Deborah Hoffman received high praise for her impactful tenure as the Economic Development Director. Her career, which included raising over $33 million in grants and steering critical economic initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, was celebrated with a formal proclamation from the Board. Her efforts in establishing the Passaic County Motion Picture and Television Commission and managing the Community Development Block Grant program were particularly noted. Hoffman expressed gratitude for the collective support she received throughout her career, highlighting her collaborations with partners like Kate McDun from the Small Business Development Center and her former assistant, Kristen Holton. Hoffman, with mixed emotions about her retirement, emphasized the strong camaraderie she experienced among her colleagues.

Commissioner Nicolino Gallo was lauded in what marked his final meeting after three years of service. The Board commended his bipartisan approach and dedication to community welfare. One colleague remarked on Gallo’s professionalism, stating his decisions were consistently made with the community’s best interest in mind. As a token of appreciation, Gallo received gifts including a clock and a bottle of Irish whiskey, leading to humorous exchanges about shared memories. The Board wished him well in his future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of family health and love in the New Year.

Klein Ribbon’s 100th anniversary was another topic of discussion of the meeting. The company was recognized for its enduring presence in the community and resilience through historical challenges like the Great Depression and world wars. A proclamation praised Klein Ribbon’s role in fostering national unity and their commitment to quality and service over generations. Representatives from the company conveyed gratitude and reflected on their family’s deep roots in Passaic County. The celebratory atmosphere underscored the significance of these contributions to the community, with opportunities for photographs capturing the moment.

The meeting also addressed administrative matters, including a resolution authorizing a budget transfer within the 2024 appropriations, which received unanimous approval. The consent agenda, covering resolutions M1 through M85, was adopted without any items removed for separate consideration. An amendment to item M7, adjusting its term to be retroactive to November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2027, was the only modification before receiving full Board support.

No public comments were made during the meeting, and the Board swiftly moved through the agenda’s action items. This included personnel matters and the payment of bills, which were resolved affirmatively. The director announced the schedule for the Board’s reorganization meeting on January 7, 2025, and a ceremonial swearing-in on January 8, 2025.