■ Events
MEMBER NOTES
■ Events
programs to rehab their space and urged tenant attendees , “ Don ’ t move . Rehab your space . The money is there now to upgrade your facility .”
Kyle Tafuri , Vice-President , Sustainability , Hackensack Meridian Health , spoke of how Hackensack has invested “$ 116 million in energy efficiency work ,” but “ solar was one of the last pillars we were struggling with getting over the finish line .”
Typically , it was tough to utilize incentive programs as a not-for-profit , he noted , but through a $ 134 million investment in infrastructure improvements , Hackensack plans to install 50,000 solar panels in each of its 18 hospitals . Around $ 50 million of the cost will come from tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act . Additionally , the solar panels being installed were all manufactured in the U . S .
“ These are jobs throughout the communities ,” said Tafuri . “ Without the Inflation Reduction Act we would not have done this project .”
“ Literally every rooftop we could we ’ re putting panels on ,” he added . “ We ’ re working with engineering companies from New Jersey throughout the state and it has been really an exciting project to be a part of . Though the lifetime of it , 30 years , we ’ ll save $ 402 million . All of these savings we reinvest back into patient care .”
Corey Lewis , Managing Director , AON Insurance , then gave details on tax credits and tax credit insurance . “ The Inflation Reduction Act was definitely a game changer in the energy space , definitely led to a turbo charge of the use of tax credit insurance ,” said Lewis . “ One of the big aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act is its concept of transferability .”
Transferability allows entities that can ' t use elective pay but do qualify for an eligible tax credit to transfer all or a portion of the credit to a third-party buyer in exchange for cash . The buyer and seller would negotiate and agree to the terms and pricing , according to the IRS .
The conversation then turned to audience questions and a lively discussion around energy projects and opportunities for small businesses , to which Gajda noted , “ If you ’ re a small business owner there are utility programs you pay into that you can qualify for . There ’ s a saying I like that goes , ‘ what ’ s the point of having a good program if nobody knows about it .’”
The engaging event was made possible by the following sponsors : Aon ; Electronic Office Systems ; Bergen Community College ; and NAI James E . Hanson . For information on all upcoming CIANJ events visit : https :// web . cianj . org / events .
A packed room attended “ Building the Future : Real Estate Trends & Energy Policy Impacts ” at Bergen Community College on July 16 .
MEMBER NOTES
NJ Hispanic Community Anticipates Film Screening and Fundraiser
In honor of the 125th anniversary of the 65th Infantry Regiment , the New Jersey Hispanic community is set to host a film screening and Q & A session with filmmaker Noemi Figueroa Soulet for the PBS award-winning documentary , “ The Borinqueneers ,” as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations .
The event will take place at the Barrymore Film Center and Museum in Fort Lee , NJ , on September 21 . Attendees can look forward to a VIP reception at Ventanas Restaurant starting at 5:30 p . m ., followed by the film screening from 7-8 p . m .
Narrated by actor Hector Elizondo , “ The Borinqueneers ” explores the remarkable stories of valor , triumph , and challenges faced by the 65th Infantry Regiment – the only Hispanicsegregated unit in U . S . Army history . Utilizing rare archival footage and interviews with veterans , commanding officers , and historians , the film showcases the courage and determination of Puerto Rican soldiers who faced significant discrimination during the Korean War .
Established in 1899 by the U . S . Congress as a segregated unit predominantly composed of Puerto Ricans , this year marks the 125th anniversary of the regiment . Celebrated for their service in World War I , World War II , and the Korean War , the regiment was affectionately nicknamed “ Borinquen ” after the indigenous Taíno name for Puerto Rico , meaning “ land of the brave lord .”
In the Korean War , the 65th Infantry Regiment notably held the line against Chinese forces and aided U . S . Marines following the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir , earning commendations from General Douglas MacArthur for their exemplary performance .
Sam Delgado , chairman of the Borinqueneers Park Education Alliance – a New Jersey non-profit corporation – and key event supporter , stated that the aim of the event is to “ honor and educate the public about the regiment ’ s heroic actions during the Korean War , for which they were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal .”
Highlighting the event , actor David Zayas , renowned for his roles in “ Dexter ” and “ The Bear ,” will receive the prestigious “ Caballero Award .” This award honors individuals who demonstrate extraordinary dedication , kindness and service to the community . Acclaimed actor and Air Force veteran , Zayas is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to giving back .
The event also kicks off a three-year , $ 5 million capital campaign to build a memorial for the 65th Infantry veterans at the proposed Borinqueneers Park in Perth Amboy , New Jersey , which is currently a six-acre site under remediation by the EPA .
Partners for this event include the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Statewide Veterans Chamber of Commerce and United Food and Commercial Workers 360 . For event , ticket , and sponsorship information contact : Sam Delgado 201-704-8953 Email ; sdelg @ bpealliance . org Visit website at : www . bpealliance . org