As the old year drew to a close, we asked some of the region’s key leaders in business, government and the non-profit world to look into their crystal balls and give us their take on what 2012 has in store for us.
   Here’s what they had to say in response to two questions:
   1. As a leader in South Jersey, how do you see 2012 unfolding? Do you anticipate any significant developments? And, if you do, what are they?
   2. How do you expect the year ahead to compare with the year just ending?

GOVERNMENT:
Steve Sweeney
President
New Jersey Senate
   1. After several down months, state revenues appear to be getting back on track, which is a good sign. One of the most significant developments in the coming year will be the opening of Revel in Atlantic City, which will bring good-paying new jobs to the region, as well as further the resort's rebound. In addition, the continued growth of the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University will not only bring new construction jobs to the region, but will position Camden as a hub for the life sciences. This project is of vital importance to South Jersey, as it not only points to the need for continued and new investment in higher education statewide, but it shows that smart development and planning in partnership with our colleges and universities - such as the Rowan
Boulevard Project -- can move a whole region forward.
   2. In 2011, we set in motion new ways for New Jersey to compete, with targeted tax cuts for small businesses. And, as the year was ending, we began to see more new jobs being created across the state. This year, we will continue to build on that momentum and finish the job of rebuilding our state's economy and getting our residents back to work. I am very
optimistic about 2012, and am confident that we will have a much stronger year.
Jeff Nash
Shareholder
Cozen O’Connor and Camden County Freeholder
   1. In Camden County, the foundation has been laid for a remarkable year. Prudent fiscal planning and budgeting has allowed the county government to hold the line on taxes while providing outstanding government services. With the help of a very dedicated workforce, Camden County will engage in a progressive effort to improve its parks and build upon a nationally recognized open space preservation program. Additionally, there will be more services for seniors and children that will enhance the quality of life for residents. Camden County will also continue its public safety efforts, including the construction of a new 911 emergency system. We should also see the State and Delaware River Port Authority move forward with plans to build a much-needed light rail system from Camden to Glassboro. Rush hour traffic on Route 42 will finally be alleviated with the construction of a new mass transportation line and New Jersey Transit's plan for bus rapid transit down the Route 42 corridor. The Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges are also getting a facelift, all for public safety, without any new tolls scheduled. The County is poised for a good year and, with the hope of an economic recovery, we can reap the benefits of good planning that will result in more jobs and business profits.
   2. In 2011 the economy stabilized, but, with few exceptions, we did not see sufficient growth in the job market to help those who are unemployed or underemployed. Therefore, 2011 is best described as a rebuilding year. We saw much needed change in government with tax caps and benefits reform passed by the State government. That should help stabilize the property taxes in 2012 and years to come. In 2012 we should see the fruits of plans made in 2011. In particular, several projects in Camden City will come to fruition that will hopefully create jobs and a safe environment for residents. Further, all residents will benefit from plans for environmental sustainability as plans developed in 2011 will be announced later this year. All of which is very exciting.

EDS AND MEDS:
Richard P. Miller
CEO
Virtua
   1. I believe the economy will be sluggish overall. I don’t see an economic recovery or any significant job growth. Basically I think 2012 will be a continuation of 2011. However, I don’t see deterioration beyond where we are now, but no substantial recovery and the continuation of high unemployment. I foresee a stable year at Virtua. We will open two new outpatient centers in Voorhees and Moorestown and will add new jobs through that process. Our stability will depend on the current level of funding for federal and state programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Other than the fact that we will experience a presidential election year, I don’t see any significant developments. Because of the election, the congressional stalemate will most likely continue until January 2013 and the legislature will make no major moves until the presidential and congressional elections are decided.
   2. I see basically another year of the status quo. I don’t anticipate any major erosion in the economy but I also don’t expect anything overly positive.
Dr. Wendell Pritchett
Chancellor
Rutgers-Camden
   1. I believe that 2012 will be marked by innovation throughout our region as organizations and communities alike find creative responses to fiscal and societal challenges. Through collaborative efforts, southern New Jersey will position itself to emerge from the current economic downturn stronger than ever, and positioned to take full advantage of economic growth opportunities.
   2. We’ll continue to face shared challenges and, I am certain, we will continue to make progress as we face them together.
Dr. Ali Houshmand
Interim President
Rowan University
   1. I see 2012 as the year that healthcare and higher education will begin forging alliances to grow Eds and Meds in the region, which will have a major impact in the economy of Southern New Jersey. I am hopeful that these two sectors of economy will hire more people, which will help reduce the large inventory of vacant or unsold homes in the region.
   2. I see 2012 as the turnaround year. After four years of downward spiral, it appears that the regional/national economy is improving steadily. I am however worried that the European financial problems facing Greece, Italy, Portugal, Ireland and Spain may have a negative impact in the turn-around of our economy.
