Just Born Quality Confections is celebrating a century of sweetness, with more than 90 of those years being in Bethlehem, PA.
The third-generation, family-owned confectioner is known for such iconic brand names as Peeps, Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews and will spend its milestone centennial year honoring and thanking employees, stakeholders and the community at various events.
Celebrations initially kicked off at the 14th Peepsfest at SteelStacks on Dec. 30-31, 2022; and an itinerary of events titled the “100 Random Acts of Sweetness” program will mark 2023. This allows fans across the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia to look forward to Just Born popping by various locations year-round with such prizes as candy and gift cards.
Additionally, the company is working with area organizations to invest in educating and empowering the future manufacturing workforce.
Last October, Just Born announced changes to its leadership panel, unanimously electing to the position of co-chief executive officer, David N. Shaffer, and Gardner “Chip” M. Jett, Jr., Shaffer’s son-in-law. Shaffer said in a statement about the 100th anniversary the company is humbled to reach such a large milestone.
“We cannot overstate how grateful we are for all who have been a part of Just Born’s story throughout the years,” Shaffer said. “Looking forward to the next century, our goal remains the same – to bring sweetness to people’s lives through the family traditions and beloved memories that fans create with our brands.”
Reed Smith has a new global managing partner, with the role returning to a Pittsburgh leader and the first woman to take the helm.
The region’s largest law firm on Tuesday confirmed that Casey Ryan, Pittsburgh-based global head of legal personnel since 2015, is succeeding Alexander “Sandy” Thomas as global managing partner, effective March 1.
Ryan joined the firm in 1996. Her first leadership position in 2011 was as the global practice group leader of the firm’s Labor & Employment Group. Since then, she served as vice chair of the Litigation Department and was the Pittsburgh office chair of the Women’s Initiative Network of Reed Smith. In her present role, she leads compensation, promotions and recruiting.
Ryan will serve the rest of Thomas’ term until the next scheduled election in 2025. Thomas is departing Reed Smith to become the first chief legal officer of KIND, Kids in Need of Defense.
Reed Smith, founded in Pittsburgh 146 years ago, has 31 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. It had 2021 revenue of $1.436 billion.
Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania is now Life Sciences Greenhouse Investments! Established in 2002, Life Sciences Greenhouse Investments was created in 2002 to accelerate innovation in Pennsylvania’s life sciences sector and promote economic growth. Since then, the venture fund has invested $37 million into 72 companies and projects that have attracted more than $736 million in continued investment.
On the company’s name change, LSGI President and CEO Michele Washko said, “Since its inception, Life Sciences Greenhouse has been a great metaphor for what we do. That is, nurture emerging life sciences companies. We feel that adding ‘investments’ to our name will communicate more quickly and accurately to the entrepreneurs and co-investors we hope to serve the fact that we’re a source of capital.”