BIG 4 BUSINESSES BOOM

Kramer, AtlantiCare, NJM and Stockton talk Hammonton
 

by Paul J. Macrie IV, Gazette Staff Writer

HAMMONTON—New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, AtlantiCare, Kramer Beverage Company and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s Kramer Hall are four major organizations that have established themselves in Hammonton in recent years. These three businesses and one educational institution are hopeful to sustain that relationship for the long term. Each company is looking to build on its success, whether it is expanding or performing any other improvement that will enhance its operation.
Stockton’s Kramer Hall on Front Street has become an ideal destination for commuting students from the western part of southern New Jersey, and especially the area surrounding Hammonton. During the spring semester, the academic building had its soft opening, which allowed students to take some selected courses. With additional work to improve the site taking place now, the full-time opening will commence in the fall.
Eileen Conran-Folks, the manager of the Kramer Hall site, said the town and its people have been overwhelmingly supportive during the entire process. Conran-Folks thanked many town figures, whether it was the mayor, other town officials, business owners or others that have contributed to the effort for their support and guidance.
“Our relationship with Hammonton representatives has been an absolutely positive beginning. Back a few years ago when this building was just a notion that Stockton was thinking about renovating and using this building. The town quickly aligned themselves with Stockton to provide them with demographic information. Jim Donio, in particular, was extremely helpful in providing the outlook for Hammonton, with regard to how they were redeveloping the MainStreet [Program Area]. Anyone that could help us and provide us with information in terms of getting everything ready, they were there for us,” Conran-Folks said.
Kramer Hall will offer 22 classes during the fall 2013 semester. There are continuing education programs that will be added, and to check those offerings, go to the college’s website www.stockton.edu/hammonton
“We are expanding our academic program. We are up to approximately 22 classes that will be offered in the fall. In addition to the academic classes, we are growing our community in continuing education. We are asking residents to keep an eye on that, and the best way to stay informed is to go to our website. That is updated with new program offerings,” Conran-Folks said.
As Stockton plans on a long-term relationship with the town, the cultural and arts areas of the college has received a big boost at Kramer Hall during its first several months of operation. The Historical Society of Hammonton, Eagle Theatre Board and MainStreet officials will be utilizing the facility for meetings. The growth of the college is increasing, Conran-Folks said.
“This has been a great team effort and with the support from all the major representatives in town, Kramer Hall has been a success so far. Kramer Hall has picked up a lot of traction, and particularly in the cultural and arts areas. It is really boundless as far as the versatility of the building goes,” she said.
Mark Kramer of Kramer Beverage Company stated that the town has worked with his business as much as possible through its 11 years of operation on South Second Road. Even when the plan was being constructed in the beginning, Hammonton has been there for the Kramer family.
“The town really worked with us to make it possible to come to Hammonton. At the time, it was running the water and sewer lines and really welcoming us with the Industrial Park and making that a reality. All of that made it possible for us to put our business here. After constructing the site, we had great support from the town and Joe Pantalone at ARH [town engineer Adams, Rehmann and Heggan] was a huge help for us. A lot of people made this possible and it was a real team effort to make it a reality,” Kramer said.
Though there is no immediate plan for expansion, Kramer Beverage Company is always seeking to improve its product as much as possible.
“There are no immediate plans to expand, but we do have land and we do have that building and the original plans for expansion if and when that opportunity comes to increase our territory, or to acquire additional land. There are no immediate plans, but we are always looking to stay here and get bigger in Hammonton,” Kramer said.
Kramer expects a long-term relationship with the town. It was a location that made geographical sense for the family business at the time, and stated that it is a fantastic town with all the improvements it has made to areas, such as downtown.
“That would be my plan. Since we have been here, the town has been terrific. We knew that the town made sense, geographically, the bonus is just how terrific a town Hammonton is and just see the development of MainStreet, and it just is tremendous. Hammonton continues to buck the trend among small towns around. It is a real pleasure to call Hammonton home for our business,” Kramer said.
New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company added a branch to its business in Hammonton, starting in late 2010. The insurance group also has facilities in West Trenton and Parsippany. NJM Corporate Communications administrator Eric Stenson stated that the opening of its permanent facility in Hammonton etched its relationship with the town, and in hopes it will be for the long term.
“The opening of our permanent facility in late 2010 really cemented our company’s presence in the community on a long-term basis. Our South Jersey facility is designed to incorporate growth as business needs require. We have been very pleased with the caliber of employees we have hired for Hammonton, many of whom are local residents. Town government has been very supportive of NJM, and townspeople and local businesses have been extremely welcoming, making us really feel at home in Hammonton,” Stenson said.
As NJM celebrates its 100th year of operation in 2013, the company constantly searches for new ways to enhance service for its customers. The business is moving forward with a new policy administration system.
“This will streamline the entering of personal lines policy changes and make for a smoother customer experience. What is next for NJM is really what has been our priority—striving each day to meet the service expectations of our policyholders. This has been our primary goal for 100 years now, and will continue to be in the future,” Stenson said.
AtlantiCare is an Atlantic City based medical group that has been in existence for more than 100 years. The facility branched into Hammonton several years ago, and has facilities in Galloway Twp. and Atlantic City, as well. After Kessler Memorial Hospital ceased operating, the future of healthcare in the town was uncertain. AtlantiCare has alleviated some of those concerns, and the town has been very supportive throughout its growth.
The healthcare organization opened a $20.6 million AtlantiCare Health Park at Hammonton in 2011, which includes AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s new Satellite Emergency Department, AMI AtlantiCare Partners in Imaging and other services.
“AtlantiCare is proud to be a part of Hammonton. The investments we have made both at our clinical facilities and in the community helps us achieve our version of building healthy communities. We have been fortunate to be embraced by the Hammonton community. Whether we’re partnering with Hammonton High School to teach students about the importance of dialing 911 for heart attack symptoms, meeting with seniors to discuss their healthcare needs at the Canoe Club or caring for someone who came to our Satellite Emergency Department after a fall, we know it’s a privilege to serve the Hammonton Community,” Lori Herndon, senior vice president, AtlantiCare and president and CEO, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center said.
In addition to the services it provides at its largest site, known as AtlantiCare Health Park at Hammonton, there is AtlantiCare Primary Care Plus, AtlantiCare Urgent Care and AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, located on 120 S. White Horse Pike. At 301 Bellevue Ave., there is AtlantiCare Behavioral Health’s Family Success Center, which offers a full range of community services to children and families.
As the town of Hammonton continues to show its support for these four large organizations that have made a home in the town, there is hope from both the town and the organizations that the success will continue.