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GAF

Founded in 1886 as the Standard Paint Co., GAF is North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Parsippany – employing more than 5,000 people throughout the country.

GAF boasts a number of innovative products and accessories. In fact, 1-in-4 homes in the country is protected by a GAF roof.

In January, GAF announced a first-of-its-kind alliance with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to increase access for homeowners to FORTIFIED roofs, a voluntary beyond-code construction and re-roofing method to protect homes against severe weather.

“At GAF, we are committed to providing high-quality products and services that help safeguard homes before and after disasters strike,” said CEO John Altmeyer. “We look forward to working closely with IBHS to provide access to FORTIFIED-compliant products and industry-leading GAF training to help communities across the country build resiliency and protect what matters most to them.”

During the fall, GAF appointed John Barkhouse to the newly created position of president, reporting to the CEO, and overseeing operations and R&D for the company’s Residential and Commercial divisions.

Gellert Global Group

A third-generation, family-run business, the Gellert Global Group is one of the nation’s largest and most established food importers.

Founded in 1945 as just one company – Atalanta Corp. – the Elizabeth-headquartered organization has grown into a variety of individual units, which supply the needs of customers on all sides of the food industry, including manufacturers, retailers, food service distributors, hotels, restaurant chains, cruise lines and more.

Gellert Global Group boasts combined revenues exceeding $1.7 billion – annually importing over 5,500 different foods sourced from supply partners in over 60 countries worldwide.

A nod to the businesses’ legacy, last month, Atalanta marked its 80th anniversary – growing from a small family business into a third-generation leader in the food industry, renowned for its diverse portfolio of imported cheeses, meats, seafood, grocery items and specialty products.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the trust of our customers,” said George Gellert, chairman of the board of Gellert Global Group. “Our mission has always been to connect people with exceptional food from around the world. As we reflect on 80 years of growth and success, we remain committed to innovation and excellence in the years to come.”

Gilbane Building Co.

Gilbane bills itself as one of the largest family-owned enterprises in the construction industry. In business for more than 150 years, it boasts more than 3,000 employees in 45 office locations – including Newark – and has worked in more than 20 countries.

Its two units focus on construction and investment. Gilbane Building Co. is a global, comprehensive construction and facilities-related solutions firm working on geographically dispersed projects across the U.S. and globally. Gilbane Development Co. is the real estate development, investment and property management arm, engaged in finance, project management, alternative transaction structures, marketing, and project delivery structures to develop award-winning projects and communities.

The company has been involved in two major sports-related projects in recent years. Gilbane renovated Progressive Field, the home of Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians. And the company is part of the group building a new stadium for the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills. Other projects include work at the University of Idaho and the University of Rhode Island, two projects for Constellation Brands in Mexico and financing for student housing at Centenary University in Hackettstown.

Goya Foods

Jersey City-based Goya Foods Inc. ranks as perhaps the most prominent food manufacturer in New Jersey – perhaps the Northeast. Its blue and white logo can be seen on shelves in all major supermarkets and has become a recognizable brand even beyond its core customer base.

Founded in 1936 by Spanish immigrants Don Prudencio Unanue and his wife Carolina, Goya has grown into the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned food company. The company makes more than 2,500 products and generates nearly $2 billion in revenue.

Goya has also been active on the philanthropy front, donating food during a variety of crises. Most recently, the company donated thousands of pounds of food products for families and individuals impacted by the wildfires around Los Angeles earlier this year.

With the help of Global Empowerment Mission, Bracken’s Kitchen and St. Philip’s Parish in Pasadena, Goya mobilized its resources to distribute nutritious meals and pantry staples, including rice, beans, canned goods and ready-to-eat meals, to local shelters and relief organizations.

The company also seeks to raise awareness of critical mental health issues affecting youth via its Goya Cares initiative. As part of that effort, Goya has delivered hundreds of free preventative education programs in schools across the country, reaching more than 130,000 students.

