Lightbridge Academy Recognized by CIANJ and Commerce Magazine as a Company that Cares in 2020

Iselin, NJ — Lightbridge Academy®, a leading early education and child care franchise, has been recognized by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE Magazine, which recently hosted their Seventh Annual Companies That Care Reception to pay tribute to the kindness and generosity of the business community. Lightbridge Academy was recognized as a company that has donated more than $500,000 in medical equipment, scholarships and other resources to help children and others affected by illness, emergencies and disasters in New Jersey.

"Lightbridge Academy has been giving back through the Lightbridge Foundation for decades,” said Lightbridge Founder and CEO Guy Falzarano. “We are honored to help children and families throughout the communities we serve with grants. Whether it is for those impacted by hurricanes or medical professionals in need of supplies for COVID-19 support, we're always seeking ways to help."

Established in 2001, the Lightbridge Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting parents and children along life's journey. Its work is central to the core beliefs of everyone in the Lightbridge Academy system - looking to care for those in their Circle of Care - including children, parents, franchise owners, teachers and the community. Every Lightbridge Academy center is actively involved in fundraising efforts by participating in a variety of events. Staff members and families donate, and the children learn the fundamental importance of giving back.

Forty-six companies, including leading manufacturers, retailers, hospitals, banks and colleges and universities, were honored as Champions of Good Works at the virtual reception, which was attended by more than 200 business executives. This year’s champions were decided by a blue-ribbon panel of judges.

“For most of the companies we are honoring, giving back and helping those in need is part of their culture,” said Anthony Russo, president of CIANJ. “The public is not always aware of how much these companies take on and the types of needs they address. This virtual reception is our way of showcasing these Companies that Care.”

CIANJ is a statewide business advocacy organization, representing more than 900 corporate members from every industry sector. The organization asked the business community to share stories of its philanthropy. Their stories became a special section of the March issue of COMMERCE Magazine that was also distributed digitally when the event was rescheduled and held virtually.

“To us, committing to meeting the needs of all parents and children is a natural extension of our Circle of Care philosophy, which inspires everything we do as a company,” said Falzarano. “We realize that the well-being of our educators, parents, children and even the people we do business with contributes to the strength of our communities, enriching our lives in countless ways.”

Established in 1997, Guy and Julia Falzarano founded the company based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Lightbridge Academy provides early education and child care to children ages six weeks through kindergarten, as well as special programming for children up to 10 years old for summer camp and a new school age remote learning program. The company franchised in 2011 to expand their distinctive concept throughout the Mid-Atlantic region; it currently has over 119 child care centers either open, under construction or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia.

In response to COVID-19, Lightbridge Academy rolled out The Lightbridge Promise as the gold standard in child care health protocols prioritizing the safety of everyone in the company's Circle of Care. In 2020, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500.