Chamber honors individuals, businesses

The Sussex County Chamber of Commerce handed out awards to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations at its annual awards luncheon Thursday, April 10 at Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg.

They were recognized in 15 categories for their positive impact on the Sussex County community and beyond.

Tammie Horsfield, president of the chamber, told those attending the event, “At this luncheon, we will hear stories of perseverance, leadership and vision. Our awardees have overcome challenges and turned them into opportunities, showcasing resilience and creativity.

“Their contributions have not only advanced their personal and professional goals but have also had a profound impact on the business community and beyond.”

Award winners:

• Business Innovation Award: Public Safety Training Academy at Sussex County Community College (SCCC) in Newton.

• Businessperson of the Year Award: Jennifer Cable, president of Thorlabs in Newton.

• Chairman’s Award: Town of Newton.

• Chamber Champion Awards: Both Mary Carroll and the Sussex County Division of Facilities Management in Newton.

• Customer Service Award: Planet Networks in Newton.

• Entrepreneur of the Year: Phil Brodhecker of Brodhecker Farm in Newton.

• Healthy Living Awards: Both Laura Ferri Client Services in Andover and Simple Bare Necessities in Sparta.

• David C. Herzenberg Award: Zufall Health in Newton.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Aldo Sayre (posthumous). Sayre, a Frankford resident and World War II veteran, died Feb. 21 at age 103. He provided the rooster call at the beginning of the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show for many years.

• Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award: German Christmas Market of New Jersey in Sparta.

• Outstanding Community Event of the Year Award: Crystal Springs Resort in Hardyston for its New Jersey Wine & Food Festival.

• Quality in Business Awards: Both Kieffer Electric in Branchville and Perona Farms in Andover.

• Quality in Living Awards: Both Katie’s House in Newton and Sussex County YMCA in Hardyston.

• Rising Star Award: Andrea Ryker of Ginnie’s House Children’s Advocacy Center in Newton.

• Workplace of the Year Award: Nisivoccia in Newton.

Business Innovation Award

The SCCC Public Safety Training Academy, under the leadership of director John Dixon, has undergone a major transformation in recent years, expanding its training capabilities to serve firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical services personnel.

“The reimagining of the Public Safety Training Academy represents a strategic and essential investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Cory Homer, interim president of the college. “This recognition from the chamber is a testament to the forward-thinking leadership and collaborative effort that went into revitalizing the academy.”

Dixon, who has more than 27 years in fire service, said, “Training saves lives. By raising the standard of emergency services education, we’re not just supporting our first-responders - we’re building safer communities for everyone in Sussex County.”

Herzenberg Award winner

The Herzenberg Award recognizes an organization making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of Sussex County residents through the direct delivery of health care and human services activities.

“Zufall Health has proven time and again that high-quality care doesn’t have to be out of reach for anyone,” said Frances Palm, Zufall’s president and chief executive. “This award is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, who go above and beyond every day to ensure that patients in Sussex County - and across our region - get the care they need and deserve.”

Zufall provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health and supportive services to patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. It is based in Dover and operates throughout northern and central New Jersey, including the Newton site that opened in 2016.

Zufall officials said demand for services in Newton has surged in recent years. In 2024, more than 4,000 patients received care at the site, including 14,000 visits. Those numbers were up about 18 percent and 29 percent, respectively, from the previous year.

Champion Award winner

The Sussex County Division of Facilities Management shared the Chamber Champion Award, which recognizes members or volunteers who continuously go above and beyond in contributing their time and talent to the organization.

The Facilities Division was chosen for its exceptional commitment to service and its “customer first” approach.

“The Facilities Division is essential to the activities and continuity of county operations, often working behind the scenes to ensure a safe, pleasant environment for county employees and visitors,” said Chris Carney, director of the Board of County Commissioners.

The division, led by facilities director Keith Nelson, operates two shifts with 28 full-time and three part-time staff.

They maintain and repair more than 750,000 square feet of county-owned buildings and grounds as well as plan and implement capital improvement projects.

“We thank Facilities staff for the contributions they make each and every day to make our jobs easier,” said Jill Space, deputy director of the commissioners board. “Their office is a lifeline to the County of Sussex, literally serving all county agencies among others within the community.”

The premier sponsor of the awards luncheon was Thorlabs. Additional sponsors included Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management Services, Farmside Landscape & Design, First Hope Bank, Nisivoccia, Optimum, Perona Farms and Planet Networks.

The chamber is a not-for-profit business membership organization that works to promote business, enhance economic well-being and foster community development.

For information, go online to sussexcountychamber.org or call 973-579-1811.