South Jersey | Capital Analytics Associates

Invest: South Jersey’s first digital launch conference highlighted the region’s resilient and innovative business community

By: Beatrice Silva

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2020

South Jersey’s economic resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges, innovation and adaptation highlighted the launch of Invest: South Jersey 2020.

CHERRY HILL, NJ—In this time of uncertainty, it has never been more important to demonstrate the strength and overall resilience of the local community and economy. On Thursday, integrated media platform Capital Analytics provided an opportunity to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the region as it launched its annual analysis, Invest: South Jersey 2020, with a virtual business conference held via Zoom Webinar.

Known for its affordability, highly educated workforce, and reputation as a major banking hub, South Jersey is poised for continued growth and economic diversification even in the midst of current coronavirus-related challenges and uncertainty. Invest: South Jersey dives into the top economic sectors in the county, including real estate, construction, utilities and infrastructure, transportation and aviation, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education and arts, culture and tourism.

Like other parts of the nation, South Jersey has felt the economic constriction and health challenges created by the pandemic. But, it has also experienced notable job expansion and continued work on capital projects, Louis Cappelli, Director of the Camden County Board of Freeholders, told the virtual audience in his closing keynote address. The pandemic has also allowed city and business leaders to collaborate on addressing recovery efforts and creating solutions for the socio-economic challenges highlighted by the pandemic. “I hope the panel discussions have helped you discover new and exciting ways to think about the future of your business and our shared local economy. When I sat down with Invest: South Jersey for an interview in 2019, we didn’t discuss pandemics or viral outbreaks. No one had ever heard of COVID-19 and the idea of a nationwide economic shutdown would have seemed impossible. This year has looked a lot different than anyone could have ever imagined. But even during this challenging time, I’m frequently reminded that this pandemic will end and when it does the fundamentals that made South Jersey so hospitable to new and existing enterprises will remain intact. From the fast diversity in land and real estate throughout our region to our strategic location near Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., South Jersey remains the place to be a place for growth, expansion and innovation,” said Cappelli.

“South Jersey was an important expansion for us because it is a unique and dynamic area that functions with the greater Philadelphia region. Our South Jersey expansion showcases how metro areas are more than just cities but rather a diverse ecosystem made up of many companies, locations and environments. Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital,” said Abby Melone, president and CEO of Capital Analytics.

The panels addressed the current economic climate as well as prevailing themes dominating the South Jersey metro area’s economy: education and business growth in the time of a pandemic and the future of development in South Jersey. Southern New Jersey Development Council President Marlene Asselta kicked off the virtual conference as the moderator for “Innovation and adaptation: What this could mean for education post-pandemic,” which featured insights from Rowan College of South Jersey President Frederick Keating, Rutgers School of Business at Camden Dean Monica Adya and Atlantic Cape Community College President Barbara Gaba.

“Public-private education partnerships are critical at this time. Particularly because of what we are going to see in the next few years. We will be impacted by demographic trends in the following years to come. Educational institutions need to start thinking about how we are going to partner together. These partnerships with our communities, business leaders and public institutions will play an important role in our mission to impact the region,” said Moncia Adya, Dean of Rutgers School of Business at Camden.

The second panel, “Best practices to promote sustainable business growth in a post-pandemic landscape,” was moderated by Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey President and CEO Christina Renna, and featured Fox, Penberthy & Dehn at Morgan Stanley Senior Vice President and Executive Director Al Fox, OceanFirst Bank Southern Region President Vincent D’Alessandro, TD Bank Market President of South Jersey Robert Curley and Alloy Silverstein Managing Shareholder Reynold Cicalese.

“We’ve returned to the office at a very limited capacity but what we found was that there was an increased amount of productivity and an increased level of communication. I’ve been told for years that you can’t waste a good crisis so it necessarily became the mother of creativity. During this time we were able to figure out the depths of our team and the depths of our clients,” said Fox.

