Celebrating Business and Community Heroes with Hometown Heart - People Who Love Where They Live - Oct. 28, 2026
The 2026 Francis H. Sharp, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Theodore H. "Ted" Ritter, and Jody Hirata and Ed Bowman.
The 2026 Gary F. Simmerman Community Leadership Award recipient is Dr. Gladwyn Baptist.
2026 Business Hero Awards will be presented to All That Dance Studio, Salon Tinge, and Ed's Body Shop, LLC.
2026 Community Hero Awards will be presented to Isis Sosa, Michelle Azpiri, and Cumberland County Office on Aging.
Francis Sharp Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Theodore (Ted) H. Ritter
By adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards, Ted has gained recognition in his professional career, serving his clients with expertise and compassion, while building an outstanding record of community service.
To honor the memory of the late Francis H. Sharp, Sr. (Binks Sharp) who served his community with extraordinary dedication and integrity throughout his life, including a long, esteemed record of leadership of the Chamber and the community, the Chamber presents the Francis Sharp Lifetime Achievement Award annually.
Theodore "Ted" Ritter’s dedication to adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards, has defined his distinguished professional career, serving his clients with expertise and compassion, leading to numerous awards for leadership, professional accomplishment and community service. Ted Ritter’s over five decades of practicing law includes recognition as a pillar of the Cumberland County Bar.
Ted Ritter was born on October 8, 1948, to Vineland natives Warren A. and Dolores D'Ippolito Ritter. At eight years old, he joined the Cub Scouts and ultimately went on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Another passion developed through music, where he played trombone and was elected President of Vineland High School’s award-winning marching band, in his senior year.
Ted attended Marietta College, graduating in 1970, before earning his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law. While at Washington and Lee, he was elected Law School Student Body Vice President for the 1972–1973 academic year.
Professional Career
Upon graduating from law school, Ted chose to return to Cumberland County to begin his legal career, joining the Bridgeton law firm of Horuvitz & Perlow, later Horuvitz, Perlow & Ritter. In December 1978, he opened his own law practice—next door to his former firm—where he has built a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades.
Throughout his career, Ted has also served the community in numerous public legal roles, including Assistant Cumberland County Prosecutor, head of the Cumberland Regional Public Defender's Office, and solicitor to multiple land use boards and municipalities.
Today, Ted's practice at 55 Fayette Street in Bridgeton includes his son, Matthew Ritter, along with attorneys Susan Iacovone, Deana Walsh, and Isabella Garofola, supported by a truly outstanding staff.
Ted has earned recognition for excellence in both criminal and civil litigation. In 1983, he became one of the first Criminal Trial Attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court. Two years later, he received Civil Trial Attorney Certification from the Court.
During the 1990s, Ted served nine years on the New Jersey Supreme Court's Board on Attorney Certification, including two years as Chairman of the Board.
Family
Ted met his wife, Jean, while they were both students at Marietta College, and they married in 1971.
Their son, Matthew, is married to Erica Lamond Ritter, and together they are raising their three children, Max Busnardo, Leo Ritter and Zoe Ritter, in Hopewell.
Their daughter, Cassie Ritter Hunt, lives in Virginia with her husband Greg and their two children, Conner Hunt and Katie Hunt.
Ted and Jean reside in Upper Deerfield Township.
Service to the Community
A lifelong believer in giving back, Ted is an active member of Holy Cross Parish, where he serves as a Trustee and a member of the Parish Finance Committee.
Over the years, he has volunteered in numerous capacities, including with Bridgeton and West Cumberland Little Leagues, Scouting America, Woodland Country Day School, Sacred Heart High School, the YMCA, and many others.
Ted and Jean joined the Cumberland County Historical Society in 1977, and Ted has served as a Trustee since 1991. Today, he is the Supervising Trustee of the Society's newly constructed Museum of Native Heritage, completed in March of this year. When the new museum opens, it will showcase the Society's extensive collection of Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape artifacts, preserving an important part of the region's history for future generations.
Recognition
Ted's dedication to his profession and his community has earned him numerous honors, including:
- New Jersey Professional Lawyer of the Year, presented by the New Jersey Commission of Professionalism in the Law (2025)
- Distinguished Cumberland County Citizens Award, presented by Scouting America (2025)
- Cumberland County Professional Lawyer of the Year (1998)
- Trial Bar Award from the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey (2003)
- Cumberland County Bar Association Distinguished Service Award (2011)
- Invitation-only membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates
Outside of Work
Away from the courtroom, Ted has enjoyed the antique automobile hobby since 1964. He is a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Model A Ford Club of America, and the GTO Association of America.
When he isn't driving, cleaning, repairing—or occasionally breaking—one of his antique cars, you're likely to find Ted jogging through Bridgeton City Park. Rain or shine, he has maintained this daily tradition since 1976, a testament to the same discipline, consistency, and determination that have characterized his life and career.
Francis Sharp Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Ed Bowman and Jody Hirata
Husband-Wife Team: Business Professionals and Community Leaders
Ed Bowman
Ed is not just the guy who has been driving Jody Hirata to her various community development and fundraising activities and selling 50/50 tickets for the last 20 plus years; he has carved out his own community service reputation since his graduation from Bridgeton High School as part of the legendary 1977 “last best BHS class”.
Ed grew up on the Bowman gladiolus farm in Cedarville where he learned what hard work really was. His mother and father, Skip and Barbara Bowman, encouraged him to go to college because he was really bad at farming. His guidance counselor, “Bud” Maxwell, steered him to Rutgers’ Cook College because that’s where farm boys went to college.
