PARSIPPANY — During the Tuesday, June 9 Township Council meeting, the Parsippany Economic Development Committee and Mayor Pulkit Desai recognized four outstanding businesses and community leaders as part of National Small Business Month, celebrating entrepreneurship, community service, and local impact.
Observed each May, National Small Business Month recognizes the innovation, dedication, and economic contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses that help communities thrive.
The honorees included young entrepreneurs Joaquim and Alexa Magracia, Palermo’s Pizza, Parsippany Cube Club founder Anikait Sota, and Professional Physical Therapy Clinical Director Meera Bajaj.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, but they are also much more than that,” said Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill. “They sponsor our youth programs, support our schools, assist our charities, create jobs, and strengthen the fabric of our community. These honorees represent the very best of what it means to invest in Parsippany and give back to others.”
Mayor Pulkit Desai praised the recipients for their commitment to the community.
“These individuals and organizations demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, and leadership that make Parsippany such a special place to live and work,” Mayor Desai said. “Whether through business innovation, volunteerism, educational opportunities, or community outreach, each honoree has made a meaningful impact on our residents and serves as an inspiration to others.”
The first recognition was presented to siblings Joaquim and Alexa Magracia, whose entrepreneurial journey began with a lemonade stand in 2021. Since then, the pair has expanded their efforts through flower sales, handmade jewelry, and other ventures while also donating a portion of their earnings to charitable causes and community initiatives. Their dedication to entrepreneurship, financial responsibility, and community service earned them special recognition from township officials.
The second recognition honored Palermo’s Pizza, a Parsippany restaurant that has become synonymous with community support since opening its doors in 2017. While known for serving thousands of customers each year, Palermo’s has also established a reputation for consistently giving back to the organizations that make Parsippany strong.
Over the years, Palermo’s Pizza has donated food, gift cards, auction baskets, and fundraising support to schools, athletic organizations, nonprofits, first responders, and youth groups throughout the township. Their generosity has benefited Project Graduation at Parsippany Hills High School, Kids Night Pizza events at Lake Parsippany Elementary School, fifth-grade activities at Eastlake Elementary School, programs at Intervale Elementary School, and fundraising efforts for All Saints Academy.
The restaurant has also supported numerous youth sports and extracurricular programs, including Little Viking Cheer, Rising Sun Cheer’s Disney performance fundraiser, the Spike Night Volleyball Tournament, Parsippany Soccer’s Pride Tournament, Parsippany Wrestling, and the Parsippany High School Marching Band. In addition, Palermo’s has frequently stepped forward to assist local first responders, providing meals and support to fire departments and emergency personnel serving the township.
For owners who believe that community support should be returned with community involvement, giving back has never been viewed as an obligation but rather as a responsibility. Their commitment has made a meaningful difference to countless families, students, volunteers, and organizations throughout Parsippany.
The third recognition was presented to Anikait Sota, founder of the Parsippany Cube Club. What began as a sixth-grade project in 2020 has grown into a thriving organization that has engaged hundreds of students through competitions, workshops, and STEM-related educational activities. Through sponsorships and fundraising efforts, Sota has raised more than $15,000 to support educational programs, underserved youth, and charitable organizations throughout New Jersey.
Professional Physical Therapy and Clinical Director Meera Bajaj received the evening’s fourth recognition for their commitment to promoting health and wellness throughout the community. Through educational workshops, injury-prevention programs, fall-prevention seminars, ergonomic training, sports injury awareness programs, and wellness initiatives, Bajaj and her team have helped residents of all ages gain valuable health knowledge while fostering partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
The ceremony concluded with township officials expressing gratitude to all of Parsippany’s entrepreneurs, business owners, and community organizations.
“While we recognized four exceptional honorees, they represent the thousands of small business owners, employees, and community leaders who work every day to make Parsippany stronger,” Cahill said. “Their dedication, innovation, and generosity help make our township an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The annual recognition program serves as a reminder of the vital role small businesses play in supporting Parsippany’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the township.
