Mr. Blatstein is the founder, owner and chief executive officer of Tower Investments, Inc.  Mr. Blatstein was born, raised, and has concentrated his business endeavors in the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding region, including with particular focus in transforming the City of Atlantic City into a premier family entertainment destination resort.  In his more than 40 years in the real estate industry, Mr. Blatstein has earned the reputation as one of the region’s most respected and innovative commercial real estate developers.  Through the vision and guidance of Mr. Blatstein, Tower Investments, Inc. has become widely respected for its aggressive and creative urban investments in major projects, as well as its expertise in all aspects of planning, design, construction, financing, and leasing. Mr. Blatstein’s unique passion and vision for the redevelopment has transformed long forgotten neighborhoods into vibrant, reclaimed communities with bright futures. 

Among the company’s many signature projects was the redevelopment of the Northern Liberties area of the City of Philadelphia, creating the award-winning Piazza and Liberties Walk communities, and establishing a once barren neighborhood as a destination for live, work and play. Tower Investments’ redevelopment efforts have created thousands of jobs, business opportunities, tax revenues and the impetus for more investment in the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding region.  The New York Times dubbed the development as “New York’s Sixth Borough.”  

Tower Investments has also transformed vast tracts of post-industrial properties along Philadelphia Delaware River Waterfront into over 600,000 square feet of flourishing retail, entertainment, and office developments.  In the Manayunk area of the City of Philadelphia, Tower Investments developed the largest contiguous commercial site along the Schuylkill River. 

Along North Broad Street, the primary commercial corridor of Philadelphia, Tower Investments started a development renaissance. Starting at Temple University, Avenue North is a mixed-use development that includes largest privately developed student housing facility in the university’s history, known as the Edge Student Housing Complex.   As a part of Avenue North, the Shops at Avenue North is a 100,000 square foot retail center anchored by an AMC Movie Theater and has become the epicenter of the student body at Temple University for food, beverage and entertainment.

Tower Investments’ redevelopment of North Broad Street continued with the redeveloped the Former Pennsylvania State Office Building.  The State Office Building was converted into the first luxury apartment building on North Broad Street consisting of over 200 units. Tower Investments’ latest major development consisted of the historic renovation of the former Philadelphia Inquirer Building into the new Philadelphia Police Headquarters.  The sprawling $300 million development is the largest public-private development in history of the City of Philadelphia and was completed on time and on budget in the second quarter of 2021.   

Tower Investments’ Broad Street’s redevelopment continues, this time on South Broad Street at Washington Avenue. In the first quarter of 2022, Bart, in a joint venture with Post Brothers Development Company, began construction on the largest multi-family development in Philadelphia history.   The two phased development when completed will be over 1.9 million square feet of mixed-use building with 1,457 residential units, 60,000 square feet of retail and 625 parking spaces. Phase 1 that comprises of 600 residential units and 50,000 square feet of retail is expected to be completed in late 2023. 

Beyond Philadelphia, in 2016, Bart expanded Tower Investments’ development efforts into the City of Atlantic City, where he spent his summers growing up.  His first major redevelopment project in Atlantic City included the reopening of the formerly vacant Showboat Casino, a 1.6 million square foot building located on the Boardwalk. The acquisition was followed by the purchasing of two beachfront properties: the Garden Pier, a 55,000 Square Foot Pier on the Boardwalk, and the Volleyball Court Lot, a 123,000 square foot lot adjacent to the Showboat. Since acquiring the Showboat, Bart has successfully completed a multitude of redevelopment projects throughout the property. In 2018, the former linen and storage closet was redeveloped into a 14,000 square foot fitness facility, which is the largest facility on Absecon Island. In 2019, the former high limit slots room was redeveloped into the Carousel Room, a 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art events and convention hall. In April 2021, the Premier Lite Hotel tower was redeveloped from a 544-key hotel tower to a 255-unit Apartment tower, which is currently 97% leased. In May 2021, the Lucky Snake Arcade was opened on the former casino floor. The arcade spans 80,000 square feet and has more than 400 games under ownership; making it the largest arcade on the East Coast. In May of 2022, the Raceway at Lucky Snake was opened on the remaining 40,000 square feet of casino floor. The raceway features custom-made electric go-karts and a track made in Italy. The largest investment in the Atlantic City marketplace is the Showboat Island Waterpark, which will encompass 103,000 square feet on the lot adjacent to the Showboat. The Waterpark will open in the summer of 2023 and is expected to attract upwards of 600,000 unique visitors every year.  

Mr. Blatstein is also very active in numerous business, civic and charitable endeavors.  He currently serves as the elected President of The Friends of Rittenhouse Square, the governing body that oversees, manages directs the future of Rittenhouse Square Park, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s most cherished public parks.  Mr. Blatstein was a founding member of the Waterfront Developers Council and is a past President of the Jewish Publishing Group board.  He has also served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Community College of Philadelphia, President’s Advisory Board and Board of Visitors of Temple University, Northeast Treatment Centers, Federation of Jewish Agencies as Real Estate Division chairman and Israel Bonds and the Technical Assistance Center for Emerging Contractors. 

 

As Chief Operating Officer, Kenneth J. Calemmo, Jr. oversees all day-to-day operations of the professional services firm that has grown to include 75 attorneys, offices in three states, and more than 100 staff members. He manages all aspects of the business, from accounting to marketing, human resources, and information systems.

 

Community

Recently honored as Community Leader of the Year by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, Ken is a frequent presence in the region, giving his time to worthwhile causes throughout the communities served by Cooper Levenson.

