PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
CIANJ Applauds Women And Begins New Venture
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
As we celebrate Women ’ s History Month , we are excited to share the story of a woman who made history at CIANJ . It is our own Tracy Straka , who was the first woman elected to chair our organization in 2012 .
Tracy is a strong and capable leader , as well as a powerful voice for the environmental business industry . We are proud to tell the story of how she honed her skills and grew to be the founder of our Environmental Business Council – one of the most respected trade associations in the state .
Along with Tracy as the cover story , you will see our focus on women drew us to Rutgers ’ Center for Women in Business . Under the leadership of Lisa Kaplowitz , the center is removing barriers and building a community for women , enabling them to develop the skills and confidence to thrive at their jobs .
We also invite you to read about Alsion Roach Wilson , the consul general of Jamaica , stationed in New York . Her mother brought the family from Jamaica when she was young . As a teenager she was homeless for several years . But she was undaunted , landing an entry job in the finance world that catapulted her to pursue her dreams . Her drive and determination opened doors that led to being appointed as consul general . Today , CIANJ is working with her office to
develop business opportunities that will benefit the United State and Jamaica .
To cap off our celebration we are holding our 2nd Annual Fashion Show at the American Dream in Rutherford on March 27 . The show will explore the evolution of women ’ s wear . We believe fashion is one way that women express their most authentic selves , especially in the workplace . For more information on the show or how to make donations to our partner , the YWCA of Northern New Jersey , please visit our website at www . cianj . org
CIANJ is also making history this month by announcing a new venture with TAPinto , an award-winning news network of nearly 100 franchised local online news and digital marketing platforms covering more than 125 towns in New Jersey .
Our association and COMMERCE Magazine , the flagship publication of CIANJ , are teaming with TAPinto to launch the first business news website on the TAPinto network , which now delivers original local news reporting to nearly 2 million readers per month through its network of local news sites .
We are pleased to extend our magazine ’ s upbeat and thoughtful business news coverage to the TAPinto network . For more than 50 years COMMERCE Magazine has been the voice of New Jersey ’ s business community , providing insightful stories on the latest news and trends . Four years ago , COMMERCE launched its digital publication to complement its hard-copy version , which is mailed monthly to all CIANJ members , political leaders and select readers throughout the state .
Through this venture , COMMERCE Magazine will enhance the value and extend the reach of our publication to millions of New Jersey residents and businesses . We are fortunate to be partnering with such a proven and successful network as TAPinto to share the news that matters .
TAPinto , headquartered in New Providence , is one of the only scalable sustainable local journalism models in the country and recently celebrated its 15th birthday . TAPinto local news and digital marketing platforms are franchised to local owner / publishers who provide original local news reporting every day for their communities . TAPinto has no paywall , enabling all residents of New Jersey to be informed and involved in their communities . TAPinto now offers publications that wish to be on the TAPinto platform yet maintain their own branding to do so through an innovative licensing product .
Michael Shapiro , the founder and CEO of TApinto , is pleased to partner with CIANJ and COMMERCE Magazine to expand the magazine ’ s reach and provide statewide business content for his readers . He called it a ground-breaking license partnership that will create unique content and advertising collaboration . It will be a model for how publications can work together to not only survive , but thrive .
The new COMMERCE Magazine site on TAPinto , is available at commercemagazinenj . com . It will feature news stories from major industry sectors , commentary , member spotlights , and member notes , as well as a link to the monthly digital version of the magazine .
Tracy Straka , executive vice president of Creamer Environmental Inc . and founder of the Environmental Business Council .
Photo : Russ DeSantis Photography and Video
Alsion Roach Wilson , consul general of Jamaica , stationed in New York
Lisa Kaplowitz , leader of Rutgers ’ Center for Women in Business .
6 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com