1. Nutley Retailer Honors Victims Of 9/11 By Donating Locally
2. Capalbo's Gift Baskets Wins 2003 N.J. Family Business of the Year Award
3. In the Spirit of Giving...

Nutley Retailer Honors Victims Of 9/11 By Donating Locally

Nutley Family Service Bureau Receives Generous Gift From Capalbo's Gift Baskets

Nutley, NJ, October 8, 2002 -- September 11th will remain in our memories not only for the disaster but the generous outpouring of support from Americans and others throughout the world. The amount of funds raised for September 11th charities is overwhelming. However, with so much attention rightfully focused on those organizations this past year, many local charities found financial support decrease substantially. But one area business, Capalbo's Gift Baskets, found a way to provide support to local charities and remember our friends and neighbors affected by September 11th.

Capalbo's donated all of their business's shipping charges from this past September 11th to the Nutley Family Service Bureau and Emergency Rescue Squad. "A lot has changed since September 11th and it is important not to forget it; however, we must also remember the need to support charitable organizations in our communities," said Dolores Capalbo of Capalbo's Gift Baskets. "We live in a wonderful town, with a great sense of community and we can't forget those organizations that help us keep it that way."

The Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is an independent, non-profit organization that has been active in our community since 1913. NFSB provides a host of professional services that are active in our schools, community organizations, churches and senior living centers. We are very excited about this gift, commented Bob McDonald, Executive Director of the Nutley Family Service Bureau. "We also greatly appreciate the support we received from Capalbo's in the past".

Capalbo's is considering making the September 11th contribution an annual event, and encourages other local businesses to join in next year. This year, the Nutley Family Service Bureau and the Emergency Rescue Squad each received a $1,000 donation from Capalbo's.

The Nutley Family Service Bureau, founded in 1913, is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the health and vitality of individuals and families in our community. The Bureau provides a variety of affordable professional services for children, families and seniors on an ability to pay basis with no one turned away. It offers counseling by licensed clinical social workers, supports programs and seminars and is active in schools, community organizations, churches and senior living centers. The NFSB counts on the financial support of area residents to help it help others. Contact: Nutley Family Service Bureau, 155 Chestnut Street in Nutley, Robert McDonald, Executive Director, 973-667-1884

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Capalbo's Gift Baskets Wins 2003 N.J. Family Business of the Year Award

NUTLEY, N.J., Oct. 26, 2003 - Capalbo's Gift Baskets, Inc., one of the oldest and largest companies of its kind in the country, was named the "2003 New Jersey Family Business of the Year" in the less than $10 million annual sales category.

The award, made at ceremonies on Oct. 16th at the DoubleTree Hotel in Somerset, culminated a year long competition sponsored by the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University, PNC Bank, and New Jersey Monthly magazine.

More than 35 other multi-generational family businesses entered the competition which also included a category for annual sales greater than $10 million. Criteria for selection included at least three generations of family ownership, on going profitability, and contributions to community service.

Governor James E. McGreevey proclaimed the day "Family Business Day to acknowledge the importance of family-owned businesses "in helping the Garden State maintain a strong, resourceful, and vibrant economy."

"We are excited and proud to receive this honor" said Frank Capalbo, who, with his sister Susan, is a third-generation principal of Capalbo's. "We thank the judges, and especially the award sponsors, for making this possible."

The prestigious award, in its 11th year, was co sponsored by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, McCarter & English, LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and PSE&G.

Susan Capalbo, who started in her family's business as a youngster making bows, said, "Our father, Frank, was the true catalyst in the success of our business. He had innovative ideas, a strong work ethic, believed in the importance of an education, and giving back to the community.

"Of course we would never have made it this far without the support of our 'extended family'- AKA our employees, some of whom have been with us 20, 25, and even 35 years. They have weathered the storms with us, including the sudden death of our father, when I was just 19 and my brother was 24. We appreciate each and every one of them and hope they consider this award their own/recognize this award as their own."

Capalbo's was established in 1906 by Italian immigrants, Rose and Domenico Capalbo. Beginning with a horse-drawn wagon and a scale, they sold fruit and vegetables door-to-door to affluent families in Essex County.

Today's operations bear little resemblance to the horse and wagon days. Yet even with modern facilities and equipment, Capalbo's baskets are entirely hand made. The company has 18,000 corporate and about 58,000 individual customers. In 2001, customers bought a record 69,000 fruit baskets, 38,000 gourmet gift baskets, and 13,000 tins of cookies and other goodies.

Revenues have risen steadily by five to seven percent annually. For 2001, the company posted revenues in excess of $6 million.

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In the Spirit of Giving...

New Jersey Company Takes a New Twist

Nutley, NJ - A group of employees of Capalbo's, the tri-state area's foremost and oldest gift basket company, helped a group of Montclair Police Athletic League kids create their own gifts for loved ones this year.

Capalbo's opened its gift warehouse to the PAL kids, letting them select goodies, then make their very own baskets to give loved ones this Christmas. At the end, kids were treated to pizza, before departing with their professional-looking creations.

"Kids always receive presents from many organizations that arrange holiday gift drives," said Susan Capalbo, who, with brother Frank, is a third-generation owner of Capalbo's. "We and our employees wanted to give them an opportunity to be the givers."

Susan, who resides in Montclair, and is active with the Police Athletic League, said, "This is a pilot project that perhaps other companies may want to consider in the future."

What did the kids think? "I want to work here-it would be like doing arts and crafts," said Monae Murphy.

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