 

Following are highlights of his accolades and involvement:

 

• Former President, Main Street Atlantic City, the organization tasked with transforming and revitalizing Atlantic City's neighborhood commercial district
• Executive Board Member, Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, where he served as the organization's Chairman from 2009 - The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce mission is to enhance the economic climate for over 900 member businesses in the South Jersey region
• Appointed to New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation, an organization created to honor New Jersey residents who have made invaluable contributions to the global society
• Partner, Choose New Jersey, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that, in conjunction with the New Jersey Business Action Center and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, encourages and nurtures economic growth throughout New Jersey
• Co-Chairman, Atlantic City Community Development Corporation, whose mission is to construct housing and community building projects that will improve the quality of life for residents in and around Atlantic City
• Member, Atlantic City Special Improvement District, a group dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the downtown district that is home to the law firm
• Chairman, "Let Us Eat - Please," an organization that will serve more than 30,000 meals to Atlantic County students and their families each summer
• First Vice President, Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation Board of Trustees
• Member, Advisory Board, Newfield National Bank, an independent, full service bank serving Gloucester, Cumberland, and Cape May Counties (since 2006)
• Member PNC Bank Southern Jersey Advisory Council of Community and Economic Development
• Member Advisory Board LIGHT, Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University
• Vice Chairman, New Jersey Organization for a Better State (NEWJOBS), a non-partisan organization whose trustees promote a pro-business climate in New Jersey by endorsing and supporting Legislative candidates who actively support economic growth, the creation of private-sector jobs, and the lowering of business costs

Past Honors and Appointments

• Former President, Parish Council of St. Joseph Church in Sea Isle
• Former Vice Chairman of the St. Augustine Preparatory
• Former Member, Advisory Board, Wildwood Catholic High School
• Former Executive Board member, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
• Former Vice Chairman of Membership, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
• Former Board Member, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce
• Former Board Member, Sea Isle Chamber of Commerce
• Finance Chairman, 150th sesquicentennial celebration committee of the City of Atlantic City (2007)
• Former member, Board of Governors of the University of Scranton Alumni

 

Education

Ken holds a degree in public administration from the University of Scranton. He has been a member of the Association of Legal Administrators since 1986, an organization for which he has served the Philadelphia Chapter as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President.

 

 

 

 

Bill Callahan

General Manager

 

Bill Callahan brings over 25 years of hospitality expertise to his role as Chief Executive Officer, where he has made it his mission to enhance the overall guest experience on property, drive new business development, and strengthen gaming operations for the casino resort.

 

Prior to joining Ocean Casino Resort, Bill was Vice President of Relationship Marketing at the market-leading Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa for 17 years. Bill was responsible for a team of executives that directed table games, slots, and Asian Gaming marketing, honing his skills in marketing operations, revenue management, development, and strategic programming. 

Peter Anthony Caporilli is Founder & CEO of Tidewater Workshop, the highest-grossing manufacturer and direct marketer of cedar lifestyle furnishings in the United States of America. Having generated over $100 million in catalog and online sales since 1992, Caporilli is a brand catalog expert and internet marketing pioneer with over 30 years experience and leadership in brand positioning, direct response marketing, customer acquisition, quantitative business analysis, lean manufacturing, and optimized production. With over 20 years of service on local, regional and national boards, panels and academies, he is recognized as a leader in board governance, primary and higher education.

Caporilli was born in Somers Point, New Jersey to a legendary family of boat-builders and craftsmen. Most influential was his great-grandfather, A. Carl Adams, the creator of the Jersey Skiff and founder of Modern Boat Works, Inc., of Atlantic City, NJ. As Superintendent of the Cambridge Shipyards during World War II, Adams oversaw construction of the USAAF Crash-Rescue Boat, the US version of the Royal Air Force 100 Class Seaplane Tender nick-named “Whaleback.” Named the “greatest of his generation” by the Philadelphia Bulletin, Adams shared his skills with his great-grandson Peter while completing Carl’s last boat, a sneak box, “Murray”, in 1976.

Caporilli was Valedictorian of the graduating class of Holy Spirit High School in 1981 and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by the 400 members of the senior class and was a Rotary Scholar.

Caporilli received a B.S. in Mathematics from Stockton University in Pomona, NJ in 1985 with a concentration in Mathematical Physics. During his college years, Caporilli was employed by both the Verbal and Math Skills labs on campus, and was a tutor-counselor in the EOF program during his sophomore summer. During the summer, Caporilli authored and edited a collection of essays into a short text titled “Selected Reading for Peer Tutor-Counselors” which was later used as the textbook in a general studies class and was selected as co-winner of “Best Tutor” by the EOF student body.

Upon graduation, Caporilli was hired as a Marketing Analyst by Spencer Gifts, Inc. a $300 million marketer of novelty goods. Within a year, Caporilli was reporting directly to the President of the Mail Order Division as Manager of Market Research, and was made the youngest Executive-level employee in the history of the company at age 23.

Recruited to join W. Atlee Burpee & Co. in Philadelphia in 1988 as Marketing Manager for the nation’s largest seed catalog and retail merchant, Caporilli established himself as the leading expert on brand database marketing, direct response regression modeling applications, and characteristic optimization for customer retention and acquisition. It was at this time that Caporilli was part of a small group of technical whiz kids who essentially gave rise to the concept of mathematics-based database marketing. Caporilli delivered annual papers, presentations, and lectures at Direct Marketing Association and Relational Database Conferences  including, “The Effectiveness of Chi-Square” and “Application of the Stochastic Model”.

Arriving in New York City in 1991 as Director of Marketing for Hanover Direct, the $1 billion direct marketing subsidiary of the Horn & Hardart conglomerate, Caporilli overhauled the brand circulation planning which assisted in the doubling of EBITDA for this 23-title direct marketing giant. He was promoted to Corporate Marketing Director shortly before leaving to devote his energies full-time to Tidewater Workshop.