After graduating from Rutgers, Ed attended the Dickinson School of Law and completed a judicial clerkship with the New Jersey Superior Court in Cumberland County for Superior Court Judges Steven Kleiner, Issac Serata and George Stanger. Following his clerkship in 1985 Ed joined the Gruccio Pepper law firm in Vineland where a culture of community service was woven into the fabric of the firm. With the strong encouragement of the firm’s senior partners Jim Gruccio and Larry Pepper, Ed was active in the Cumberland County Bar Association, the Bridgeton Kiwanis, the Bridgeton Area of Chamber of Commerce and St. Andrews Episcopal Church among other organizations.
In 2007 Ed joined Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company and is now Senior Vice President for Casualty Claims. Blessed to work for another employer with a commitment to community Ed is the long serving President of the Cumberland Guidance Center’s Board of Trustees, the Senior Warden at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and has held leadership positions with insurance claims and litigation professional organizations where he has presented to regional and national conferences on various insurance litigation topics. Ed is also a dedicated member of the ultra-selective “Maxwell Club”.
Ed is particularly proud of the work the Guidance Center does in servicing the behavioral health needs of the greater Cumberland County Area. Through its dedicated staff of approximately 150 physicians, advanced practice nurses, therapists, counsellors and support staff the Guidance Center operates 12 programs that include crisis counseling, outpatient services and group homes for thousands of Cumberland County residents every year without regard to the ability to pay.
Jody Hirata
For more than thirty-five years, Jody Hirata has dedicated herself to Cumberland County’s economic and community development. A lifelong resident of Upper Deerfield, Jody joined Farmers and Merchants Bank shortly after graduation from West Chester University. In her role as a business developer for F&M, Jody quickly came to appreciate the important role local businesses and, in particular, community banks play in the health of a community. Encouraged by the McCormick Family who led the bank, Jody enthusiastically supported numerous non-profit and charitable organizations often leading their fundraising and community development projects.
With strong mentors such as Gary Simmerman, Jody became very active in the Bridgeton Jaycees and later, the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, holding various leadership positions and spearheading a number of projects. Jody was honored to receive the inaugural Gary F. Simmerman Leadership Award from the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce in 2008.
After Farmers and Merchants Bank merged with Hudson Bank in the early 2000s, Jody continued her community banking career as a business developer and commercial loan officer with several other local community banks, including Sun Bank, Colonial Bank, Century Bank and Ocean First Bank. The leadership of each of these banks empowered Jody to use her position to support various community and economic development organizations by serving on a number of boards including, the Cumberland County Economic Development Board, the Cumberland/Salem/Cape May County Workforce Development Board, 4-H Advisory Board, Temple Vision Board (Alms Center), Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA Board, Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Cumberland County Technical Education Foundation Board, Upper Deerfield Township Planning Board, Upper Deerfield Township Historical Commission and the United Way Board. Jody has been a member of a several service clubs including the Bridgeton and Vineland Rotary Clubs as well as Soroptimist of Cumberland County and Bridgeton Kiwanis Club. Jody received the NAACP’s community leadership honor and was a participant in the annual Leadership Cumberland County (class of 2001) program.
Jody’s ability to organize memorable, entertaining and successful fundraisers with her frequent fundraising partner Carol Musso and, in recent years, Christy DiLeonardo. Jody was instrumental in the long running “Dancing with the Cumberland County Stars” for the CCTEC Foundation, the Vineland Rotary’s “Cumberland County has Talent”, the YMCA’s “Voice of Vineland” among many others.
Jody’s desire to “make a difference” motivated her to assume the position of Deputy County Administrator for Cumberland County from 2019-2022 where she brought her dedication to customer service to public service. Jody is particularly proud of the work her administrative team did in keeping county services available during the height of the pandemic. Since leaving county government, Jody joined the Cumberland County Improvement Authority focusing on Special Projects and Programs.
Jody credits her parents, Minoru and Yaeko Hirata, with infusing her with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for our community, which welcomed their families and other displaced Japanese Americans to Seabrook after their incarceration in Japanese internment camps during World War II. Jody’s achievements and those of her Sister Tracy, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy, her brother Spencer, a chemical engineer and her brother Gary, a retired Air Force flight mechanic, would not have possible but for their perseverance, sacrifice and hard work.
Jody enjoys spending time with her husband Ed, dog Poppy, and frequent visits with family and friends in Upper Deerfield and at the beach in Ocean City.
Gary F. Simmerman Community Leadership Award: Dr. Gladwyn Baptist
Has provided a lifetime of dedication to his professional career, while having heart-felt concern for people, and providing outstanding service to the community.
The 2026 Gary F. Simmerman Community Leadership Award will be presented to Dr. Gladwyn Baptist in recognition of more than forty years of outstanding service as one of the Bridgeton area's leading cardiologists, along with his continuing leadership as chair and member of numerous nonprofit boards.
In addition to his dedicated service in his career as a Cardiologist, he has lived an exemplary life of community service and leadership, leading to his much-deserved selection to receive the Gary F. Simmerman Community Leadership Award on October 28, 2026. Dr. Baptist completed his initial medical education in India, came to the USA in 1978, completed his Internal Medicine residency and Cardiology fellowship, and in 1983 joined the staff of Bridgeton Hospital, which evolved over the years into the Inspira Health System.
He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. He served for many years in Medical Staff leadership, the Inspira Medical Residency program since its inception and has been affiliated with The Heart House and Vascular Care since 2018.
