13 Small Businesses to be Honored at NJSBDC’s Growth Awards Luncheon

On Dec 11, 2019

America’s SBDC New Jersey, also known as the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC), will recognize 13 small business clients from around the state at its 17th annual Small Business Growth Awards Luncheon on December 13, 2019 at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. The NJSBDC program is part of a national network of SBDCs. NJSBDC has provided small business assistance and services for small business owners in all 21 counties for 41 years.

The event draws more than 250 attendees each year, including small business owners, higher education Deans/Vice Presidents, and other leaders of economic development organizations in the state. Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC network Chief Executive Officer and State Director, and Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC network Chief Operating Officer and Associate State Director, will participate at the event.

The network also recognizes the important role of the New Jersey Legislature. At this year’s gathering, Assemblyman John DiMaio, Minority Budget Officer of the Assembly Budget Committee and member of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Growth Committee, is expected to join the celebration. DiMaio will receive a special NJSBDC award (“2019 NJSBDC Legislator of the Year”) for his strong support of the 12-center network and the thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs assisted by SBDC’s business advisors.

A special guest of honor is expected to address the audience (to be subsequently announced).

Platinum event sponsor PSEG, and Gold event sponsor PNC Bank, will join once again in the festivities. Bank of America is a key grant financial supporter. New Jersey Business magazine is an in-kind media sponsor.

NJSBDC small business clients being recognized for their successful achievements include:

• In Vitro Diagnostic Solutions (Rob Harper, president) located in Mount Laurel, develops, manufactures and markets innovative Point-of-Care diagnostic devices for rare metabolic diseases. (Client of NJSBDC Technology-Commercialization Specialty Program)
• Marilyn Schlossbach Group (Marilyn Schlossbach, owner/operator), located in Asbury Park, owns and operates restaurant venues in Monmouth and Ocean counties. (Client of NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College)
• Sweet Harmony, LLC (Tara Buzash, business owner) located in Plainfield, is a special event group of musicians from soloists to quartets playing various instruments and engaged in national markets for music at corporate events, weddings, etc. (Client of NJSBDC at Kean University)
• El Aguila Dorada (Israel and Irma Romero, owners), located in Bayonne, specializes in Mexican food with 50 full-time and part time employees contributing to its successful restaurant. (Client of NJSBDC at New Jersey City University)
• Glowhouse Kids, LLC (Elisa DiChristina, owner), located in Pompton Lakes, specializes in facilitating interpersonal play among children through various events and programs. (Client of NJSBDC of Northwest Jersey)
• K9 Boot Camp (Emily Adams), located in East Rutherford, offers boarding services and training for dogs. An early stage business, it has already grown to seven employees. (Client of NJSBDC at Ramapo College of NJ)
• Nightingale NJ (Kelly McNamara & Christopher Kellogg), located in Somerville, helps seniors and families navigate the complexities and challenges relating to eldercare, growing to five employees. (Client of NJSBDC at Raritan Valley Community College)
• Cookie Munchers (Brandon Lucante & Cassandra Aron), located in Glassboro, provides homemade delicious snacks and baked goods for students living on and off campus for parties and late night studying sessions. (Client of NJSBDC at Rutgers-Camden)
• Adsorptech, Inc. (James Flaherty, president/CEO), located in Middlesex, is a manufacturer of industrial scale new adsorption-based oxygen producing equipment and offers engineering consulting services; with its patented technology, it has expanded into the global market. (Client of NJSBDC at Rutgers-New Brunswick)
• Purple Grace, LLC (Purple Grace Seck), located in Little Falls, produces beverage brands using natural and organic ingredients in high quality teas now being sold in 22 stores. (Client of NJSBDC at Rutgers-Newark)- TONY BEEF (Anthony and Nicholas Della Vecchia, Owners), located in Galloway, is a specialty burger restaurant that has created a niche market with its unique ingredients and menu. (Client of NJSBDC at Stockton University)
• Frankye’s Restaurant (Vicente & Carmen Barrientos, owners), located in Trenton, serves traditional, savory Guatemalan food and has been in business for 25 years. (Client of NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey)
• Giannella’s Bakery (John & Donna Imparato, owners) based in Paterson, has invested in expansion and equipment. The husband-wife team has grown its company sales to several million dollars annually with 65 employees. (Client of NJSBDC at William Paterson University)

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