PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/DEPOSIT PHOTO IMAGES
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/DEPOSIT PHOTO IMAGES
NJBIZ STAFF//May 12, 2025//

Operating in the Garden State since 1886 as a subsidiary of American Water Works, New Jersey American Water is the state’s largest water service provider – serving nearly 2.9 million people in more than 190 communities.
The utility also provides water service to 30 additional communities through bulk purchase water agreements.
Headquartered in Camden, American Water employs more than 860 individuals in a range of areas and expertise. And there is a consistent focus for the long-standing utility to turn to the future – through a series of system improvements and upgrades. In 2024, New Jersey American Water announced it committed over $520 million to such efforts, noting its annual investments encompass upgrades and improvements made to the company’s water and wastewater infrastructure, including treatment plants, tanks, pump stations, pipes, fire hydrants and metering equipment.
“Keeping our water infrastructure strong and reliable isn’t a one-time job—it’s a proactive effort we focus on year after year,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water, in February. “The capital investments we make across our systems provide more robust, efficient, and resilient infrastructure, which helps us continue to meet or surpass water quality standards and deliver better service for our customers.”
McDonough noted that in addition to helping the company continue to provide safe, clean, reliable service for its customers, the investment contributed to more than 7,800 jobs.
Operating since 1924, Atlantic City Electric serves over 560,000 customers in South Jersey.
The utility has more than eight facilities and 90 substations with a workforce of 560 employees.
As energy prices continue to rise, due to a supply-demand imbalance, Atlantic City Electric, a subsidiary of Exelon Corp., has worked to support customers in several ways, like advocating for federal programs such as LIHEAP, which provides eligible households with a one-time grant to use toward their energy bill. Last year, Atlantic City Electric helped more than 35,000 customers secure over $60.6 million in energy assistance – including more than $9.9 million in LIHEAP funding.
“With prices going up for everyday services, programs like LIHEAP have become more crucial for our customers. That’s why it’s so important for us to really push for energy assistance funding,” said David Vosvick, vice president of customer operations at Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. “Programs like LIHEAP, combined with our ongoing bill assistant programs and initiatives, provide resources and create more financial stability for our customers who are facing rising costs across the board.”
And the Mays Landing-based organization continues to support the local community. Over the last five years, Atlantic City Electric has donated more than $3.1 million to 657 organizations. Just last month, ACE opened its Sustainable Communities Grant Program in partnership with Sustainable Jersey for a sixth straight year.
Headquartered in Parsippany, B&G Foods’ roots date to the 1880s, when the Bloch and Guggenheimer families immigrated to American and started selling pickles, relish and condiments in Manhattan.
In 1996, the business was acquired by a group of New York investors, who then began enlarging the company by purchasing other brands. As part of the strategy, B&G Foods sought to leverage name recognition of those products and reposition them for the modern market.
Now a consumer-packaged goods giant, B&G’s eclectic portfolio of 50-plus names includes supermarket staples Cream of Wheat, Crisco, Green Giant, Dash, Ortega, Maple Grove Farms, New York Flatbreads, McCann’s Irish Oatmeal, Molly McButter, Polaner and Skinnygirl. As of 2024, B&G Foods had net sales of $1.9 billion.
Recently, the company unveiled plans to relocate later this year from its current base at Gatehall Drive in Parsippany to another property in the township at 8 Sylvan Way. B&G Foods plans to use its new headquarters for research, new product development and quality control assurance.
Portfolio reshaping remains a priority, too. After reorganizing into four business units in June 2022 – Spices & Flavor Solutions, Meals, Frozen & Vegetables, and Specialty – the company is continuing a review of its portfolio to see which brands fit the goals set for each of the new divisions. Since, it has divested some assets to better focus on its operations and reduce long-term debt.
Established in 1994, BCN is a leading managed network and technology solutions provider.
The company is based in Morristown – boasting hundreds of network and technology partners and more than 8,000 business customers.
BCN aims to deliver customized solutions that fuel growth, enhance security and simplify complexity.