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center

Founded 1888, the Bergen County facility is now part of Hackensack Meridian Health, a system that includes 18 hospitals, more than 36,000 employees, 7,000 physicians and 500-plus patient care locations. Those sites include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, air medical transportation, urgent care centers, physician practice locations, and a fitness and wellness center.

The Hackensack University Medical Center is the oldest hospital in the system, but the company is built on venerable institutions. Five facilities are more than 100 years old – Hackensack (137 years old); Mountainside Medical Center (134 years); Raritan Bay Medical Center (123 years); Jersey Shore University Medical Center (121 years); and the Carrier Clinic (115 years). Riverview Medical Center will join that group in 2028.

And HMH is still growing. Earlier this year the system topped out the transit-oriented Hackensack Meridian Health and Wellness Center at Metropark in Woodbridge. The center will offer care, access and more in a walkable mixed-use setting. The project marks the nation’s first comprehensive health care center located at a transit hub, according to officials. The $200 million HMH component is part of a larger development at Metropark Station.

“The Health & Wellness Center at Metropark is a significant part of how Hackensack Meridian Health is making it easier to access convenient, quality care by bringing the doctor’s office into the heart of the community and just steps away from a patient’s daily commute,” said Hackensack Meridian CEO Robert Garrett.

The Hampshire Cos.

In business for more than 60 years, Morristown-based The Hampshire Cos. is also part of a New Jersey-based commercial real estate legacy that dates back more than a century.

The full-service, private real estate investment firm was founded in 1976 by Jon Hanson, son of James E. Hanson. Today the third generation of family leadership helms the business – a real estate operator, management services provider, investor and fund manager. James E. Hanson II serves as president and CEO, while Jon Hanson serves as chair. Looking ahead, the fourth generation is currently at work running parts of the business.

Hampshire holds distinction for its involvement in developing the first suburban industrial park in the U.S. via its family legacy, the Teterboro Industrial Park envisioned by James E. Hanson and completed in 1955. Following the eldest Hanson’s untimely death in the 1960s, his sons took over at the eponymous James E. Hanson Co. Following struggles during the 1970s, the three Hanson brothers decided to split the company their father founded, launching Hampshire as well as what is now NAI James E Hanson (then led by Peter Hanson) and Roebling Investment Co. (formed by Donald Hanson).

Today, Hampshire manages private funds with approximately $1 billion in assets and owns and/or operates a portfolio of approximately 175 properties totaling approximately 14.5 million square feet.

Hartz Mountain Industries

In business for more than 95 years, Hartz Group started with one young man from Germany, Max Stern, and 5,000 singing canaries. He sold the birds to New York department stores, initially to facilitate his move to the states and after, establishing his business around the concept. Those beginnings also helped launch pet brand giant Hartz, still based in Secaucus but no longer part of the group.

Led by Chairman and CEO Leonard Stern, Max’s son, today Hartz Group focuses on four lines of business: industrial real estate, multifamily real estate, hospitality and renewable energy development.

In 2023, a fourth generation of family leadership joined Hartz, which aims to keep the business family-owned. Additionally, Leonard Stern named his son, Edward, as president and COO of the Hartz Group as well as his designated successor.

Hartz Mountain Industries President Gus Milano leads day-to-day real estate operations along with a long-serving and professional management team. Focused on East Coast markets, the Secaucus-based company utilizes an in-house team to build complex developments quickly and efficiently.

Hartz has disposed of over 10 million square feet of office space and has transitioned into 40 million square feet of industrial space, 3,800 apartment units, data centers, retail ground leases and New York City hotel holdings. Over the last 10 years, the company has also expanded its portfolio by acquiring more than 100 industrial buildings in the Southeast.

Hovnanian Enterprises Inc.

In founding his company, Kevork Hovnanian was guided by a principle that still informs the Matawan-based “homemaker” today: that every buyer has the right to a well-built, beautiful residence.