Almost 400 high-level guests and officials from South Jersey’s key industries and economic institutions tuned into the event via Zoom Webinar. For those who missed the event or would like to revisit some of the highlights from the day, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Muf9YEiBX5Q

About Capital Analytics:

Capital Analytics produces in-depth business intelligence with a focus on providing comprehensive investment knowledge on markets within the United States for the domestic and global business community. Over a seven-month research period, it meets with more than 200 top political, commercial and industry leaders to deliver targeted information, in-depth analyses and strategic insights to the global business community on economic trends and investment opportunities.

Capital Analytics has a global readership and includes among its readers top executives working in real estate, finance, technology, trade and logistics, health, hospitality and others. Books are distributed locally, nationally and globally to trade and investment boards, executives of Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, consulates and embassies, hedge funds, leading chambers and associations, as well as high-level summits and conferences.

For more information, contact:

Max Crampton-Thomas

Content Manager

305-523-9708 Ext: 233

Invest: South Jersey 2020 Press Release

By: Beatrice Silva

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2020

South Jersey’s economic resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges to highlight the launch of the inaugural edition of Invest: South Jersey 2020.

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Capital Analytics’ in-depth research into the South Jersey market has never been more important. Invest: South Jersey, one of an annual series of business reports from media platform Capital Analytics, offers comprehensive business intelligence during a time of economic uncertainty. With 136 pages of thoroughly researched analysis, the inaugural edition of Invest: South Jersey 2020 highlights the economic opportunities in the South Jersey metro area through C-level insider insights and key business intelligence.

The official launch of the publication will take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom Webinar. This event will consist of a brief introduction by Capital Analytics’ CEO Abby Melone, followed by two robust panel discussions.

The panels will address the current economic climate as well as prevailing themes dominating the South Jersey metro area’s economy: education and business growth in the time of a pandemic and the future of development in South Jersey. Southern New Jersey Development Council President Marlene Asselta will kick off the virtual conference as the moderator for “Innovation and adaptation: What this could mean for education post-pandemic,” which will feature insights from Rowan College of South Jersey President Frederick Keating, Rutgers School of Business at Camden Dean Monica Adya and Atlantic Cape Community College President Barbara Gaba. The second panel, “Best practices to promote sustainable business growth in a post-pandemic landscape,” will be moderated by Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey President & CEO Christina Renna, and will feature Fox, Penberthy & Dehn at Morgan Stanley Senior Vice President & Executive Director Al Fox, OceanFirst Bank Southern Region President Vincent D’Alessandro, TD Bank Market President of South Jersey Robert Curley and Alloy Silverstein Managing Shareholder Reynold Cicalese. Hundreds of high-level guests and officials from South Jersey’s key industries and economic institutions will be tuning into the event. We are inviting all attendees and those wanting to register for the event to participate in the following survey, the results of which will be presented at the Invest: South Jersey 2020 launch conference.

“South Jersey was an important expansion for us because it is a unique and dynamic area that functions with the greater Philadelphia region. Our South Jersey expansion showcases how metro areas are more than just cities but rather a diverse ecosystem made up of many companies, locations and environments. Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital,” said Abby Melone, president and CEO of Capital Analytics.

***

About Capital Analytics & Invest: South Jersey

Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest: Insights.

Invest: South Jersey is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing South Jersey’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent industry leaders. Invest: South Jersey is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the South Jersey region to local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote South Jersey as a place to invest and do business.

