Public Policy Speaker Series featuring

NJ DOT Commissioner Francis K. O'Connor

Wednesday, July 17th | Rowan University

More than 100 business leaders and elected officials came together at the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University for NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Francis O’Connor.

The Commissioner’s remarks included discussion of several upcoming South Jersey transportation projects, including the Route 322 bypass, progress of the I-295 direct connection Wall 22 re-build and the Glassboro-Camden Light Rail. He also highlighted NJDOT's commitment to clean energy in the state by installing electric vehicle chargers statewide and cashless toll systems.

Thank you to our Transportation committee and co-chairs Steve Manera of HNTB, Sam Mody of Keller Engineers of New Jersey, LLC, and Bill Brooks of STV Incorporated.

Title Sponsor

Event Host

First Harvest Credit Union Launches Inclusive & Accessible Product & Service Additions

First Harvest Credit Union (“First Harvest”) has launched two new offerings in an effort to further elevate its financial product and service suite. Virtual Branch provides members with more accessible account maintenance services, and First Step Checking account offers a simple checking solution with a no overdraft advance feature to assist members in establishing positive credit and payment history.

Virtual Branch provides First Harvest members with the option to engage face-to-face with a First Harvest member service representative. This virtual service offers an accessible option for those who may not have a branch nearby or who experience other barriers when accessing a physical branch. Members have the option to schedule an appointment or “walk-in” to the Virtual Branch lobby to receive assistance. Through Virtual Branch, members can perform a broad range of account maintenance functions, including screen-sharing, for a better member-support experience. READ MORE.

Stockton First in New Jersey to Offer Cannabis Studies Undergraduate Degree

Beginning this fall, Stockton University will become the first college or university in New Jersey to offer an undergraduate degree in cannabis studies.

The Bachelor of Science in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management through Stockton’s School of Business will prepare students to join a booming industry that has seen a 66% increase in the number of jobs in New Jersey, according to Stockton Adjunct Professor Rob Mejia.

“This year, New Jersey is on track to sell over $1 billion of cannabis products,” said Mejia, who teaches Cannabis Studies classes. “You have to pay attention to a $1 billion business. Cannabis and hemp being so unique and regulated, you have to have special skills in order to get involved and be successful in the industry.” READ MORE.

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Cooper Medical School of Rowan University among 2024 Best Medical Schools

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) has earned high ratings among the 2024 Best Medical Schools for Primary Care and Research by U.S. News & World Report. "I am incredibly proud of CMSRU for once again being recognized among the best medical schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report this year with a Tier 2 rating in Primary Care and Tier 3 in Research. Our Tier 2 Primary Care rating is higher than any medical school in the Philadelphia region and the entire State of New Jersey," said Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU.

This is the first year that U.S. News has used a tiered rating system. Only schools in Tier 1 and Tier 2 are eligible to use Best Medical School award badges in recognition of their excellence. READ MORE.

Jefferson Health’s New Jersey Hospitals Earn AHA’s “Get With The Guidelines” Stroke Awards

Jefferson Health’s New Jersey hospitals – in Washington Township, Stratford and Cherry Hill -- have each received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke GOLD PLUS quality achievement award. This award recognizes their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment, based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines that ultimately lead to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the USA. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts, causing brain cells to die. Early stroke detection and treatment are vital to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times. READ MORE.

Truist Gift to Support Businesses through Accelerate South Jersey

With a focus on empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, a $43,000 gift from Truist to Rowan University promises to spur growth and innovation within southern New Jersey's business landscape. The gift will support Accelerate South Jersey, a Rohrer College of Business (RCB) initiative led by Professor of Entrepreneurship Mike Dominik to empower small business people.

Begun in 2022, Accelerate South Jersey supports new businesses with guidance needed to reach key business milestones. Said Dan Cuneo, Truist’s market president of Commercial Banking for Southern New Jersey, “we have two pillars for our foundation: strengthening small businesses and building career pathways to economic mobility. This program aligns seamlessly with our overarching mission, and is exactly what we’re looking for when we look to help our communities through our foundation.” READ MORE.

