The Edge for June 2021
Some New Jersey companies are encouraging their employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19. We asked N.J. Chamber members to talk about what their organizations are doing. Here is what they said:
Leadership Was Vaccinated First to Encourage Others
The core leadership of our ministry was vaccinated first to encourage the 27,000 members, as well as the surrounding community. This was followed by aggressive invitations through social media, public service announcements and radio coverage to be tested and vaccinated at our site. Thousands responded. As we prepare for the future, we continue to maintain precautions even though restrictive suggestions by the government have been modified.
– Bishop David G. Evans, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church
We Are Providing Employees the Time They Need to Get Vaccinated
The business community must work to instill confidence in workers and customers that it is safe to once again visit stores, offices, restaurants and other places of commerce. It is incumbent on businesses to do their part by reminding employees what the medical data clearly show — that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. At the New Jersey Chamber, we are encouraging employees to get vaccinated and we are providing them the time they need to get themselves and their families vaccinated. The faster we approach community protection, aka herd immunity, the sooner our economy shifts into high gear.
– Tom Bracken, President and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
As Healthcare Workers, We Have an Obligation to Protects Patients
As healthcare workers and as team members committed to providing a culture of safety, we have an obligation to do all we can to protect our patients and the communities we serve. As a healthcare leader in the state, we must set the precedent to always provide the safest environment and protect the residents of New Jersey.
– Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, in a statement on RWJBarnabas Health’s website announcing it is mandating COVID-19 vaccination for all team members at the supervisory level and above, with the anticipation that it will eventually be required for all staff.
Bristol Myers Squibb announced appointment of Cari Gallman to serve as executive vice president, general counsel and chief policy officer. She succeeds Sandra "Sandy" Leung, who is retiring after a 33-year career at the company. Gallman has held leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb for 10 years, most recently serving as executive vice president, corporate affairs.
Kevin R. Gibala, senior vice president and regional vice president at TD Bank, will become chair of the Inspira Health Foundation Board of Trustees after serving as vice chair in 2024, Inspira Health announced.