Last month, the company announced the launch of the BCN Cloud Voice Call Center, a secure, all-in-one platform designed to eliminate the complexity, cost and security vulnerabilities of legacy systems.
“Our solution was designed to anticipate customer needs and enable call center supervisors and agents to engage promptly and intelligently,” said Richard Boudria Jr., chairman and CEO of BCN. “The future call center must be a strategic asset, seamlessly integrated with core business systems to provide the entire customer view for our clients and allow call center agents to deliver remarkable experiences securely.”
In February, BCN was selected as a 2025 Best Place to Work by The Business Intelligence Group. “At BCN our people are at the heart of everything we do, and being recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, growth and excellence,” said Boudria. “We take great pride in creating an environment where every team member feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Founded in 1897, BD has grown into one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world.
The Franklin Lakes-based organization boasts more than 70,000 employees – with an aim of supporting the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients, as well as clinical process for health care providers.
In February, BD took the next step in its BD 2025 strategy by pursuing a plan to separate its Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business from the rest of the company.
“Our BD 2025 strategy has transformed the company into a faster-growth, more profitable organization positioned at the forefront of long-term growth trends in health care – and we believe today’s announcement is an exciting next step in unlocking significant potential value for all our stakeholders,” said Tom Polen, chairman, CEO, and president of BD. “We believe the separation will position New BD as a differentiated MedTech leader and enable optimized investment to accelerate our innovation pipeline and ongoing margin enhancement through BD Excellence to further fund growth.”
The company has also announced its intention to invest $2.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing capacity over the next five years – strengthening its position as the nation’s largest manufacturer of medical devices.
A mainstay in Camden since 1931, Bell Pharmacy is the oldest continuously operating independent pharmacy in New Jersey. Despite waves of closures by both large retail pharmacies and smaller independently run stores, Bell Pharmacy has survived thanks to owner Anthony Minniti’s background in business, politics and advocacy.
A third-generation pharmacist whose family took over the business in 1997, Minniti’s innovations in pharmacy practice have served as templates for programs throughout the country. Bell’s offerings include partnerships with the Camden City School District, mentoring programs and telehealth services.
One of Minniti’s latest initiatives involves a business model that combines a drug store with a cannabis dispensary, under the same roof. After opening in November 2023 as a sister business to the pharmacy, Camden Apothecary is a dispensary that serves both recreational customers and medical patients.
With cannabis once again legal to buy in New Jersey, Minniti believes the pharmacy is the perfect place to help normalize medicinal marijuana. As part of that push, Camden Apothecary teamed up earlier this year with Xfinity Live in Philadelphia to become the dining, entertainment and retail venue’s first-ever official cannabis partner.
Moving forward, Camden Apothecary plans to continue making a big impact in the region. That includes through additional hospitality partnerships, lifestyle-focused initiatives and innovative medical cannabis programs designed to replace addictive, dangerous prescription medications.
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore remains one of the world’s leading paint, color and coatings brands.
The Montvale-headquartered, Berkshire Hathaway company manufactures premium quality residential and commercial coatings using innovative and sustainable manufacturing practices, as well as a number of flagship paint lines; 3,500 colors; and design tools and expertise for consumers and professionals.
The company’s products are available at more than 8,500 locally owned and operated paint, decorating and hardware retailers throughout the U.S., Canada and some 74 countries globally.
“At Benjamin Moore, we believe in the transformative power of our paint,” said Mindy Murphy, vice president, Customer Segmentation Marketing, in an April 1 news release issued as Benjamin Moore celebrated its fourth-annual Contractor Appreciation initiative, which honored residential and commercial painting professionals. “For generations, our unwavering passion for creating exceptional products and colors – crafted with the finest ingredients – has been at the heart of everything we do.”
Also in April, the company announced a national partnership with Make-A-Wish – as room makeovers are among the most popular wishes.
“Benjamin Moore is honored to collaborate with Make-A-Wish in granting lifechanging wishes for children fighting critical illnesses,” said Rachel Willard-Chang, senior manager, Engagement, Inclusion, and Social Impact at Benjamin Moore.
