New Providence Business Community Provides Student Scholarships

The New Providence Business Community is proud to announce that they are funding $3,000 in scholarships for two 2012 New Providence High School graduating seniors.

The scholarships will be awarded as one $1,500 scholarship for each student in need (one male and one female) who has an interest in business and shows entrepreneurial spirit.  The high school will select the recipients who best meet the qualifying criteria.  Students must apply for the scholarships through the high school.

“We are particularly pleased to be able to provide these educational scholarships to deserving students,” said Jimmy Vardas, New Providence Business Community spokesman.  “The business community is always looking for meaningful ways to give back to New Providence, and this scholarship program is a great way to do that.  We want local kids to know that we are proud of their accomplishments.  In many cases, we have watched them grow up.”

“Because of the great relationship that exists between the residents of New Providenceand the business community, we are able to fund these scholarships,” according to Michelle Brugger, New Providence Business Community spokeswoman.  “The more people shop inNew Providence, the more resources we have to funnel back into the town.  This is one way for us to say thank you to the families and kids who support us.”

The scholarships will be presented during the June 7 awards ceremony at New ProvidenceHigh School.

Jimmy Vardas is the owner of Prestige Diner in New Providence.  Michelle Brugger is owner of Martial Arts for Life in New Providence.  For more information about the New Providence Business Community and the scholarships, go to www.NPBPA.org

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Assemblyman Bramnick Joins NPBPA “Meet & Greet” at Prestige Diner

NEW PROVIDENCE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS HOST MEET & GREET WITH ASSEMBLYMAN BRAMNICK

Bramnick to meet with constituents at Prestige Diner in New Providence on Tuesday

Bramnick 04-17-2012 Meet & GreetAssembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick will join New Providence business owners at the Prestige Diner on April 17 to help promote the shops and restaurants in downtown New Providence.

“We are very pleased that Assemblyman Bramnick is helping to promote economic development in New Providence,” said Prestige Diner owner Jimmy Vardas. “It means a great deal to us that our local representatives understand the importance of helping small businesses succeed and the positive impact that a thriving business district makes in a town like New Providence.”

All local business owners and members of the public are invited to meet Bramnick, who serves as the Assembly Minority Leader in the State Legislature. Assemblyman Bramnick represents 16 towns in Union, Morris and Somerset counties, including New Providence.

  • WHAT: New Providence “Meet and Greet” with Assemblyman Jon Bramnick
  • WHEN: Tuesday, April 17, 9-10 AM
  • WHERE: Prestige Diner, 1318 Springfield Ave, New Providence

 

Team Martial Arts for Life of New Providence to Participate in the Second Annual Share NJ 5K

by TheAlternativePress.com Read full article
Monday, April 2, 2012 • 6:00am

 

MartialArtsForLifeNEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – On Sunday, June 10, the New Providence Business and Professional Association will host the second annual Share NJ 5K Walk/Run, a 5K Race to Save Lives Through Organ and Tissue Donation.

Registration for the event will start at 7:30 a.m. at the NJ Sharing Network Headquarters, 691 Central Avenue in New Providence. The race will begin at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the event will be used to support the NJ Sharing Network Foundation and their programs designed to increase organ and tissue donation through education and awareness. Nationwide, over 110,000 people are waiting for their second chance. One donor can save the lives of up to 8 people and restore health for over 50 others.

Michelle Brugger, President of the New Providence Business and Professional Association and owner of Martial Arts for Life in downtown New Providence, has put together a team of her students, family, and friends to help support the Second Annual NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Race. Brugger said her team is looking to recruit more members and increase support from the local community.

Last year, more than 4,000 runners and walkers and over 200 teams participated in the inaugural event that raised more than $450,000 for the Sharing Network. The teams were composed of different volunteers, people who received transplants, families of donors, college and high school groups, and hospital partners. These groups came together to honor those who gave, honor those who have received, and provide hope for those who continue to wait. The goal is to make 2012 even bigger.

