River hosted a meet and greet and sendoff for the veterans at Newark Liberty International Airport as they embarked on their voyage. At the end of the program, before leaving Israel and returning to the United States, the Cross River team in Israel attended a dinner with the participants, fortifying the bond and support between the veterans and Cross River.

 

“Thank you for this tremendous journey. It has helped me be closer to God and to appreciate the things I have in my life,” said Alberto Corales Santiago, a Hero from Bronx, NY. “It has taught me to be more merciful with others and to help other veterans in any way I can.”

 

Heroes to Heroes offers year-round services, such as coaching and peer support. Cross River plans to increase its assistance with volunteer engagement and sponsorships of their outings to continue to build on this meaningful relationship. Cross River is known for its financial inclusion efforts, and as a pillar in the community as a resource for support. The Company has been instrumental in bridging the gap between New Jersey and Jerusalem, working with the State and local organizations to strengthen existing economic ties, cultivate further investment opportunities in New Jersey and deepen cultural ties between United States and Israel.

 

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

Media Contacts
Cross River

Eden Hoffman

Phone: 201-808-7000 x538

ehoffman@crossriver.com

Categories
Culture Local News

Volunteers play key role at Mercer Wildlife Center

TRENTON, N.J. — National Volunteer Week (April 17-23) recognizes volunteers for the selfless contributions they make in their communities.

 

This year, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes shines a spotlight on the Park Commission’s Wildlife Center, where dozens of volunteers help the center fulfill its mission of caring for injured, ill and displaced native wildlife so they can be released back into an appropriate wild habitat.

 

“When the Mercer County Wildlife Center puts out a call for volunteers, the community responds,” Mr. Hughes said. “Veterinarians, college students and members of the general public play a key role in helping the center’s staff handle the heavy volume of patients and inquiries each year, and we are grateful for their interest in serving.”

 

A volunteer at work at the Mercer County Wildlife Center.
— Courtesy photo

 

The Wildlife Center, located on Route 29 in Hopewell Township, accepted and treated more than 2,800 birds, mammals and reptiles in 2021, and fielded more than 15,000 telephone calls from people with questions or concerns about wildlife. Orientations for new volunteers are held early in the spring to help the center gear up for its busy season, April to September, when injured and displaced animals are being cared for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Volunteer duties are varied and include enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, laundry and many other behind-the-scenes tasks.

 

When COVID-19 protocols began in the spring of 2020, it was necessary to temporarily discontinue the Wildlife Center’s volunteer participation.  A stalwart group of volunteers returned at the end of 2020 and into early 2021. For the 2021 season, 34 hearty souls jumped in to work with the patients and staff to keep the center operational.

 

“We cannot thank them enough for their continued efforts,” Mr. Hughes said. “For the first time since 2019, the Wildlife Center held new volunteer orientations this year, and hopes to work its way back up to the 100 or more volunteers who have assisted the facility in years past.”

 

Community members also can assist the Wildlife Center by donating supplies such as paper towels, pet bowls, pet taxis, receiving blankets and more. For a list of needed supplies including brand names, click here.

 

For more information about the Wildlife Center, visit www.mercercountyparks.org or www.wildlifecenterfriends.org.

Categories
Business Culture

Marotta Controls named a New Jersey Top Workplace for 2022

Aerospace and Defense Supplier Recognized for Inclusive and Innovative Company Culture

 

MONTVILLE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #additivemanufacturing—Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier, today announced that it has been named one of New Jersey’s top workplaces. Hosted by NJ Advance Media (NJ.com) in partnership with Energage, the statewide recognition program is based solely on employee survey responses and serves as a candid tool to assess corporate culture as well as the internal leadership impact and opportunity. Marotta Controls was one of 22 Aerospace and Defense companies evaluated nationwide, and ultimately ranked high in the mid-sized New Jersey companies category based on employee responses to the survey’s Culture Driver statements.


Marotta Controls’ performance-driven leadership strategy strives to instill a culture across all business units where new ideas and innovative concepts can be explored. Embracing that level of inspired creativity in a collaborative environment and focusing on employee engagement is largely what has influenced the company’s organic growth since it was founded in 1943.

 

“We deeply value our employee relationships, viewing them as long-term commitments not transactional engagements,” said Patrick Marotta, President and CEO, Marotta Controls. “We have an incredible staff with vision and passion for both engineering and business. Their contributions and support have enabled the company to achieve significant successes throughout our 79-year company history.”

 

This is Marotta Controls’ first year participating. At the time of the survey, the company’s employee base included approximately 450 individuals. Eighty-four percent responded, far exceeding the national participation average of 42 percent for all companies and 66 percent for Aerospace and Defense companies.

 

Notably, the respondents recognized the company as excelling in several crucial areas that shape company culture. Some of these areas include:

  • The company operating by strong values
  • Management caring about employees’ concerns
  • Employees feeling appreciated and that they are part of something meaningful
  • Individual learning, growth, and inclusion
  • Encouragement of new ideas and perspectives

 

“To be ranked by our team members as highly as we were demonstrates a mutual respect that we are truly honored to have earned. We take assessments like these very seriously and work to incorporate related feedback in meaningful ways. We’re proud to see that effort reflected in this year’s results,” added Patrick.

 

The complete list and ranking of New Jersey’s Top Workplaces will be formerly released later this quarter.

 

Methodology

Managed by the independent firm Energage, the NJ.com program is free and open to any organization with 50 or more employees. Staff members of nominated companies complete a questionnaire that addresses employee-centric issues from benefits and expectations to career opportunity and management support. Energage then uses its patented analytic tools and expertise gained from more than 16 years of culture research across 70,000 organizations to assess and report on the data.

 

About Marotta Controls

Founded in 1943, Marotta Controls is a fully-integrated solutions provider which designs, develops, qualifies and manufactures innovative systems and sub-systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Our portfolio includes pressure, power, motion, fluid, and electronic controls for tactical systems, shipboard and sub-sea applications, satellites, launch vehicles, and aircraft systems. With over 200 patents, Marotta Controls continues to build on its legacy as a highly respected, family-owned small business based in the state of New Jersey. Twitter: @marottacontrols LinkedIn: Marotta Controls, Inc.

Contacts

Heather Ailara

211 Communications

+1.973.567.6040

heather@211comms.com

Katee Glass

Marotta Controls, Inc.

kglass@marotta.com