Gladwyn is active in the local community as a Rotary Club member for over forty years, serving as President this year. He serves on the Board of Directors of CompleteCare Health Network and as Chairman of the Board of CompleteCare Foundation. He has an exemplary history of dedicated service and leadership for his church, profession, and community.
Community Hero Award: Cumberland County Office and Aging
This agency is a hero to those it serves. It's leaders and staff provide the community with options needed to help older adults remain as contributing members of the community at the greatest level of independence and self-sufficiency that they are willing and able to sustain.
Cumberland County Office on Aging & Disabled provides community options needed to help older adults remain as contributing members of the community at the greatest level of independence and self-sufficiency that they are willing and able to sustain. The office provides Cumberland County’s aging population and their caregivers with access to a system of services to maintain dignity and choice; and to act as an advocate for the essential programs to support these options.
The Office on Aging consists of several divisions serving the community. These divisions include the Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Care Management Programs, Senior Nutrition Programs, Meals on Wheels Home Delivery, nine Congregate Nutrition sites, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Cumberland Area Transit System. The services provided by this Office are funded entirely through Federal Older American Act Funds, NJ Division of Aging Services, Americorps Seniors and NJ Transit.
In 2026, Cumberland County Office on Aging appointed Lisa Williams as the Executive Director. She and her team have added new programs to their already substantial list of services to include the WISE Education Program, which provides ongoing education topics to older adults including Estate Planning, Wellness Initiatives, and Physical Activities. They have fostered shared services agreements with The County Surrogates Office and work closely with Veterans Affairs and the Sheriff’s Department. Most recently, the Office on Aging has worked to restore the congregate nutrition program in the City of Bridgeton and is providing “pop-up” nutrition programs directly in the communities to ensure our older adults receive healthy food options and prevent food insecurity.
The Office on Aging has set many goals to expand services to include the first Cumberland County Community Connection Center, a re-imagined version of a senior center where friendships are fostered and lifelong learning can occur. The team is also working on its first mobile outreach unit where they will be able to bring outreach and resources directly into the communities to reach older adults in need.
Community Hero Award: Michelle Azpiri
Michelle's extraordinary commitment to the community, especially The Bridgeton Public Library, led to her designation as a Community Hero.
Michelle Azpiri will be recognized for her exceptional volunteer leadership with the Bridgeton Public Library and her dedication to serving the community in countless ways. Michelle is an experienced bilingual public sector and operations professional with over two decades of experience in executive administration, financial oversight, organizational management, and community leadership.
She has a proven track record of supporting boards, managing large-scale initiatives, and leading strategic operations across both corporate and nonprofit environments. Michelle has held leadership roles in business development, executive administration, and financial management, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy support, and program coordination.
Deeply committed to public service, she currently serves in several community leadership and governance roles and is passionate about strengthening organizations and creating impactful public services through collaboration and leadership within the communities she serves. This extraordinary commitment to community led to her designation as a Community Hero.
Community Hero Award: Isis Sosa
Isis expresses thanks for the opportunity to give back through Unidos Para La Familia and to help others recognize that they, too, are capable of achieving more than they may believe is possible.
Isis Sosa was born in Choloma, Cortés, Honduras, and came to the United States when she was eight years old. Her childhood was not easy. For a period of time, Isis lived with different people in foster care until she turned eighteen. Those experiences taught her how to be strong, independent, and determined to create a better future for herself.
After turning eighteen, she began working and searching for a way to continue her education. That journey led Isis to Unidos Para La Familia. When she first came to the organization as someone seeking support and an opportunity to earn her GED. Through their guidance and encouragement, she was
able to accomplish that goal and continue pursuing higher education.
Unidos Para La Familia became much more than a place where she received help. It became a community that believed in her, encouraged her, and helped her recognize her own potential.
Today, Isis Sosa is proud to serve the same community that once supported her when she needed help. Through her work, she helps families access education, employment opportunities, immigration resources, and other services that can bring stability and hope into their lives.
She is proud to be the first person in her family to own a car, become a homeowner, and reach a university level of education. These accomplishments represent more than personal success, they represent breaking barriers and creating new possibilities for her daughter and for future generations of her family. To Isis, education is one of the most powerful tools a person can have because it is something no one can ever take away from you. Education gave her confidence, opened doors, and helped her transform difficult experiences into motivation to serve others.
Her journey from a child in foster care to a homeowner, college student, community advocate, and community hero is a reminder that a person’s beginning does not determine their future. With resilience, education, hard work, and the support of a caring community, it is possible to overcome challenges and build a life filled with purpose.
Isis expresses thanks for the opportunity to give back through Unidos Para La Familia and to help others recognize that they, too, are capable of achieving more than they may believe is possible.
Business Hero Award: All That Dance Studio
This Business Hero Award honors the organization’s success at achieving its mission of service, its leaders, and the memory of founder Linda Shaw (Emeritus, January 24, 1949-February 2, 2025).
All That Dance Studio is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the community through dance, wellness, education, and service. Guided by the belief that movement is for everybody, they offer inclusive opportunities for individuals ages 2 to 102. This Business Hero Award honors the organization’s success at achieving its mission of service, its leaders, and the memory of founder Linda Shaw (Emeritus, January 24, 1949-February 2, 2025).
A staple of the greater Bridgeton area for nearly 26 years, the studio was built on the passion of founder, Linda Shaw, “Miss Linda”, a devoted educator who taught in Bridgeton public schools for 36 years. Having grown up in poverty and facing the heartbreak of quitting dance due to financial hardship, Miss Linda dedicated 24 years as Board President, grant writer, and office manager to ensure no child in her community faced that same barrier. Her leadership created a welcoming place where people of all ages and abilities could build confidence, improve their health, and find a true sense of belonging.