As New Jersey’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, the 283-year-old The Black Horse Tavern in Mendham is known for its historic charm and classic American cuisine.
Over the past three centuries, it has served generations of families, as well as historical figures, like George Washington, and celebrities, such as late singer Whitney Houston and comedian Jim Breuer.
After closing in March 2024 for a multimillion-dollar restoration, the 40North Restaurant Group-owned property began welcoming guests this past winter. Along with preserving the building’s character, the project aimed to enhance the overall experience through interior updates and a menu refresh.
Originally the farmhouse home of Ebenezer Byram, one of Mendham’s founding fathers, the property’s barn is now a 164-seat pub offering tasty, laid-back meals while the tavern is dedicated to hosting private events, like birthday celebrations, corporate gatherings and weddings.
In 2007, Morristown-based Villa Restaurant Group purchased the Black Horse from Anthony Knapp, who had owned the restaurant since 1965. When Villa took on the Black Horse, the family-owned and operated company told the Star-Ledger it bought the restaurant “because of what it is” and planned on continuing the legacy.

Headquartered in Short Hills, The Blau & Berg Co. has been a leader in the commercial real estate market in New Jersey and the Tri-State area. The company, founded in 1932, is an independent, full-service commercial real estate brokerage that provides services in the industrial, retail and offices spaces.
Its mission is to be a trusted partner for its clients with a dedication to the development of long-term relationships and placing customer interests ahead of its own. It is a tradition of personal service that began in 1932 with Leslie Blau collecting rent checks door-to-door.
In January, a brokerage team led by Jason Crimmins, Alessandro Conte and Peter Murano Jr., were recognized nationally for their exceptional IOS leasing and sales achievements last year – earning the distinction as the highest-ranked brokers in New Jersey and third nationally.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition,” said Crimmins, president of The Blau & Berg Co. “However, this achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering trust our clients place in us to deliver results. While we take pride in this accolade, we remain acutely aware that our success hinges on our commitment to prioritizing our customers’ needs.”
Five years after immigrating to America, Luciano Calandra Sr. opened a small bakery in 1962 in Newark’s North Ward. The company has since grown to include a 50,000-square-foot operation as well as additional bakeries in Newark and Fairfield that deliver fresh bread, desserts, pastries, pies, cakes and cookies to more than 500 supermarkets, delis and restaurants in the tri-state area.
Calandra’s baked goods can also be found at high-profile venues like MetLife Stadium and Prudential Center. The business has also been ranked as one of the best caterers, bakeries and delis in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine.
In addition to its bakeries, the Calandra family now owns and operates several hotels, restaurants and apartment buildings in northern New Jersey. The family also produces and sells their own line of olive oil, coffee, fresh pasta, homemade sauces and wines from their vineyard in Italy.
After transitioning to the third generation of family ownership, the business is run by Anthony Calandra and his brother Luciano Jr. The leaders are also integrating their children into Calandra’s.
Though the founder passed away in November 2024 at the age of 94, the family say his philosophy of hard work, traditional family values and customer service remains their guiding light for the company.
Founded 156 years ago by Joseph Campbell and Abraham Anderson as a Camden-based producer of canned goods, The Campbell’s Co. is credited with revolutionizing the industry after its chemist, John Dorrance, invented condensed soup in 1897.
By the early 1900s, Campbell’s became a household name, particularly because of its marketing campaign featuring the Campbell’s Soup cans – an image that later inspired artist Andy Warhol.
Throughout the 20th century, Campbell’s grew rapidly, acquiring popular brands like Prego, Pepperidge Farm and V8, which further diversified its product offerings and helped position it as a leading global food company. Campbell’s has continued to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences in recent years, focusing more on healthier, organic products while also streamlining its portfolio to highlight core brands.
The company remains a powerhouse, generating fiscal 2024 net sales of $9.6 billion across two its divisions- meals & beverages and snacks. Its portfolio of leadership brands includes pantry staples such as Campbell’s, Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Rao’s, Snack Factory, Snyder’s of Hanover, Swanson and V8.