The book conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the county, including real estate, construction, utilities and infrastructure, transportation and aviation, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and arts, culture and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

To register or learn more, go to: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z34pLBUwQlSCObV80dyE7w

For more information, contact:

Max Crampton-Thomas

Regional Editor

305-523-9708 Ext: 233

Register now for the event

Capital Analytics Highlights South Jersey’s Business Growth

Capital Analytics Highlights South Jersey’s Business Growth

Invest: South Jersey offers economic insight in a time of uncertainty

July 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Capital Analytics’ in-depth research into the South Jersey market has never been more important. Invest: South Jersey, one of an annual series of business reports, offers comprehensive business intelligence during a time of economic uncertainty. Invest: South Jersey dives into the top economic sectors in the county, including real estate, construction, utilities and infrastructure, transportation and aviation, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and arts, culture and tourism. The publication features exclusive insights from industry leaders, sector insiders, political officials and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“South Jersey was an important expansion for us because it is a unique and dynamic area that functions with the greater Philadelphia region. Our South Jersey expansion showcases how metro areas are more than just cities, but rather a diverse ecosystem made up of many companies, locations and environments. Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital,” said Abby Melone, President and CEO of Capital Analytics.

Over seven months, the Capital Analytics team conducted extensive research and interviewed over 200 high-profile industry leaders such as; Steve Sweeney, New Jersey’s Senate President, Marty Small, Mayor of Atlantic City and Michael Snyder, Director of Operations for Visit South Jersey. Through their research, the Capital Analytics team identified significant business insights that will serve as important knowledge benchmarks for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators. The publication is the first and most comprehensive report on South Jersey’s vibrant business climate, as seen through the eyes of those at the forefront of their sectors.

“Over the course of our seven-month research period, we were given the ability to truly peel back the curtain and discover what has gone into making South Jersey the hotbed for investment that it has become. What we found was that this economy has not only flourished thanks to cross-sector collaboration but also because of thoughtfully calculated community efforts to raise South Jersey’s status as a preeminent destination for both economic and social prosperity,” said Max Crampton-Thomas, Regional Editor of Capital Analytics.

About Capital Analytics:

Capital Analytics produces in-depth business intelligence with a focus on providing comprehensive investment knowledge on markets within the United States for the domestic and global business community. Over a seven-month research period, it meets with more than 200 top political, commercial and industry leaders to deliver targeted information, in-depth analyses and strategic insights to the global business community on economic trends and investment opportunities.

Its first publication, Invest: Miami, has a global readership and includes among its readers top executives working in real estate, finance, technology, trade and logistics, health, hospitality and others. Books are distributed locally, nationally and globally to trade and investment boards, executives of Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, consulates and embassies, hedge funds, leading chambers and associations, as well as high-level summits and conferences.

For more information contact

Max Crampton-Thomas

Regional Editor

mcthomas@capitalaa.com

TEL: 305-523-9708 ext 233

Networking at Noon, webinars keep Burlington Regional Chamber members informed

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read April 2020 — The novel coronavirus forced a global halt to major international, regional and local events. From the NBA season to networking conferences, all gatherings of any size stopped abruptly in an effort to flatten the curve and prevent COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, from spreading further. However, as the population at large becomes accustomed to social distancing, stay at home orders and self quarantining, many events went from a hard stop to full speed ahead virtually. As the business community adjusts to the challenges of the disruption caused by the coronavirus, many institutions are building value and maintaining relationships with patrons by maximizing the use of webinars, online classes, video conferences and even virtual happy hours.

In its “Staying Connected” series, Invest: is talking to leaders in various markets about their efforts to, well … stay connected.

South Jersey institutions like the Burlington Regional Chamber of Commerce are shifting to video meetings to stay connected and provide value to members and nonmembers alike in the current landscape. “We are providing as much digital content and opportunities as possible to both members and nonmembers. Our goal is to be a partner and resource for the business community at large,” President and CEO Kristi M. Howell told Invest: South Jersey. “We are offering several different options. Networking at Noon takes place every Monday and it is strictly a virtual business card exchange. We are providing webinars, both live and recorded, on issues and benefits around COVID-19. Most importantly, we are providing educational webinars to strengthen professional development. It’s important that we keep our eye on the future and continue to educate our members on essential business tools so that we all pull out of this stronger.”

