South Jersey Small Businesses Face a Growing Challenge: Keeping Good Employees

Small business owners across South Jersey are dealing with a problem that does not make headlines but affects their operations every single day. Employee turnover has become one of the most expensive and frustrating challenges facing local employers, from family restaurants in Gloucester City to retail shops in Haddon Heights to service businesses throughout Camden County.

The numbers tell the story. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, replacing a single employee costs between 50% and 200% of that person’s annual salary. For a small business paying someone $40,000 a year, that means spending anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 every time a good worker walks out the door. When you are running a business with thin margins, those costs add up fast.

But here is what makes the situation even more frustrating for local employers. Many of the employees who leave were not bad hires. They had the skills. They showed up on time. They got along with customers and coworkers. Something happened in those first few weeks or months that made them start looking elsewhere.

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CNBNEWS MEMORIES: Thank You and Welcome Home Lt. Col. Al Bancroft

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ON Sunday, April 11, 2010, friends of Lt. Colonel Al Bancroft honored him at the American Legion Post 372, Cherry Hill. The following is the press release announcing that celebration.

Please come out to Honor Lt. Col. Al Bancroft. The Yellow Ribbon Club, Warrior Watch Riders, American Legion and all other military support groups are getting together to say THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME to Al Bancroft. As most of you know, Al has served over 50 years for the United States Marine Corps. He served THREE tours in Vietnam. He is a true Maverick. He started off enlisted and worked his way up to Lt. Col.

Lt. Col. Bancroft supports all of us and our work. Regardless of how he may have been treated during the time he served; he comes out to welcome home our current troops. He has told us from time to time that this work has helped him heal.

We would like to honor him for his longevity of service in our Welcome Home style. He will be surprised by a convoy of bikes and police who will unexpectedly pull up on his street and make noise. He will then be escorted Rock Star style to the Cherry Hill American Legion for light snacks and small tokens or appreciation from various groups. Now is the time to show our appreciation for one of our older veterans who truly has Patriotism flowing through his blood. If your group would like to present him, please call Leslie at the above number. Hope to see you there.

Carole B. Eksterowicz, 88, of Gloucester City

Gloucester City – On February 12, 2026. Age 88. Loving and devoted wife of 60 years to the late Henry A. Eksterowicz. Loving mother of Joseph Eksterowicz, Edward Eksterowicz, Henry Eksterowicz, Jr., Helene Eksterowicz and her husband, Andrew Goodman; cherished grandmother of Brian Eksterowicz and Noah H. Goodman. Beloved sister of Celeste Beron and Constance Beron.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Edward and Helena Beron. A proud graduate of West Catholic High School, Class of 1955, Carole’s love for music was evident from a young age, particularly through her enjoyment of playing Chopin on the piano. She spent a few years working as a secretary for Campbell Soup in Camden before transitioning to a sales associate role at Bradlees in Audubon, New Jersey. Carole was an avid attendee of the Philadelphia Flower Show and cherished her time spent down the shore. However, her greatest passion was raising her children, and she took immense pride in hosting large holiday dinners. She was deeply proud of each of her children’s educational achievements, ensuring they all received college educations.

Continue reading “Carole B. Eksterowicz, 88, of Gloucester City” →

West Deptford Man Charged with Attempted Murder 

Woodbury, NJ – Randall D. Bilger, 61, of West Deptford, was arrested and charged with  first-degree attempted murder and third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon  following a stabbing that left one adult injured, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew  B. Johns announced. 

According to documents filed in this case: 

West Deptford responded Friday morning after a witness called 911 to report Bilger was  bleeding and holding a knife. The witness had gone to the residence to check on the  victim, an adult female. They told officers that after finding the front door locked, they  went to the back door, where Bilger answered, holding a knife and covered in blood, and  said “It’s not a good time.” 

