NJSBDC to Honor 15 Small Businesses

NJSBDC Network’s Small Biz Clients from around the State Will Be Recognized for Success

On Dec 12, 2018

America’s SBDC New Jersey, also known as the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers, will recognize 15 small business clients from around the state at its 16th annual Small Business Growth Awards Luncheon.  The event is set for Dec. 14 at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. This also happens to be the 40th Anniversary of the NJSBDC program, providing small business assistance and services for small business owners in all 21 counties. The program is part of a national network of SBDCs.

“Our annual event is always a memorable one,” said Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC network chief executive officer and state director. “We honor the successful clients of our network who have forged ahead in the business world. Their advancement is our cause.”

The important role of the New Jersey Legislature is also recognized at this annual affair. Over the years, state legislators (from around the state) who have advocated for this program, have participated at the event.  At this year’s gathering, Assemblyman John Burzichelli, chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and vice-chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, will receive a special NJSBDC award (“NJSBDC legislator of the Year”) for his strong support of the 12-center network and the thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs assisted through the program.

“We show our appreciation each year for those state legislators who have stood with our organization and supported our efforts to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs over the years,” said Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC network chief operating officer and associate state director . “Their participation at this event means a great deal to all of us.”

Platinum event sponsor PSEG, and Gold event Sponsor PNC Bank will join once again in the festivities. City National Bank and Peapack-Gladstone Bank are also financial supporters. New Jersey Business magazine is an in-kind media sponsor.

“Our business clients’ success is our reward,” stated Hopper.  “At the end of a long year, we like to close it on a high note,” added Deborah Smarth. “This affair is the culmination of a long year of hard work to serve our small business clients in the best way we know how.”

More than 300 individuals including leaders from higher education institutions, business membership and economic development organizations, etc. will be in attendance.  NJSBDC’s major funding partner, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) are among many partners and collaborators expected to be present.

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

• FCC CONSULTING SERVICES (Chris Carothers, President and CEO), located in Columbus, offers a full range of technology consulting services up to and including outsourcing entire IT operations on a contracted basis. (NJSBDC Procurement Specialty Program)
• FLYING FISH BREWING COMPANY (Gene Muller, founder & Lou Romano, president), located in Somerdale, is the largest craft brewery in the state and is a member of the NJSBDC Sustainable Business Registry since May 2017, implementing strong sustainability practices realizing savings and eco-friendly outcomes. (NJSBDC Sustainability Specialty Program)
• IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTIONS (Rob Harper, President), located in Moorestown, develops, manufactures and markets innovative Point-of-Care diagnostic devices for rare metabolic diseases. (NJSBDC Technology-Commercialization Specialty Program)
• FASTENING LLC / dba FASTEN (Alexis Castellano and Jill Slater), an online business, created a one-piece bathing suit that could open and close at ease, eliminating the struggle moms have with their daughters’ swimsuits during bathroom visits and diaper changes. (NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College)
• MAMA’S SOUTHERN STYLE BBQ 2, LLC (Chris Finnick , located in the Vauxhall section of Union Township, attracts hungry customers from as far away as Pennsylvania, New York, and even farther distances. (Client of NJSBDC at Kean University)
• TAWANDA JACKSON INSURANCE AGENCY INC. (Tawanda Jackson), located in Jersey City, offers a variety of insurance policies for different purposes. (NJSBDC at NJ City University)
• WESTPY MARKETING SERVICES, INC. (Joan Westpy), located in Hackettstown, specializes in providing promotional products and gift incentives to Public Broadcasting, local businesses and non-profits, and multi-national corporate clients. (NJSBDC of Northwest Jersey)
• K-DEER, INC. (Kristine Deer), located in Westwood, is an e-tailer and wholesaler of women’s activewear and has grown to be an internationally recognized activewear brand. (NJSBDC at Ramapo College of NJ)
• DUCK DONUTS (Carrie Neigel), located in Green Brook, will be expanding its franchise shops to other locations in NJ. (NJSBDC at Raritan Valley Community College)
• INFINITY FLOAT, LLC (Dawn Goldbacher), located in Mt. Laurel, is positioned as New Jersey’s premiere lifestyle and float spa. It also offers a wide range of other therapeutic modalities. (NJSBDC at Rutgers-Camden)
• DIESEL AND DUKE (Kevin Rezvani and David Cusumano), located in New Brunswick, a modern burger place that understands the changing trends in the food sector. (NJSBDC at Rutgers-New Brunswick)
• FASTSIGNS® of Newark (Denise & Robert Acquaye), is part of the FASTSIGNS® global franchise, and a Women Business Enterprise/Minority Business Enterprise (WBE/MBE) certified franchise. (NJSBDC at Rutgers-Newark)
• LENA Di D.A.N.C.E. and LENA Di Wellness (Salena Coaxum), based in Atlantic City, focuses on wellness and fitness services for all ages. (NJSBDC at Stockton University)
• MARKETREACH INC. (Amanda Puppo), located in Lawrenceville, is a marketing agency that does high-level prospecting and appointment setting for sales people. (NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey)
• MANHATTAN SIGNS (Anthony DeCrescenzo), located in Paterson, employs 15 people who design, manufacture, install, and service signs for businesses mostly in the metropolitan New York and New Jersey area. (NJSBDC at William Paterson University)

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