For the chamber, it’s all about doing “what we do best for our members on a different platform. We have moved everything that we can online and it’s business as usual for most things, but remotely. We have modified communications and have suspended normal newsletters in favor of those that are pertinent to this ever changing situation. We are focusing on highlighting five to seven members a week in our Meet Our Members series and we continue to make introductions for those who are doing business or modifying their business model for today’s climate,” Howell said.

The video conference platform, Zoom, has quickly become ubiquitous across the virtual events space. Across economic sectors, different institutions are taking advantage of Zoom and similar platforms. To host a successful virtual event, event planners must decide between hosting a virtual meeting or a webinar. “If you expect attendees to mostly just listen,” the best option is a webinar, Zoom advises as part of its digital event best practices. “When you need more back and forth between the audience and the host,” planners should choose a virtual meeting, the platform advises.

Once the type of digital event has been narrowed down, hosts should hardwire the internet connection to prevent any Wi-Fi-related hiccups or virtual lag. In terms of audio, hosts should test speakers and audio prior to the meeting and minimize any background noise, according to Zoom. Additionally, hosts should dress to impress and make sure to start the virtual event on time. It is important to set the tone of the event and encourage Q&A’s during the virtual meeting or webinar. As a best practice, Zoom recommends the use of the Chat function to keep track of questions and comments. For larger webinars, Zoom offers a Paypal integration to charge the registration fees seamlessly.

For the time being, social distancing will be part of the mainstream business landscape until at least May. However, many institutions are adjusting and pivoting more and more to the virtual hosting model to build value, share information and regain a sense of community in a time where residents are being asked to self-isolate as much as possible.

To learn more visit: https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/04/best-practices-for-hosting-a-digital-event/

https://www.bcrcc.com/

Maintaining unity and creating value through virtual meetings

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read April 2020 — The novel coronavirus forced a global halt to major international, regional and local events. From the NBA season to networking conferences, all gatherings of any size stopped abruptly in an effort to flatten the curve and prevent COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, from spreading further. However, as the population at large becomes accustomed to social distancing, stay at home orders and self quarantining, many events went from a hard stop to full speed ahead virtually. As the business community adjusts to the challenges of the disruption caused by the coronavirus, many institutions are building value and maintaining relationships by maximizing the use of webinars, online classes, video conferences and even virtual happy hours.

In Philadelphia, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, an organization dedicated to accelerating global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South New Jersey, has turned to virtual meetings to stay connected with its members. “We understand how important it is to remain connected with our members and client companies during this challenging time,” Spokeswoman Graziella DiNuzzo told Invest: Philadelphia. “Like many other organizations, we are using Zoom meetings.” The center has maintained rapport with its members as it made the transition to work remotely. “We are handling this transition quite smoothly. We are a staff of seven professionals and have always maintained close contact with our clients via phone and email and working remotely doesn’t slow us down,” DiNuzzo said.

Bringing members together in this time of uncertainty is among the center’s main goals. “Our member-company meeting is our “Member Conversations,” which we started last year as a way to bring our members together, informally, in our conference room to meet each other, talk and share stories,” DiNuzzo said. “This will be the first time, obviously, that we will hold our Member Conversations virtually and we are looking forward to it. The bottom line is that we have to continue to communicate and support each other during this time. We are all eager to get back to business as usual and we don’t know what that will look like. We are hopeful that it will be a rebirth of ideas and opportunities.”

The video conference platform, Zoom, has quickly become ubiquitous across the virtual events space. Across economic sectors, different institutions are taking advantage of Zoom and similar platforms. To host a successful virtual event, event planners must decide between hosting a virtual meeting or a webinar. “If you expect attendees to mostly just listen,” the best option is a webinar, Zoom advises as part of its digital event best practices. “When you need more back and forth between the audience and the host,” planners should choose a virtual meeting, the platform advises.