Ryan Spearing

Transportation & Infrastructure Business Development

P: (609) 471-1563

E: rspearing@mcfaglobal.com

NEW ROAD Construction Management would like to welcome the following professionals to their team: Mr. John Haynal, Mr. Neil Block, and Ms. Sherri Cross-Murphy.

GEI Consultants welcomes Ed Layton, P.G. to their team in Exton, Pennsylvania. Ed joins as a Senior Hydrogeologist experienced in solving complex environmental and permitting challenges for both public and private sector clients.

Congratulations to Jean McAlister from Atlantic Cape Community College who was inducted into the Atlantic County Women's Hall of Fame for Volunteerism.

WCRE extends their heartfelt congratulations to Andrew Koller, who has recently joined their team as a full-time Research Analyst & Advisor. Andrew began his journey with WCRE as a Research Intern in January 2023.

Thomas/Boyd Communications welcomes their newest staff member Hanna Weinstein. Hanna joins as an Account Coordinator after graduating from American University in Washington D.C. with a degree in public relations and strategic communication.

Deborah Heart and Lung Center was named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital for Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR.). This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

CME Associates has acquired Churchill Consulting Engineering. Churchill is a recognized brand of excellence in New Jersey. The partnership aligns seamlessly with CME's strategic vision for growth and market leadership.

NJBIZ has named STV one of New Jersey's Top Workplaces for 2024. This recognition reflects their commitment to fostering a positive, innovative and inclusive work environment.

Congratulations to Ranch Hope PT APN, Jane Muehsam, for 15 years of service to the Ranch.

Concord Engineering Group was recognized as a 2024 Leader in Real Estate, Construction, and Design at the recent NJBIZ award ceremony. Their team is also proud to be recognized as a partner of two of New Jersey's Top Projects: The Blanquita B. Valenti Community School and The Wyldes Luxury Apartment Complex.

Stockton University Interim Vice Provost Claudine Keenan was sworn in as the newest member of the New Jersey State Board of Education. Keenan served as Dean of Stockton’s School of Education from 2012 until transitioning to the Interim Vice Provost position earlier this year.

Liz Thomas, co-founder of Thomas/Boyd Communications, was presented with the Salvation Army‘s “Others” Award, which honors an individual or organization that exemplifies an extraordinary spirit of service to “others,” not only through support of the Salvation Army, but also the broader community.

Sonitrol Security of Delaware Valley selected the Salem County Sheriff's Office as the recipient of their donation to Project Paws Alive in order to provide a ballistic vest to K9 Rip.

Susan Hodges, co-chair of our Labor and Employment and School Law practice areas at Parker McCay, was just installed to the Board of Directors for the South Jersey chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

Becker's Hospital Review recently celebrated Kristi Caldararo. COO at Jefferson Hospital in Abington PA, in their Rising stars: 42 healthcare leaders under 40 list which highlights emerging talents 40 years old or younger, who have rapidly advanced within their organizations.

NEW ROAD Construction Management is proud to recently be awarded the Construction Management contract for district wide improvements at Haddon Township School District.

O’Donnell & Naccarato is pleased to announce that Kyle J. Terry, PE, has been promoted to Principal, recognizing his exemplary contributions, leadership, and dedication to O&N and its clients throughout his eight-year tenure with the firm. Kyle led the successful completion of some of O&N’s largest and most complex projects, two of which include: Stockton University – Atlantic City Campus and CHOP – Hub for Clinical Collaboration – Philadelphia, PA.

Hutchinson recently received a Certificate of Achievement for PSEG's Trad Ally/SBDI Program Small Business Direct Install Program for the largest number of comprehensive projects completed in the 2023 calendar year.

The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council recently announced its new President and board members, Thomas Gilmour, founding trustee of the Asbury Park Music Foundation, was inducted as President for a two-year term. Other new Executive Committee members for 2024 include: Charlene Archer, Treasurer; Karen Campi, Secretary; John Casagrande; John LeMay; Steve Reinman; and Linda Savino. Brian Waldron was reelected to the committee.