With such a wide range of products, the company underwent a rebrand last year from Campbell Soup Co. to The Campbell Co., a name that it feels better reflects the lineup of snacks, sauces, soups and beverages.
Founded in 1846, Church & Dwight Co. Inc. is the leading U.S. producer of baking soda. The Ewing-based company manufactures and markets a wide range of recognized products – including Arm & Hammer, Trojan, Oxiclean, Spinbrush, First Response, Nair and much more.
A major focus of Church & Dwight centers around commitment to people and the planet, including being one of the first corporate sponsors of Earth Day; and using all paperboard packaging from certified, sustainable sources. Its efforts have regularly garnered the company recognition as being one of the world’s most sustainable companies.
And Church & Dwight continues to expand and evolve as it builds for the future – especially in challenging times.
“Despite these uncertain markets, we remain focused on growing our market shares across our portfolio,” CEO Rick Dierker said earlier this month on an earnings call. “We will continue to invest in marketing to support our brands and we believe consumption of our brands will continue to outpace category growth fueled by innovation. We will continue to offer high-quality products to consumers at the right value. This outlook reflects strong underlying operating fundamentals.”
“We expect 2025 capital expenditures of approximately $130 million,” Dierker continued as he gave a 2025 outlook. “We continue to pursue accretive acquisitions that meet our strict criteria, with an emphasis on fast-moving consumable products, similar to our last three acquisitions (Zicam, Therabreath, and Hero).”
Founded in 1887 in Camden, Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system that includes its flagship Cooper University Hospital, Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper – as well as an expansive ambulatory network covering from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore.
The health system boasts a workforce of more than 11,000 team members – and has regularly been named as one of the state’s and nation’s top employers.
In January, a groundbreaking was held for Cooper’s next chapter – the first phase of the $3 billion Project Imagine expansion, an ambitious effort that includes three new patient towers (accommodating up to 745 all-private inpatient beds); enhanced surgical and emergency services; a new regional medical coordination center; and more.
That event featured Gov. Phil Murphy and four of his predecessors, along with South Jersey native and long-time Cooper supporter Kelly Ripa.
“Cooper’s investment of $3 billion for its future growth will be a transformative investment in the future of Camden and South Jersey,” said George Norcross III, chairman of Cooper University Health Care’s board of trustees. “This project reinforces Cooper’s long-standing commitment to delivering extraordinary health care, driving economic growth, and creating new opportunities for the people of the City of Camden and the region.”
Since 1865, Livingston-based Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has been providing compassionate, comprehensive health care for the community. The state’s oldest nonsectarian hospital, it features 597 beds and treats more than 34,000 inpatients and 90,000 Emergency Department patients each year.
Through Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and the Ambulatory Care Center, treatment and services are provided for more than 250,000 outpatient visits annually.
The hospital is also a leader in areas such as delivering nearly 6,300 babies annually; leading the nation in kidney transplants; providing more than 100 medical and surgical specialty and subspecialty services; and through a partnership between RWJBarnabas Health/Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Rutgers Cancer Institute – brings a world-class team of researchers and specialists, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatments and clinical trials.
Last June, the hospital received a $30 million gift from Andrea and Anthony Melchiorre to support a new multidisciplinary standalone cancer center. The Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is slated to open later this year.
“We know that this cancer center, which will bring together the region’s top oncologists with best-in-class services in one dedicated setting – will bring renewed hope to people in New Jersey and throughout the region,” said Andrea and Anthony Melchiorre last year.
Crum & Forster’s roots go back to 1822, when retired U.S. Army Capt. Richard Whiley founded The North River Insurance Co. to insure buildings in New York City.
One of the oldest insurance companies in the U.S., the Morristown-based firm strives to help protect businesses and organizations from risk by giving them confidence to take on new challenges and flourish in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Billing itself as client-focused, creative and flexible, C&F aims to deliver customized products and services in the areas of property, casualty, health and accident insurance. The firm – which conducts business through a network of independent agents, brokers and wholesalers – recorded $5.3 billion in gross written premiums in 2023 and was rated “A” by AM Best last year.
