News /

“Stigma Stompers”


May is mental health awareness month and Cornerstone is getting involved! Receptionist for the firm, Angelina Baker, organized a team for the annual 5k NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mercer County walk. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need. NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs. Angelina’s team, “The Stigma Stompers” raised a total of $945 and had 12 people join her in walking to promote mental health awareness. Mercer County had over 850 people who proudly gathered to walk. Together, the Mercer county teams raised over S110,000. Mental Illness affects 1 in 4 or nearly 60 million Americans each year. Cornerstone offers endless support to anyone diagnosed with a mental illness and caretakers in the mental health care system.

News /

IMPORTANT SANDY RECOVERY INFORMATION

Businesses Can Now Apply for Sandy Recovery Grants of up to $50,000. Beginning on Wednesday May 1st, businesses can apply for Superstorm Sandy recovery grants of up to $50,000 at the website of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Small businesses and nonprofits struck by the storm are eligible for the grants that can be used toward working capital or new construction.

Grant Program Overview: 
  • Small businesses and non-profits may apply for grants and forgivable loans of up to $50,000. Businesses with multiple locations in New Jersey may receive more than one grant, totaling no more than $250,000. 
  • The entity must be considered a “small business” as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and have more than $25,000 but less than $5 million in gross operating revenues. 
  • Applicants must show each location sustained at least $5,000 in damages. 
  • Grants are eligible for working capital (operating expenses), inventory, equipment, machinery, fixtures, furnishings and construction. 
  • Priority will be given to applicants located in the nine most impacted counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. 
  • Grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 
The $260 million Stronger New Jersey Business Grant Program is one of the initiatives approved by the NJEDA. It also approved $25 million to fund a tourism marketing campaign to assist Superstorm Sandy-impacted communities and promote the state’s tourism assets; and $12 million for securing a firm to operate the grant program under the supervision of the Office of Recovery.

The grant program is part of the state’s $1.8 billion plan to spend federal Community Development Block Grant disaster assistance funds. The plan was approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the EDA approved the first initiatives of that program.


Submitted by: Michael G. Soriano, AIA Ref: NJEDA
News /

Work on the Boards – Robertet Fragrances

Cornerstone Architectural Group has just completed the design work for Robertet Fragrances’ new US Headquarters in Mount Olive, New Jersey. Work in the 117,000 square foot building includes the complete renovation of nearly 50,000 square feet of office and laboratory space, as well as upgrades to the warehouse and production areas. Robertet will consolidate two existing New Jersey locations into this recently acquired property in Mount Olive’s International Trade Zone.
Robertet and Cornerstone’s business partnership spans more than 20 years and includes over 20 completed projects in eight different locations. The Robertet Group, headquartered in Grasse France, has three businesses: natural raw materials, perfume compositions and food flavorings. Robertet serves customers in 50 countries from its global network of production, R&D and design centers, spanning more than 11 countries.

Patrick J. Fucci, Associate AIA is the Project Manager and Robert M. Longo, AIA is the Partner in charge of the project. 

Robertet Lobby
Rendering of Robertet Fragrances’ Main Lobby

Submitted by: Robert M. Longo, AIA  Ref: RF&F