United Way of Northern New Jersey awarded its 2023 Industrial Impact Award to Samsung at Linden Logistics Center. From left: United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso, Greek Development Managing Partner David Greek, Greek Development Director of Acquisitions Alex Motiuk, Advance Realty Managing Director Bill Bumber and United Way Senior Vice President of Resource Development George Xuereb. — Photos by Karen Fucito/Courtesy: United Way of Northern New Jersey
By Joshua Burd
The United Way of Northern New Jersey raised nearly $400,000 as part of its annual commercial real estate industry fundraiser, drawing a crowd of nearly 500 on Friday as the organization honored two high-profile projects and a key trade association.
The program, which took place at the Meadow Wood in Randolph, marked the 23rd year for the nonprofit’s Legacy Event. Industry professionals once again showed up in force as the organization unveiled its 2023 Impact Awards in the commercial and industrial categories, including the Fiserv Innovation Center at The Park in Berkeley Heights and Samsung’s commitment at Linden Logistics Center, respectively.
All told, the United Way Commercial Real Estate Network raised $385,000 this year in support of essential workers who struggle to afford the basics, or ALICE, an acronym referring to those who are asset-limited, income-constrained and employed. The organization on Friday also presented Commercial Real Estate Women of New Jersey with its Spirit of Philanthropy Award, while welcoming National Minority Supplier Development Council CEO and President Ying McGuire for a keynote address.
“United Way is thankful for this industry’s enduring support and partnership in helping put ALICE individuals and families on a path to financial stability,” said George Xuereb, United Way senior vice president for resource development. “In addition, we congratulate this year’s winners for their positive impact within our communities.”
SLIDESHOW: United Way's Legacy Event
The Fiserv Innovation Center, which opened last year at The Park in Berkeley Heights, followed one of the state’s largest office leases in recent years and will serve as a regional hub for 3,000 employees of the financial technology giant, the United Way noted. The winning team includes The Connell Co., Fiserv Inc., Cushman & Wakefield, GS Ferguson Group, Mancini Duffy, Ted Moudis Associates, Robert Derector Associates, Structure Tone, Husch Blackwell, AFD Contract Furniture Inc., WB Wood, Steelcase, Haworth, F&G Mechanical, Star-Lo Electric Inc., BT Flooring Solutions, Corporate Woodworking and Paul Rabinowitz Glass Co.
Meantime, the organization honored Samsung’s 735,220-square-foot lease at the 350-acre industrial park developed by Advance Realty Investors, Greek Development and PGIM Real Estate. Aside from ownership, the winning team includes Samsung Electronics America Inc., CBRE, JLL, Colliers Engineering & Design, Lewis Roca, Goldfarb & Fleece LLP and Langan.
Since 2000, the state’s commercial real estate industry has helped to raise more than $4 million for United Way. A key part of that effort has been the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which this year went to an organization known for its own history of fundraising and helping to address food insecurity, financial instability and domestic violence.
“CREW New Jersey’s mission is to advance all women in commercial real estate, and without the ALICE workforce, we can’t achieve this goal,” said Krista Korinis, president of Global Installation Resources LLC, who serves as this year’s CREW NJ president. “Over the past 40 years, CREW New Jersey has recognized, supported and donated to hundreds of amazing charities right here in New Jersey. Many, if not all, help ALICE families in some way. By partnering with our members, our community and charitable organizations, including the United Way, we are proud of our accomplishments and our impact.”
The four other finalists for the Commercial Impact Award were AT&T in Bedminster, Avis Budget Group & Gilead Sciences at LATITUDE in Parsippany, Lord Abbett in Jersey City and PTC Therapeutics in Warren.
Two other finalists for the Industrial Impact Award were projects at 100 Frontage Road and the Monroe 8A Logistics Center.
The event was made possible by a total of 37 sponsors, including Gold Sponsors Alston Construction, Turner Construction Co. and Vision Real Estate Partners.