Once the type of digital event has been narrowed down, hosts should hardwire the internet connection to prevent any Wi-Fi-related hiccups or virtual lag. In terms of audio, hosts should test speakers and audio prior to the meeting and minimize any background noise, according to Zoom. Additionally, hosts should dress to impress and make sure to start the virtual event on time. It is important to set the tone of the event and encourage Q&A’s during the virtual meeting or webinar. As a best practice, Zoom recommends the use of the Chat function to keep track of questions and comments. For larger webinars, Zoom offers a PayPal integration to charge the registration fees seamlessly.

For the time being, social distancing will be part of the mainstream business landscape until at least May. However, many institutions are adjusting and pivoting more and more to the virtual hosting model to build value, share information and regain a sense of community in a time where residents are being asked to self-isolate as much as possible.

To learn more visit: https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/04/best-practices-for-hosting-a-digital-event/

https://www.wtcphila.org/covid-19-resources.html

Spotlight On: Ian Richman, Senior Managing Director | Southern New Jersey, Colliers International

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read March 2020 — The Southern New Jersey region’s low real estate costs and strategic location near major highways is bolstering demand in the industrial market. Ian Richman, senior managing director in the Southern New Jersey at Colliers International, specializes in the leasing and sale/acquisition of commercial and industrial properties in Southern New Jersey. In a recent interview with Invest:, Richman shared the trends in the market and the possible disruptions that could take place in the face of COVID-19.

How are you preparing to face a possible economic downturn?

We haven’t seen signs of a slowdown yet. Construction is still going on and demand has been outpacing supply to an extent. But with the development of COVID-19, we are expecting to see disruptions in the supply chain and people are starting to get nervous about the impact on the economy. Companies that import raw materials or have their products manufactured in China or elsewhere overseas expect to see a lag in production, delay in delivery or in the extreme case, a stoppage of manufacturing in certain factories altogether. This is uncharted waters and a global pandemic will have ripple effects throughout all industries, not just real estate.

How strong is the industrial market in South Jersey?

The demand in the industrial market has continued to increase over the last 12 months. One of the biggest drivers has been our rental rates and sale prices on a price per square foot basis relative to neighboring areas such as Northern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. A significant part of our activity has been coming down the New Jersey Turnpike from these northern-based tenants, owner-user purchasers and investors.

What market trends are emerging?

The Philadelphia Port is one of the largest, if not the largest, food port in the country. We see a lot of demand from food-related companies looking for warehouse/distribution facilities or manufacturing facilities. This is not a new trend but rather one sector that has been increasingly growing from a demand perspective in Southern New Jersey. Additionally, the overall demand for warehouse space has continued to remain strong, especially with the uptick in e-commerce and the expectation by the consumer to have goods in their hands as quickly as possible. When Amazon Prime was introduced, two days for delivery seemed fast and quickly became the norm. We are now finding that next-day delivery, if not same-day delivery, is an integral part of the supply chain That is driving a lot of companies to look for warehouse space in South Jersey.

The new speculative and build-to-suit development in our market has been mostly in the northern parts of Burlington County and the southern parts of Gloucester County,

How do you expect the market to evolve in the near future?

We expect more companies to continue to consider South Jersey as a home. The prices are what is really driving most of the activity and that is a trend that we will continue to see. We are now seeing a lot of multi-generational family-owned real estate companies starting to sell some of their properties to more institutional owners. We are also seeing the presence of more institutional owners and large regional owners with real estate holdings in our market. Some of that is attributed to the development of large distribution centers and some of this is attributed to the merger and consolidation of ownership groups.

To learn more about our interviewee, visit:

Colliers International: www.colliers.com

Spotlight On: Arnold Johnson, Market Director – Banking, Chase Bank

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read March 2020 — Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a leading global financial services firm. Chase serves nearly half of America’s households with personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and more. The bank began expanding into the Delaware Valley in 2018, opening its first local branch in Camden. Chase’s Delaware and South Jersey Market Director Arnold Johnson spoke with Invest: about the bank’s expansion efforts in the region, why Chase is unique and some of the challenges facing the banking sector.

What is the status and impact of your expansion effort in the South Jersey region?