Herman J. Saatkamp
President
Richard Stockton College of NJ
   1. 2012 should see an incremental improvement in the economy that will translate into a better business climate. The Richard Stockton College’s immediate area, the Atlantic City region, will benefit from the opening of the new Revel Casino, increased employment in the area, and more visitors spending discretionary income on gaming, hospitality and tourism. Studies from Stockton’s Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism have shown that in addition to the many attractions already at the Jersey Shore, they would like to have more of the arts and museums available to them. Stockton is partnering with CRDA and others to develop an Arts District and its footprint will be visible in 2012. Already “in play” through Stockton are Dante Hall for the Performing Arts, the Noyes Museum of Art, and our own Performing Arts Center’s productions in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. To prepare for this growing market, Stockton will be continuing to expand its offerings in hospitality and tourism and the performing arts. In fact, in 2012 we will be showcasing our own two story art gallery just completed on our main campus. Not only will the arts be appreciated for their intrinsic value, they will bolster the area’s economy. With all this happening, my wish for 2012 is that we will see an increase in and stabilization of funding for higher education on both the state and federal areas. It is no secret that the need for education beyond a high school level is increasing drastically. As a nation, we are falling far behind other developed countries in producing scientists, engineers, teachers, healthcare and other professionals requiring higher education. We must be prepared for a recovering economy. At the same time, it is important that institutions such as Stockton College be accessible and affordable to all qualified students. A re-emphasis on providing funds to prepare our young people and re-educate those who lost employment during the recession is necessary and 2012 should be the start of this incline.
   2. This time next year we will be preparing to inaugurate the President of the United States and the swearing in of a new Congress. The global economy will be stabilizing. The mood of the country is likely to be hopeful. Fortunately, because it means they are home with their families after fighting wars, we will be acclimating many of our returning veterans and higher education institutions such as Stockton will be helping these men and women realize gainful employment through education and training.

BUSINESS:
Robert M. Brown
President
American Asphalt Company
   1. I believe 2012 will be a slight improvement over 2011. My current backlog of work exceeds year end 2010 backlog. Estimates for new work seem like they are getting more traction and are not just budgetary numbers. We see signs of confidence in projects that are being built, not just talked about.
   2. I hope that the pricing pressure will lift a bit to allow for a sustainable margin on sales. Relentless price cutting on the smaller amount of available work may be easing. Companies that sold for prices at or below cost are now realizing their errors as they can’t afford to pay their vendors.
Carl Bagell
Partner
Friedman LLP
   1. We are optimistic about 2012. Our firm has expanded during these difficult times, and believe even though there will be challenges to overcome, the economy continues to improve. With 2012 being an election year changes are bound to happen.
   2. As CPA’s and business advisors we are able to see the effects of the recession on a daily basis. We coach our client’s on how to survive and still prosper during these most difficult times. Some of the significant developments I see ahead are a decrease in the unemployment rate, a stabilization in the housing market during the last quarter of 2012, and a gradual improvement in the overall economy.
James M. Harte, CPA, CITP, CISA
President
J. Harte Associates LLC
   1. From my vantage point I do not see significant movement in 2012. We are planning for moderate growth through acquisition of clients dissatisfied with sub-par service. The key to survival in this environment is creativity and excellent service. Our creativity will help business & technology expenditures last longer and produce higher rates of return.
We are seeing an increased opportunity to finance projects related to infrastructure investment in equipment and revenue producing activities, as banks look for places to lend that encourage growth and don’t involve real estate. You may not be able to get a loan for a new facility, warehouse or office space, but if you want to invest in equipment, infrastructure and revenue producing assets, I am hearing strong encouragement from our banking friends. In particular, we see terrific opportunities for professional firm technology initiatives and medical practices trying to meet the deadlines to demonstrate substantial use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Systems.
   2. We hope 2012 affords us the same opportunities to recruit the additional high quality staff we were able to secure in 2011. For an employer it has been difficult, since good people are digging in their heels even if they are somewhat dissatisfied with their current situation. We hope the talent pool of employees starts to open up to meet the modest demand increases and gains from the attrition of smaller firms and those who struggle to make the grade.
Tom Spearing
President
Project Management Group/Americas
Hill International
   1. There are some indicators, albeit small at this point, that New Jersey may be on the road to recovery. These include the state’s year-to-date job growth rate, which is about 1.5%, ahead of New York’s 1.3% and ahead of the overall nation’s 1%. For the first time in three years we are seeing job growth over a 12-month horizon. I think it’s a glimmer of hope.
   2. It looks like South Jersey is in a position to ride out the storm a little easier than the rest of the state. There are more projects or potential projects in the pipeline here. And if they receive funding, we can really have an impact on job growth in this part of the state as well as others.
Peter Hovnanian
Principal
JS Hovnanian and Sons
   1. We are working on a number of projects in a variety of towns and counties throughout New Jersey with a diverse portfolio from luxury condominium leasing communities, to urban redevelopment to major retail and introducing new residential product and neighborhoods.
