Eric Strauss
New Jersey
Opinions are mine. #RaiderNation and #NJDevils.
Articles by Eric Strauss
USS New Jersey joins fleet as newest, fastest and deadliest submarine
On Sept. 14, the Navy commissioned the USS New Jersey fast attack submarine at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County. Through the commissioning of the boat, the USS New Jersey officially joins the naval fleet. Political, business and civic dignitaries were among the thousands of people who attended the sun-splashed event on the waterfront side of the naval base, whose piers stretch miles into Sandy Hook Bay. Among the dignitaries attending were Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Reps.
PEM Law continues to grow, adding partner to lead new Family Law Practice
PEM Law LLP, a West Orange-based firm that launched in March, is continuing to grow, adding a partner to lead its new Family Law Practice, along with five other lawyers, it announced Thursday. Steve Marino, who joins the firm after more than 37 years in practice, will lead the new practice group with a focus on mediations, as well as matrimonial and family-related matters for clients seeking cutting-edge counseling in undoubtedly difficult circumstances.
Truth-teller: Jersey native’s documentary on former U.S. goalie Hope Solo is hottest title on Netflix
For all the incredible nuggets of information in the documentary about former U.S. women’s national team goalie Hope Solo — how her father disappeared from her life early on, only to reappear as a homeless man living in a forest … how she named two former teammates as being responsible for her controversial benching during the 2007 World Cup … how she was one of the first leaders in the push for equal pay in soccer and how she feels that was the underlying factor for her banishment from the...
At the HELIX, a dream of turning collaboration into innovation
It’s easy to describe H1 of the HELIX for what it is: A 12-story, 574,000-square-foot building that is the first of three buildings of the transformative project going up in New Brunswick — one that will include a Hub for innovation and startups, a laboratory for translational research and the home of the new 176,000-square-foot Rutgers School of Medicine. What H1 represents is so much more.
Provident’s Krauskopf, Montvale’s Voytus join board at New Concepts for Living
Ron Krauskopf of Provident Bank and Joseph Voytus of the borough of Montvale staff have been named as new board members for New Concepts for Living, one of the state’s top providers of community residences, day programs and therapeutic and behavioral services for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Krauskopf has more than 20 years of commercial banking experience, primarily working to support health care and not-for-profit industries.
Family values: Metropolitan Window Fashions says 90th anniversary is result of corporate culture
Anyone who has ever opened up a family business knows that making it to a second generation of ownership is the toughest task. Metropolitan Window Fashions in Green Brook has done all that and then some. The third-generation family-owned business, renowned for its exceptional window décor services, is celebrating its 90th anniversary in business.
Niece of prominent N.J. war hero John Basilone operates nonprofit to raise money for military causes and cancer patients
The name of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone still looms large in the chronicles of New Jersey’s military history. One of the Garden State’s most famous and revered military heroes, Basilone served with the Marines in World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest of military decorations, for extraordinary heroism at the battle of Guadalcanal in October 1942.
AI in N.J.: Murphy has made good start, but next governor must seal deal to create true economic boost for state
Generative artificial intelligence is almost a loaded term these days. It conjures high levels of excitement, opportunity and fear. From an economic development perspective, it is the next big thing. According to a report issued this year by Massachusetts Institute of Technology research scientist Andrew McAfee, AI will affect economic growth more quickly than other general-purpose technologies.
Video production company expanding offerings throughout N.J.
Awakened Films, a video production company based out of a 4,000-square-foot studio facility in Madison, is expanding its services throughout the state, it announced last week. The move aims to meet growing demand for video production in the region, from businesses, organizations and individuals, the company said in a news release. Awakened Films provides services including corporate videos, commercials, social media and more.
Pharmacist-led dispensary opens in Ewing, featuring cannabis help desk
Canna Remedies, an adult-use cannabis license holder, celebrated the grand opening of its dispensary this week in Ewing, it announced. The dispensary intends to serve all of Mercer County, including Trenton and beyond. The 7,244-square-foot facility took pains to note it is a friends- and family-owned organization, led by pharmacist Dr. Monica Werkheiser, a graduate of Rutgers University and leading cannabis advocate and educator.
Insurance carrier Emerald Bay announces acquisition
Morristown-based collaborative underwriting insurance carrier Emerald Bay Risk Solutions has acquired Florida-based Mainsail Insurance Co., it announced last week. The acquisition will expand Emerald Bay’s tailored insurance solutions to help it write business in national admitted markets. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mainsail provides property & casualty coverage across 17 lines of insurance. It will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerald Bay.
Helmy officially named U.S. Senate appointee
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday that he will appoint his former chief of staff, George Helmy, to the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Bob Menendez. The appointment had been widely reported this week. “It is an honor to appoint George Helmy, a proven public servant who deeply understands the complexities of Congress, to the United States Senate,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “George is the model of integrity we need to help restore public trust in our state’s leadership.