Even while silently managing Lipedema and Lymphedema, which restricted her mobility in her final years, Miss Linda’s spirit never dimmed. She was a constant, smiling presence at the studio, cheering on the students and telling them, "Dance for me." On February 2, 2025—a day known in the dance world as "Tutu Day"—Miss Linda passed away unexpectedly. In true spirit of their mother's favorite phrase, "The show must go on," her daughters, Jennifer and Meredith, alongside their dedicated board members, stepped up to carry her legacy forward, guiding the studio through a seamless transition.
Meredith Shaw is the studio's artistic director and teacher. She studied dance at the University of Wisconsin and the Koresh School of Dance in Philadelphia. She has studied with many world-renowned dance professionals, and continues to attend many dance workshops, conferences, and conventions throughout the United States.
Jen Shaw is an accomplished dance educator, choreographer, adjudicator, and performer. In 2000, she earned a BFA in Dance from Rutgers University-Mason Gross School of the Arts and has an extensive dance background in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, ballroom and cultural genres. As a N.J. Highly Qualified Dance Educator, Jen has taught dance in the public school setting for 22 years, and continues adjudicating pageants, teaching master dance classes, and setting her choreography in public and private dance schools, pageants, musicals, and community events in the region.
Meredith and Jen are grateful to their students, families, and staff for their strong support, adding to the success of the Studio. The team includes Deserea Byrd, Alaina Brigg, McKayla Buehler, Alicia Gomez, Shawn Seay, and Robert Shaw. Dance remains the foundation of its programs, driving physical wellness, emotional well-being, creativity, and connection.
Through grants like the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and the Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners through the Cumberland County Commission on Culture and Heritage, donations, scholarships, and affordable programs, we actively eliminate financial barriers so everyone can learn, perform, and grow.
Beyond the classroom, community service drives our mission. Our dancers regularly perform in community events, senior living facilities, and benefit events like Dancing with the Stars and the Miss Cumberland County Pageant. We also offer life-changing performance opportunities, from dancing at Disney World in 2018 to performing at Dollywood this summer.
All That Dance Studio is more than just a dance school—it is a supportive community where movement inspires wellness, service builds character, and every individual is empowered to shine.
Business Hero Award: Salon Tinge
Salon Tinge is recognized for decades of successful operation, professional excellence, exceptional customer service, and a longstanding commitment to the Bridgeton community.
Salon Tinge
Salon Tinge is being recognized for decades of successful operation, professional excellence, exceptional customer service, and a longstanding commitment to the Bridgeton community.
Salon Tinge is locally owned by Trudi Franklin, Nina Woodward, and Russ Woodward. For more than three decades, the salon has built its reputation on providing high-quality salon services in a warm, welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere where every client is treated with genuine care and respect. Located at 1012 N. Pearl Street in Laurel Plaza, Upper Deerfield, Salon Tinge is honored to serve generations of families throughout Cumberland County.
The owners believe that a successful business is about more than great hair—it is about building relationships, serving others with integrity, and giving back to the community. Their Christian faith has helped shape these values and has inspired their involvement in local churches and community organizations over the years.
Trudi Franklin has been a licensed cosmetologist for 37 years, including 35 years at Salon Tinge (formerly Hair Tech), where she has served as manager for the past 25 years. She specializes in custom hair color, precision haircuts, hair extensions and finishing styles.
Nina Woodward has been a licensed cosmetologist for 34 years and has spent 32 of those years at Salon Tinge (formerly Hair Tech). She enjoys partnering with each client to create a look that helps them feel confident and beautiful. The owners are quick to share this recognition with their outstanding team of stylists—Pam Musso, Beverly Kopko, Marla Wright, and Jennifer Lopez—whose professionalism and dedication help make Salon Tinge what it is today.
They are also deeply grateful for the loyalty and support of the many clients who have become part of the Salon Tinge family.
Business Hero Award: Ed's Body Shop, LLC
Over the years since its founding in 1952, Ed's Body Shop has grown from a humble family-run business to a full-service auto-body shop, while maintaining the core values that have defined them from the beginning.
Ed's Body Shop, LLC will receive a Business Hero Award, recognizing four generations of continuous family ownership, exceptional community involvement, and its pioneering role in demonstrating that women can successfully lead and excel in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Ed’s Body Shop has been a trusted partner in auto care since 1952 when Edward Table started the business as a small garage with a big commitment to customer service and quality work. Over the years, they have grown from a humble family-run business to a full-service auto-body shop, while maintaining the core values that have defined them from the beginning. This business, located in Upper Deerfield, has over 70 years of providing the highest quality of service in car repair, refinishing, and towing.
The company has been proudly family owned and operated since 1952. Female-operated since 2006 and female-owned since 2015 when third generation, Kelly Table-Miletta, became owner. Her daughter, Tyler Hoehe took the role as President and CEO in 2022. She has continued the Table family’s tradition of excellence, adding a fresh perspective. Today, they do minor touch-ups, major repairs, or emergency towing services—including heavy-duty towing.
Under Tyler’s leadership, and with a team of experienced employees, Ed’s Body Shop blends traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology to ensure your vehicle looks and runs its best.
