Winners were singled out by an independent judging panel of previous honorees, CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders.

The data offers views on the federal infrastructure bill, labor concerns, long-term challenges of COVID-19, technology opportunities, payroll provider satisfaction and more.

The Wayne-based bank sees this expansion as a means to provide financial services for growth-oriented small and mid-sized businesses. Valley will offer a range of solutions including revolving lines of credit, term loans and mortgages for Commercial and Industrial Real Estate lending.

The deal adds approximately $27 billion in total assets, $20 billion in deposits, and an attractive commercial and consumer customer base to the Providence, R.I.-based financial institution.

Brent Rose was elevated to the role after a successful stint as chief revenue officer, during which time the company outperformed the U.S. small and medium-sized business acquiring market in year-over-year growth by 40%.

Hugh Allen will provide strategic direction and sales leadership to the region's consumer, small business, commercial and specialty banking operations and lending services. He will be based in Charlotte and will lead approximately 4,400 employees and a network of nearly 130 stores.

The Fairfield-based financial institution's latest round of giving totals $170,300 to five organizations in its community.

Director of Marketing and Communications John Mangini is a B2B marketing leader with more than 15 years of professional experience in social media, business development and communications.

Through its Economic Empowerment program, Rochelle Park-based nonprofit Center for Hope & Safety helps victims of domestic violence heal the wounds of financial abuse—poor credit, debt and lack of savings—and sets them up for financial success through career counseling and job placement.

First introduced 125 years ago, the marketing campaign marks a renewed emphasis on the company’s Rock Solid financial solutions, planning and investments, supporting people to find their “rocks” during a time when financial security remains an elusive goal for many.

The funds came from the SBA's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program; the museum and retired battleship lost 90% of its revenue last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The portfolio company, which has expanded 700% since the growth equity investment firm's initial financing in 2013, will become Verritone's marquee offering for human capital management.