Established in 1959, Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. designs, builds and markets a variety of for-sale housing options, including 55-plus active lifestyle communities, townhomes, single-family residences, condominiums and more under the K. Hovnanian Homes brand.

A publicly traded company since 1983, the still-family-led organization is in its third generation, with Kevork’s son Ara serving as chairman, president and CEO, while his son, Alexander, is executive vice president for national homebuilding operations.

Growing through acquisitions nationwide, Hovnanian now operates through subsidiaries in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. It boasts nearly 150 residential communities in all and ranks among the largest homebuilding companies in the U.S.

According to the most-recent company filings, Hovnanian employs nearly 1,900 full-time associates (1,211 involved in homebuilding). As of October 2024, the company reported total revenues of $3 billion on more than 6,100 home deliveries in the last fiscal year. For the first quarter of 2025, it posted a 13% increase in total revenues. Builder magazine ranks the company No. 17 on its 2025 Building 100.

Jersey Mike’s Subs

From one shop in Point Pleasant founded in 1956, Jersey Mike’s Subs has become one of the fastest-growing eatery chains in the country. The seaside location allowed the store to gain popularity among vacationers from New York and Philadelphia. Now, the Jersey vibe is seemingly everywhere. Over the past year, the franchise hit several milestones – surpassing 3,000 locations systemwide and landing an agreement with a restaurant group to open 300 Jersey Mike’s shops across Canada over the next decade.

In addition to being ranked No. 2 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 in 2024, the chain is also a mainstay on Franchise 500’s top 10 list.
And the growth rate is likely to pick up under new ownership. In March, private equity giant Blackstone completed an acquisition of a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s reportedly valued at $8 billion. The cash will help “accelerate its expansion across and beyond the U.S. market, as well as its continued investment in technology and digital transformation,” according to Blackstone.

Founder Peter Cancro – who famously got his start in the business working in the original Point Pleasant store as a teenager – retained what the parties called a significant equity stake in the company. Cancro stepped down as CEO in April, making way for former Wingstop CEO Charlie Morrison.

Cancro said the company would continue its aggressive expansion. “We believe we are still in the early innings of Jersey Mike’s growth story and that Blackstone is the right partner to help us reach even greater heights.”

Johnson & Johnson

Chances are, you have a product manufactured by New Brunswick-based Johnson & Johnson in your medicine chest right now. Founded in 1886, the company is responsible for developing some of the most well-known health care brands in the world, including Band-Aid, Johnson’s Baby powder, Tylenol, Benadryl and Listerine.

J&J has evolved significantly since its founding, especially over the past few years. The biggest move was the spinoff of Kenvue, now the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company and the producer of those iconic brands. Johnson & Johnson reamins focused on pharmaceuticals and medical technology.

“Johnson & Johnson’s exclusive focus on transformational Pharmaceutical and MedTech solutions enables us to innovate across the full spectrum of health care in ways that no other company can,” Joaquin Duato, the company’s chairman and CEO, said when the spinoff was announced. “We are proud of the hard work that has led us to this historic milestone which brings significant value to shareholders and positions Johnson & Johnson to be even more agile, focused and competitive.”

And it is still big. In April J&J reported first-quarter revenue of $21.89 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.77. The company also raised its guidance on sales for the year to a range of $91.0 billion to $91.8 billion, from $89.2 billion to $90.0 billion.

Kayco

Headquartered in Bayonne, Kayco is a family-owned, kosher and multi-cultural food supplier and manufacturer with distribution in more than 40 countries as well as independent grocers and major supermarket chains across the U.S. With more than 5,000 products and 175-plus brands, Kayco offers a wide variety of categories, including juices, confections, snacks, condiments, baking needs and general-purpose products.

In addition to being the nation’s largest kosher food purveyor, Kayco sources and distributes products to the general market to help meet the demands of consumers looking for specialty food products that are healthful, convenient, and/or for restricted diets and lifestyles.

