“There’s power in spreading joy. The world is not always flowers and sunshine but even when it’s difficult you can find something to celebrate,” says SaVonne Anderson, the creator of sustainable stationary company Aya Paper Co., which will be available at Whole Foods and Nordstrom locations nationwide come October.

The initial rollout in September will include 900 Petco stores nationwide ahead of a larger retail introduction next year.

"The employees that showed up every day to produce the products, medicine, and food that helped dampen the impact the pandemic had on the nation received more attention than they have in decades," said New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program CEO John Kennedy. "They deserve more but it was nice to see them recognized to some extent."

The manufacturer of synthetic underlayments for the steep slope roofing industry will continue to operate as an independent business within the Parsippany-based company's portfolio.

The short-term loan will facilitate the timely restructuring of the New Jersey-based aluminum manufacturer and distributor.

The brand-new Bellmawr location, named to commemorate one of the organization's longest-running account managers who lost his life to COVID-19 complications, will provide local manufacturers with easier access to professional development and consulting services.

Research, development and innovation expert Russell Hill - who is named inventor on 56 patents - brings 25 years’ experience advancing construction materials and building products to the Piscataway-based company.

The Cedar Knolls-based organization is being recognized for its stand-out progress in workforce development by the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey.

Experienced instructors will train students in one of the most in-demand professions in today’s economy. "You can’t build bridges, highways, office buildings, pipelines, power plants, vehicles, and spacecraft without welders—they are literally the backbone of our economy," said instructor Cesar Cordero.

According to Universal Technical Institute Bloomfield Campus President Shawn Alexander, skilled trades can positively shape a post-pandemic workforce.

The Garwood writing instrument maker inked the purchase of Rhode Island-based Garland and Connecticut-based Ben-Art, both of which will relocate to the New Jersey manufacturing facility.

The move by the company, best known for its Welch's Fruit Snacks, expands its footprint in the Garden State to nearly 1 million square feet.