Each year the Institute coordinates with other corporate sponsors this annual event which selects the finest family businesses in the state and recognizes them at an awards luncheon in October. This year's luncheon took place on October 7 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. 

The 2009 top winners were Morey's Piers for the over $10 million category, and Garden Terrace Nursing Home for the up to $10 million category.

Previous Winners:  (2007)  (2006)  (2005)  (2004)  (2003)  (2002)  (2001)  (2000)

Download NJ Family Business of the Year Nomination Form
The deadline will be mid April 2010. Feel free to call us if you have any questions.

Related Program: Family Business Forum

Morey's Piers, Wildwood, NJ - Over $10 Million Category

Morey’s Piers is the largest seaside amusement center in the Western hemisphere. Voted Third Best Seaside Amusement Park in 2007 by Amusement Today, the company, found in 1969 by bothers Will and Bill Morey, has a sprawling complex of four amusement piers strung along Wildwoods’ five-mile beach and two-mile boardwalk, featuring more than 100 rides and attractions. The company has an ambitious vision: As seaside parks fade away across the world, it hopes to completely reinvent the definition of boardwalk and balance the fine line between celebrating nostalgia and developing new and exciting products that bring families together. In doing so, the company hopes to contribute to preserving a very important New Jersey tradition.

Garden Terrace Nursing Home, Chatham, NJ - Up to $10 Million Category

Garden Terrace Nursing Home has been family owned and operated since 1964. The private, 34-bed skilled nursing facility offers a familiar, homelike atmosphere while effectively providing short-term respite and long-term and therapy services.The Flemming family proudly provides the same comprehensive care of a larger, corporate facility while maintaining a warm intimate setting. Peter, Phyllis, Laura and Peter, Jr. carry on this tradition of excellence by living the following philosophy: Celebrating life in a compassionate and dignified manner; providing a home-like setting that invites warmth, caring and security in a safe therapeutic environment and promoting support, encouragement and education for family and friends as they face roles as caregivers.

Category of Companies with Sales up to $10 Million:

Semifinalists

Ingrassia Construction, Middlesex

Roman Jewelers, Flemington

Singer Nelson Charlmers, Teaneck

Turul Bookbindery, Wharton

Finalists

Nassau Tennis Club, Skillman

Stellato Funeral Homes, Lyndhurst

Tony Pallet, Newark

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Category of Companies with Sales over to $10 Million:

Semifinalists

Advance Digital Data, Flanders

Bridgeway Senior Healthcare, Bridgewater

EPS Corporation, Tinton Falls

Finalists

Accurate Box Company, Patterson

DCH Auto Group, South Amboy

Wellshire Farms, Swedesboro

The 2008 top winners were Cory Home Delivery Service, a third generation commercial delivery service, for the over $10 million category, and Old Monmouth Candy Company, a three-generation candy business, for the under $10 million category.

Top Family Business Honors go to Old Monmouth Candy Co. and Cory Home Delivery Service

On October 7, 2008, a day officially proclaimed by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine as “New Jersey Family Business Day”, two New Jersey businesses were awarded the coveted title of “New Jersey Business of the Year”- Old Monmouth Candy Company (in the up to $10 Million category) and Corey Home Delivery Service (in the over $10 Million category). Both winners will be featured in the November issue of New Jersey Monthly, which will be on newsstands at the end of October.

The event featured a keynote address by Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor of WWOR TV’s My 9 News. “It is remarkable to see the innovation, longevity and legacy of New Jersey’s family businesses,” stated Blackmon. “Today we honor your success!”

This year marked the sixteenth year for the awards, which have become a revered New Jersey institution. The awards were made possible by the following sponsors: New Jersey Monthly, The Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies, PNC Bank, Camares Communications, The Crystal Plaza, JH Cohn, PSE&G and Schenck, Price, Smith and King LLP.

Companies up to $10 Million

Old Monmouth Candy Company, Freehold

Established in 1939, Old Monmouth Candy Company is sometimes referred to as a Freehold institution. Many generations have fond memories of visiting the shop, which is owned by Hal and Susan Gunther, President and Vice President and their two sons, who now work in the business.

Susan learned a valuable lesson from her father, Warren Prest, the company’s co-founder. “My father taught me that it is a priviledge to own a business and serve the public, selling a product you can be proud of,” Susan said.

Companies Over $10 Million

Cory Home Delivery Service, Secaucus

Cory Home Delivery Service, is one of the oldest and largest specialized home delivery carriers in America. Founded by Joseph Cory in 1934, it is now under third generation family management and ownership. The company was founded as a one-truck operation and today lists clients including Best Buy, Crate and Barrel and Ethan Allen.

The family credits their success to carefully balancing home and work life while maintaining strong relationships among family members, retail clients, owner-operator teams, management and employees.

The five semifinalists in the category of  companies with sales up to $10 Million:

Cutting Edge Industries, Linden

Roman Jewelers, Flemington

Rue Insurance, Hamilton

Turul Bookbindery, Wharton

Villani Bus Company, Linden

The three finalists in the category of companies with sales up to $10 Million:

Old Monmouth Candy Company, Freehold

Race Farms, Blairstown

Tony Pallet, Newark

The five semi-finalists in the category of companies with sales over $10 Million:

Machinery Services Corp., Rapid Pump and Meter Service, Paterson

Manufacturer’s Reserve Supply, Irvington

Morey’s Piers, Wildwood

Reuther Material Company, North Bergen

Spiral Binding Company, Totowa

The three finalists in the category of Companies with sales over $10 Million:

Bridgeway Senior Healthcare, Bridgewater

Cory Home Delivery Service, Secaucus

Verrex, Inc, Mountainside

Sponsors

The New Jersey Family Business of the Year Awards program is sponsored by the Rothman Institute, PNC Bank and New Jersey Monthly. Co-sponsors include Camares Communications, Crystal Plaza, J.H. Cohn LLP, Public Service Electric and Gas and Schenck Price, Smith & King LLP.