A family business that spans nine generations, Kayco’s biggest brands include Kedem and Gefen. Last year, the company unveiled a refresh of one of the most iconic and recognizable names in its kosher division – Manischewitz.

Founded in 1888, Manischewitz has been a stalwart in American Jewish culture for over 130 years, offering authentic Jewish foods to consumers nationwide. Now, under Kayco’s stewardship, the reimagined brand will continue to offer a diverse range of products, including traditional favorites like matzah and macaroons, alongside new offerings designed to appeal to modern palates. As part of the rebrand, Kayco recently deployed an innovative new food truck, the Manischewitz Deli on Wheels, to offer consumers a new way to engage with Jewish food culture beyond the supermarket aisle.

The Kislak Co. Inc.

Leading Woodbridge-based commercial real estate brokerage The Kislak Co. Inc. was founded in 1906 in a rented room in Hoboken. Ukrainian immigrant Julius Kislak then opened his fist office in 1922. Today, the Kislak Organization has employees in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida and covers New York as well as Delaware.

Its primary business lines include real estate investments, asset management, and commercial and investment brokerage. Its main groups comprise The Kislak Co. Inc.; Kislak Commercial Real Estate Services Inc., its commercial sales and leasing affiliate; and J.I. Kislak Inc.

Second-generation leadership, Jay Kislak, expanded the company to the Sunshine State in the 1950s and entered the banking space in the 1960s.

Today, the company continues to embrace its founder’s ideals – integrity, hard work, perseverance, courage, resourcefulness and dedication to fulfilling clients’ needs – as it continues to realize the American dream. To help pay it forward, Kislak provided a transformative gift to Monmouth University in 2006 to launch what is now the Kislak Real Estate Institute at the Leon Hess Business School. The move helped establish the first credit-bearing academic real estate program in New Jersey—one of just 65 nationwide at the time.

Last year, Kislak pledged an additional $2.15 million to support the Institute, as well as the development of the 30,000-square-foot Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music rising on campus.

Laird & Co.

Many New Jerseyans – especially those outside of Monmouth County – have probably never heard the name Laird & Co. But most likely has some familiarity with the company’s main product: Applejack. As in the distilled spirit made from apples. Not the cereal.

Laird lays claim to the title of America’s Oldest Distillery. It traces its roots to the 17 century – not a typo –when Alexander Laird arrived in what would become New Jersey from Scotland. George Washington reportedly sought Laird’s Applejack recipe. And the company says Robert Laird recorded his first commercial transaction involving the distiller in Scobeyville in 1780.
The company still lists its address in Sobeyville, at 1 Laird Road, of course. And Laird still produces Applejack and apple brandy, along with more modern canned concoctions.

So, what does Applejack taste like? From a reviewer on distiller.com, who had it neat at room temperature: “On this nose, Laird’s Applejack reminds me a bit of dark rum, tinged with the tart fruitiness of Granny Smith. It tastes like undersweetened apple pie filling: tart and zingy, with strong notes of vanilla and cinnamon, and finishing with a lingering peppery crispness. It retains some echoes of the cherry booziness of traditional brandy, and also the tarry backnote of molasses that I’ve detected in rum – which could be offensive if it were too strong, but it’s not overbearing here. This wouldn’t be my go-to sipper, but it’s a welcome on a dark and cool evening.” George Washington would probably have agreed.

Lynch Power

Lynch Power is a commercial and industrial electrical contractor run by Kieran and Michael Lynch and posting revenue of about $4.5 million in 2024. The company was founded in 1990 by Michael Lynch, who earned his electrical license to do side work while holding a full-time job. The original mission was to support his family by providing reliable, high-quality electrical work.

In 2013 Michael’s son, Kieran, joined full-time after graduating from Rutgers University. His leadership and vision sparked rapid growth, helping to propel Lynch Power into becoming a tech-savvy team serving large-scale commercial and industrial projects across New Jersey.

