MORRIS COUNTY — Newmark Associates, New Jersey’s largest and longest-established woman-owned commercial real estate brokerage firm, has been honored by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce with its Community Service Award, recognizing the Cedar Knolls-based firm’s nearly four decades of civic engagement alongside its business success.

Founded in 1987 by Susanne Newmark, and now co-led by Newmark and Nancy Glick, the firm has built a reputation across New Jersey’s key commercial real estate submarkets while maintaining an active presence in Morris County’s civic and charitable life. Newmark Associates holds WBENC, WBE, and SBE certifications and has long championed the advancement of women and minorities in business.

“This recognition belongs to everyone at Newmark Associates, and to the community that has supported us for nearly 40 years,” said Susanne Newmark, Founder and CEO. “From the beginning, we have believed that a business owes something to the place where it operates — not just as a matter of principle, but because strong communities and strong businesses build each other.”

Among the firm’s most visible philanthropic efforts is a summer internship program that brings commercial real estate education to students in the Newark school system, offering young people direct exposure to an industry that shapes the built environment of their own neighborhoods. Newmark has also served on the board of Jewish Family Services and remains active in the Morristown community. Team members across the firm serve in voluntary roles on planning boards, economic development committees, recreation and parks advisory committees, and numerous charitable organizations.

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award recognizes businesses and individuals whose contributions to civic, charitable, and community life reflect exceptional dedication beyond the ordinary course of business.

“We are deeply grateful to the Morris County Chamber of Commerce for this honor,” Newmark said. “Morris County has been home to this firm for nearly four decades. The relationships we have built here — with clients, colleagues, and neighbors — are the foundation of everything we do.”

Newmark Associates, located in Cedar Knolls, is an affiliate of CRESDA (Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance), servicing the supplier diversity requirements of Fortune 100 companies nationwide. The firm specializes in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare, and mixed-use properties, and has been recognized repeatedly by NJBIZ magazine and the CoStar Commercial Real Estate organization.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Township officials, county leaders and business representatives gathered Friday to mark the grand opening of Costello’s Ace Hardware at Cedar Knolls Plaza, 235 Ridgedale Avenue.

The celebration drew representatives from Hanover Township, Morris County, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, and members of the township’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). In keeping with the hardware theme, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting was performed with a chainsaw.

Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers said the new store represents more than just another retailer, calling it an important part of continued investment in Cedar Knolls and the surrounding community. Myers noted that neighborhood businesses do more than provide goods and services — they create places where communities form. “We don’t want warehouses replacing businesses where neighbors meet,” she said. “That’s where you meet your neighbors, share ideas and build community.” She added that a sense of community encourages residents to invest locally. “It’s critical in making people want to invest in their home and in their town,” Myers said. “If people feel like they’re forever an outsider, that’s how they’ll treat the county and their community.”

Michelle Feldman, director of community and economic development for the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, also spoke at the event, welcoming the Costello family to Morris County.

Costello’s Ace Hardware was founded by Vincent Costello in Deer Park, N.Y. in 1973. The family-owned business has since grown from a single 2,000-square-foot store into a chain of more than 60 locations along the East Coast.

The Hanover location, at 23,000 square feet, is the largest of the company’s New Jersey stores and one of the most advanced in its portfolio. The store features a new flagship format with an extensive hardware and home improvement selection, a dedicated barbecue department, power equipment offerings, and a curated gifts and home accents section called “The Knolls Thoughtful Finds.” The store is also designed to serve contractors and commercial customers with dedicated account management and jobsite delivery services.

“Costello’s Ace Hardware is a tremendous addition to Hanover Township’s business community. Their investment brings quality retail, creates local jobs, and provides residents with a trusted neighborhood destination for home improvement needs. We are proud to welcome Costello’s to Hanover and look forward to their continued success as an active community partner,” said James Onorevole, Assistant Business Administrator, Hanover Township.

Multi-store director Lauren Kramer said interest in do-it-yourself home improvement projects that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued as homeowners invest in their living spaces. “A lot more people DIY,” Kramer said. “COVID accelerated that. People realized, ‘I can repaint my room,’ and then they started taking on more projects. It’s become part of their lifestyle.”

Store Manager Jen Ornella said watching the Cedar Knolls location come together from an empty shell into a finished store has been especially rewarding.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Employment Horizons has announced the appointment of Cynthia Walsh Rintzler (Cyndy) as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 13th.

The announcement was made by the organization’s Board of Directors.

Rintzler brings more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities services, and behavioral and mental health. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Programs and Services at Inroads to Opportunities (The Occupational Center of Union County), where she administered a portfolio of vocational, mental health, day habilitation, and transition services.

The Board expressed confidence that Rintzler is the right leader to guide Employment Horizons into its next phase of growth, citing her belief in the power of individualized personal support to transform lives — a vision the Board said aligns with the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders, clients, and the broader community.

The Board also expressed gratitude to Matthew Putts, who served as Interim and former CEO, for his leadership and commitment to the organization. “He has helped position Employment Horizons for continued success,” the Board said.