Tidewater Workshop, under Caporilli’s leadership, transformed the marketplace for outdoor furnishings in the United States. Previously limited to expensive teak offerings from Smith & Hawken and other European importers or plastic resin stamped imports from the Far East, Caporilli seized upon a growing trend toward eco-friendly, Made-in-the-USA products and combined his woodworking and marketing skills to manufacture a cedar alternative. The first $200 advertisement, placed in the Philadelphia Inquirer in April of 1991, generated $1500 in sales the first day. After $30,000 in subsequent sales from a few more advertisements, Tidewater Workshop was formed, was later incorporated in September 1991, and has become the most recognized and honored American manufacturer of cedar lifestyle furnishings.

Named as an Inc. 500 List of the fastest-growing companies in America, Tidewater Workshop, is a perennial Casual Living Top 100 Retailer and has been named a Business News New Jersey fastest-growing company.

Tidewater Workshop furnishings have been featured and celebrated on the cover of Family Circle magazine, also in Country Living, Traditional Home, Home Mechanix, Rebecca’s Garden, Country Home, Better Homes and Gardens along with Good Housekeeping and thousands of other international, national, regional and local magazines, publications, blogs, and news feeds.

Tidewater Workshop furniture was named “Best Value” by The Wall Street Journal.

Subject of a feature piece on CNN’s “Entrepreneurs Only”, Caporilli and Tidewater Workshop have also been featured on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, ABC’s The Bachelor, NJN, The Today Show and many other broadcast television programs. Caporilli has been a frequent guest host on QVC spotlighting Tidewater Workshop branded furnishings.

As Caporilli created this iconic brand, it was only natural that his leadership and vision have been widely sought. Caporilli was the cover story for Business News New Jersey “New Jersey’s Finest”, and was named one of the “Top 75 Entrepreneurs in America” by Entrepreneur Magazine. Caporilli has also written and been interviewed extensively for manufacturing publications such as Wood Digest and Modern Woodworking and for marketing titles including DM News and Catalog Age. Maintaining strong local ties, Caporilli has been the subject of feature and cover stories in The Press of Atlantic City, The Courier-Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. A business non-fiction blockbuster titled Young Millionaires written by Rieva Lesonsky, featured Caporilli along with the founders of Terra Chips and Hard Candy among others.

For the past 20 years, Caporilli has served as a board member of the Stockton University Foundation, five of which as Board President. He has been chair of the Scholarship and Academic Affairs committees as well as a member the University Presidential search committee. He has been a representative to the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities on numerous committees and is a charter member of the HESIG board at the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy.

Caporilli is the Lead Founder, Charter holder and President of the International Academy of Atlantic City. One of five charters granted out of 87 applicants in 2014, the IAAC has partnered with SABIS International, a global educational concern operation 80 public and private schools in 15 countries around the world. With 52 administration and faculty educating 400 students in K-5 for 2076, the IAAC is adding a grade each year and has exceeded benchmarks and peer performance on the PARCC tests in math and ELA.

Peter A. Caporilli holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from his undergraduate alma mater, Stockton University where he delivered the commencement address in 2001. In addition, he is a two-time recipient of the Paul Aiken New Jersey Cultural Alliance Award, the American Red Cross Community Service Award, and over 30 other awards and proclamations, including the naming of October 19, 2005 as “Peter Caporilli Day” in Atlantic County, NJ. He holds an Honorary Chef Educator degree from the Academy of Culinary Arts where he delivered the commencement address in 2016.

In addition to his role as CEO of Tidewater Workshop, Caporilli has also lent his business acumen to numerous corporate and non-profit advisory and trustee boards including those of Boardwalk Bank, the Direct Marketing Association direct*voice, Atlanticare, The New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, The LPGA ShopRite Classic, The Noyes Museum of Art and many others. He is currently the Board President of the Atlantic City Ballet.

An active culinary enthusiast, sportsman and adventurer, Caporilli is an honoriare member of the National Council of the 25,000 member Chaine des Rotisseurs, the world’s oldest gastronomic society. Caporilli served as local Vice Charge de Presse for nine (9) years, Charge de Presse Provincial for four (4) years, Mondiale Editor for Gastronome one (1) year, Conseiller Gastronomique Provincial for three (3) years, Chambellan Provincial for three (3) years, hosted two (2) regional assemblages, two (2) regional chef/sommelier competitions in Atlantic City and has received the Bronze and Silver Stars.

He is a also a member of Galloway National Golf Club and founding member of the Board of Governors of Hidden Creek Golf Club, sails his 22’ Catalina and fishes from his personally restored 1960 16’ Adams Jersey Skiff on the bay behind his home and is PADI-certified scuba diver. The father of three daughters, Caporilli is married to the former Sara Chiarella of New Brunswick, NJ.

Michael Chait was named President of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber in January of 2020. As an Atlantic City native, Michael is honored to lead an organization that serves as the area’s unified voice for the business community to foster economic vitality and a higher quality of life in our region.

Prior to the Greater Atlantic City Chamber in 2017, Chait spent three years as the director of marketing for The Press of Atlantic City, three years as the assistant director of marketing, communications and events for the City of Cape May, and eight years as the corporate advertising and sponsorship manager at Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center. With more than 15 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and events, Chait has facilitated the execution of diverse events, strategic planning, and marketing programs for businesses of all size and nonprofits.

Chait serves on numerous boards and committees including the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board, Atlantic City Executive Council, Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University, and the Air Mallen Foundation.

Michael holds a BA in business communications from Marietta College. In 2016 Michael was recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40” by Atlantic City Weekly.

Michael is married to his wife of 11 years; Kimberly and they have two children together, Elizabeth and Michael.