Developing partnerships and creating an enduring legacy of corporate social responsibility initiatives is also important to C&F. Those efforts include charitable giving and employee volunteer programs with nonprofits like Feeding America. The insurer also recently established a scholarship in partnership with New Jersey City University that aims to foster an inclusive workforce within the insurance industry. In addition to financial support, C&F offers a 12-week paid internship giving scholarship recipients mentoring from company leaders, access to career resources and other hands-on experiences.
Established in 1902, Day Pitney LLP is one of the Garden State’s leading law firms – boasting over 300 attorneys across 13 offices in multiple states, with its headquarters in Parsippany. The firm services both corporate clients and sophisticated private clients – helping them address complex legal challenges with innovative solutions, deep knowledge and extensive experience.
Last August, Day Pitney relocated within Morris County to Parsippany, taking 56,000 square feet at 8 Sylvan Way.
“Our New Jersey office move will be the most recent in a series of moves that Day Pitney has made over the last several years to modernize the firm’s workspaces to best meet the current and future needs of our attorneys, staff, and clients,” said Chip Krauss, COO, Day Pitney. “Our new office space will assist us in facilitating continued growth, fostering collaboration, and reinforcing our firm culture.”
Last fall, NJBIZ recognized the firm as a 2024 Empowering Women Honoree.
“At Day Pitney, we proudly uphold a rich legacy of championing women’s empowerment, reflected in our commitment to fostering female leadership at every level. Our dedication to this cause goes beyond words—it’s deeply ingrained in the fabric of who we are as a firm and a community,” said Theresa Kelly, partner in charge of diversity, equity and inclusion at Day Pitney.
Founded in 1922, Deborah Heart and Lung Center is a teaching hospital located in Browns Mills that targets the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases.
Throughout its more than 100-year-history, Deborah has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from around the country – and globe, including performing the first adult and pediatric open-heart surgeries in New Jersey.
As the organization continues to grow and evolve, Deborah offers leading-edge surgical techniques and non-surgical procedures for diagnosing and treating all forms of cardiac, vascular and pulmonary diseases in adults, as well as congenital and acquired heart defects in adults and children.
Deborah has a belief in partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its commitment to improve the health of the community.
Its fundraising entity, Deborah Hospital Foundation, was established in 1974 – relying on the generous support of donors to support the life-saving care provided by the center, which does not issue a bill to patients.
Last year, the Deborah Hospital Foundation was named the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by NJBIZ.
Founded in 1841, Dun & Bradstreet is a leading global provider of business data and analytics.
Since that time, companies of all sizes have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help manage risk and reveal opportunity.
In fact, Dun & Bradstreet delivers business records for over 600 million organizations across the globe – with coverage in over 250 markets worldwide – and driving performance at some of the world’s leading companies, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500.
While the company moved its corporate headquarters in 2021 from Short Hills to Jacksonville, Fla., it still boasts a major Jersey presence and headcount. In total, Dun & Bradstreet has a global team of 6,000 employees.
In March, Dun & Bradstreet descended on its next chapter – entering into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Clearlake Capital Group in a $7.7 billion transaction.
“We have been on a strategic journey over the last six years, executing a major transformation that has strengthened our business and financial results,” said Anthony Jabbour, CEO of Dun & Bradstreet. “We are pleased to be partnering with Clearlake on this new leg of that journey.
“With their support, our team looks forward to evolving and growing the company with new ways to put our trusted, proprietary and mission-critical data assets to work for our clients.”
Founded in 1977, Eastern Janitorial Co. continues its remarkable growth in the Garden State and beyond. The Parsippany-based second-generation family business serves the janitorial and maintenance needs of many public and private entities in New Jersey, as well as New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida and the Carolinas; becoming a preferred partner to those responsible for maintaining offices, schools, hospitals, commercial facilities and more.
