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Business Partners of the Year: Somerset County
2010—Philip A. Brown,III, Somerset County United Way
As President and CEO of Somerset County United Way, Philip A. Brown,III, has been an active member of the Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools Student Management Team, working with board members, teachers, and administrators to promote career-readiness among students through the school's Office of Career and Technical Education. He is also active in the Internship Initiative at the school. One example of a student who benefited from his efforts is Evangeline Petez, a 20l0 SCVTS graduate who worked as an intern for the United Way prior to her graduation. She is currently a full-time employee in the organization's Finance Department. "Phil has helped all of us succeed," Evangeline said.
2009—Victor Jinotti, Autosport Honda
Victor Jinotti, Service Manager of Autosport Honda of Bridgewater, has been an outstanding Business Partner. He was instrumental in employing four Automotive Cooperative Industrial Education (CIE) students and graduates of Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School in 2009.
Mr. Jinotti oversees the continuing education and training of his service technicians. He shares his expertise with the new employees to help them become proficient in the latest technology.
Working side by side with Joseph Maimone, CIE Coordinator at SCVTHS, Mr. Jinotti shares his evaluation of the SCVTHS technicians' progress. Most importantly, Mr. Jinotti continues to offer employment opportuntities to SCVTHS graduates and should be commended for assisting in furthering their career goals. Mr.Jinotti is a resident of Watchung. Prior to becoming a Service Manager at Autosport Honda of Bridgewater, he worked in Honda Sales for five years.
2008—Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano
Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano was selected as Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools Business Partner of the Year for his assistance in developing the school's Law & Public Safety Program. Sheriff Provenzano serves on the advisory board for the two-year-old program while two officers from his department serve as teachers. Staff from the Canine United Special Response Team have conducted workshops that provide hands-on learning for the students.
2007—Piro Electric & Communications
The business partnership with Piro Electric & Communications was established two years ago by Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School's (SCVTHS) Cooperative Industrial Education (CIE) program. Since that time, Chris Piro, owner/operator of the company, has employed many SCVTHS students on a part-time and full-time basis. He assists with on-the-job training for CIE students who work part-time while attending classes at the high school. Mr. Piro is presently supervising six SCVTHS students who are working at job sites throughout New Jersey. The students work up to 33 hours per week for Piro Electric to earn 15 credits towards graduation. Graduates who remain with Piro Electric attend evening school while serving their apprenticeships. Mr. Piro is not only an employer, but also an active member of the Electrical Construction Advisory Board. As an advisory board member, he helps keep the technology training in the electrical program current with the needs of employers.
2006—John F. Healy
John F. Healy is a charter member of the Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools (SCVTS) Foundation, which was established in 1994. Mr. Healy, a retired vice president of AT&T Long Lines, was instrumental in launching Somerset County Technology Institute's Fiber Optics Technician Training Program. Due to Mr. Healy's efforts, AT&T donated thousands of dollars worth of fiber optics equipment and assisted in developing the hands-on curriculum for the program. Mr. Healy continues to provide leadership and organizational expertise for activities that support scholarships and enrichment programs for more than 800 students at the adult Technology Institute and the Vocational High School. He is presently serving as vice president of the SCVTS Foundation and is overseeing a reorganization of the Board of Directors.