One of our main efforts in the region is making sure we are opening enough branches to support the community. In the past year, we have opened four new branches: Camden, Cinnaminson, Mount Laurel and Marlton. We are excited to be expanding in Southern New Jersey and our fifth location, in Cherry Hill, is scheduled to open this summer. From a performance standpoint, we’ve been doing very well. The community has received us well and we are glad to be taking care of all their financial needs.

Is there anything different or new about these new branches?

The branches we are building, as we expand, have a home feeling. For example, we have a living room-style setting in each branch’s lobby. We have digital technology, which provides Wi-Fi, charging stations, and enhanced ATM machines both inside the lobby and at standalone locations. One of our goals is to make sure that we are talking about our digital opportunities, so that people know we facilitate the tools for customers to experience the total digital power of Chase.

What makes Chase unique?

We are focusing on providing a holistic approach to our customers. We offer expertise within the branch in the whole life cycle of a customer. We are able to take care of basic checking and credit card needs, but also holistic needs, whether it’s retirement, buying a home, small business or learning about the financial aspects of life. For example, we offer Chase Chats, which are Chase-led conversations held in our branches on a variety of topics, especially financial health. We’ll do them in every Chase branch in 2020, across the country, including right here in Southern New Jersey. The Chase Chats allow our customers to visit us and learn about banking and how to help make the most of their finances. It’s an example of one of the things we always offer: education. By helping customers from a financial and educational standpoint, we are able to build solid relationships with the communities we serve.

What are some challenges in banking?

Some of the challenges that banks may see in their brick and mortar locations would be traffic coming into the branch. For Chase, we really utilize technology within the branch to help make sure we’re helping all of our customers as efficiently and effectively as possible. As an example, our enhanced ATMs can perform close to 70% of routine transactions. Our Associate Bankers are always on-hand to help customers however they would like to transact. Whether that’s helping them open an account digitally, or processing a traditional transaction at the window, we want our customers to know they can come in and be serviced the way they prefer to be serviced. That’s why it’s such a big deal for us to be increasing our presence in South Jersey. We were not local before, so many of our clients had a particular product with us, like a credit card. Now that we have a physical presence in the region, we want our customers and prospective customers to know that we are here as your local bank. Our challenge is to get the message out, let the communities know that we are open and help them understand that we can serve all of their financial needs.

To learn more about our interviewee, visit:

Chase Bank: https://www.chase.com/

Spotlight On: Reynold P. Cicalese, Managing Shareholder, Alloy Silverstein

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read MARCH 2020— Alloy Silverstein is a regional full-service accounting and advisory firm, headquartered in Southern New Jersey. In an interview with Invest: South Jersey, Managing Shareholder Reynold P. Cicalese discussed the changes in the sector and the firm’s support for small businesses in the area.

What changes have you experienced in the accounting sector over the last few years?

Technology has brought significant changes to our industry, allowing us to better serve our clients beyond just preparing a tax return or financial statement. We are on the cloud ourselves, encourage our clients to be on the cloud, and we use technology to help and collaborate with clients on a daily basis. Our advisers are proactive in helping design our clients’ future, as opposed to only telling them what they historically have done. We use software and apps that allow us to create KPI dashboards for our clients so they can have real-time data to make better decisions based on today’s information – not from last month or last year. We also have clients all around the world and we use meeting apps to constantly communicate with them.

Artificial intelligence is severely disrupting the industry. The investment in AI will significantly increase within the next five to six years. We need to keep an eye on this trend and make sure we remain competitive. With regard to audits, for example, it is expected that AI can look at every transaction and provide an efficient audit report. For regional and smaller firms it will be a challenge to compete with larger firms that have the capacity to invest in AI.

How do you support the small-business community?

We find that many startups are underserved. We recently launched our Startup Hotline, which is a complimentary CPA Q&A for new and emerging businesses. Micro businesses may have questions regarding the type of entity they should start, for example. Through this tool, we give them access to our team of advisers and experts who can provide guidance on accounting, tax, payroll, and many other general business topics.

