Commerce_22_02 | Page 28

■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion

Continued From Page 24 committee discussions and events . A key part of our efforts to build a robust roster of diverse talent at all levels is reaching out to affinity groups and offering internships and making lateral hires . Specifically , open attorney positions are shared with regional affinity groups and the firm attorneys who hold leadership positions in these organizations . The firm also hosts summer interns from local affinity groups and through diversity fellowships . Our mentoring program is intended to develop a talented and diverse group of associates for leadership roles , including potential elevation to partner as warranted . Our DDI committee regularly meets to discuss initiatives and programs . Key to its effectiveness is that its members include equity partners , a member of the firm ’ s executive committee , associates and senior human resources and marketing professionals .
Sills Cummis & Gross P . C . By Max Crane , Esq ., Managing Partner
The commitment of Sills Cummis & Gross to Newark , including being headquartered there since its inception in 1971 , has been resolute and unshaken for 50 years , even when other law firms and companies left the city . The firm ’ s commitment to Newark , one
According to a paper published by the Peterson Institute for International Economics , the presence of more female leaders in top positions of corporate management correlates with increased profitability of these companies .
of the most diverse cities in New Jersey , remains of the highest priority . In addition , creating and maintaining a diverse workplace is of paramount importance to Sills Cummis & Gross . The firm always has been an advocate of minority hiring practices and is involved in a number of minority hiring , retention , and diversity and inclusion initiatives . The firm ’ s Diversity Committee and Women ’ s Group focus on initiatives to enhance the culture of Sills
Cummis & Gross and the quality of service to the firm ’ s clients . The Diversity Committee is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the firm , as well as within the legal community at large , in addition to promoting the professional and personal growth of historically underrepresented lawyers . The Sills Cummis Women ’ s Group is dedicated to promoting the professional and personal growth of women lawyers .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Paul Bradbury

BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

Port … A Love Affair

By Wendy Tait , CIANJ ’ s EVP , Business Development and Strategic Initiatives , Sommelier
will have a distinct preference between the two . Ruby ports deliver a robust , fresh fruity style , while Tawny ports express themselves through decadent nutty and caramel notes . If there were a time to drink port , it is now .
February is freezing and Valentine ’ s Day sits squarely in the middle of the month . Whether you celebrate alone , with a loved one , friends or family , make sure that you experience a little port love this February for yourself .

If there were a time to drink port , it is now .

The first time I drank port wine , it was from a bottle that had been open for at least a decade in my grandmother ’ s house . Sadly , so many years later , I often find myself having a less-than fresh glass at local restaurants where the bottles they keep have also been open for far too long . When I do have the pleasure of a fresh glass , it is a love affair — pair it with some blue cheese or dark chocolate and , it is downright scandalous .
Port is a fortified wine , so it has more alcohol in it than your standard bottle and there is a sweetness to it that is deliciously nectarous , not cloying . Ruby and Tawny ports are very different in their styles and , more times than not , many
When you celebrate Valentine ’ s Day , make sure that you experience a little port love this February .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / DMP1
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