 

 

Norman Cohn is Chairman of ASI He was born in 1933 in Waterloo, Iowa and graduated University of Northern Iowa. Norman became a distributor when he was a senior in high school, and became a supplier while he was in college, and by the late SO's his family owned the largest supplier in the advertising specialty (promotional products) industry. In 1962 Norman Cohn's family acquired ASI, and sold off all of their supplier activities.

Approximately 25 years ago, the Cohn family decided to bring technology to the advertising specialty business and began to develop computer software (ASI Computer), CD ROM and DVD (ESP), the Internet (ASI Internet), and more recently computer integration between suppliers and distributors (ASItransact). Approximately 6 years ago, ASI re-entered the show business (ASI Show!).

Norman has served on numerous boards, including as an officer of the Young Presidents' Organization. He was an officer of the Great American Achievements Program, a member of the Board of Overseers at University of Pennsylvania Museum, and represented the State of Pennsylvania, on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the Constitution, and was the Chairman of the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States. He also served on the Board of the Walnut Street Theatre, National Public Radio, Jewish Publication Society, National Foundation for Jewish Culture, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Heart Institute, Fairleigh Dickinson University, The World Affairs Council, The Mayor's Millennium Philadelphia, Culinary Institute of America, and the Board of Commerce Bank.

Norman currently serves on The Executive Board of the National Liberty Museum. Food & Beverage Committee of the Union League. Received the 2003 Award of Merit from The Philadelphia Art Alliance.

He is a member of the DiRoNA Council of lnspection, Evaluation and Criteria, and is Board member of the Epicurean International Association. He serves as Vice Chairman/Foundation of the United States Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Conseil de L'Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Degustateurs (Paris, France), and Fondateur, Academie Gastronomique Brillat­ Savarin. He is also a member of the Director's Council of The Museum of Arts & Design.

He is a frequent speaker at National and International conferences.

Norman and his wife, Suzanne, have been married 52 years. They have five children, and are the proud grandparents often grandchildren. The third generation of the Cohn family are active in ASI activities.

 

Andy Dolce is Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Amongst Andy's many accomplishments, he is most widely known for elevating the meeting and conference center model to reflect clients' needs for environments that inspire creativity and learning. Andy also holds the distinction of being named one of the "25 Most Influential Executives “in the meetings and travel industries by both Meeting News and Business Travel News magazines.

Dolce studied Economics at Iona College B.A. degree and later earned a Master's Degree from Cornell University in Applied Economic Management where he wrote and published a book on economics for the food industry. Andy also served in the U.S.Marine Corps and retired with the rank of Captain.

Past president of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) and Mel Hosansky Award recipient, the highest honor in the conference center industry, he also was most recently awarded IACC Global distinguished service for his work on putting IACC Global together. Dolce is also on the board of New York University's Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Travel administration and serves on Iona College's Legal Board of Trustees. Served, as Executive in Residence at Cornell University Hotel School and Serves as Chairman on the Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism which is affiliated with Stockton University. Andy is also currently involved with Operation Smile Medical Mission in Central and South America

Andy began his career in the meetings and hospitality industry at the American Management Association, where he managed 600 conferences a year throughout the U.S. During his tenure with the AMA, Dolce experienced the insufficient services and often counter-productive facilities that permeated the meetings and conference market. Shortly thereafter, Andy started working for Harrison Conference Centers as the executive vice president and improved the company's brand by pioneering the first "Complete Meetings Package “for the conference industry.

Andy was one of the original founders of the Houstonian serving as Chief Development and Operating Officer from its start up thru development and then he was responsible for overall operations. The Houstonian is credited as the first fully integrated hotel, conference center, luxury spa, and preventive medicine and fitness center. It currently enjoys the number one market position in Houston.

In 1981, Andy founded Dolce International and turned it into the world's leading hospitality organization specializing in delivering an exceptional hospitality experience. To prepare the company for even greater success, in mid-2008, Dolce International changed its name to Dolce Hotels and Resorts to more accurately reflect the breadth and caliber of services and amenities offered to its guests and to broaden its appeal to both the leisure and transient markets. On January 30, 2015, Andy and his partners at Broadreach Capital sold the company to the Wyndham Hotel Group.

 

Dock’s Oyster House was opened  in 1897 by Harry Dougherty and has remained in the Dougherty family to this day. Frank, a fourth generation Dougherty, started in the business when he was 8 as a dish washer and worked in every capacity in the restaurant before leaving to attend Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in 1983. Upon receiving his BS in 1987, Frank left the restaurant business to join a consulting company in New York, HVS International, specializing in hotel appraisal and feasibility studies. During his thirteen-year tenure with HVS, Frank appraised and/or evaluated over 900 hotel properties in 46 different states.

In 2000, Frank returned home and took over day to day operations of Dock’s and in January, 2005 Frank and his wife, Maureen bought the Knife and Fork Inn, which was originally built in 1912 and had been operated as a restaurant since 1927. In 2011, Frank and Maureen opened Harry’s Oyster Bar in a space that was formally known as the Dennis Hotel but is now part of Bally’s Atlantic City. The restaurant is named after Frank’s great grandfather and is billed as the perfect fusion of oyster bar, sports bar and seafood house. In 2018 Frank took over operations of the Linwood Country Club which offers golf, tennis, two restaurants, two bars and approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space.

Frank and Maureen reside in Margate, New Jersey with their three children, Harry, Megan and Lila

 

 

 Mark Giannantonio brings more than 30 years of Atlantic City gaming expertise to his role as President and CEO for Resorts Casino Hotel.  He joined Resorts in September 2012 when it was announced that Mohegan Sun would take over the management of the property.

Before joining Resorts Casino Hotel, Giannantonio was a Senior Gaming Consultant with Spectrum Gaming, where he applied his experience in a more global atmosphere.   He previously held various executive positions within the casino industry, most recently as President and CEO of Tropicana Casino & Resort.

