{"id":720,"date":"2018-04-03T11:16:19","date_gmt":"2018-04-03T15:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/dcd\/?page_id=720"},"modified":"2018-04-03T11:51:08","modified_gmt":"2018-04-03T15:51:08","slug":"2003-honorees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/dcg\/past-honorees\/2003-honorees\/","title":{"rendered":"2003 Honorees"},"content":{"rendered":"
March 8, 2003
\nRockleigh Country Club
\nRockleigh, New Jersey<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n Vernon W. Hill II founded Commerce Bank, which was launched in 1973 with the opening of its first branch in Marlton, New Jersey. He has served as the chairman and president of Commerce Bancorp, Inc. since the bank’s inception, and was named Community Banker of the Year by American Banker for 2000. Hill is a graduate of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and is a resident of Moorestown. Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. is the president of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., which was founded in 1954 by his grandfather, Patsy Inserra. Inserra Supermarkets operates 22 ultra-modern stores, designed with the consumer and the educated shopper in mind. Proud to be a “family business serving families,” the Inserra family stores have truly become an integral part of the fabric of each of the communities where they are located.
<\/p>\nMr. Vernon W. Hill II<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nAs “America’s Most Convenient Bank,” Commerce has developed a unique banking model in the tradition of America’s great retailers such as Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Starbucks. From its original office with nine employees to more than 220 offices in four states, with nearly 8,000 employees, Commerce Bank has become recognized as a true American growth story.
\nCommerce Bank has dedicated resources and enthusiasm to each community where a branch is opened. Scholarships are established at each local high school. A Super Saver program sponsored by Commerce Bank teaches young students and scouting troops the benefits of saving.
\nLocal events are given high priority. Commerce Bank supports Ramapo College’s Summer Concert Series, last year bringing the sounds of Big Band, Celtic and Cajun to the College campus. Commerce employees attend every concert, greeting the community with prizes, smiles and a warm welcome. Mahwah Day and Ramsey Day also receive strong support from Commerce Bank.
\nAdditional organizations supported by Commerce Bank include: Girl Scout Council of Bergen County, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, and Children’s Aid and Family Services. Commerce Bank also maintains affiliations with Valley Hospital, Pascack Valley Hospital and the MS Society, and supports cultural venues such as the John Harms Center.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nMr. Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nWhile attending high school, Inserra worked in the family ShopRite business. He then earned a B.S. in business and economics from Lehigh University.
\nIn addition to his family business accomplishments, Inserra provides leadership to a number of community and other business organizations. He is an active member of the Greater Mahwah Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Directors of the Wakefern Food Corporation, the Central Bergen Federal Credit Union, the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, the Hackensack University Medical Center and the Mahwah Education Foundation.
\nInserra and Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. support: Ramapo College athletic and Foundation events, Mahwah High School Marching Band and homecoming dances, Ramapo Ridge Middle School Eighth Grade Promotions, Immaculate Conception Church Annual Holiday Craft Fair and the Center for Food Action.\u00a0Inserra has two children, Lindsey (18) and Lawrence (17), and currently resides in Ramsey.<\/p>\n