What if Secaucus could provide up-to-date information about impending disasters – not just national bulletins or weather reports, but scenes from around the town via a public access station? Last year, the town rebuilt its emergency preparedness facilities to provide quick responses to disasters in the area, from heavier-than-normal snowstorms to hurricanes such as Floyd. The headquarters at 1377 Paterson Plank Road was loaded up with computer terminals and telephone answering services for each department. Emergency generators were installed and mobile units were equipped with equally sophisticated communication equipment. The headquarters could even put out messages quickly on Channel 34, allowing residents to get the latest breaking news. But the town lacked the equipment to quickly transform scenes on the street to images on the TV screen. Back in November the equipment used to record the mayoral debate took more than a week to translate the tape to the format needed for television broadcast – a task that could have been completed within minutes with more sophisticated technology. Restating the old adage that a picture can inform more easily than a thousand words, Vinnie Mazzaro Sr., coordinator for the Secaucus Office of Emergency Management, Mayor Dennis Elwell, Councilmen Robert Kickey and Michael Grecco decided that something had to be done. Mazzaro knew Panasonic had been a good friend to the town in the past when he called them a few months ago requesting the Secaucus-based company, which was internationally famous for its audio and visual recording equipment, to donate the needed equipment? Last week, Panasonic handed over $2,000 worth of professional level video equipment that would provide more rapid communication with the public during situations of natural disaster. “The North American headquarters for Panasonic has been located in Secaucus for a quarter of a century, and we’re pleased to be able to assist the local community whenever we can,” said Sharon Streicher, vice president of Facilities for Panasonic’s parent company, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America. “We’re proud the town turned to us when it had a pressing need for electronics equipment.” Cable TV 34 is specifically designed to inform local residents and business owners of impending situations that could affect their lives and property. Local officials said the S-VHS equipment Panasonic donated would have a multiple use. Because the state’s OEM officials require intense documentation for damage assessment during a disaster, the town needs high-end equipment. Along with the video deck that gives the town the correct format for broadcast and the ability to edit tapes to more appropriate lengths, Panasonic also donated a professional-level video camera. “I’m extremely impressed with the effort Panasonic is showing towards corporate-community relationship,” said Mayor Dennis Elwell. “Hopefully, these types of actions will be followed by other community members.” Although Panasonic routinely donated to various places in town, such as the library and the senior center, the company made a point of reaching out to the community a few years ago. Until then, Panasonic believed most residents didn’t know how much a part it played as a community member through outreach efforts like funding art shows for schools and Christmas parties for the disabled. The company also bought space in the local community theater program as a show of support. Individual employees often generate support as Panasonic seeks to donate to projects in which their staff is already involved. Bill Rooney, assistant general manager for external affairs, said the company deliberately sought to strengthen connections with the town as part of its corporate citizenship outreach program. “Back in the beginning when we got here, we went to the local library and other programs and asked what they needed,” Rooney said. “People at the library said they needed large-print books, and we began a program to get them those books.” Three years ago, Panasonic donated five 25-inch color TV sets to the Secaucus Housing Authority for use in the Elms building, after SHA Director William Snyder contacted the company, saying the seniors needed a TV set for the common area. Through its external division, Panasonic, instead of merely advertising its wares, is also dedicated to electronically enhancing education throughout the county. In Secaucus, Panasonic allows schools to openly communicate their electronic needs for upcoming events. The schools, for instance, needed videotapes to supply copies of graduating ceremonies for the students and Panasonic supplied the tapes. The company is also intimately involved in fundraisers, supports the local high schools’ National Honor Society programs and has donated a music system to the Huber Street School. The company holds annual high school art awards ceremonies in their facility, hosting a luncheon that brings principals, students and parents into contact with the staff. Panasonic also donates its cafeteria to the United Negro College Fund as a studio for its telethon broadcast. On a national level, the company sponsors celebrity golf tournaments benefiting shelters for abused women. In the Boston area, the company works with WGBA, a public TV station, providing a descriptive service allowing the blind to follow the action of television programs.
Our Digital Archive from 2000 – 2016