According to the company, executives have embraced change by investing in technology, building a younger workforce, and staying agile in how it bids and manages projects. Whether navigating economic shifts or supply chain issues, its forward-thinking, tech-driven approach keeps Lynch ahead of the curve.

And Lynch pay attention to culture, treating employees like family and using such tools as quarterly off-sites, deep sea fishing, barbecues, competitive cornhole tournaments and shared wins. All of which makes the company a place where people want to stay and grow. Lynch is also active in the community, performing volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and hiring directly from local trade schools. The owners say they believe in opening doors for the next generation of tradespeople and supporting the communities where they live and work.

McCarter & English LLP

Newark-based McCarter & English LLP is one of the oldest law firms in the country, founded in 1845. For many years, it was one of the few New Jersey firms that would be considered in the same breath as some of the larger national firms.

The state has come a long way since then, but McCarter remains one of the largest and most prominent law firms in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. It continues to attract top-tier talent and experienced former government officials. The firm now boasts more than 400 lawyers and operates from 12 offices up and down the East Coast and into the Midwest.

McCarter & English offers the full spectrum of services in practice areas ranging from alternative dispute resolution to bankruptcy and products liability; from corporate law to public finance to taxes. And, of course, litigation. This is New Jersey, after all.

The Michaels Organization

The Michaels Organization, founded in 1973 and based in Camden, is a leader in residential real estate and touts itself as the largest private-sector owner of affordable housing in the country. The firm has says its more than half-century of work can be summed up this way: “the world is a better place to live wherever we build and manage it.”

To live up to that claim, Michaels offers full-service capabilities in development, property management, construction and investment management, serving more than 200,000 residents in over 600 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The firm says it is committed to providing high-quality housing across a diverse portfolio, including affordable, attainable, market-rate, active adult, student and military housing. It addresses the unique needs of each community, ensuring that individuals and families of all income levels have access to safe and stable living environments.

Beyond housing, Michaels is committed to a mission of Lifting Lives — investing in the success of its residents and the broader communities it serves. By partnering with nonprofits, schools and workforce development programs, Michaels fosters education, civic engagement and economic mobility. Through integrated supportive services, scholarship programs and community partnerships, Michaels continues to craft housing solutions that enhance communities, empower residents and create lasting impact.

The Montoro Architectural Group PC

Based in Saddle River, Montoro Architectural Group has served for more than 25 years as a premier full-service architectural and design firm – with expertise in delivering innovative, client-focused solutions.

The firm specializes in a wide range of project types such as commercial, retail, health care, office, educational, multi-family and residential design.
Over its history, under the leadership of principal John Montoro, the firm has completed over 100 shopping centers and 500 residential projects across New Jersey and New York, as well as a number of schools, health care facilities, civic developments and more.

Notable projects include the Riverfront Center in Clifton, Bedminster Town Square, The Shoppes at Manville, Train Station South Orange and others.

Montoro Architectural Group prides itself on being lean and mean – but striving to outperform other, larger firms by having better client interaction and response.

The firm is committed to hands-on design and maximizing usable space to enhance return on investment while providing a level of service that stands out in the industry.

That approach blends creativity, precision and collaboration – while ensuring that every project is built on time, within budget and tailored to meet client needs.

That mantra continues to this day – building on the company’s original mission to make the communities and the buildings that drive them better – and creating spaces/structures that are not just functional, but create an atmosphere, façade and excitement.

Morristown Medical Center

Established in 1892, Morristown Medical Center is the flagship hospital for Atlantic Health System. The facility consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the state – in fact, by many measures it has ranked No. 1.

Atlantic Health cares for 1 million patients each year across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. The staff includes 21,000 team members as well as 5,440 affiliated physicians. And the not-for-profit system operates more than 550 locations, including seven hospitals in addition to Morristown.

