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The Edge for October 2018

An Exclusive Article for NJ ChamberEdge
Edge October 18

What does it take for a company to be great? We posed that question to New Jersey business executives, and there is one thing they all said: Great companies have great employees. Further, they said successful companies have the ability to challenge the status quo, adapt to customers’ changing needs and change course on the fly when a strategy is not working. Here is what the executives said:
 

 

Dennis WilsonDemonstrate ‘Professional Athleticism’

Successful companies invest in employees that demonstrate professional athleticism - the ability to stretch, grow, and challenge the status quo. Diversity of thought and experience is the foundation for a flourishing organization. Secondly, successful companies avoid becoming complacent. Just because a strategy has worked in the past, does not mean it will continue to do so. Successful companies challenge their own way of thinking, and put their convictions and those of the team’s to the test year over year to stay ahead of the competition.

– Dennis G. Wilson, President & CEO, Delta Dental of New Jersey & Connecticut

 

Ralph ThomasEmpower Employees

Highly effective companies encourage teamwork and create a culture in which team members rely on each other while working towards a common business objective. It becomes even more rewarding when it’s a diverse team in place, with everyone bringing ideas to the forefront. When employees feel “empowered” they extend beyond their reach. They do the extra hard work to get something accomplished. New and seasoned staff alike need to feel “part of the fabric.” It’s important to include everyone in achieving a company’s goals as well as acknowledge significant contributions.

– Ralph Albert Thomas, CEO and Executive Director, NJCPA

 

Gary HoranBe Vigilant When Hiring

Successful companies bring on people who innovate, empathize and take responsibility. These traits are very difficult – if not impossible - to teach, therefore you must make sure that you start at the beginning, with the hiring process. In healthcare, the people we value most are those who can combine professionalism with compassion. If you know your trade well, and you have a heart, then you will have what it takes to succeed. You simply cannot be overqualified in these areas. I think those who elect to work in the non-profit arena are naturally drawn to it by their sense of compassion. But you still must be vigilant during the hiring process in order to ensure you select the best possible candidate.

– Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & CEO, Trinitas Regional Medical Center

 

Christine OBrienHave a Plan, Then be Flexible

One of the things successful companies have in common is implementing a strategic plan, creating opportunities to implement it and providing the resources to see it through, while still realizing that you have to be flexible within that plan. Regardless of their level, people at the company must possess the ability to listen and to communicate. Effective communications will result in the expectations of engaged parties being met. Goals are not always met. Sometimes you move the yard marker down the field. Sometimes you stay stationary.

– Christine O’Brien, President, Insurance Council of New Jersey

 

Nick MalefytStay Client-Centric

Top companies keep their eye on the customer. They stay client-centric. They listen to their customers and adapt to their changing needs. After all, without a buyer what is there to sell? Further, top companies know how to retain and reward good employees while keeping them committed and motivated.

– Nick Malefyt, Director, Lorelei Staffing

 

Responses for this article were edited for space and clarity.

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Newsmakers

As Jennifer Shimek transitions to a new leadership role at KPMG LLP, the company announced Jeffrey Knight has succeeded her as office managing partner in Short Hills.


Ernst & Young LLP appointed Eduardo Villa to serve as the Iselin office managing partner. In his new role, Villa oversees more than 1,200 EY professionals. Villa has been with EY for more than 22 years and has served as the New Jersey Tax Market Leader since 2019.


EisnerAmper has appointed David Frigeri to serve as partner and chief artificial intelligence officer. Frigeri will work with leadership to integrate AI, machine learning, and automation into EisnerAmper’s services to enhance client value and operational efficiency.


Fortune magazine named Merck, Hackensack Meridian Health and Atlantic Health System among the country’s 100 best companies to work for in its latest such list, released April 2. The 100 Best Companies to Work For list honors businesses that build a high-trust workplace environment, and is based on employee surveys.


Public Service Electric & Gas was recognized by J.D. Power as the top utility for residential customer satisfaction in both the electric and gas customer service categories in the East Large Segment for 2024. This achievement marks the second time PSE&G has earned this prestigious dual recognition for its residential customer satisfaction.


Prudential Financial has expanded the role of Caroline Feeney, appointing her as CEO of Global Retirement and Insurance Businesses, a newly created position that will oversee the company’s domestic and international retirement and insurance operations.


Former NJ Transit General Counsel Brian Wilton is joining the national bipartisan government affairs practice of Newark-based McCarter & English LLP.


Kenvue Inc., the maker of well-known brands like Neutrogena, Listerine, Aveeno and Tylenol, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 19 for its new, 290,000-square-foot global headquarters in Summit. The company has officially moved its headquarters from Skillman.


South Jersey Industries has donated $46,000 to the Southern New Jersey Chapter of the American Red Cross. The gift includes $23,000 in pledges from SJI employees as part of the company’s annual giving campaign, matched dollar-for-dollar by SJI. In total, this year’s campaign raised $350,000 for various organizations – a new record for the company.


Rowan University’s Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua opened March 29. It features towering dinosaur models, interactive exhibits, and a quarry where visitors can dig for fossils.


Thomas Edison State University has appointed Dr. Henry Collier as the new dean of its School of Science and Technology, effective April 7. Collier, a cybersecurity and artificial intelligence expert with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, will lead the school’s efforts to expand its programs and prepare students for careers in emerging technologies.


Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, part of RWJBarnabas Health, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School recently received a $2.4 million grant to develop technology to better manage patients presenting with heart attacks.


RWJBarnabas Health celebrated the grand opening of its largest academic ambulatory outpatient facility, a 15-story ambulatory medical pavilion on the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital campus in New Brunswick.


CentraState Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, unveiled the Hersh Pediatric Center at CentraState, a facility that combines advanced pediatric emergency and inpatient services in one family-friendly location.


Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care team members at Cooper University Hospital in Camden were excited to announce they surpassed 1,000 cardiac surgeries in 2024, the highest number in South Jersey, and third highest in the state


The New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board approved the creation of the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program and entered into Memorandums of Understanding with Montclair State University and Brookdale Community College to expand film and digital media workforce development initiatives.


Merck has signed a licensing agreement for a heart disease drug with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals worth up to $2 billion. Merck will get exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and sell Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals’ experimental oral heart disease drug, HRS-5346, worldwide, except in the China region.


Jefferson Health in New Jersey announced its newly elected medical staff officers, who will serve two-year terms. Dr. Gopika Banker was named medical staff president; Dr. Gerardo Varallo was named medical staff vice president; and Dr. Siddharth Bhimani was named medical staff treasurer.