In addition, we add value for our clients and other small businesses in the community by hosting complimentary monthly lunch workshops, which we call “Alloy Academy.” What started as presentations on accounting software has evolved to bringing in guests so we can cover a wide variety of topics that may be important to a business owner or their employees.

To learn more about our interviewee, visit:

Alloy Silverstein: https://alloysilverstein.com/

Spotlight On: Michael Cioce, President, Rowan College at Burlington County

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read February — Rowan College at Burlington County looks out for its students and has established several partnerships with the private sector to ensure a smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace. Still, shrinking birthrates on the East Coast present a challenge to remain competitive in the state, according to Michael A. Cioce, president of Rowan College at Burlington County.

What are the main qualities that distinguish Rowan College from other institutions in the region?

Access and affordability are built into the DNA of the institution. We have no direct competition within our county boundaries, but the state of New Jersey unfortunately has challenges. Many of our students have been recruited by Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware, among others, and it puts the responsibility on us to deliver a high-quality educational experience.

We have approximately 9,000 students in any given semester, which makes us a medium-sized institution. Despite that number, my cabinet, my deans, directors and I all know our students. You are not going to come here and just be a transaction, and that matters to students because they have options and alternatives. We have competitors encroaching on our front door. Online education has grown exponentially over the last 20 years, so students can go wherever they want and I think that value that the personal connection provides differentiates us from many larger institutions.

In tandem with that, we have linkages directly into our local workforce, which assists students in gaining entry into the workforce.

What are the college’s most in-demand programs and courses?

Anything related to the health sciences sector. Our nursing program has a waiting list, and demand greatly outpaces available seats. Part of that is that students know they are going to be employed upon graduation. Our partnership with Virtua Health System, one the region’s largest healthcare employers, is amazing. Our students are not going to graduate with us simply saying, “good luck.” Through our workforce development programs and partnerships, such as that with Virtua and other employers, our students are getting real on-the-ground training that allows them to cross seamlessly into a job. Many of our students are offered employment prior to graduation.

We partnered with an economic analytics firm to conduct an economic impact study that uncovered three prongs where this institution drives value to the area. First, obviously, is training the students locally. They are coming to our campus, living nearby, buying food at local restaurants and working here. Second, as an employer. We employ over a thousand people in any given year, probably more than that. We are not the size of Virtua, but we are not a Mom and Pop store. Third is alumni: students who trained here, stayed here, and are also going to be champions of this institution. That is sort of our hat trick that scores big for the region. The report determined that RCBC’s economic impact on the Burlington County regional economy is $504.9 million in a year.

What are the main challenges facing both Rowan College and the education system at large in South Jersey?

The birth rate has declined over the last 20 years and as a sector that is heavily reliant on high-school graduates, the enrollment curve is going to be challenging over the next couple of years. This is something that is larger than the college and the county, it is actually affecting the entire East Coast. As a community college, we enroll many adult students and we are not entirely reliant on that 12th-grade population. We have a higher percentage of adult learners than our peers, which gives us a little bit of a buffer, but the overall trend, is definitely going to be a challenge because as the main pool of students shrinks, there is going to be increased competition for them.

To learn more about our interviewee, visit:

Rowan College at Burlington County: https://www.rcbc.edu/

Invest: South Jersey’s first digital launch conference highlighted the region’s resilient and innovative business community

Invest: South Jersey 2020 Press Release

Capital Analytics Highlights South Jersey’s Business Growth

Networking at Noon, webinars keep Burlington Regional Chamber members informed

Maintaining unity and creating value through virtual meetings

Spotlight On: Ian Richman, Senior Managing Director | Southern New Jersey, Colliers International

Spotlight On: Arnold Johnson, Market Director – Banking, Chase Bank

Spotlight On: Reynold P. Cicalese, Managing Shareholder, Alloy Silverstein

Spotlight On: Michael Cioce, President, Rowan College at Burlington County

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