In October 2024, Atlantic Health announced a $1 billion expansion program for Morristown. Those plans have since been scaled back a bit to allay concerns from local residents and officials. Hospital President Trish O’Keefe described the “significant revisions” in a statement to northjersey.com in March. “We remain committed to making every effort to find balance in our role as good neighbors, with what is ultimately our critical mission: to serve an increasing public demand while providing the highest quality health care possible,” she said. Plans call for a new pavilion that would house ICU-capable hospital beds, surgical suites, an imaging suite, a kitchen, a cafeteria and a new lobby. The hospital would also add a specialty medical building for procedures that do not require a full admission. And parking options would be added and upgraded. “By expanding Morristown Medical Center we can continue attracting, developing, and retaining the best and brightest minds, driving innovative care and helping keep our hospital one of the nation’s leading health care destinations,” Atlantic Health said.

Nassau Inn

Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, the Nassau Inn has been welcoming guests since 1756. Along with other colonial-era accommodations, the inn played a role in the American Revolution, hosting meetings of the local Committee of Safety, according to Historic Hotels of America.

According to the hotel’s website, the original establishment was built by Judge Thomas Leonard on Nassau Street and was known as the Nassau Tavern. After Leonard’s death, the tavern’s new owner dubbed it the College Inn and guests over the next few years included delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Later, Continental Army officers – and their adversaries on the British side – often found accommodations there.

Today, the inn remains at the center of Princeton’s public life, on Palmer Square. And guests can enjoy the historical ambience – along with modern conveniences like high-definition televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi and, yes, hair dryers.

The inn offers 168 rooms and 28 suites, among them the Judge Leonard Suite. It features a living room with wet bar, dining area, and French doors that separate the living room from the king bedroom.

Nema Associates Inc.

Over 30 years, advertising and marketing agency Nema Associates Inc. has helped numerous disadvantaged businesses bring their ideas, services and products to market. The company prides itself on its forward thinking as well as offering a turn-key service to help build brands.

The minority-owned business serves the multicultural market, with clients ranging from government institutions to corporate industries. Today, its services include marketing, design, merchandising, retail advertising, printing, multimedia development and event solutions. But the company started out serving independent supermarkets, helping provide an effective advertising option – and filling a hole in the market – that promoted their diverse offerings and served their special needs. Working with retailers helped open doors to working with a supplier network that also required and desired targeted assistance.

Since its start, Nema has grown exponentially—as has its network. Starting out in a basement, Nema’s eight-person team currently occupies a 10,000-square-foot headquarters in Linden. According to the company, its business partners include Bimbo, Goya, ShopRite, PSE&G, Comedy Central, Tropical and others. Juan Lopez, one of the company’s founders, serves as president.

Two years before COVID, Nema said it saw the writing on the wall with print retail advertising, investing and re-tooling its team to best stay relevant with client needs.

New Jersey Devils

Founded in 1982, the New Jersey Devils hold distinction for not just playing here, but also proudly – and actually – bearing the state’s name in its moniker.

The Newark home team is part of the 32-club NHL. After relocating from Kansas City and then Colorado, the Devils landed in the Garden State. They play at Prudential Center, since moving from East Rutherford in 2008. A Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property, also operator of The Rock, HSBE added the Devils in 2013.

The team’s state pride is evident both inside and outside the arena. Among its current partner roster are other major N.J. players Prudential, RWJBarnabas Health and Verizon. Additional collaborators include shore brand Jetty, Newark’s Calandra’s Bakery and Saddle Brook condiment maker Mike’s Amazing.

The team also offers growing companies a platform, for example through its Made in Jersey Night as well as Buy Black and Jersey Shop programs. The latter launched in January with Citizens to support small businesses. And this year, the Devils Youth Foundation signature gala raised a record $2 million to further its mission in the community.

The team spirit on and off the ice has helped drive the Devils’ prominence. Amid an exciting playoff run in 2023, the team said it set record revenues for tickets, sponsorships, groups, entertainment, and food and beverage. The Devils also sold-out half of their home games that year, drawing ticket holders to Newark, its restaurants and the surrounding areas with more than 16,500 seats sold. In 2024, CNBC ranked the team 11th in the NHL in terms of franchise valuation at $2 billion.