A lifetime Atlantic County resident, Giannantonio serves on the Boards of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA).  He also serves as a Board Member of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University and on the Atlantic City Police Foundation.

Giannantonio graduated from Stockton University earning his BA in Economics.

He currently resides in Northfield, New Jersey with his wife and two sons.

###

 

 

Diane Gitto, CPA, is a partner at EisnerAmper with over 25 years of experience in the field of taxation.  She works closely with clients to identify and implement tax saving and business planning opportunities.

EXPERTISE

Diane also has experience in the settlement of complex tax examinations at the federal and state level. Her areas of concentration are in the manufacturing, real estate, media, healthcare, hospitality and construction industries. Her expertise includes:

• Providing tax planning to maximize savings for businesses and their owners
• Performing research to resolve complex tax issues
• Identifying valuable tax incentive and credit opportunities
• Working with the Taxpayer Advocate's Office as a client resource
• Assisting clients in obtaining and establishing financing relationships
• Proactively introducing concepts that add value to current and prospective clients

Diane is a committee member of the firms Women's Development Network, which encourages and mentors women at the firm. She has also taught in-house seminars on a variety of subjects.

AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, President, Atlantic/Cape May Chapter
• Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce Board Member
• Families of Autistic Children Education and Support (F.A.C.E.S.), Past Treasurer
• Southern New Jersey Development Council, Membership Committee
• Professional Networking Group, Member

AWARDS

• NJCPA 2016 Woman of Note

EDUCATION

B.A. in Business, concentration in Accounting, Richard Stockton College

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

RELATED INDUSTRIES

Media, Entertainment & Gaming

Barbara is currently President & CEO of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.  
Prior to the Chamber, Barbara was co-owner of Servpro of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. Cape May was established in 2003 and Cumberland County was established in 2004.  Servpro is a premier cleaning and restoration company, specializing in fire, flood and mold remediation, and offers 24-hour emergency services for both commercial and residential customers.  Other services include odor removal, move outs, duct cleaning and sealing, carpet, upholstery, drapery and floor cleaning and maintenance, post construction clean-ups, and biohazard clean ups.   
Prior to Servpro, Barbara worked in the insurance industry in South Jersey, and prior to that, the executive search industry in Philadelphia, PA.  
Originally from Ireland, Barbara attended Trinity College in Dublin.  Barbara holds her Producers Licenses in Life and Health Insurance, and numerous IICRC certificates in WTR, ASD, Health & Safety, FST, CCT and AMRT.  Barbara holds an Asbestos license in the State of NJ and Pennsylvania and has a NADCA Certification in Duct Cleaning and is an ABRA certified crime scene cleanup Master.  She also has her OSHA 30 hour.
Barbara is Treasurer of the American Bio Recovery Association.  She serves on the Coast Guard Community Foundation Board, Cumberland, Salem, Cape May Workforce Development Board, and the Atlantic Cape Community College Advisory Board.  She formerly served on the Board of the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, former President of Middle Township Chamber of Commerce, Board member of Lower Township Chamber of Commerce and also served on the First Legislative District Economic Development Task Force formed by then Senator Jeff Van Drew.  She was a Board member with the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce for many years and actively served on the Women in Business Committee.  
Barbara resides in Cape May Courthouse.

 

Whether it's traditional casino law or the new frontier of Internet Gaming, Lynne Levin Kaufman is at the forefront. Joining Cooper Levenson in 1998, she made partner in 2000, and continues to stay on the cutting edge of all aspects of gaming law.

Practicing gaming law full-time since 1988, Lynne has extensive experience in licensure, financings, casino acquisitions and sales, compliance, investigations, new game and gaming equipment approvals for casino companies, gaming suppliers, technology vendors and lenders worldwide. Lynne advises and provides the gaming expertise in documentation with respect to public debt offerings, bank financings and periodic reportings. Lynne's clients also depend on her to guide them in Internet gaming, mobile gaming, pari-mutuel betting, skilled gaming, and promotional sweepstakes and contests.

Practice Highlights

Lynne provided input into the latest statutory reforms to the New Jersey Casino Control Act and drafted statutory amendments, which were adopted.

She served as counsel in all gaming matters to Atlantic City's newest casinos, from the pre-development and pre-construction stages until opening. She has performed the same role for large casino companies entering new jurisdictions where she also was involved in drafting proposed statutory language and regulations.

Prior to joining Cooper Levenson, Lynne spent almost 10 years as in-house counsel for a major casino company where she handled regulatory, commercial, operational, SEC compliance and financial matters. She also worked in the corporate and securities law department of a large Philadelphia law firm where she received her introduction to casino public stock and debt offerings.

Lynne is the Vice-Chair of the Gaming Law Committee of the American Bar Association, a past Chair of the Casino Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, and a member of the Gaming Law Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Lynne was also a member of the Gaming Transition Committee for Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. She has appeared as a seminar speaker at the International Association of Gaming Advisors Conference, Global Gaming Expo, American Bar Association Gaming Law Minefield Conference, East Coast Gaming Congress and New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Conference and has authored numerous publications. Lynne was selected for inclusion among The Best Lawyers in America� 2015 in the area of Gaming Law in New Jersey.