   2. Although the improvement will be gradual, we are optimistic about the coming New Year. New Jersey has its challenges like any other state, but it also has its benefits for businesses and people to want to work and live here.
Dan Love
VP IT/Operations
Radwell International
   1. For our business we experienced excellent growth (up 24%) despite the continued lagging general economy. For 2012 we expect to continue that trend fueled by many factors, including continued expansion here in South Jersey, nationally, and globally. We continue to invest in staff and improvements in internal processes, computer systems, and product offerings.
   2. I believe that 2012 will be similar to 2011 from an economic perspective in that it will continue to very slowly emerge from recession with a perhaps bigger rebound coming towards the end of 2012, early 2013. This is due in part to the dependency on the global economy, which will continue to fare worse than the US, especially in Europe. Culturally and psychologically things will be different in the US in 2012 as our focus will shift towards the presidential election and the impact of the end of the war in Iraq.

NOT FOR PROFITS:
Nancy Orlando
CEO
South Jersey Region/American Red Cross
   1. There are many changes in store for American Red Cross within New Jersey. Effective January 1, 2012, we have realigned our service regions within New Jersey, The two new regions are North and South. The South Region includes the counties of Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, Camden, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem. The North Region includes all the other counties within NJ. The realignment will allow for a more unified structure that will enable us to provide consistently superior services with a greater reach throughout the state. This new regional model also aligns better with the NJ Office of Emergency Management who we work closely with during disasters. We expect to see an increase in our volunteer and youth programs as we look to engage them even more in the delivery of our services. Lastly, we also are anticipating even more involvement with our Service to the Armed Forces Program with the return of our servicemen and women.
   2. This past year was a year of necessary transition for the organization. I served as the Interim CEO last year and as of January 1 have the full responsibilities of the job squarely on my shoulders. I welcome the changes ahead of us and am proud to have a staff of professional employees and volunteers highly trained and motivated to meet the needs of our communities. Every day we are faced with opportunities to help people at their times of greatest needs. I expect the public will start to see and hear more about this amazing organization. Our reputation and history as one of our country's foremost providers of human services and programs is always a proud reminder to live up to the standards we created over 130 years ago. We are also a Charity Navigator four star charity.
Toni Pergolin
President
Bancroft
   1. In 2012, I expect that all NPO’s we will continue to face financial challenges with potential rate reductions and limited donated funds. I also believe that with current challenges impacting our country, NPO’s will be needed more than ever and asked to expand their missions. Because of this, the smaller NPO’s may need assistance from the larger ones and that we will need to align ourselves together in order to meet the needs of people we support. Partnerships with other large organizations will also be evaluated for potential opportunities for delivering high quality care in new and varied settings.
   2. I anticipate that our year will be comparable to the year just ending, however we will achieve it in a different ways. At Bancroft, we are focused on providing services in new and less costly ways. We are also exploring ways to work with others to further our mission including school districts to help reduce private school funding, while enabling children to go to their neighborhood schools with sibling and partnering with community employers such as Wawa who provides job opportunities and real world experience for the people we support. Partnerships in all shapes and sizes, will be important for all NPO’s to continue to carry on their mission.
Matthew Reilly
President/CEO
MEND, Inc.
   1. Non-profit affordable housing organizations throughout NJ will continue to struggle with:
     • an uncertain legislative, regulatory and judicial climate;
     • a paucity of federal, state, county and local project development subsidy funds;
     • an inadequate allocation of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits;
     • a continuing decline in charitable grants and donations; and
     • increasing demand for affordable rental housing brought on by the weak national and state economies.
   The Appellate Division of the NJ Superior Court is expected to rule on various matters relating to the status and role of the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) vis-à-vis housing obligations which were made a NJ constitutional obligation for municipalities by the NJ Supreme Court's 1975 Mount Laurel I and 1983 Mount Laurel II rulings. Issues relating to the interpretation and enforcement of the Fair Share Housing Act of 1985 are also in play. Housing advocates, developers, planners and Mayors are awaiting these new rulings with much anticipation.
   2. The financial environment for affordable housing development will continue to be extremely challenging. Regulatory issues surrounding COAH will continue to be debated and litigated. Waiting lists for affordable rental housing will continue to grow.
Tim Kerrihard
President/CEO
YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties
   1. I think 2012 will continue to squeeze many nonprofits, especially the smaller ones with less diverse or formalized funding sources. We'll see the stronger organizations, many of them regional or national, continue to refine their brands and better position their causes in the marketplace. And I think we'll continue to see mergers and shared service agreements within the sector too. I also think times like these call our community members to care more about one another. People are hurting and experiencing alot of insecurity. We'll continue to need each other, and our charitable organizations, more than ever.
   2. The economy is picking up slightly, so hopefully that will continue. I think, unless we really go backwards on that front, that more people will be less willing to 'sit back and wait this out'. Our community members will begin to respond in bolder ways. That's community leadership - and its exactly what we all need. No more hand-wringing. Lets get to work.