Being honored with the “Faith in Paterson” award on Jan. 27, Steve Kontos gave a heartfelt acceptance speech that not only paid tribute to his wife Nancy, the company’s comptroller and chief financial officer, but also praised all 275 Kontos Foods employees, whom Kontos refers to as “family,” the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce and all the neighboring businesses, which have helped Kontos Foods prosper over the last 30 years.
Paterson Acting Mayor Jane Williams-Warren along with Jamie Dykes, president of the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce and George Waitts, chairmand of the GPCC, bestowed this award on Kontos Foods, a provider of artisan breads and traditional Mediterranean food, its owner and vice president, Steve Kontos, and Nancy at its 109th Annual Gala. The event was held at Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, N.J. and drew a packed crowd of over 300.
“Faith in Paterson” is an annual award from the GPCC that goes to a business or individual in recognition for their “contributions to economic development, job creation and the betterment of the quality of life in the Paterson area.” Late last year Kontos announced plans for an $8.5 million expansion to its manufacturing facility, which will take place over the next few years.