“As the President of the NP BPA, the host of the event, I wanted to get involved in the only way I know how: getting out there, putting my shoes to the pavement and running, and why do it alone?” Brugger said. “I decided to recruit my students to come out and support the cause with me. So far we have an awesome team and some serious support of the Sharing Network. It’s great to see people step up and help out. This is an amazing cause and it’s great to know that we’re giving people the opportunity to have a second chance at life.”

Brugger asks the community to consider supporting her team in this event by making a financial contribution or joining the Martial Arts for Life team. Anyone interested in supporting Team Martial Arts for Life by becoming part of their team or making a donation, please visit their team site by clicking here. People of all ages are welcome to come out and run. Donations are also welcome. Please make checks payable to NJ Sharing Network Foundation, and mail it to Martial Arts for Life, 1260 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974.

2012 New Providence 5K Race

This year’s 5K Race is scheduled for Sunday, June 10

Dear NPBPA Members:

As many of you already know, this year’s 5K Race is scheduled for Sunday, June 10th at the Sharing Network Headquarters on Central Avenue.  Last year was a huge success, as more than 4,000 runners/walkers participated in this event, which is hosted by the NPBPA.

As a special fundraiser, we are offering the opportunity to NPBPA Members to advertise their business by either purchasing a Race Marker, or by setting up a table at the event, under the NPBPA tent or both.

To advertise your business in the community – and be seen by more than 5,000 people, please download the registration form and mail it to the NPBPA with your check as instructed on the form.

If you would like to volunteer, or have any questions about the event or about advertising, please contact me directly.

Thank you for your support!!!

Sincerely,
Peter E. Rovtar
President of The Lantern Agency Insurance & 5K Race Chairman for the NPBPA
908-464-5100

Important to all members:

Even if you do not wish to purchase a marker or table, please come out the day of the race
to show your support of this NPBPA event!

More about the 5K Race  |  More about sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorships & Community-Involvement Opportunities

Looking to get more involved in our community?

And perhaps a way to get some real PR for your business?

Well – we have added new resources to our website that you, as a New Providence business, and an NPBPA member, may like to take advantage of!  Check out our Sponsorships page for initial ideas that can help you get started.

Initially, we have highlighted ideas for greater involvement in NPBPA events, and information about participating in the Borough’s great Recreation sports program sponsorships.  We will be adding more details, so be sure to visit back soon for more information.

Visit our Sponsorships page in the Business Resources section of our website, or email us for more details.

We look forward to seeing YOUR business name around town!

Lassus Wherley’s Deborah J. Rivosa Honored by NJBIZ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Diahann Lassus; Lassus Wherley
908-464-0102

NJBIZ Honors Deborah J. Rivosa as One of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business

New Providence, NJ (February, 2012) – Deborah J. Rivosa, CFP®, CFA, Director of Business Development and Chief Compliance Officer of Lassus Wherley, was recently named one of New Jersey’s 2012 Best 50 Women in Business.

The Best 50 Women in Business awards program honors New Jersey’s most dynamic women in business that have been making headlines in their fields. To qualify, a nominee had to meet selection criteria that included living or working in New Jersey and holding significant authority for decision making in a for-profit company. An independent panel of judges selected the top 50 winners based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women.

“We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to recognize this outstanding group of women,” said Thomas Curtin, publisher of NJBIZ. “As business and community leaders, they are constantly redefining success within and outside the business arena. On behalf of NJBIZ, we would like to thank and congratulate these fifty outstanding women for their dedication to New Jersey’s future.”

NJBIZ and the program sponsors will honor this year’s winners during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at The Palace at Somerset in Somerset, New Jersey. The honorees will also be highlighted in a special supplement to NJBIZ on April 2, 2012.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.njbiz.com/events or contact Sarah Spangler at sspangler@njbiz.com or by phone at (732) 246-5713.

