Even long-time NJBIZ readers are undoubtedly wondering what this issue is all about. Power Lists have always been compilations of accomplished and influential individuals – leaders in their respective industries and fields, like commercial real estate, law and health care. The credentials required to make those lists have been developed over many years. We look for those people who are helping to make New Jersey stronger, more prosperous and a better place to live, work and do business.

But what qualifies a company to be on such a list?

Well, the criteria are actually fairly similar to that used to identify individual honorees. The companies profiled below represent the most significant economic actors in the state. They are not necessarily the oldest, largest, most profitable or most well-known. All of those characteristics are important and many companies on this list fall into one or more of those categories. After all, if a company employs the most New Jersey residents or generates the highest profits – and thus, produces the most tax revenue – that organization clearly is an important piece of the economy.

But smaller companies – both in employment and finances – can play outsized roles in the state’s economy. Trenton-based TerraCycle is a great example.

The company generates a fraction of the revenue that, say, ADP does. Its workforce is tiny compared to that of Wakefern Food Corp. And it lacks the global name recognition of Johnson & Johnson.

But TerraCycle is on this list – along with ADP, Wakefern and J&J – because of the work it does. Tom Szaky’s company recycles waste once thought unrecyclable, making useful products out of trash most New Jerseyans would never think twice about. And it is consistently profitable.

The benefits TerraCycle provides to this densely populated state and its residents should be obvious. A cleaner environment and more sustainable businesses will make New Jersey stronger, more prosperous and a better place to live, work and do business.

Certainly, there are other companies that should be recognized along these lines – so please let us know about them. And tell us what you think about the choices reflected here.

– Jeffrey Kanige, NJBIZ editor

Methodology

Power lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.