Celebrating Business and Community Heroes with Hometown Heart - People Who Love Where They Live - Oct. 29, 2025
The 2025 Francis H. Sharp, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are recently retired Bridgeton Chief of Police Michael Gaimari, Sr., and a husband and wife team Gregory and Bonnie Facemyer.
The 2025 Gary F. Simmerman Community Leadership Award recipients are Dorothy “Dotty” Robinson and the late Marlene Urban, who is being honored posthumously.
Business Hero Awards will be presented to Ocean First Bank, Garrison Tree Service, and County Line Nurseries. The recipients of the Community Hero Awards are The Margaret Winchester Enrichment Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Stephanie Gonzalez of Bridgeton UEZ, and Kay Delp and Rick Dawson, who will be recognized together for their community service.
Francis Sharp Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Gaimari, Sr.
Retired Chief of Police, City of Bridgeton
To honor the memory of the late Francis H. Sharp, Sr. (Binks Sharp) who served his community with extraordinary dedication and integrity throughout his life, including a long, esteemed record of leadership of the Chamber and the community, the Chamber presents the Francis Sharp Lifetime Achievement Award annually.
Michael Gaimari, Sr. recently retired as Chief of Police of the City of Bridgeton, one of the most important and difficult jobs in any city. Gaimari served with distinction as the challenges faced by police departments grew and changed. The Chamber selected him for this lifetime achievement award based on a career and life of concern for and service to his community.
Michael A. Gaimari Sr. was born and raised in Hammonton, NJ and moved to Bridgeton in 1982 after graduating from Glassboro State College with a BA in Communications. He was recruited as a newspaper reporter for the Bridgeton Evening News by an editor who was also an adjunct professor at the college. He worked four years at the local paper attaining the position of city editor before moving on to the Daily Journal where he worked until joining the police department in December 1987 and graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy Municipal Class 188 in April of the following year.
Officer Gaimari started his career in the department’s Patrol Division, moved to the Anti-Crime Team/Narcotics in 1991 and the Criminal Investigation Division as an assigned detective in 1993 where he found his niche working major crime cases including homicide, robbery, burglary, and sexual assault cases.
In 1998 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and returned to patrol but was re-assigned to the department’s Training Unit the very next year. In 2001, Sgt. Gaimari was assigned to the Cumberland County Narcotics Task Force comprised of officers from law enforcement agencies throughout the county including the New Jersey State Police, FBI, DEA, and ATF. He served as Deputy Commander on the unit for three years before returning to the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and subsequently promoted to Lieutenant in 2004.
Detective Lieutenant Gaimari served as the CID commander for seven years before earning a promotion to the rank of Captain, executive officer of the department in 2011 by Mayor Albert Kelly who four years later appointed him Chief of Police on May 1, 2015.
The department underwent several major changes under his tenure as Chief of Police including a reorganization of duties and assignments, department policies and procedures, a dedication to community outreach activities such as PAL, Coffee with a Cop, Shop With a Cop, Police Youth Week, participation in the Cumberland County Positive Youth Development Council and CC Thrive and a number of other initiatives.
The Chief helped organize a statistical approach to law enforcement and crime prevention which also included enhancing the COMPSTAT approach with monthly supervisor statistical and crime solving meetings. Obtaining Body Worn Cameras several years prior to the state mandate and instituting a multi-layered command review of all use of force incidents involving all officers.
He initiated a change in the appearance of the department’s police vehicles and enhanced the vehicle fleet every year as Chief while also facilitating the vast equipment replacement project following a 2016 lightning strike that crippled the department.
During his tenure, the department suffered through the turmoil of two police-involved fatal shootings both of which the officers were exonerated, two more police officer deaths and a Covid epidemic that rocked the entire world in 2020.
He acknowledges the support of the Mayor and City Council, and the residents for the department and city getting through those times.
He earned five Unit Citations; three Exceptional Duty Medals, one Meritorious Service, and one Honorable Service award during his career in addition to Certificates of Appreciation from the DEA and the Southern Counties Narcotics Task Force Commanders Association. Atop the list of accomplishments, Retired Chief Gaimari notes placing those fine officers in positions within the department to ensure future success as of utmost importance.
Gaimari was active in the community beyond his police service. He joined the Bridgeton-Area Jaycees before joining the police department and helped organize the Greater Bridgeton Christmas Parade for a number of years. While serving on the PBA, he assisted in instituting the annual PBA 94 Golf Tournament and Deerfield Harvest Festival Cheesesteak Booth. Michael also served on the Hopewell Township Board of Education for 19 years, the last nine as Vice President before electing not to run for a seventh term in 2019.
Gaimari has been married to his wife Maria, who is employed by the State of New Jersey Judicial system, for 33 years and they have one son, Michael Jr., a 2018 graduate of Lasalle University, who lives and works in Philadelphia.
Francis Sharp Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Gregory and Bonnie Facemyer
Husband-Wife Team: Business Professionals and Community Leaders
Bonnie and Gregory Facemyer are co-recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. This husband-wife team have given a lifetime of service to Bridgeton and Cumberland County.
Greg Facemyer has been a Certified Public Account for 50 years, with 40 of those years managing his own firm, Gregory Facemyer, CPA, where his experience, expertise, knowledge, and concern for his customers, built a well-respected successful accounting practice that serves all types of businesses, including non-profits like the Chamber for many years. The firm received a business award from the Chamber in the 1990’s.
Greg’s accounting accolades include a member of the American Institute of CPAs, New Jersey Society of CPAs, and a graduate of Rowan University (Summa Cum Laude).
