Crunching Numbers
46.3%
The percentage of New Jersey hospitals that received an A rating, placing the state fifth in a nationwide assessment by Phillips Law Firm that analyzed hospitals’ recent safety grades.
$50 million
How much Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort is spending on upgrades this summer as part of an overall $270 million transformation project that began in 2018.
20th
Where New Jersey ranked nationally in new-job creation for 2024, according to recently released numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The ranking reflects nearly 46,000 new jobs, or a 1.1% increase.
Nos. 8 & 9
Where Gloucester and Burlington counties are ranked, respectively, on a recent SmartAsset study reflecting the state’s top-10 places with residents’ greatest purchasing power. That number measures the cost of living versus income to arrive at each county’s affordability.
228
How many new vehicles will replace the outdated 40-foot transit buses NJ TRANSIT currently uses, per its board of directors’ approval last month to purchase 208 60-foot articulated buses and 20 battery electric buses.
5.9%
The increase in New Jersey students earning associate degrees during the 2023-’24 academic year, according to data released late last month by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center—well above national statistics reflecting a 0.9% decline.
Fifth
The Garden State’s rank in a nationwide WalletHub study that examined the best states for supporting their remote workforce.
237th
How Stockton University ranks in The Wall Street Journal’s recently released list of the country’s top 500 public and private colleges and universities, making it the highest-ranked college in South Jersey.
Breakdown
A loan program designed to meet the ever-changing needs of New Jersey businesses got the green light last month.
What Happened: On April 21, the board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) approved a new $30 million initiative, the New Jersey Loan Expansion and Network Development (NJ LEND) pilot program.
What It Means: NJ LEND offers loans up to $5 million, or more than double what’s offered through the authority’s previous loans. The program is modeled after NJEDA’s Premier Lender and Direct Loan programs, but offers higher lending limits to small businesses that don’t exceed 750 employees, fixed-asset loans up to $5 million for purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied commercial real estate or new equipment, and up to $1 million in working capital loans.
What’s Next: The program’s primary goal is driving economic activity through job creation, and all businesses that receive NJ LEND funding are required to create and/or retain one full-time job for every $65,000 in NJEDA loan exposure, fostering individual business growth and strengthening statewide workforce development. Email businessbanking@njeda.gov to apply.
On the Move
Last month, The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey announced two key staff members’ promotions: Effective immediately, Heather Sanderson is now assistant vice president and Stefanie Sutton is director of special events.
Renée Stone Cacopardo has recently joined the business development team at National Integrity Title Agency.
It was announced late last month that Dr. Kaitlan Baston—previously of Cooper University Health Care and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University before being appointed as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health—will serve as University Hospital’s interim CEO, effective May 3. Deputy Commissioner for Health Systems at the New Jersey Department of Health Jeff Brown will serve as acting health commissioner.
After 15 years of service, Fred Keating will step down as Rowan College of South Jersey’s president, effective June 30. Keating, the longest-serving president in the college’s 59-year history, will take on a new leadership position at Rowan University this July.
Conner Strong & Buckelew has announced several recent moves. Brad Barron has been promoted to the role of general counsel for the insurance agency; Shea Cavanaugh has been named vice president, production development; Dr. Lovedeep Saini has been named chief analytics officer; and Dr. Simon Leung has been named vice president, head of pharmacy.
Duly Noted
Inspira Health has announced several new leadership members and appointees to both its network and hospital boards of trustees. Board appointees are: Dawn Flitcraft of Monroeville, chair of the Inspira Health Network Board; Jeff George of Mullica Hill, vice chair of the network board and chair of the Inspira Hospital Board; Toni Pergolin of Cherry Hill, secretary of the network board; and Karen Albanese of Westampton, treasurer of the network board.
The network board also welcomed four new trustees: Lovepreet Buttar, Mark Cartella, Brent “Bubba” Schomber and Melissa Smith.
The Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s April 28 Voice of Business Awards reception recognized a number of local individuals and businesses for their positive impact on the regional business landscape. The honorees and their corresponding awards are: Dave Roberts of radius180, Voice of Business Award; Ashleigh Wilson of CLM Advisors, Chairman’s Award of Excellence; Nothing Bundt Cakes Marlton, New Voice; Kings Road Brewing Company, Outstanding Main Street Business; Allison Coulter and Janeen Hovanian of Thyme Travelers Conservatory, Economic Development; Burlington County administrator Eve Cullinan, Public Voice; YMCA of the Pines, Community Enrichment; Francesca Bilyard of Diamonds & Drillbits, Personal Excellence (25 or Fewer Employees); Bridget Wiese of Fulton Bank, Personal Excellence (26+ Employees); Sandra Sciacca of Sciacca’s Upholstery & Design Center, Outstanding Female Leader in Business; Casey Creagh of Legacy Treatment Services, Outstanding Young Professional; Aspire Youth Development, Business Excellence (25 or Fewer Employees); and Fulton Bank, Business Excellence (101+ Employees).
Cooper University Health Care has proudly announced that Ian Griffiths, RN, BSN, a dedicated clinical nurse manager on a medical-surgical floor at Cooper University Hospital, has been named the 2025 Vizient/AACN Nurse Resident of the Year. This prestigious national award honors Griffiths' exceptional leadership, commitment to patient care and outstanding contributions to the nursing profession.