Credentials

• Member, Gaming Law Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Past Chair, Casino Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, Board of Directors of the International Association of Gaming Advisors
• Member, Gaming Transition Committee for Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell
• Seminar moderator, International Association of Gaming Advisors Conference
• Seminar speaker and moderator, Global Gaming Expos 2006 - 2015
• Seminar speaker, American Bar Association Gaming Law Minefield Conference
• Seminar speaker, East Coast Gaming Congress
• Seminar speaker, New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Conference
• Seminar moderator, C5 - US Online Gaming Law Sept. 2014
• Seminar moderator, WrB, World Regulatory Briefing, 2013 and 2014
• Seminar moderator, ICE Totally Gaming Conference, London 2014
• Seminar moderator, 14th Annual Saratoga Institute on Racing & Gaming
• Speaker on numerous webinars

Community

Lynne is an involved community member who has served on the boards of numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Education

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., cum laude, 1982) and Villanova University School of Law (J.D. 1985), Lynne was admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania in 1985, and New Jersey and the United States District Court, District of New Jersey in 1986.

Publication

• Pennsylvania Casino Law Bulletin
• Fundraising Fundamentals Casino Law Bulletin
• Racinos - If it Looks Like A Slot Machine, Is It A Slot Machine? Casino Law In Print
• Private Purchase Power Casino Journal Magazine
• The Role of Private Equity Casino Journal Magazine
• Great Women of Gaming Casino Enterprise Management

 

 

Harvey Kesselman is the fifth President of Stockton University. He has more than 35 years of experience in higher education and is a tenured Professor in Stockton’s School of Education.

In his previous role as Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Kesselman implemented Stockton’s Essential Learning Outcomes initiative, extended the community and global reach of the institution, and supported faculty initiatives and scholarly innovation through the University’s 2020 strategic planning process.   

Dr. Kesselman’s other executive leadership roles at Stockton have included: Dean of the School of Education, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance, CEO of the Southern Regional Institute (SRI) and Educational Technology Training Center (ETTC), and Vice President for Student Affairs.

Dr. Kesselman remains involved in many national academic organizations. He is a frequent presenter at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the American Council on Education (ACE), and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP).  He also serves as a reviewer for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Dr. Kesselman has been active in the New Jersey educational landscape for several years.  On the state level, Kesselman has been appointed by New Jersey governors and state education leaders to  provide expertise on several authorities, committees and task forces. Currently, he serves on the Goals and Objectives Committee of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU), is a co-chair of the Board of Directors for New Jersey Campus Compact, and serves as the senior public college representative on the New Jersey Higher Education Leadership Team (HELT) that considers policy questions and recommends strategies regarding the implementation of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).  

As a former member of the Executive Committee of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), Dr. Kesselman helped oversee New Jersey's $1 billion student financial aid program. He also provided his expertise on the Governor's Task Force to improve the NJ STARS program, and helped develop the NJ Student Unit Record Enrollment (SURE) statewide data and monitoring system.

He has advised the New Jersey College and University Presidents' Council regarding accountability and assessment, participated on the New Jersey College and Career Readiness Task Force, and represented the senior public colleges and universities in the NJ Committee of Experts on Campus Sexual Assault Issues.  In addition, he founded and chaired the SRI & ETTC Consortium, which includes more than 90 school districts throughout New Jersey.

Dr. Kesselman also has served on numerous national grant reviews, authored and promoted policies for legislation, maintains a strong record of successful grant preparation, and continues to serve as a consultant and speaker.  He is actively involved in his community, including elected positions on the Township Committee and the School Board, and appointed positions to numerous public and civic organizations.

Dr. Kesselman received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stockton, his master’s degree in Student Personnel Services/Counseling from Rowan University, and his doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Widener University.

Ph.D (Capella University)

Financial and Managerial Accounting

 

Although Liane hails from Boston, she has resided in Margate for 34 years with her husband Lloyd D. Levenson, the founder of The Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism.  She attended Syracuse University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts, thereafter earning a Master’s in English Literature from Boston College, and a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law School.  Liane practiced Law in Atlantic City, spending much of her career in the courtroom as a commercial litigator.  During this time, she also was active in leadership roles in several community, charity and professional organizations.  To focus more time on her four children, she retired from practice and is now an Adjunct member of the faculty of Stockton University, and remains active in community and charitable endeavors. 

 

 

Lloyd D. Levenson is Chief Executive Officer of the firm and Chairman of the Casino & iGaming Law practice group, as well as of the Government Services group. Lloyd D. Levenson and the firm have been instrumental in developing and implementing all aspects of gaming law, including the newest developments in online or Internet gaming (iGaming) law, sports wagering legal matters, mobile gaming matters, and pari-mutuel betting issues.

Practice Highlights

In the practice area of Gaming Law in 2015, Lloyd D. Levenson was the sole attorney in the state who was included on the New Jersey Super Lawyers list, a Thomson Reuters business. As an accomplished trial attorney in complex casino regulatory matters, Lloyd D. Levenson is uniquely positioned to address a broad range of industry legal issues, with a client list that includes casinos, sovereign governments, casino professionals and suppliers to the casino industry. He takes on some of the industry's key cases, from defending his clients in class action suits to winning a landmark Federal Appeals Court case frustrating a gambler's attempt to avoid millions of dollars in gambling debts.

Formerly an officer and trustee of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), Lloyd D. Levenson has served as President and currently serves as a Counselor of this worldwide organization. He also served twice as Chairman of the Casino Law Section of the New Jersey Bar Association. He was selected by the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands to serve as its advisor in the development of casino gaming on St. Croix. He also was chairman of the Gaming Law Committee of the General Practice Section of the American Bar Association.

Lloyd D. Levenson began his career as Assistant Essex County Prosecutor and Chief Trial Attorney for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. He also served as Chief Assistant for the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and, for several years, Lloyd D. Levenson served as counsel to the Atlantic County Chiefs of Police.