Bonnie Facemyer worked beside her husband Greg in the Gregory Facemyer, CPA office for 40 years, serving as office manager. She is President of B&G Realty and attended Rutgers University. She has served the community in many ways, including serving as a Commissioner of the Cumberland County Tax Board for 12 years. Bonnie has also served on the Cumberland County Board of Elections and the Bridgeton-Cumberland Tourism Association. One of her passions has been leadership of the Cohanzick Zoological Society, serving 25 years as President. She has also been a foster mom to orphaned kittens and has been a member of the DL Club that provides fellowship and donations to various local charities.
Greg’s dedicated service to the community includes Hopewell Township Committee for 15 years, including servings as Deputy Mayor, and taking the lead for Hopewell and the region to seek better service from Verizon that helped bring broadband internet service to all of Hopewell.
Greg Facemyer also served on the Hopewell Planning Board three years including as Chairman, the Upper Deerfield Township Committee for three years, including serving as Mayor, and on the Upper Deerfield Planning Board for three years. He also was County of Cumberland Treasurer and Interim CFO for three years, Cumberland County Insurance Commission for three years, and on the Cumberland County Utilities Authority Board for five years.
Greg has served on the boards of Cumberland Mutual Insurance (serves as Audit Committee Chairman), Colonial Bank (served as Chairman), Cape Bank (served on Audit Committee), Inspira Health Network (served as Treasurer), Bridgeton Invitational Tournament (served as Treasurer), Bridgeton Recreation Commission, Bridgeton Industrial Commission, Red Cross, Woodland School (served as Treasurer), and Bridgeton Rotary Club (served as President and Treasurer).
Greg and Bonnie Facemyer have been publicly acknowledged for their years of service including Bonnie’s awards from Cohanzick Zoological Society Bench dedicated to her and a plaque from Cohanzick Zoological Society in 2018, and a proclamation from Bridgeton’s Mayor Albert Kelly for 25 years of unwavering support of Cohanzick Zoo. Greg has been recognized by Rotary International with the Paul Harris Award and has received the Bridgeton Sportsmen’s Corner Award.
To honor the memory of the late Gary F. Simmerman, who served the Chamber for 40 consecutive years in many leadership roles and was a leader in the business community and community in general throughout his life, the Chamber presents the leaders who exemplify Simmerman’s leadership. This year’s awards will be presented to two outstanding women who have been exemplary business and community leaders.
Gary F. Simmerman Community Leadership Award: Dorothy "Dotty" Robinson
Has provided a lifetime of business professionalism, heart-felt concern for people, and outstanding service to the community.
Dotty Robinson grew up in Stow Creek and is a 1960 graduate of Bridgeton High School. As a senior, she took a job that was a part of the curriculum of the Secretarial Class. She chose to work part-time for the Bridgeton Board of Education, working for the Secretary to the Board. Dotty showed extraordinary expertise and knowledge for a high school senior as well as a very good work ethic. This led to a job offer from her supervisor for a full-time job with the Board of Education before her senior year in high school concluded.
Dotty accepted the job and began a 41-year career with the Bridgeton Board of Education. As Dotty recalls, she never had to go for an interview or worry about getting a job after high school. Her future was in front of her and she was grateful and returned the favor with four decades of outstanding work. She began as an administrative assistant and when she retired, she was in charge of all purchasing for the school district.
Her work ethic and upbeat personality served her well in her career. Her supervisors spoke highly of her organizational skills, her outstanding audits, her high marks in performance reviews, and most importantly her ability to get along with all she worked with over the years. Amazingly Dotty worked under 14 business administrators and 8 superintendents and served as interim business administrator in 1988.
Dotty Robinson has given that same level of professionalism and concern for people in her post retirement employment and service to the community. She served as the part-time manager of Upper Deerfield Estates for many years after retirement from Bridgeton Public Schools, where she not only served the owners of the complex and its residents, but she went over and above her job to help the residents and her friends.
Dotty has served the community as a long-time parishioner and leader at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bridgeton where she has served as Financial Secretary, Chairwoman of the Church Board, and as a choir member. She has also been an active member of the Eastern Star and Cumberland County Soroptimist International.
Dotty Robinson’s service to the Chamber of Commerce began in 2007. She has served on the Board of Directors and as Chairwoman of the Chamber’s Membership Committee. Dotty’s dedicated service after her retirement to the Chamber has been so valuable and dedicated that the Chamber office often receives calls asking for Dotty because she does so much, they think she is an employee.
Her community service has won her acclaim from many organizations including City of Bridgeton, The Chamber of Commerce, and others. Nowhere does Dotty’s love for her community, her friends, and her family shine more than through the countless thoughtful and meaningful ways she helps her friends and neighbors. She does not seek public praise for this service but prefers to quietly go about the work her Lord commands when he says “love they neighbor as thy self.” The Chamber and all who know Dotty are blessed by her care and her service.
Business Hero Award: OceanFirst Bank
OceanFirst Bank, a strong supporter of the Chamber and the community, which traces its banking roots in our area to Young Men’s Savings and Loan Assoc, Colonial Bank, and Cape Bank, opened in 1902, with its founders belief in supporting and growing our local community.
OceanFirst Bank, a strong supporter of the Chamber and the community, which traces its banking roots in our area to Young Men’s Savings and Loan Assoc, Colonial Bank, and Cape Bank, opened in 1902, with its founders belief in supporting and growing our local community. Initially, the focus was helping neighbors realize the dream of owning a home. Now, more than a century later and stronger, the bank still helps fulfill those dreams and assists families, businesses, organizations, and governments with all of their financial needs during every stage of growth.