Lassus Wherley was founded in 1985 by Diahann W. Lassus, CFP®, CPA/PFS and Clare E. Wherley, CPA, CFP®. We have two offices to serve our clients, one in New Providence, NJ, and the other in Bonita Springs, FL. Lassus Wherley is a Fee-Only wealth management firm with expertise in financial planning, investment management, tax preparation, trust services, and family office support. We work with individuals, couples, families, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and other business entities. Using a team approach that we have developed over more than 25 years, we have helped hundreds of clients build secure financial futures and achieve peace of mind. Lassus Wherley is a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement of Fee-Only comprehensive financial planning. The Lassus Wherley web site is www.lassuswherley.com.

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Save the date: Independence Day Fireworks

Save the date!

The 2012 Independence Day fireworks, made possible by your New Providence business community, will be held on Tuesday, July 3rd.

More details to come…

General Meeting – State of the Borough

 

Where:
Creative Wallcoverings and Interiors
560 Central Avenue
New Providence, NJ 07974

Our traditional first meeting of the year will feature a “State of the Borough” message from Mayor J. Brooke Hern. We are sure he will focus on much of what is going on in the business community ranging from the implementation of the new liquor laws, to the economic development committee that was recently formed to the statewide issues that will effect us in business in New Providence.

In addition many of our committee chairs have updates on what is planned for 2012. One of the most important is the update of our website and your listing on the directory. Please see the section below for instructions.

I look forward to seeing everyone on January 26th.

Michelle Brugger
NP BPA President

Sponsored by:

Creative Wallcoverings and Interiors

CWI

560 Central Avenue  |  New Providence, NJ 07974  |  908-665-7997

 

Thinking local…really matters

 

by Jim Madden on TheAlternativePress.com (read full article)

I’m continually amazed by the commitment and contributions that our local businesses make within our community each year. Whether it is fulfilling the endless requests for gift certificates and merchandise which become the center pieces of fundraising efforts, to providing our downtown with curb appeal and amenities, to the sponsorship of our annual fireworks, street fairs, and summer concerts, our local businesses continue to reinvest in New Providence. But as consumers we may have short memories when it comes to holding up our end of the bargain.

As consumers we tend to be between impulsive and calculated in terms of the value spectrum, while also weighing convenience within our shopping experience. In calculating value, we look at quality, service, price, and proximity from our homes among the primary variables. But shouldn’t the calculation of value also include the relationship you have with the proprietor or store manager and the level of service we receive as part of doing business? More importantly, shouldn’t we weigh the impact that the business has on the community in which we live? The simply answer is “yes”.

Several years ago, my family sat down and discussed why the fireworks had been canceled. It was at that time, that our kids learned the valuable lesson of how towns manage budgets and prioritization of expenses the hard way. However, they were later thrilled that a local business stepped in and made sure that an annual tradition would not become a casualty of the municipal budget. Shortly thereafter, we moved all of our banking to Investors Bank, and it’s been one of the smartest decisions we ever made. Not just because it provided us with a way to say “thank you”, but because it’s resulted in the best banking experience we’ve ever had. Saving our fireworks put Investors Bank on our radar; but it is the personalized service we receive with every transaction which will make us customers for life.

There are countless examples in which personalized service has taken more of a front seat within our buying criteria. We find value in the relationships we have when we walk into Adams Madam, or Ferdinand Jewelers, that Joe, Bill and Christine know our size or style as soon as we walk in the door. When we walk into McGrath’s we know Scott will provide sound advice, a solution, and level of effort that reminds us how wonderful a buying experience can be. Carl at Colonial Appliance always treats us as a person and not as a mere customer number. To me, you can’t put a price on that.

The same can be said when you walk into the Prestige Diner and without fail, Jimmy or Harry will greet you at the door or stop by your booth and say hello. Over at Coppola’s, Sal and Franco are gracious and attentive whether it’s take-out or sit down. Jimmy Barth will ask you how that New York Strip was that you grilled the other day from his store. These are all great examples of local merchants who relate to us because they’ve taken the time to get to know us. They provide great service while also providing great value to our community.

With holiday shopping in full swing, it reminds us of the many choices we have as consumers which at times seems endless. From shopping malls, to outlet centers, to major retailers and regional franchises, not to mention all that cyberspace has spammed our inboxes with. Finding a place to do business isn’t necessarily the challenge, it’s choosing the “right” businesses which perhaps we need to focus upon.