Community

His community and philanthropic work is well known in the region and includes:

• L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Board of Directors and Second Vice President
• Member, Board of Trustees for the Southern New Jersey Development Council
• Campaign chairman of the United Way of Atlantic County
• Chairman, American Heart Association's Southern New Jersey "My Heart. My Life." 2015 campaign

Awards and Honors

Stockton University established the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) in its School of Business. Since 2010, the Institute combines research, training and management components to fill the need for a comprehensive institute to serve a critical aspect of New Jersey's economy. Additional awards and honors include:

• Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell in Casino & Gaming Law
• Elected to The Fellows of the American Bar Association
• Named to the New Jersey Super Lawyer list, a Thomson Reuters business, in Gaming Law 2015 - 2017
• Recipient, D.A.R.E. New Jersey ‘Future of New Jersey' award
• Named to the West Orange, New Jersey Athletic Hall of Fame in honor of his championship basketball career
• Inducted into the Atlantic City Hall of Fame
• United Way Volunteer of the Year Award
• Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City's Volunteer Champion award
• "Mainlander of the Year" (2008) by the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce
• Atlantic City Rotary Club's 2011 Beacon Award for Vocational Service
• 2012 Spirit of Hospitality Award from the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority
• Recipient of Gaming Industry Leadership Award for his work in various gaming related disciplines.
• Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015 & 2016 in Gaming Law

Education

A graduate of Lafayette College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Lloyd D. Levenson earned his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center, is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of New Jersey, in New York and before the United States Supreme Court.

Publications

An author of hundreds of articles on gaming law, Lloyd D. Levenson has been a regular columnist for The Casino Journal and the Boardwalk Journal where "Lloyd D. Levenson's 'Life at the Shore'" appears monthly.

• Setting A Positive Precedent Casino Law Report
• Gaming's Altered Evolution Tech Trends
• Calculated Risks Tech Trends
• Attaining Sound Regulations Casino Law Report
• Business Minded Casino Law Bulletin
• Under the Microscope Tech Trends

Travis Lunn has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.  In his leadership role, Mr. Lunn will oversee the resort’s daily operations and provide strategic leadership and direction.

“It’s an honor to be joining this incredibly talented team,” Lunn said. “Borgata is a world-class resort destination with a brand recognized nationwide for its spectacular accommodations, culinary program and entertainment offerings. I can’t wait to jump in and connect with all of the employees, guests and local community members.”

Prior to Borgata, Mr. Lunn served as the MGM Resorts Southeast Group President & COO, where he led Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi. Under his leadership, both properties achieved all-time high gaming revenues and earnings for multiple months in 2021 while simultaneously implementing comprehensive COVID health and safety protocols. Lunn also built strong community relationships in the region through his participation on the Gulf Coast Business Council’s executive committee.

A graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration, Travis’ gaming, and hospitality career spans over 20 years, during which he held key leadership positions at major properties throughout the United States.  Mr. Lunn’s other high-profile leadership positions have included General Manager and Senior Vice President of Operations at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Vice President of Operations for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and General Manager of Hotel Operations for The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts. 

Michael Monty is the General Manager of Bally’s Atlantic City. Prior to becoming the GM in 2022, Michael served for one year as the Assistant General Manager at the property. Before his entrance into the AC market, Michael was the Director of Corporate Finance at Bally’s where he was responsible for corporate M&A. Prior to joining Bally’s, Michael was Private Equity and Real Estate investment analyst at Post Road Group, a Stamford, CT, based asset manager, where he focused on debt lending and multi-family real estate investing. Michael started his career in gaming with an internship at MGM Resorts International during his intern-summer of business school. Prior to joining corporate America, Michael served as an Infantry officer in the United States Army, including a combat tour in Afghanistan. During his military, career he earned the combat infantryman badge and Ranger Tab. Michael holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in U.S. History from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Michael lives in Linwood, NJ with his wife Mikhaela and two young children, Eve and Arthur.

James T. Plousis was sworn in as the eighth chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission on December 26, 2017 after his appointment by Gov. Chris Christie.

A native of Philadelphia, Plousis has a law enforcement career that spans more than four decades prior to joining the commission. It started when he joined the Woodbine Police Department in 1975 and continued when he moved to the Ocean City Police Department three years later. In 1984 he ran for and was elected Sheriff in Cape May County and served six terms in that position. As Sheriff, he was responsible for the operation of the County Jail, Juvenile Boot Camp, courthouse security and a variety of other law enforcement functions.

In 2002, President George W. Bush nominated Plousis to be United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey. Upon confirmation by United States Senate he was sworn in on March 25, 2002. As U.S. Marshal, Plousis was responsible for providing security for federal judges and their staffs at federal courthouses in the state; apprehending fugitives and non-compliant sex offenders; securing and transporting federal prisoners from arrest to incarceration; executing federal court orders; seizing and managing assets acquired through illegal means; and assuring the safety of endangered government witnesses and their families. He oversaw offices in Newark, Trenton, Camden and Atlantic City.

While U.S. Marshal, Plousis served as a Coordinator of the New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force which has arrested close to 35,000 violent state and local fugitives and he was the U.S. Marshals’ Service Liaison onsite in New Orleans to assist the local sheriffs with jail evacuations and law enforcement support during Hurricane Katrina. He coordinated the security for the Fort Dix Five Terrorist Trial in Camden. The suspects were all convicted of plotting an armed attack on the Ft. Dix Military Base to kill U.S. soldiers. He has also coordinated two of the largest Fugitive Safe Surrender Programs in the nation, in Newark and Camden where over 6,300 fugitives surrendered safely at local churches.

