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■ Enterprising Women

■ Enterprising Women

Continued From Page 16 an exceptional leader and influential force in manufacturing in the field of sterile instrument processing containers and chemistries . Her innovative and forward-looking approach , coupled with her passion for sustainability , has led to numerous advancements , innovations , and patents throughout her career .
Marcia ’ s accomplishments extend well beyond her contributions to manufacturing . She has defied gender barriers and reached the pinnacle of her career in manufacturing , making her a remarkable role model and mentor for women . Her determination and achievements serve as an inspiration to others , especially to young women pursuing careers in STEM fields . One of Marcia ’ s greatest strengths is her outstanding leadership abilities . She has the unique talent to inspire and motivate her team , effectively communicate her vision , and make tough decisions when necessary . She leads by example and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation . She remains committed to ethical practices and accountability . Marcia ’ s influence as leader has not only propelled advancements in this industry but has also shaped the broader manufacturing landscape , especially in New Jersey . Given her exceptional leadership qualities and remarkable achievements , I firmly believe that Marcia Frieze is a worthy recipient of this Award . Nominated by Gail Rosen of Case Medical Inc .
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Marcia has led the Case Medical organization for more than 20 years , growing the organization and serving the medical device community with innovative new products in sterilization trays and cleaning solutions . She has demonstrated both business and personal leadership as the company has grown in both size and employees . Her hands on approach to management keeps her on the production floor as well as in the boardroom . Over the years the organization has been recognized both by the state and local organizations but nationally as well . It is only fitting that Marcia be recognized for her leadership over that time . Nominated by Peter Russo of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program , Inc .
more tickets than their past years . She ’ s done a complete rebranding for NJPAC – new logo , website , collaterals etc .
During the pandemic , she led the charge on presenting virtual shows – and then full on marketing campaign to reopen NJPAC with videos and promotions to let people know how clean and safe NJPAC is .
In 2023- for the first time , NJPAC partnered with Gov . Murphy and Tammy – for the North to Shore Festival – Katie led all the marketing from inception – All advertising , Social media , print / digital ads , press conference – coordinated all the details in 3 different cities .
This is the first festival and now she set the tone for the future North to Shore Festivals , the festival takes place in June on 3 diff weekends – in AC , Asbury and Newark- lots of coordinating . Nominated by Angela Thomas of Prana Marketing
NON-PROFIT
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership Jill Johnson Executive Director of The Institute For Entrepreneurial Leadership ( IFEL )
Jill Johnson has dedicated her life to helping underserved and overlooked business owners “ grow , scale , and exit ”. Johnson is changing lives and communities by supporting business owners with real-time resources and guidance such as free legal and financial advice . Her resources supported me in purchasing a commercial building by teaching me how to create financial reports including projections that told the story of my business . I am nominating Johnson because she is an unsung hero who fights to see women and minority-owned businesses cross the million-dollar threshold in revenue . Johnson is championing women-owned businesses by not only providing free resources to them , but by teaching other women to become Angel Investors . She takes a holistic approach to supporting minority and women-owned businesses . Nominated by Adrienne M . Fudge of 40 Dreams Catering .
REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT
Real Estate and Development Legacy Development Group Abigail Polizois Co-Founder / Partner
Abigail Polizois is Co-Founder and Partner of the Legacy Development Group , a real-estate development corporation with properties spanning Hudson and Bergen Counties . The group ’ s portfolio consists of multi-family projects between 10 and 70 + units in size .
Moreover , Abigail was a force behind the Fair Lawn Economic Development Corporation ’ s merging with the River Road and Broadway Improvement Corporations to create a single tax-payer-funded downtown management corporation for Fair Lawn . She serves as the Board Chair of this corporation : Fair Lawn Main Street Inc .
Prior to the merger , Abigail served as Board President of the Fair Lawn Economic Development Corporation . As President , Abigail led the effort to get Fair Lawn designated as a Main Street NJ Town , opening access to financial resources to develop the municipality ’ s business districts . State Main Street grants financed the development of a town-wide digital-marketplace as well as a facade program that improves the exterior appearance of storefronts . Nominated by Ryan Greff of Fair Lawn Main Street District
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MARKETING
New Jersey Performing Arts Center Katie Sword VP Marketing and Communications
Katie Sword has been with
NJPAC for more than 10 Years , she ’ s head up the marketing . During her tenure , the theater presents more shows and sells
Budding entrepreneurs need expert guidance to create a comprehensive business plan , enabling them to raise funds to make their dream a success .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Jirapong Manustrong
August 2023 COMMERCE 17