The Alternative Press

SUMMIT, NJ – The Suburban Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding business and community leaders at its Second Annual Service Awards Dinner on Thursday night at the Grand Summit Hotel.  Entitled, “Tying the Communities Together,” the event brought together community leaders in all three towns served by the Suburban Chamber – Summit, New Providence, and Berkeley Heights.  Noted guests in attendance included Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson, former New Providence Mayor Al Morgan, Westfield Mayor Andy Skibitsky, former Summit Councilman Stephen Murphy, and New Providence Councilman Armand Galluccio.

Chair of the Chamber, John Rosellini of Overlook Medical Center, said, “The Chamber is proud to be a vibrant member of the three communities we serve.  One way the Chamber gives back to our communities is by honoring the organizations and businesses that serve our communities so well.” 

The Summit Area YMCA received the Public Service Organization award, which was presented by John Blasi, partner at Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook and Cooper.  The award is to recognize an organization which has consistently performed services within our communities and has achieved or carried out one or more outstanding events or projects during the previous year.  Accepting the award on behalf of the YMCA were Darrell Johnson, CEO, and Donna Miller, Chair of the YMCA’s Board of Trustees.

Beth Welsh of Bassett Associates presented the Public Service Award to Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.  The award recognizes an outstanding well-rounded citizen who lives or works in our communities and has demonstrated exemplary services by way of volunteerism and community involvement.  Bramnick said, “I was almost floored.  I’m used to giving resolutions and complimenting people.”  He continued, “The Chamber of Commerce is the backbone of our community.  There’s a reason why Chambers have continued to exist over many, many years – they serve an important purpose.”  Bramnick concluded, “My job as a State Assemblyman is to recognize and work for you.  I’m truly honored by this award.”  Former New Providence Mayor Al Morgan told TheAlternativePress.com, “I’m especially here to honor Assemblyman Bramnick.  He has been extremely helpful to the Borough of New Providence, along with the entire state legislative team.”

Mort O’Shea, President of Hilltop Community Bank, introduced Investors Bank and Kevin Cummings, President of Investors Bank, as the Business of the Year, an award that recognizes a business or business people who has operated a respected business in our communities for at least 5 years.  The business should be recognized for outstanding practices, products and/or services.  Involvement in the community is looked upon favorably.  Cummings, who joined the bank nine years ago, said that the 4 Cs guide Investors Bank:  character, commitment, cooperation, and community, and that the Bank is based on serving others.  “We aim to be leaders who serve, not self-serving leaders,” Cummings said.  Cummings told TheAlternativePress.com, “It’s a real honor for the Bank to receive this award because it shows we are living one of our core values of serving the community, trying to do what’s right for our customers, our employees, and the community we serve.”

McGrath’s Hardware in New Providence received the Beautification Award, which recognizes a person, business, property owner, or organization which has made significant improvements to a site that enhance the appearance and general look of the property and our community.

John Rosellini recognized former Summit Mayor Jordan Glatt with the President’s Award, which is given as a special recognition by the Chairman of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce to a person, business or organization that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in providing services to its surrounding communities.  Mayor Glatt told TheAlternativePress.com, “I’m really honored.  Kind of surprised actually.  I had a great experience as Mayor but to be thanked for something you love doing is terrific!”

Karen Olson of Family Promise was presented with the Silver Service Award by Kassandra Romas of Bouras Properties.  The award recognizes a private citizen or public servant who has served at least 25 years in multiple volunteer organizations and/or on community boards or committees and has demonstrated a long time dedication and devotion to the community.  Family Promise is a national interfaith nonprofit organization started in Union County and committed to helping homeless families nationwide achieve lasting independence.

Kelly Pantone, a Board member of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the Director of Marketing and Membership at Basking Ridge Country Club, told TheAlternativePress.com, "As an area resident (Berkeley Heights) it is with a tremendous sense of pride that our family has had the privilege of raising our children in an area surrounded by communities comprised of such an exemplary blend of caring residents, non-profits, and businesses, who all share such a unique vision for making a difference. Congratulations to all the honorees tonight, I am honored to share in this evening!"