Continue reading “West Deptford Man Charged with Attempted Murder “ →

GTPD Arrests Youth in Vehicle Burglary Attempt

On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at approximately 12:33 AM, Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) were dispatched to the area of Whitall Drive in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township for the report of a someone attempting to burglarize the caller’s vehicle.  As officers responded to the area, it was reported the person had fled the area and a description was obtained. An alert motorist flagged down an officer and reported that a person fitting the description was now observed running into the nearby Terrestria Development. Officers quickly located the person, later identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, fleeing on foot while ignoring numerous officer commands to stop. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody by officers and was found to be in possession of burglar tools. The suspect was transported to the GTPD Headquarters and was charged on a Juvenile Complaint and released pending court with the following charges:  Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense. 

Due to proactive operations across Gloucester Township, this allowed officers to flood the area of the crime almost immediately, thus assisting with the successful apprehension of the suspect.  One officer sustained a minor injury during the foot pursuit.  Chief Anthony Minosse said, “this case is a clear example on the importance of a strong partnership between the GTPD and our residents working together to help keep our community safe.” The prompt reporting of suspicious activity and potential criminal conduct allows police officers to respond quickly to address community concerns.  The GTPD urges residents to remain alert to unusual behavior, LOCK YOUR VEHICLES, remove key fobs, and pick up your phone to immediately report any suspicious activity. 

Read more: GTPD Arrests Youth in Vehicle Burglary Attempt

Arrest: 
16-year-old male suspect was charged with Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense. 

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856)228-4500. You may also provide information anonymously through the GTPD online tip portal at https://gtpolice.com/tips , via the GTPD Anonymous Tip Line at (856)842-5560, or by texting “TIPGLOTWPPD” and your tip message to 888777.

Investigation of Double Shooting

The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 9:29 a.m., officers from the 12th District responded to a report of a double shooting on the highway in the 1200 block of South 53rd Street. Two adult male victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were transported in private vehicles to HUP Cedar. One victim is listed in stable condition, while the second victim remains in critical condition. The scene was held for investigation. At this time, no motive has been determined, and no arrests have been made.

Read more: Investigation of Double Shooting

 The investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

Earlier that day, at approximately 12:48 a.m., officers from the 1st District responded to a report of a male shot on the highway in the 1800 block of South 18th Street. Officers located a 43-year-old male victim who was uncooperative at the scene. The victim was transported by police to Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was treated for a gunshot wound and is listed in stable condition. The motive is unknown, and no arrests have been made.

 The investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

In a separate incident on February 14, 2026, at approximately 11:54 p.m., officers from the 25th District responded to a radio call reporting a male shot in the left hand near the intersection of 8th and Venango streets. Medics transported the 43-year-old male victim to Temple University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. The victim reported that he was walking when he heard several gunshots and then realized he had been struck in the hand. Officers located a blood scene in front of the victim’s residence in the 600 block of West Venango Street. The motive remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

Additionally, on February 14, 2026, at approximately 12:22 p.m., a 9-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the 800 block of South 56th Street. The child sustained various injuries and was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he is listed in stable condition. 

The striking vehicle is described as a 2010–2013 Honda Crosstour, mostly burgundy in color, with a black passenger-side fender, a green passenger-side front door, and a white passenger-side rear door. The vehicle also had a bicycle rack on the roof. The driver is described as a Black male, approximately 25 to 35 years old, with short hair and a beard. The driver and vehicle fled the scene. 

The investigation is ongoing with the Crash Investigation Division.

Little explorers hard at work!

Our Nature Tots Program gives preschoolers a fun, interactive way to explore the outdoors—from snakes to plant life and everything in between! Each session includes a themed lesson and a related craft.

📅 Next Session: February 17 – Gardening for Wildlife

🕘 Time: 9:30–10:30 AM & 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

📍 Held 1st & 3rd Tuesdays (Jan–March)

🎨 Free program | Craft included

⚠️ Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

👉 Click the link to register online

📞 Questions? Call 856-881-0845

Let your little ones discover the joy of nature! 🌼🐞

Gloucester City: North Wind Schooner Arrives at Freedom Pier

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By John P. Schmidt/ NEWS Correspondent

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (July 5, 2007)–As Gloucester City Mayor William P. James played the bagpipes on the Delaware River, the Schooner North Wind sailed into port Saturday evening, July 5.

