Listen to this article
1435 Capital
With more than $2.5 billion in assets under management, Skillman-based 1435 Capital Management has emerged as a driving force in New Jersey’s business landscape, blending strategic investment with a commitment to community impact. Through board service and philanthropic initiatives, the firm supports educational and workforce development programs that prepare New Jersey residents for success in an innovation driven economy.
Beyond fueling portfolio companies that have generated hundreds of jobs – particularly in underserved areas – 1435 Capital’s leadership also mentors the next generation of investors through a 10-week high school internship program. Its focus on sustainable business practices has encouraged portfolio partners to adopt environmentally responsible operations aligned with the state’s long-term sustainability goals.
Among its latest initiatives, 1435 Capital recently launched the $25 million Garden State Innovation Fund. “We work with entrepreneurs in their seed, growth, and mature stages to help them succeed,” said Managing Partner and founder Ben Jen.
ADP
Roseland-based ADP is a defining force in New Jersey. The human capital management leader processes payroll for 1 in 6 Americans and employs approximately 67,000 associates worldwide.
The company’s commitment to New Jersey extends far beyond its business operations. In 2023, the ADP Foundation became a Founding Partner of Liberty Science Center’s SciTech Scity with a $1 million donation. ADP has also invested in the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Food Service Training Academy, funding a 15-week culinary program that provides job skills training at no cost to students.
This culture of giving back, combined with ADP’s pioneering workplace innovations and substantial economic footprint, exemplifies how a Fortune 500 company can drive prosperity while elevating communities throughout the Garden State.
“I’m committed to protecting the wonderful world of work,” said CEO Maria Black. “The future of workforce technology is full of human moments and connection — moments that matter.”
American Standard
A key player in New Jersey’s manufacturing landscape, American Standard has been setting industry, well, standards for 150 years, showcasing cutting-edge bathroom and kitchen solutions to industry professionals from its Piscataway Product Design Center.
The company’s products are found in 3-out-of-5 American homes, along with hotels, airports and colleges. American Standard drives substantial economic activity in New Jersey through its manufacturing operations and distribution networks, while environmental stewardship defines the company’s approach to business. American Standard ‘s water-saving toilets meet EPA WaterSense standards, saving more than 20% more water than standard criteria, and under parent company LIXIL’s sustainability framework, American Standard facilities recycle approximately 630,000 cubic meters of wastewater annually.
“For 150 years, American Standard has found inspiration in the homes and the lives of our consumers, which inspires us to create even more innovative products for them,” said Nik Bafana, CEO, LIXIL Americas.
American Water
Headquartered in Camden, American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S.
The company provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations, including Picatinny Arsenal.
American Water’s professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
American Water has a long history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.
Arizona Beverages
The family-owned company, famous for its iconic 99-cent tall cans, generates over $4 billion in annual revenue. Arizona Beverages is a significant New Jersey employer through its 1 million-square-foot manufacturing and distribution campus in Woodbridge Township.
Arizona’s commitment to affordability – maintaining that 99-cent price point for three decades – reflects a consumer-first philosophy. The company’s sprawling New Jersey operations support local suppliers, trucking companies, and countless indirect jobs throughout the region’s supply chain. Arizona also demonstrates corporate responsibility through charitable initiatives, like donating a portion of profits from every sale of their Chocolate Egg Cream Soda to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Arizona Beverages proves that staying true to your values creates sustainable success that benefits both shareholders and the Garden State.
“Wherever we see savings – like lower crude oil costs for PET – we’re passing them to customers with deeper promotions or outright price cuts …” said Arizona founder Don Vultaggio.
Audible
The Amazon-owned company, based out of its stunning One Washington Park facility and nearby buildings, contributes significantly to Newark’s revitalization.
The company’s initiatives in Newark create jobs, sustain businesses, attract foot traffic and result in greater employee spending, resulting in almost $2 billion in local economic impact annually.
By choosing Newark when others overlooked it, Audible helped transform the city’s trajectory. The company continues to innovate, with CEO Bob Carrigan noting, “Audible believes that AI represents a momentous opportunity to expand the availability of audiobooks with the vision of offering customers every book in every language, alongside our continued investments in premium original content.”
Avis Budget Group
Headquartered in Parsippany since 2001, Avis Budget Group operates one of the world’s leading vehicle rental businesses, with brands including Avis, Budget, and Zipcar generating nearly $12 billion in annual revenue. The Fortune 500 company provides high-quality New Jersey jobs in corporate management, technology, and customer service, with a New Jersey presence extending beyond its headquarters operations.
It has demonstrated commitment to sustainability through significant investments in electric vehicle fleets and emissions reduction initiatives, aligning with the state’s environmental goals. A longtime sponsor of Make-A-Wish and other charities, Avis Budget Group also has active promotional codes on its rental website offering opportunities to support charity partners. A global leader, Avis Budget Group showcases New Jersey’s ability to attract and retain large company headquarters.
“We remain focused on leading the industry through innovation and a steadfast commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience,” said CEO Brian Choi.
Bayer
Anchored by its Whippany and Morristown campuses, Bayer drives positive impact through economic investment and robust community engagement. A life sciences leader with a mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none,” Bayer taps into New Jersey’s thriving pharmaceutical corridor and talented workforce, contributing to the state’s innovation ecosystem and giving back to local communities.
Approximately 300 Bayer employees from New Jersey and Pennsylvania sites recently partnered with America’s Grow-a-Row to harvest 135,000 pounds of produce, resulting in some 539,000 meals donated to local food banks, while grants from Bayer Fund and other philanthropic activities strengthen New Jersey and other communities.
“As a leader in both agriculture and self-care including nutritional supplements, Bayer is the only company in the world that can positively improve access to essential nutrients holistically,” said Dave Tomasi, president, Consumer Health. “We’re committed to bringing nutritious food, multivitamins, and supplements within physical and financial reach of those who need it most.”
BD
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Co.) is a leading global medical technology and Fortune 500 company that has been headquartered in New Jersey for more than 125 years.
The company delivers an unmatched range of essential medical products to the frontlines of health care, producing more than 34 billion devices a year for patients in over 190 countries around the world.
BD recently announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in its U.S. manufacturing capacity over the next five years. “Our work touches the lives of billions of patients,” said Chairman, CEO and President Tom Polen.
The Franklin Lakes-based company is also committed to advancing health access in the communities where its associates live and work — investing millions of dollars in community health initiatives around the world. The company has long supported organizations that serve vulnerable and underserved populations in New Jersey, including more than 35 nonprofits through various volunteer initiatives and cash grants.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
After more than two decades in Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa continues to invest in its Garden state property. Earlier this year, the 2,000-room resort unveiled a refresh of the iconic B Bar; and launched a new Asian Gaming experience, with a 25,000-square-foot space featuring 51 tables, a dedicated Asian gaming space and other amenities.
The property exemplifies economic impact through substantial employment and tax contributions; with 4,000 employees, Borgata is a powerhouse employer in Atlantic City. The company demonstrates ongoing community commitment through charitable initiatives: since opening in 20023, Borgata has provided more than $3.5 million in financial support and engaged multiple employee volunteers. Borgata continuously reinvests in Atlantic City’s future, with projects like a $55 million MGM Tower redesign.
“With these best-in-class offerings and amenities, we are once again redefining the pinnacle of high-end gaming in Atlantic City,” said President and COO Niklas Rytterstrom.
Bristol Myers Squibb
With corporate headquarters in Lawrenceville and multiple sites across the state, Bristol Myers Squibb demonstrates significant community commitment beyond its pharmaceutical innovations. In 2024, in Lawrence Township alone, BMS provided more than $100,000 in grants funding STEM education, and emergency equipment for local first responders. In October 2025, the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, announced a $1 million donation to the Patient Advocate Foundation, a nonprofit that provides professional case management services and financial assistance free of charge to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses.
BMS and its employees have also donated and raised more than $14 million collectively for cancer research through the U.S. Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer cycling initiative since 2014.
“Even though you’re CEO, you rely on the leverage that you get from your team and having a great team that works with you every single day,” according to Chief Executive Officer Chris Boerner.
Brother International Corp.
Brother International combines commercial excellence with meaningful community impact. The Bridgewater-headquartered global technology leader brings innovation and social responsibility to the Garden State, sponsoring Clean Ocean Action’s Annual Beach Sweeps, New Jersey’s largest volunteer environmental event with over 70 locations. Brother also demonstrates its values through action, offering employees two paid days off annually for volunteer work. Recent initiatives showcase Brother’s environmental leadership.
In April 2024, the company launched a company-wide Earth Day program, partnering with Fill it Forward to reduce single-use plastics. Brother has also supported local organizations, including the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Franklin Foodbank, and decade-long commitments to American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the National Arbor Day Foundation.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and the positive feedback from our employees, which highlights our engaging work environment, effective communication, and robust support,” said Brother President Don Cummins.
Burlington Stores
Burlington has called New Jersey home for 50-plus years, generating $10.6 billion in fiscal 2024 sales. The off-price retailer has over 75,000 employees and more than 1,100 stores nationwide. Originally a purveyor of coats, today Burlington offers a wide array of high-quality, branded, fashion-focused women’s, men’s, youth and baby apparel; beauty; footwear; accessories; home goods; toys; gifts and coats at up to 60% off other retailers’ prices.
Says CEO Michael O’Sullivan, “Customers … love finding great deals and they love shopping our newly redesigned stores.”
Over the past two decades, Burlington and its customers donated over $80 million to charitable partners. The company’s 2024 philanthropic focus included partnerships with YouthBuild USA, supporting opportunity youth; AdoptAClassroom.org, supporting underserved schools nationwide; a toy drive for Fundación Infantil Ronald McDonald of Puerto Rico supporting families with children experiencing a health crisis; and new product donations through Delivering Good.
More:
A – B | C – H | I – M | N – P | Q – S | T – Z