As consumers we’ve been deluged and brainwashed to some degree. With all that the internet and the hustle and bustle that floods the malls, we’ve all been seduced and reduced to mere shopping transactions. But we have the choice of where and with whom we spend our hard earned money….don’t lose sight of that. While getting the “best price” seems to have become the name of the game, it certainly isn’t the only game “in town”.

We need to see the bigger picture. New Providence needs our local businesses to thrive; not just survive. We must have a thriving downtown business district to maintain occupancy rates, which maintain our tax revenues and reduces the number of potential tax appeals each year. When our existing businesses thrive, it attracts more of the kinds of new businesses which we would like to see come to New Providence; to help make it a business destination.

During this holiday season where gift giving seems to be at the center of everyone’s mind, I would like to impress upon you to think about the “gifts” of value that you receive from our local merchants as you think about the gifts you need to buy, and compel you to shop within and buy from our over 70 local businesses and professionals within New Providence.

Receiving personalized service, great value, and providing a positive impact on our local economy is all part of the value proposition to a consumer. Keeping your business with and buying from local merchants is a smart move which in the long run will provide us with a thriving local economy which will fuel the economic growth we need to sustain and grow New Providence to become a business destination.

Remember…thinking local…really does matter.

The downtown of New Providence is alive and open for business.

NP Business Community Sponsors Holiday Party to Thank Borough Employees and Volunteers for Their Service to the Community

New Providence Business Community Sponsors Holiday Party to Thank Borough Employees and Volunteers for Their Service to the Community

by Michael Shapiro on The Alternative Press (read full article)

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – New Providence business leaders, borough employees and volunteers came together on Thursday night at the New Providence Senior Center to celebrate the holidays and to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication on the part of the Borough’s employees and volunteers during this year.

Prestige Diner, Prudential New Jersey Properties, NJ Sharing Network, Lassus Wherley, Major Consulting, Birdsall Consutling, and Kapuscinski Luongo Architects were the primary sponsors of the holiday celebration, in conjunction with the New Providence Business & Professional Association (NPBPA).

Norm Sobin, owner of Cartridge World in New Providence, said, “It’s better than ever. This is the fourth holiday party I’ve been to and they really do a bang up job. The Borough employees really deserve this. As the sign to the entrance of the Senior Center says today, ‘thank you for all you do.’”

Michele Stivalo of Elefante Music and School for the Performing Arts told TheAlternativePress.com, “It’s really nice to be here tonight to celebrate the holidays with the Borough employees and volunteers. Stephani Healey and I both live in New Providence and work in New Providence so we especially appreciate what these people do for the community.”

Mayor Brooke Hern and the members of the Borough Council were on hand to show their appreciation to the Borough’s employees and volunteers. Hern spoke movingly about the September 10th dedication of the 9/11 memorial at Centennial Park and told the event’s attendees, “It happened against great odds. Not only did our town employees step up to get it done…they gave effort above and beyond the call of duty. They put so much commitment into getting it done…and members of the community…gave of their time to make it possible even through difficult times.” He added, “It really showed how special New Providence is.”

New Providence Borough Administrator summed up the evening, telling TheAlternativePress.com, “This is a wonderful opportunity to express our appreciation to all of our employees and the wonderful volunteers that make New Providence a special place to live and work. We are so appreciative of the partnership we have with the New Providence Business & Professional Association, which helped make tonight’s event a reality.”

Did You Know…?

Summit & Berkeley Heights were once part of NP?

Yes – New Providence originally included present-day towns, Summit and Berkeley Heights! Find out more about New Providence history through the New Providence Historical Society at http://www.daddezio.com/society/locals/nphs.html.

Become a Member

Help support your community and fellow business owners by becoming a proud member of the NPBPA.

Member Highlights

This year's Farmers Market, sponsored by the NPBPA, opened on June 16th and runs every Wednesday from 1 to 6pm, rain or shine, until October 27th in the front parking lot of the New Providence Municipal Center on the corner of Academy Street and Elkwood Avenue.

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