It docked at the old Coast Guard Pier, which has been renamed Freedom Pier, under the direction of Captain Charles Reed.

Reed has more than 40 years of maritime experience and is volunteering his time to help the City.

\”It\’s a beginning,\” Councilman Jay Brophy said. \”The King Street Theater went down, the Coast Guard Base closed down, and all this property closed down. Now, it\’s alive. It\’s absolutely a benefit to everybody, it\’s unbelievable.\”

The Schooner was followed up the river by the Flagship IV, which also docks at Freedom Pier.

Continue reading “Gloucester City: North Wind Schooner Arrives at Freedom Pier” →

Suspect Arrested for Robbery at McDonald’s in Berlin Township

Berlin Township, NJ – A West Berlin man has been arrested and charged in reference to a robbery that occurred yesterday at a McDonald’s in Berlin Township, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Berlin Township Police Chief Michael FitzGibbon.

On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m., officers from the Berlin Township Police Department responded to the McDonald’s located on the 200 block of Route 73 for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned that a masked suspect – later identified as 42-year-old William Alvarado Jr. – entered the restaurant and demanded the employees turn over U.S. currency. During the robbery, the defendant kept his hands in his sweatshirt pocket, which led employees to believe that he was armed with a firearm. After receiving U.S. currency, he fled the restaurant on foot.

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MSC Cargo Ship Departs Philadelphia Port Amid Icy River Conditions

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNEWS

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 14, 2026) — An MSC cargo ship departed the Port of Philadelphia on Saturday morning as three tugboats worked in unison to turn the massive vessel around in the ice‑covered Delaware River. Two tugs pulled from the bow while a third pushed from the stern, slowly rotating the ship through sheets of broken ice created by the recent cold snap.

The dramatic maneuver underscored both the scale of modern container vessels and the skill required to navigate them through winter river conditions.

Read more: MSC Cargo Ship Departs Philadelphia Port Amid Icy River Conditions

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MSC’s Growing Presence in Philadelphia

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has steadily expanded its relationship with the Port of Philadelphia in recent years. Its maiden call at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal occurred on April 27, 2022, when the MSC Michaela, a 6,730‑TEU container ship, arrived as part of MSC’s Indus 2 service.

The Indus 2 route provides Philadelphia shippers with direct connections to India, Italy, Spain, and Portugal — a significant advantage for regional importers and exporters seeking faster, more efficient access to global markets.

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Local Ties: Holt Family Participation

Members of the Holt Family, operators of the Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, were onboard during the 2022 inaugural visit of the MSC Michaela. Their involvement reflects the long-standing partnership between Holt Logistics, PhilaPort, and international carriers seeking dependable East Coast gateways.

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Port leadership emphasized the importance of MSC

“Shippers want more efficient options and this new India/Med service fits perfectly into our wheelhouse,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort.

Sean Mahoney, PhilaPort’s Director of Marketing, noted that securing the Indus 2 service was years in the making. “We have been working on attracting a service like Indus 2 for a while. Our terminal operator, Holt Logistics, has really done a great job with the customer base and made this service a reality.”

Officials say Philadelphia continues to play a major role in helping international supply chains adapt to global logistics challenges, offering shippers alternative routes and reliable port performance.

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Photo caption: On the Bridge of M/V MSC Michaela Voy#: 211A – Pictured (L to R) CBP Inspt Damiani, Sean Mahoney – PhilaPort, James Walsh – PhilaPort, Tom Holt – Holt Logistics, MSC – Capt. Carlo Fortuna, Christian Holt – Holt Logistics, Phillip Holt – Holt Logistics, CBP Inspt Mason 

For more information on this service, contact: marketing@philaport.com