For over 120 years, OceanFirst Bank has been serving our communities and committed to helping our neighbors. OceanFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:OCFC) was established in 1996 and was the first mutual to stock conversion to include the creation of a foundation. OceanFirst Foundation has been providing grants to assist non-profit organizations in our local markets for more than 25 years.
OceanFirst Bank is a $13.3 billion regional bank providing financial services throughout New Jersey and in the metropolitan markets of Philadelphia, New York, Greater Washington D.C. and Boston. They are one of the oldest community-based financial institutions headquartered in New Jersey.
The Bridgeton branch, located at 85 West Broad Street, has been proudly serving the community for more than 60 years. Bridgeton Branch Manager Tracy Jenkins serves on the Chamber Board of Directors and her entire branch team are committed to making a difference and actively participate in events that support the Bridgeton community year after year, and strives to provide the community with exceptional customer service along with OceanFirst Bank’s wide array of financial products and services designed to help our customers achieve their financial goals. Visit www.oceanfirst.com to learn more.
Business Hero Award: Garrison Tree Service
Through it all, Jeff’s greatest strength has been his resilience. He’s faced challenges and setbacks, but instead of letting them define him, he’s used them as fuel to move forward and continue helping those around him. His unwavering authenticity and dedication are the foundation of both his compan.y and his character
The Chamber presents its third Business Hero Award to Garrison Tree Service. Jeff Garrison began his journey in the tree care industry nearly two decades ago, quickly developing a deep passion for the work and the people it serves. In 2019, after years of experience, he made the bold decision to launch his own business, Garrison’s Tree Service. For the first few years, Jeff balanced his full-time job while running the company three days a week. By 2023, he fully committed to his dream, taking the leap to run the business full-time.
Since then, Garrison’s Tree Service has grown from a small operation to four dedicated crews serving multiple counties with residential, commercial, and emergency tree services. Under Jeff’s leadership, the company has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and integrity.
Jeff’s vision extends beyond business success. He's passionate about giving back to the community that has supported him. Garrison’s Tree Service proudly sponsors numerous local initiatives, including baseball and softball teams, soccer programs, professional fishermen, motocross riders, and more.
Through it all, Jeff’s greatest strength has been his resilience. He’s faced challenges and setbacks, but instead of letting them define him, he’s used them as fuel to move forward and continue helping those around him. His unwavering authenticity and dedication are the foundation of both his company and his character.
The Chamber is pleased to recognize Garrison’s Tree Service as a Business Hero. His business exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship that has turned many local people’s dreams into business success stories serving Cumberland County and beyond. Their success strengthens our economy and our communities just as Jeff’s vision, his incredible employees, and loyal customers have led to his company’s recognition.
Business Hero Award: County Line Nurseries
From their hometown, this family-owned business blends tradition, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, into making County Line Nurseries a trusted name in the horticulture industry.
County Line Nurseries, owned by the Jules Perlstein family for two generations, will receive one of the Chamber’s Business Hero Awards. Their agricultural business closely mirrors the Chamber’s marketing slogan “Hometown Heart with Global Reach.” With over 400 acres of cultivated farmland in production in the area, County Line is deeply rooted in Cumberland County, but their reach extends nationwide, delivering high-quality plant material to job sites and garden centers across the country. At the heart of their operation is a multigenerational commitment to excellence, service, and horticultural expertise.
Jules Perlstein, the founder and President of County Line Nurseries, has been a driving force in the nursery industry for over 60 years. Born and raised in Deerfield Township, where the nursery now thrives, Jules earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College. He went on to teach the subject while pursuing his Master’s degree at Rutgers University. Combining academic insight with hands-on experience, Jules turned his passion into a thriving business and has long been recognized as a leader in producing top-quality plant material.
His dedication and love for the industry have been passed down to the next generation. His older daughter, Abby Perlstein O'Brien, brings a strong sense of design and customer service to the business. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Architecture, Abby is a Registered Architect in the State of New Jersey and a LEED Accredited Professional. Her background in architecture and construction enhances the nursery’s ability to serve landscape professionals with both aesthetic insight and technical understanding.
Deeply committed to her community, Abby has served on the Deerfield Township Committee for 10 years, including 5 years as Mayor, and also currently serves as Board President of Woodland Country Day School in Bridgeton, New Jersey and as Vice Chairwoman of the Cumberland Development Corporation.
Janice Perlstein Maxwell, Jules’ younger daughter, followed closely in her father's agricultural footsteps. She earned her degree in Plant Science from Cornell University and brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the nursery’s operations. Janice manages the farm's supply business and helps maintain the field programs and compliance, and she also specializes in plant brokering, sourcing high-quality materials from across the country to meet clients’ needs at competitive prices.
In addition to her professional role, Janice is a certified yoga instructor, and on the board of a non-profit organization that sends girls to summer camp. Both experiences provide her with a reflective sense of bottom lines that contribute to the success of the business.
All three owners were born and raised in Cumberland County and are proud to continue growing County Line Nurseries and their families from their hometown. Together, they blend tradition, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, making County Line Nurseries a trusted name in the horticulture industry.
Community Hero Award: Margaret Winchester Enrichment Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Center's success is based on the professional and caring work of its dedicated employees, volunteers, families, and the strength and tenacity of its clients.
In response to the Covid-19 epidemic in 2020, the Chamber created a new award category – Community Heroes – to recognize health and community heroes, who courageously served others and helped our area sustain itself in those difficult times. The recognition of community heroes continues in 2025 when we honor three individuals and one organization as Community Heroes.
