Proud to Share Some Exciting News!

On August 12, Valerie Haymes and Tara Maratea were honored with the 2026 Enterprising Women in Commerce Award, presented by CIANJ and COMMERCE Magazine. The annual award recognizes a select group of women whose achievements, leadership, determination, and dedication are making a meaningful impact in their professions and communities. We applaud all of the honorees! Several hundred industry professionals attended the awards ceremony, with guest speaker Jennifer Velez, Executive VP of Horizon Health speaking about leading without ego and “leaning in” to challenges. 

Anyone who knows Val and Tara understands why they were selected. Their creativity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have helped build our unique Barnett team personality. For decades, Val and Tara have inspired our clients, colleagues, and everyone fortunate enough to know them. Outside of the office, Val's passion for community service and mentoring, and Tara's volunteerism and dedication to family complete the very qualities this award celebrates.

As if that weren't enough to celebrate, this year also marks a special milestone for our Creative Brand Strategist, Jefferson Ramos, who is celebrating 30 years with Barnett Design. Jeff joined Barnett in 1996 as a college co-op student earning academic credits. Following graduation, he accepted a full-time position at Barnett, and over the past three decades has grown with the studio—helping shape our creative vision, building lasting client relationships, and playing an integral role in Barnett's continued success. Thirty years later, we're grateful that what began as an internship became a career.

Congratulations to Val, Tara, and Jeff. We are grateful for your talent and for your dedication to making Barnett the successful organization we are today.

Barnett is a New Jersey woman-owned business, successfully creating for clients since 1991.