Slice of life: Visit to Trump ‘Superstore’ in Tennessee reveals plenty
The location of the Trump Superstore in Lenoir, Tennessee, couldn’t be more perfect: It’s highly visible from the interstate, the part where I-75 North/South merges with I-40 East/West, a confluence of thousands of cars per minute. It’s within a 40-minute drive of two popular Tennessee tourist attractions: Dollywood (down the road in Pigeon Forge) and a Buc-ee’s (if you know, you know).
Practical application: Accounting students in new in-the-office CPA programs don’t have to fill their transcripts with unnecessary credit-fillers
Lori Buza, like anyone else in higher education, has heard all the quips about underwater basket-weaving classes — or, the seemingly unnecessary or even absurd filler courses taken for college credits at universities. She has to admit that, when it comes to the path would-be accountants have to take to secure their licensure and a spot in a profession hurting for young talent, the joke has been on them.
Accounts receivable software giant Billtrust celebrates strong first half of 2024
Billtrust, the Hamilton-based business-to-business digital payments leader, said it is celebrating a momentous first half to the year, featuring achievements that show the company’s commitment to reducing the problems of accounts receivable.
Industrial real estate developer enters N.J. market with spec logistics project in Bordentown Original
A Texas-based industrial real estate developer is entering the New Jersey market with a speculative logistics project in Bordentown, it announced this week. Hillwood, which develops properties in the U.S., Canada and Europe, said it has established a New Jersey office directed by Senior Vice President Ben Rosen. Its new project, dubbed Bordentown Crossroads, is part of a partnership with WDG Logistics, an Atlanta-based developer.
Eisner Advisory Group names 23 partners, including trio in New Jersey
Eisner Advisory Group LLC, the business consulting firm with a major presence in New Jersey, has admitted 23 new partners, effective Thursday, including three in the Iselin office. “These outstanding professionals possess deep expertise, a client-centric mindset and a dedication to continuous learning that is so critical for success in today’s hyper-competitive marketplace,” CEO Charly Weinstein said in a prepared statement.
NAI Hanson named broker for redevelopment site next to HUMC
NAI James E. Hanson said Thursday it has been chosen as the exclusive broker for a 1.41-acre redevelopment site in Hackensack — located in the Prospect Area in Need of Redevelopment Zone. The property includes the Office Plaza on First, 100 First St., 102-108 First St., 114-124 First St. and 203 Beech St., in contiguous parcels across from Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center and adjacent to the Helena Theurer Pavilion and the Joseph M.
Valley launches new LifeStart center for weight-loss patients
Valley Health System has launched the next evolution in its medical weight loss and bariatric surgery services, dubbed Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness, it announced Thursday. The center offers weight-loss solutions for adults of all ages, featuring medically managed options ranging from medications to surgery such as gastrectomy, where appropriate.
JAG Physical Therapy marks milestone, as New Brunswick clinic marks its 150th location
JAG Physical Therapy, the fast-growing physical and occupational therapy chain based in Bridgewater, has opened its 150th location, in New Brunswick, it announced recently. The location, at 77 Church St., enhances access to services in Middlesex County as the company continues to expand throughout the tri-state area. “I’m thrilled to celebrate this landmark in our ongoing business growth,” John Gallucci Jr., CEO and president of JAG, said in a prepared statement.
Cooper Innovation Center researchers collaborate to create revolutionary new technology to study heart and vascular function
Cardiovascular researchers at Cooper University Health Care have discovered a revolutionary new technology that has the potential to fundamentally change how clinicians study heart and vascular function.
Together is better: How unique partnership will help HMH, Monmouth today — and tomorrow | ROI-NJ
For all the wonderful things associated with the announced partnership earlier this week between Hackensack Meridian Health and Monmouth University — an agreement that will provide greater career opportunities and access to health care for the Monmouth students — one aspect may eventually stand out. HMH will place a representative within the Marjorie K.
African American Chamber named ‘Chamber of Year’ by National Black Business Conference
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey will be recognized as Chamber of the Year at the 124th annual National Black Business Conference on Aug. 24 in Atlanta, a key moment at the Booker T. Washington Black Business Black-Tie Awards Gala. Charles DeBow III, CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, said the honor is well deserved.
North Arlington native, who made ultimate sacrifice in Korean War, buried with full military honors in Wrightstown (PHOTOS)
On Aug. 31, 1950, somewhere along the Naktong River near Yongsan-Myeon in South Korea, PFC Anthony John Lopa was killed in action while fighting the North Koreans. Lopa, a native of North Arlington, was a member of Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He was 17. Because the area around the Naktong River continued to be a hotbed of hostilities for many months, remains of soldiers were not recovered until much later.
Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce works to help those with unique business challenges
The Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce is a perfect example of what military spouses are all about. Military families, on average, move once every two to three years. That makes it difficult for these families to put down roots in a community, or for a spouse to maintain a job. The unemployment for military spouses remains stubbornly high at 22%, more than five times the rate for their civilian counterparts.
Radwell International names new CEO
Radwell International, a global industrial operations, automation and electronics solutions provider, has named a new CEO, it announced Monday. Chris Snodgrass will take over as CEO and become a member of the board of directors of the Willingboro-based company, effective Aug. 5.
Grant Thornton promotes N.J. exec to partner
Grant Thornton, a national audit, tax and advisory firm, has promoted a New Jersey executive to partner as part of a series of promotions around the country. Peter Ladas, who works in the audit unit of Grant Thornton LLP, is based in Iselin. The Grant Thornton Advisors unit promoted 31 executives to partner or managing director, while the Grant Thornton LLP unit promoted 25. Grant Thornton Advisors provides tax and advisory services, while Grant Thornton LLP is a certified public accounting firm.
Middlesex County opens revamped Public Health Center in East Brunswick
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services cut the ribbon on the county’s new Public Health Center on Monday, celebrating the relocation of a facility that offers a wide variety of health care services, from children’s health services to cancer education and early detection and more. The facility, which had been located at 596 Jersey Ave. in New Brunswick, has moved to 11 Kennedy Blvd. in East Brunswick, which features more than 11,000 square feet of space, including 14 exam rooms.
Parsippany-based Midea America expanding R&D facility in Kentucky
Midea America, a Parsippany-based innovator of home appliances, is expanding its U.S. research & development facility in Louisville, Kentucky, it announced Monday. The project will grow the facility’s footprint by about 400%, the company said in a news release. “We are thrilled to expand our presence and our U.S. R&D capabilities in Louisville,” John Herrington, president of Midea America, said in a prepared statement.
2 leases signed at Livingston Town Center
Two businesses have signed new leases at Livingston Town Center, according to real estate services firm Azarian Realty Co. Jacqueline Special Occasions and Ship Logistics are headed to the 65,523-square-foot, two-story shopping center in Livingston, with Jacqueline signing for 2,587 square feet on the second floor and Ship signing for an end-cap unit of 612 square feet. The center has 29 tenant spaces ranging from 600 square feet to over 5,000, Azarian said in a news release. Two vacancies remain.
William Paterson gets scholarship grant from Mexican government
William Paterson University has been chosen for a grant from the Mexican government that will provide scholarships to students from Mexico or of Mexican origin, it announced Monday. The award, which will benefit undergraduate and graduate students in 2024, was given by the Consulate of Mexico, at its newly established office in New Brunswick.
Corcentric hires new VP of sales for capital equipment unit
Corcentric, the Cherry Hill-based provider of procurement and finance solutions, announced Monday it has hired Caleb Henley as vice president of sales for Corcentric Capital Equipment Solutions. Henley is an experienced fleet and operations executive who, in his new role, will be responsible for helping fleet companies procure capital assets and analyze fleet operations to optimize ownership costs, the company said in a news release.
Imperial Dade acquires South Florida janitorial and industrial products company
Imperial Dade, the Jersey City-based distributor of food service packaging, industrial products and janitorial supplies, has continued to grow, adding City Maintenance Supply, a South Florida-based distributor of janitorial and industrial products, through a recent acquisition. The transaction represents the 90th acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Chairman Robert Tillis and CEO Jason Tillis. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
PickleRage continues to grow, with plans to open in Moorestown
Red Bank-based PickleRage, an indoor pickleball club franchise, is continuing its expansion in New Jersey, announcing a new location in Moorestown. The new location is located at 1199 Nixon Drive in the East Gate Square Shopping Center, and is slated to open by the end of the year. The shopping center is conveniently located at the intersections of Route 73 and 38 and Interstate 295.
Contract laboratory has completed upgrade projects ahead of upcoming service expansion
CS Analytical Laboratory, a Clifton-based contract laboratory designed and dedicated to container testing for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, has completed a number of facility upgrades in preparation for new and expanded service offerings slated to come online throughout the second half of the year, it announced Wednesday.
TD Bank opens applications for TD Ready Challenge, offering $1M grants
Cherry Hill-based TD Bank has opened the application process for its annual TD Ready Challenge grant program, it announced Wednesday. A total of 10 grants are available, worth $1 million each in either American or Canadian dollars, depending on the organization’s country. TD Bank Group is co-located in Toronto. This year’s proposals should be focused on innovative solutions that support underserved small business owners in developing, launching or growing their businesses, TD said.
Columbia Bank enters Camden market with newest branch
Columbia Bank has expanded into Camden, announcing the grand opening of its newest branch at 1 Market St. in the city. The branch will offer a full suite of consumer and business banking solutions, Columbia Bank said in a news release. “Columbia Bank has historically invested in branches, because we know that communities appreciate a physical presence,” Thomas Kemly, CEO and president of Columbia Bank, said in a prepared statement.