The Margaret Winchester Enrichment Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., will receive a Community Hero Award for its many years of dedicated service to improve the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired people of Cumberland County.
The program is free for participants and provides social, educational, physiological, psychosocial and recreational needs of the blind and visually impaired through a variety of activities and projects. The program provides services to visually impaired persons, assisting them in functioning more effectively and with confidence in their homes and community, with a long-range goal of self-sufficiency.
While the Center is funded in part by New Jersey Commission for the Blind, the Cumberland County Office on Aging and Disabled Supplemental Aging and Supportive Services grant funds, its success is based on the professional and caring work of its dedicated employees, volunteers, families, and the strength and tenacity of its clients. The Chamber is pleased to name the Margaret Winchester Center for the Enrichment of the Blind and Visually Impaired a community hero.
Community Hero Award: Kay Delp and Rick Dawson
Community heroes are people who show that they love where they live and that they care for others, in small but impactful ways. Kay Delp and Rick Dawson are being recognized as Community Heroes because of the quiet and persistent way that they serve our community.
The Chamber’s Community Heroes are not people or organizations that are well-known and do not always serve the community in highly visible ways. They are often people who show that they love where they live and that they care for others, in small but impactful ways. Kay Delp and Rick Dawson are being recognized as Community Heroes because of the quiet and persistent way that they serve our community.
On the corner of Commerce and Laurel Streets in downtown Bridgeton is a little park known as the Pocket Park. It does not even have its own name. Bridgeton Main Street Association was tasked with keeping the area clean and welcoming. That’s where Rick and Kay Delp stepped up. They have become caretakers for the park and they both take pride in their roles.
Once a month or more when needed, rain, snow, cold or brutally hot, you can see them working tirelessly cleaning up trash, cigarette butts, pulling weeds and raking. There is never a task they can’t handle including brandishing a chainsaw to clean up the trees in the area. They supply all their own supplies such as trash bags, leaf blowers, and rakes.
Kay Delp is the founder and director for Eastern Sky Co-Op in downtown Bridgeton, a non-profit organization that offers yoga classes and wellness and community benefit events. She is a retired school psychologist and a former business management executive. She is married to Dr. Michael Feinstein and they have 3 grown children and 3 black cats. Kay teaches yoga classes, gardens, cooks and travels extensively.
She has served with numerous volunteer organizations since she moved to Greenwich in 1990. They have included the Greenwich Twp. Planning Board, NJ Human Relations Council, Cumberland County Dept. of Corrections GED Program, Court Appointed Special Advocates of CGS(CASA), Services Empowering the Rights of Victims (CFS, Vineland), Bridgeton Main Street Association and Bright Future Collective. Recently, Kay has been working on becoming “retired” for real to give her more time to enjoy family and friends.
Rick Dawson grew up in Bridgeton, where he enjoyed Little League baseball, high school gymnastics, and his first jobs at Sam’s Men’s Shop and WT Grants. A proud member of Bridgeton High School’s Bicentennial Class of 1976, he went on to build a 40-year career at the Salem Nuclear Generating Station, serving in Operations and Technical Departments, as a union shop steward and executive board representative for IBEW Local 94, and as president of the Nuclear Federal Credit Union. He also worked on major reorganization initiatives with PSE&G, developed training programs, and later returned after retirement to support plant projects.
In his community, Rick has been an active volunteer with the Bridgeton Main Street Organization, helping with events and park clean-ups, and has served the City of Bridgeton as Chairman of both the Planning and Zoning Boards, as well as past Vice Chair of the Cumberland County Utilities Authority.
He is married to the Honorable Celeste Riley, County Clerk of Cumberland County, and is the proud father of five daughters and grandfather of seven.
The Chamber and our community are fortunate to have Community Heroes like Kay and Rick, such dedicated individuals in our community.
Community Hero Award: Stephanie Gonzalez
Stephanie’s leadership is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of community. She lives by the belief that “the sun shines for everyone” — or in her words, “el sol sale para todas” — a guiding principle that reflects her commitment to uplifting others and creating spaces where people and businesses can thrive.
Stephanie Gonzalez, the passionate community leader dedicated to service, empowerment, and economic growth as the Coordinator of the Bridgeton Urban Enterprise Zone will be recognized by the Chamber as a Community Hero.
With a background in psychology and business administration, she blends her understanding of people with her expertise in organizational development to create meaningful impact. She worked with the City of Los Angeles for 14 years, where she gained extensive experience in public service and community support. Today, she continues that mission as the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Coordinator for the City of Bridgeton and the State of New Jersey, helping small businesses grow, driving economic development, and fostering community revitalization.
Stephanie’s leadership is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of community. She lives by the belief that “the sun shines for everyone” — or in her words, “el sol sale para todas” — a guiding principle that reflects her commitment to uplifting others and creating spaces where people and businesses can thrive.
Beyond her professional work, Stephanie is deeply grounded in faith, family, and love. She is blessed with loving parents, a brother, her fiancé, three beautiful stepdaughters, and a large circle of family and friends — and she considers her community part of that family as well. With God’s guidance, she continues to share her love and light with everyone she meets.
She is grateful to work alongside her Bridgeton UEZ team — Business Administrator Kevin Rabago and Project Manager Heather Moran — and she speaks highly of amazing Mayor Albert Kelly of the Great City of Bridgeton, businesses, youth, community partners, and business owners within the UEZ, who keep her passion fueled every day. The Chamber acknowledges Stephanie’s service and dedication with this Community Hero award.