In 2013, Nick Rafanello took the helm as president and CEO – overseeing a rebranding that highlighted the company as a deeply experienced service contractor while establishing new offerings that focused on deepening its relationship with existing customers.
Over the last decade, the company has grown substantially – employing hundreds of people in the area while operating in three divisions: Commercial Cleaning, Specialty Flooring and Surface Restoration, and Engineering/Handyman Services.
Eastern Janitorial believes its success is the byproduct of its unwavering focus on a single guiding principle of finding the best people – then training and supporting them with the latest industry tools and practices.
Last spring, Rafanello was added to the NJBIA’s board of trustees, along with Citizens Commercial Bank President and Head of Middle Market Rebecca O’Connell. “Both Nick and Rebecca bring very informed voices from their respective fields, and we are very fortunate and grateful to have them join our expanding board,” said NJBIA president and CEO Michele Siekerka.
Elizabethtown Gas was founded in 1855 serving customers in parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris, and Mercer counties. The utility, which is a subsidiary of SJI, is headquartered in Union – with divisional offices in New Village, Flemington, and Lafayette, along with a training center in Union and a liquefied natural gas facility for peaking supplies.
Elizabethtown Gas is dedicated to innovation and service – with a commitment to providing exceptional customer while upholding values of safety, service, community, and inclusion; and a vision for a cleaner energy future. A notable program it developed is Conserve, which is designed to empower customers with energy efficiency resources and tips.
In March, Elizabethtown Gas hosted an event to highlight upgrades at The Stockton Inn, which included modernizing equipment, that were part of Elizabethtown Gas’ Direct Install Energy Efficiency Program.
“We are delighted that the Stockton Inn leveraged the ETG Direct Install Program to modernize their historic building with essential energy-efficient upgrades,” said Melissa Orsen, senior vice president, SJI. “These improvements are intended to drive substantial cost savings, enhancing both sustainability and operational efficiency.
“We encourage other businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and invest in a smarter, more-energy conscious future.”
After founding their business in 1995, brothers Stephen and Joseph Falco have grown Falco’s Catering to become one of the premier gourmet catering and event planning companies in New Jersey. Over the years, the Ocean Township-based family-run company has catered everything from weddings to corporate galas to milestone birthdays to large family reunions to Super Bowl parties to at-home celebrations.
Just a few of the top-notch venues Falco’s Catering has worked with include Bell Works, The Renaissance, Bayonet Farm, Count Basie Center for The Arts, Patterson Family Barn, The Asbury, The Stone Pony, The Majestic Hotel and The Water Witch Club.
Born and raised in an Italian family, the brothers grew up with gatherings that revolved around food. As they grew older, the Falcos realized they both had a passion for cooking and hospitality and wanted to start a catering business. Their reputation for authentic Italian cuisine and impeccable service soon made theirs one of the most sought-after catering companies in the region.
Reflecting on their 30th anniversary, Joseph Falco said, “We’re not just catering an event; we’re creating memories. We take the time to understand our clients’ needs, to ensure every dish and detail reflects what they envision. It’s all about making them feel special, just like they would at a Sunday dinner with family.”
Since its establishment in 1994, Fairfield-based FunTime Junction has been a rite of passage for generations of families. The family-owned and operated children’s entertainment center features a blend of attractions – all under one roof – that aimed to delight toddlers through young teens.
FunTime Junction is regularly recognized – including receiving the Best of Essex Award for the past seven years.
Since Scott Lantzman took the helm in 2017 from the previous owners, FunTime Junction has invested over $1 million in facility upgrades, a game room, laser tag, amenities and more.
The center boasts everything from a softplay climbing structure, bounce houses and toddler play zones to high-energy fun, like laser tag, rides and a full arcade with a redemption center.
FunTime Junction prides itself on having something for everybody – serving as a place where families can come together in a unique, warm and welcoming environment. Remaining affordable is a key priority for the business.
After surviving the pandemic, it had a paradigm shift and has focused on quality over quantity.
“In an era of cookie-cutter corporate chains, FunTime Junction stands proudly independent and personal,” the company says.