Plousis was nominated by Gov. Christie to serve as chairman of the State Parole Board, a position he assumed on August 2, 2010. The State Parole Board works to ensure ex-prisoners return to society as law-abiding citizens. Board members and staff conduct more than 20,000 hearings per year, solicit input from victims and decide parole matters. State Parole Board sworn parole officers supervise more than 15,000 offenders statewide. In addition, the State Parole Board is New Jersey's primary law enforcement agency responsible for sex offender supervision. State Parole Board officers are also active partners with multiple Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies and task forces. The State Parole Board’s Community Programs Unit partners with government, non-profit and private agencies to connect ex-prisoners with vocational, mental health and related services, targeted to break the cycle and risk of crime.

Under his leadership, the State Parole Board has coordinated a statewide effort in support of veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. The State Parole Board, in partnership with the American Legion, the N.J. Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs, and state and federal law enforcement agencies, work to address the increasing segment of the inmate population with prior military service.

Plousis was a member of the New Jersey Sheriff’s Association and served as its president for six years. He was also a member of the National Sheriff’s Association and was on its board of directors for three years. He also served on the board of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center at Glynco, GA. He is a member of the United States Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund (USMSBF) and has served as the chairman of its executive advisory committee. The USMSBF is a private nonprofit corporation formed for charitable and education disbursements to the surviving family members of active U.S. Marshals, Deputy U.S. Marshals, Marshals Service employees and Special Deputy U.S. Marshals who are killed in the line of duty.

Plousis volunteers his time for Hand to Hand for Haiti which provides humanitarian support to the people of Haiti. He traveled to Haiti in 2014 with a team of nine missionaries who distributed 1,000 soccer balls to children of Haiti.

Plousis is a graduate of Slippery Rock University and of the Rutgers University Public Manager Program. He lives in Ocean City and has two adult children.

Andrew Weilgus is the Executive Director of the Esports Innovation Center at Stockton University and has a 20-year history as an executive in the sports and entertainment industry. Prior to joining the EIC, he was co-founder and President of TheLiveNetwork.com and Atlantic City FC. Founded in 2017, Atlantic City FC is a minor league soccer and esports team sponsored by the Tropicana Hotel and Casino and Caesars Entertainment, the largest gaming company in the world. TheLiveNetwork.com produces events for venues around the country ranging from esports / fantasy sports to trivia and gaming. Mr. Weilgus also spent time as a producer for NFL Sunday Ticket on DirecTV. Mr. Weilgus received his Master’s Degree in Technology Management from the Wharton School of Business / The School of Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.

Karen Worman started with the Company in 1992 and has held positions at the Property, Division and Corporate level.  Starting at Harrah’s Atlantic City as a food and beverage accounting clerk, she continued along the finance track holding various positions in Audit, Financial Reporting and Planning & Analysis.   

In 2001 Karen took a position as Executive Assistant (EA) for the Eastern Division President and in 2003 continued as an EA for the Chief Operating Officer and relocated to Las Vegas. In 2004 Karen returned to Harrah’s Atlantic City as the Director of Finance and moved shortly thereafter into the Operations Controller position where she would get her first taste into the world of operations.  In that capacity she oversaw Regulatory Compliance Collections, Casino and Hotel Cage, Countrooms and Casino Accounting. 

In 2005 Karen transferred to Showboat as Operations Controller and then was promoted to Vice President of Finance.  Karen received the corporate Excellence in Leadership award for her efforts leading the cash-load optimization program – a brand initiative – which garnered exemplary results for the property and she headed up a discretionary comp analysis program which resulted in substantial cost-savings for the property.  In 2008, she was named Assistant General Manager, where she was responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational direction of the following departments ~ Casino Credit, Customer Service, Hotel Operations, Property Operations (Facilities and EVS), Slot Operations, Security and Table Games.

In 2011, Karen transferred to the Center Boardwalk properties and held such positions as Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Finance (Bally’s, Caesars and Showboat).  In 2017, Karen was promoted to Regional Vice President of Finance for Bally’s, Caesars and Harrah’s.

A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Karen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Stockton University and a Master’s of Science degree in Taxation from Temple University. 

Karen is actively involved in a variety of community efforts which include or have included; an Employer Advisory Board Member for Stockton University, Executive Director for Miss Southern Counties, Scholarship Chair for the Bonnie Blue Foundation and Vice President for the Family Council of the Villa Raffaella Assisted Living Center.

 

 

In 1964, Charles Kramer joined Kramer Beverage Company after graduating from Rutgers College in New Brunswick. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, as the 3rd generation of the Kramer family to work in the business. His wife, Lynn Kramer, worked with Charles for 31 years before retiring in 2006.

Over the past 45 years, Charles has taken an active role with many organizations including United Way of Atlantic County, the Southern New Jersey Development Council, and other local service organizations. He served as a President of Congregation Beth Judah, as a Board Member for the Rutgers Camden Executive Advisory Council, as a National Board Member of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and as NJ State Director of the National Beer Wholesalers’ Association.

More recently, Charles served as President of the Richard Stockton College Foundation, continuing on the Board, and now serves on the Board of the Noyes Museum of Stockton College. He has worked to help establish both Stockton College and the Noyes Museum with satellite facilities in Hammonton.

Charles and Lynn, have two children, Michele and Mark, and four granddaughters, Hannah, Molly, Jordan and Alison. During the 1990’s Mark Kramer joined the Company full time to become the 4th generation Kramer to work in the business, and now serves as President and CEO. Charles serves as Chairman, and enjoys his continued participation at Kramer Beverage.

The entry of Coors in New Jersey in 1986 forever changed the Company when the brewery selected Kramer Beverage to be the distributor in six counties – Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, Camden, and Gloucester. In 2002, the Company moved from EHT to the Hammonton Industrial Park, centrally located to serve all of southern NJ.

On May 1, 2017, Kramer Beverage expanded both the beer brands and counties that it serves. Charles has assumed responsibility for the expansion of the present warehouse in Hammonton. The new addition will open in 2018, with a satellite location in Burlington or Mercer County.