BofA awards $100K grant to Community FoodBank, latest step in its support for fight against food insecurity
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the state’s largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization, has received a $100,000 grant from Bank of America, it announced Wednesday. The grant will provide general operating support for the organization, which aims to end food insecurity in a state where nearly 1 million people are food-insecure, including more than 260,000 children. CFBNJ serves 15 of the state’s 21 counties through food distribution and support services.
NJII cuts ribbon on COMET initiative joint venture with NJIT, DoD
The New Jersey Innovation Institute has cut the ribbon on its COMET initiative, a joint venture between NJII’s Defense Division, New Jersey Institute of Technology and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Zuk elected board president of 180 Turning Lives Around
Christina Zuk has been named president of the board of 180 Turning Lives Around, a Monmouth County agency dedicated to helping survivors and families of domestic violence and sexual assault. Zuk, of Long Branch and a strategic adviser at Princeton Public Affairs Group, has been a member and 2nd vice president of 180’s board of trustees since 2019.
People’s poll: PrimoHoagies tops Subway (and Jersey Mike’s) for best sandwich shop in country
Move over, Subway. Take a seat, Firehouse Subs — and Potbelly with you. PrimoHoagies … take a bow. For the second consecutive year, PrimoHoagies has been voted the No. 1 sandwich shop in the country by USA Today. PrimoHoagies was founded in Philadelphia, but is now based in Westville and has more than three dozen locations in New Jersey. Its founder and CEO, Nicholas Papanier, said the recognition underscores the brand’s commitment to quality and the loyalty of its customers.
Numbers game: Annual biz expo for Hispanic Chamber shows strength, depth of minority businesses in state
There are plenty of fun ways to describe Féria de Negocious, the annual business expo by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey that has long established itself as one of the most important — and certainly the most festive — expo events in the state. Start with the more than 1,000 registrants at the Pines Manor in Edison. Add in the 150 exhibitors. And be sure to note the more than a dozen restaurant and catering services that made sure no one left hungry.
ZRG acquires recruitment firm to bolster presence in asset management
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm based in Rochelle Park, has acquired Jamesbeck, a recruitment firm specializing in senior-level talent for the investment management community. The acquisition helps establish ZRG’s presence in asset management and will support existing private-markets clients by adding a new channel for senior roles at the management level across investments, product and fundraising, ZRG said in a news release.
Monmouth-Ocean Development Council picks new board leaders
The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council in Wall Township recently announced its new president and board members, according to a release from Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon. Thomas Gilmour, founding trustee of the Asbury Park Music Foundation, was inducted as president for a two-year term, replacing Matt Appel of Beacon Wealth Partners, who had concluded his own two-year term.
NJEDA, Rutgers to create program supporting employee ownership plans
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has reached an agreement with the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations to create educational and informational programming to increase the number of New Jersey businesses utilizing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The NJEDA board approved the agreement, which will be funded at $2 million, this week.
Dog boarding and day care company sees record growth
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, a Fanwood-based boarding and dog day care franchise, said it has achieved record growth at midyear, with 16 new licenses sold, a $10 million investment and an increase in year-over-year average unit volume. The company said in a news release that the pet industry’s upward trajectory could lead to a doubling of location openings for the year, compared with 2023.
RWJUH Rahway CEO to retire at year-end after 30 years in charge
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway CEO and President Kirk Tice is retiring at the end of the year, he announced Thursday. The executive has spent 46 years with the RWJBarnabas Health facility, including the past 30 as CEO and president. His retirement is effective Dec. 31.
N.J. labor market, unemployment rate hold steady in June
The New Jersey labor market was steady in June, as total employment dipped a mere 1,200 jobs from May, to a seasonally adjusted total of 4.388 million jobs. The unemployment rate also held steady, at 4.6%. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job gain in May from April was adjusted downward, to 12,300 from the estimated 16,500. The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the estimate.
Kolluri to step down as head of Gateway Tunnel project
Kris Kolluri, the CEO of the Gateway Development Commission and the leader given so much of the credit for getting the project fully funded — and doing so while bringing together numerous leaders (and agendas) from two states and the federal government — announced Thursday that he will resign from his post, effective Aug. 16. In a letter to Vice Chair Tony Coscia and co-Chairs Balpreet Grewal-Virk and Alicia Glen, Kolluri said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the group.
US Foods helping military families dealing with food insecurity
US Foods is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting hunger relief for military families. A lot of money. The nationwide food distribution company has donated $250,000 to the Military Family Advisory Network as the first step in partnership between the two organizations. MFAN is a nonprofit that uses its network to connect military families with resources they need. For many military families, food insecurity is a top-of-mind concern.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Eric
Contact Eric, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack