PARSIPPANY — Another $15,000 Morris County Small Business Grant was delivered today by the Morris County Commissioners, who were joined by Parsippany Township’s Mayor and Council President and the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in highlighting the importance of shopping locally when the nation recognizes Small Business Saturday.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Morris County. They are the backbone of the entire economy in New Jersey, which is why my fellow Commissioners developed the Morris County Small Business Grant Program earlier this year. We need to support our local entrepreneurs, and this weekend everyone can join in by shopping locally during for the annual Small Business Saturday,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

He joined Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioner Stephen Shaw today in delivering a $15,000 grant to Rajeev Chopra at Chopra Auto Care in Parsippany. Joining them were Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio, Council President Michael dePierro,  Ed Ramirez, Director of Business Resources and Professional Development for the EDC, and businessman Mickey Chopra, the shop owner’s brother.

“During the pandemic, I had no business at all. People were not driving, so they did not bring in their cars. This is going to help me a lot. I have some machines that are going to be updated. My tire machine is very old, and my balance machine is going to cost a lot. So, I am very thankful,” said Rajeev Chopra, who was surrounded by his family when he received the grant.

Morris County launched its Small Business Grant Program on Valentine’s Day with $10 million in American Rescue Act Plan funds, and the Commissioners have approved 782 applications to date.

“I know the Parsippany mayor, the council president, myself and other Commissioners, we were passing out application forms for this grant program all over the place, and we hosted events here in Parsippany and Dover and Morristown and elsewhere to get the word out – and we were successful, so much so that we not only put $10 million into the program but had to add another $1.3 million,” said Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus.

The added funds were approved last month because of a surge of applications filed just before the program closed on September 30. The Commissioners wanted to insure those businesses that applied late, and who may ultimately qualify, would be covered. Morris County is still processing about 85 additional applications.

“Parsippany is filled with small businesses. They make up a big portion of our economy, and we are very thankful to the Commissioner for this grant program. It has helped many of our local businesses, and I hope everyone will get out there this weekend to shop locally for Small Business Saturday,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James arberio.

The Morris County Commissioners adopted a resolution Monday night declaring this Saturday, November 26, to be Small Business Saturday in Morris County. Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been recognized nationwide as “Small Business Saturday” after it was launched by American Express. The national campaign encourages holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses.

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce and EDC helped Morris County this year promote the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.

Frank Cahill, Chairman Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee and the creator of the Morris Now APP, designed the app to help the economy of small businesses in Morris County. Many small businesses had. a rough time during COVID-19, and the APP helps the residents of Morris County find local businesses within their community.  The APP currently has over 15,000 small mom-and-pop businesses listed absolutely free.  If your business is not listed, submit it by clicking here. Morris Now received a similar grant in August from Morris County Small Business Grant Program.

The APP is totally FREE for any consumer to download and is available on Google Play and the Apple Store by searching for “MORRIS NOW.”

From now until December 31, every newly registered user will automatically receive a $10.00 Gift Card to IHOP locations in Parsippany, Kenvil, or Cedar Knolls. In addition, you have an opportunity to win a $50.00 gift card from a Morris. County rertailer.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our downtowns and an essential part of our economy,” stated Craig Schlosser, Managing Director of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation. “We are proud that New Jersey ranks 11th in the United States, with over 861,000 small businesses.”Meghan Hunscher, President of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce in Florham Park, added, “We are glad to promote all of the ‘Shop Local’ initiatives that will benefit Morris County business owners.”

According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, which account for 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United States and they are responsible for creating 1.5 million jobs annually and account for 64 percent of new jobs created in the U.S.

Despite lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. consumers reported spending a record-high total of $23.3 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on “Small Business Saturday 2021.”

PARSIPPANY — ENVY Sports Club & Pools held a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Parsippany Food Pantry.

New guests received a Free Day Pass and Existing Members received a Free Guest Pass for just bringing in non-perishable foods to be donated.

Scott Donnelly, Sales Manager of ENVY Sports Club, explained that “As a Family and Veteran owned business one of our top priorities is to give back to our local community. Our faithful resort members and passionate staff are proud to make a positive impact on people’s lives and bring joy to those around them. Giving back, especially during the holiday season, is a noble cause and we are eager to help those in need any way we can.”

“ENVY Sports Club & Pools understands the importance of our members’ and guests’ experiences. Our team has created a well-rounded multifaceted health and fitness environment for all ages.” ENVY offers a Year-Round Indoor Pool, Seasonal Outdoor Pool, Pool Parties & Events, Heated Sauna, Swim Lessons, Cold & Hot Tubs, Personal Training, Holistic Spa & Masseuse, Weight Machines, Free Weights, Cardio Equipment, Racquetball Court, Group Fitness Classes, and more.”

ENVY Sports Club and Pools is located under the Sheraton Castle at 199 Smith Road, Parsippany. For more information call (973) 560-5410 and visit their Website, Instagram, or Facebook. ENVY’s hours are Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Parsippany Food Pantry is located in the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 263-7163 or visit their Website. The Food Pantry hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ENVY Sports Club & Pools is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

PARSIPPANY — Daniel A. Scola, Jr., Managing Partner, Hoffmann & Baron, LLP, was a recent guest on ‘RNJ Morning Program’ with Host Bert Baron.

Baron and Scola discussed the recent lawsuit between the Medieval Times and their performers’ union over the use of the Medieval Times name.

According to Scola, “It was surprising they decided to use the Medieval Times name when they could have chosen any number of names that might have been available. For example, Knights of the Round Table, Feudal Workers United, and Gothic Workers United, instead chose Medieval Times, it is a risky situation to use a famous mark like that regardless of the types of goods and services you are offering.”

For any entrepreneur, business owner, or inventor that is looking to pick a name for their entity; Scola explained how a name is tied into a brand that represents the source of the product, i.e., the company.  It is extremely important to their success as a business. Scola stated, “The name of a company and its brands are valuable assets… they are among the most important assets a business can have.”

Scola emphasized the importance of selecting the right trademark.  He stated, “Choose a mark that’s unique, that cannot be confused with other marks.”

For more information on Hoffmann & Baron, LLP, click here.

To listen to the interview, please click here.

Daniel A. Scola, Jr. is the managing partner of Hoffmann & Baron and also manages the chemical, pharmaceutical/biochemical, and medical device practice group in the New Jersey office. He has extensive experience in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. He specializes in building IP portfolios and designing strategies to protect and enhance company value. Previously, he was Counsel, patents, and trademarks as well as Assistant Corporate Secretary at The Warner-Lambert Co. and Intellectual Property Attorney at Loctite Corporation.

Prior to earning his law degree, Scola was an adhesive and composite-materials engineer at the Pratt & Whitney Division of United Technologies.

Hoffmann & Baron is a full-service law firm specializing in all areas of intellectual property, both domestically and internationally. For almost four decades, the practice has become known for its unparalleled ability to protect and transform ideas into assets.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, not usually seen in the legal industry, the firm attracts world-class attorneys. Hoffmann & Baron is one of the few firms in the country to use a hybrid model to successfully meld its business side with its technology.

Hoffmann & Baron, LLP provides the most cost-effective approach to achieve the best favorable outcome for the client. Commercial success, efficiency, and discipline are their guides. Established in 1984 by co-founders Charles R. Hoffmann and Ronald J. Baron, the firm has offices in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. The firm is proud to serve clients around the globe in all scientific and engineering fields.