NJM

NJM Insurance was founded in 1913 in response to then-governor Woodrow Wilson’s push to provide injured workers with medical care and partial wage replacement. The original firm – which was known as the New Jersey Manufacturers Casualty Insurance Co. – became the state’s largest carrier of workers’ compensation within a decade.

From there, the West Trenton-based insurer expanded into other lines, such as automobile and homeowners’ insurance. It is now considered a leading insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering personal insurance products to consumers in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company also works with a preferred network of independent agents to deliver business insurance in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.

NJM, which operates in a mutual fashion for the benefit of its policyholders, has been consistently recognized for award-winning customer service, superior claims handling and overall customer satisfaction. The firm also prioritizes the community through ongoing charitable contributions toward organizations that support arts & culture, health, education, social services, safety and financial literacy, as well as year-round employee volunteer efforts at local nonprofits and a formal corporate giving program.

NJM is now preparing for the retirement of its CEO, Mitch Livingston in July. Livingston’s career at the company spanned 19 years, the past seven at the helm. Livingston said his named predecessor, Carol Voorhees, chief operating officer and executive vice president, has been “an instrumental partner in our strategic expansion.”

Nokia Bell Labs

Nokia Bell Labs recently celebrated its 100-year legacy in New Jersey with a celebration at its current base in Murray Hill that drew industry stakeholders, customers, Gov. Phil Murphy and others. The milestone comes in the wake of last year’s recommittal to the Garden State with the organization’s planned move to the HELIX project in downtown New Brunswick.

Slated to open by 2028, the HELIX H-2 building was approved for $103 million in Aspire tax credits in March. The site will keep the company’s innovative streak flowing here in the Garden State.

Nokia Bell Labs is also working to spread that mindset, partnering with the state on a Strategic Innovation Center for H-2 that will initially open in Union County before later moving to New Brunswick.

“For a century, Nokia Bell Labs has been a world-class leader in research and development and our partnership with them sends a clear message that when it comes to technology and innovation, the Garden State is the place to be,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement.

Nokia Bell Labs’ work has helped pioneer advances on Earth such as the transistor, lasers, the solar cell and digital communications. In January, the organization and Intuitive Machines Inc. completed final integrations for a project that aims to launch the first cellular network on the moon. Other initiatives include quantum, artificial intelligence – another area marking collaboration with the state – and foundational technologies.

Nylabone

Nylabone has been satisfying pups – and their pet parents – for 70 years.

The company introduced its first nylon bones in 1955—small, medium and large. It wasn’t until the 70s that the collection grew. The 1980s brought the introduction of the brand’s iconic “Souper” shape, while the next decade featured the debut of the company’s first chew treat. The company has continued to expand its offerings, all geared toward giving dogs an outlet for a range of situations, such as teething, boredom, stress and to keep teeth healthy.

To celebrate its big birthday, the No. 1 brand of dog chew toys (according to 2024 Nielsen data) launched a year-long campaign to help dogs find and stay in happy homes. Together with Best Friends Animal Society, Nylabone will support pet adoptions with its trusted toys. Through December, the company will match Nylabone purchases to donate an equal number to BFAS-affiliated shelters and rescues, up to 25,000 toys.

“According to Best Friends Animal Society, 2.5 million dogs entered U.S. shelters in 2023, and 457,000 dogs were surrendered. A 2021 analysis revealed that roughly 11% of dogs surrendered were due to either personality or minor behavior issues, such as destructive chewing. By providing chew toys that reduce anxiety and encourage calm, adoptable behavior, we are helping more dogs find and stay in loving homes,” Nylabone Products President and CEO Glen Axelrod commented upon the launch of CHEWS for Good.

A family-founded company, the Neptune City-based Nylabone brand is owned by T.F.H. Publications Inc., a subsidiary of California-based Central Garden & Pet Co.

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