(January 24, 2009) CAMDEN -- The Rutgers Institute for Management and Executive Development has named Edwin J. Berkowitz, chair of a third-generation family business located in Pedricktown, as the 2009 Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Rutgers Family Business Institute.

Berkowitz is chair of JE Berkowitz LP, a leading architectural glass manufacturer headquartered in a new world-class 200,000-square-foot production facility in Pedricktown.  The company produces such products as insulated glass, laminated safety glass, and tempered safety glass for the domestic and overseas commercial markets.

“Our search for a 2009 Entrepreneur-in-Residence could not have resulted in finding a better or more ideal business leader than Edwin Berkowitz,” says Ray Compari, associate dean at Rutgers School of Business–Camden and director of the Rutgers Family Business Institute.  “His leadership, vision, and determination have helped to build the incredible story of JE Berkowitz’s corporate growth over three generations and 88 years.

“We are honored to have Mr. Berkowitz apply his vision on behalf of Rutgers’ Family Business programs in 2009.  In these challenging economic times, the insight of successful family business leaders such as Mr. Berkowitz, will be of great help as Rutgers Family Business Institute participants seek new ideas to support their own business growth.”

In this role at Rutgers, Berkowitz will contribute direction that will help to shape effective programming for members of family-owned and closely held businesses in southern New Jersey and the Delaware Valley.  He also will participate in public events and CEO roundtable sessions offered by the Rutgers Family Business Institute.

“I am deeply honored by the Rutgers Family Business Institute to be asked to participate in 2009 events and look forward to meeting the many other leaders and owners of family-operated businesses in the region at Institute events” says Berkowitz. “While I still remain active in JE Berkowitz operations, the opportunity to share and learn with other entrepreneurs will be a highlight for me this year.”

Berkowitz is a 1949 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as building chair for the recently constructed Hillel and as past president of the University of Pennsylvania College Alumni.  In 1961, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Temple Law School.  His extensive service to regional organizations includes membership on such boards as the Philadelphia Jewish Federation and the Center for Bioethics and the Metanexus Institute, both at the University Pennsylvania.  He has served in leadership roles in such organizations as the American Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Slipper Center for Seniors.  He resides in Philadelphia.

About Rutgers

The Rutgers Family Business Institute at the Rutgers School of Business–Camden was established with generous support from TD Bank through the TD Charitable Foundation and from the Haddonfield-based law firm Archer & Greiner.

About JEB

JE Berkowitz, LP (est. 1920) is a leading architectural glass fabricator.  Its products include Tempered Glass, Insulating Glass, Spandrel Glass, Silk Screened Glass, Glass Doors and Entrances, Laminated Glass, and Point Supported Canopy and Wall Systems for the domestic and overseas architectural markets.  The family-owned glass business is located in Pedricktown, N.J., with over 200,000 square feet of plant space and 250 employees.