Jennifer Corbet, Toms River
My response, as I am disheartened by the politicians chosen to be the voice for people who do not always agree with their opinions starving of facts.
I am absolutely disappointed at the negative attention this is receiving.
It is dishonorable behavior that the mayor of Bordentown, the person that represents a town full of culture, history, and a terrific array of people who pride themselves on these, makes a statement that robs the town of just that. To say, with sarcasm, that he doesn’t know what the town will call the future Cranberry Festivals, and offering “apple pie” as a suggestion, is in poor taste and lacking in the spirit that I’ve come to love working in this town.
For over 75 years, Ocean Spray has been the hubbub of activity for most of Bordentown. The festival is one of the many wonderful beauty marks that Bordentown has in terms of history, culture, togetherness. Why would the sole person representing such a tight-knit town offer such crude commentary? Using the recent news offered by Ocean Spray, and it’s long thought out decision to relocate, as leverage for bad politics and a publicity stunt for an otherwise quiet political career is just another example of the tactless politics that this country has embarked on over these last years. And quite frankly, a tight-knit town would not treat its neighbor in a way it wouldn’t want to be treated. So why make a hypocrisy of this wonderful town? To personalize the decision is not taking into consideration the future of such a wonderful company. Life goes on, juice needs to be made. Whether it is in historic Bordentown or in a high-speed, state of the art facility.
As an plant employee, I was not privy to most of the higher level details that were involved in the conclusion. Truthfully, I would have liked to see these “proposals” offered by the State, by the town, by the county. Sure. And, I would have liked to see the other side of how these offerings didn’t match the savings the company would incur by relocating. If not for anything, for an educational purpose. However, I choose to see the bigger picture, and view this with faith as the screen with which I see it.
On a sympathetic note, those involved in the decision process have been exposed to some of the most tense moments in their career and possibly their lives, of that I am sure. Yes, this impacts me. Yes, this impacts us in the plant. Yes, this impacts Bordentown. And yes, these were considered! Let us not assume that those involved in the decision were ignorant to these, because I can attest to the energy of the people that delivered the decision’s message to us, and the looks in their eyes, that these were absolutely considered, as evident in the care with which the message was delivered, and gently and tenderly delivered, at that. For Joseph Malone to personalize the decision and say he was “never dealt with in a more duplicitous, insincere fashion” is uncalled for.
The long and short of it is, we ultimately trust that the decision that was made is for the betterment of this company, it’s ever-lasting future, and it’s people in the long run. I have faith in that. And for the record: I CANNOT RELOCATE even if offered a position which I am confident I will be offered. So this point of view is being brought to you by an individual who is not marred by the decision even in the face of my own personal uncertainty. I am not marred, and I am not bitter. I am proud of this company. And I know that everything happens for a reason, sometimes bigger than what we can even grasp at any given time.
As a plant employee, I have been privy to this most open and honest process. We have had many meetings, conversations, communications, and the like, regarding the fact that Ocean Spray has been, for some considerable time now, at the manufacturing crossroads. There has never been a moment that not a single one of us did not know that there was a decision to be made regarding the future of the Bordentown facility, be it a grand renovation or a grand relocation. We all knew that we would face a moment where somehow, our lives would change. We all knew that the possibility existed that those forthcoming changes would also impact the people of Bordentown, Burlington County, and the beautiful State of New Jersey. There was no “shock” upon hearing the decision. Disappointment that Bordentown would become part of Ocean Spray’s wonderful history? Sure. Shock? Absolutely not. Anyone who was shocked at the decision hasn’t been paying attention in any of the meetings and discussions we’ve held, or have been spending too much time not being engaged in their environment.
Yes, we’re sad. Yes, we’re even depressed. It’s change! When one is forced to let go of the wheel and be forced to revisit their comfort zones, it’s natural for things to be shaken up, and then some. But we adjust, we recover, and we keep on keepin’ on.
We are all in a position to take advantage of these next two and a half years, this transitional period, and make a lasting, positive impression with one another. We have the power to have 2 more incredible Cranberry Festivals before the Bordentown Plant makes its historic exit. (And continue the Cranberry Festival who ever said Ocean Spray would not continue participating in the legacy of the culture??) We have the power to fuel this transition with positive support of one another, compassion towards one another, and infuse this time with what is lacking in much of the rest of the world: PEACE.
I strongly urge the politicians to call off the dogs and join hands with us in Ocean Spray and accept what we cannot change, be courageous in these next few years and change what we can, and be wise together, as a team, to know the difference. Bitterness won’t make a difference but acceptance and a plan will.
There is no “I” in “we”. “We” are all affected by this change. Let us focus on supporting the community and one another from this point forward. We’re in this together, so let’s approach it that way. Let us work together and make this an experience and use it to strengthen relations, not weaken.

