This week’s Person of the Week is truly a humanitarian – and he’s being recognized as one next week.

By Cathy Miller

A humanitarian works from the heart, not the ego – does things “with” people, not “to” people – understands face-to-face engagement fosters rapport.

The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce annual Humanitarian Award is presented to someone who demonstrates dedication and commitment through volunteer efforts in the community.

Checking all the boxes, William (Bill) Ritacco will receive the 2022 Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year Award on June 14.

He is being recognized for his efforts as General Manager at Staples in Hackettstown on their many community-centric campaigns, where Bill has consistently gone above and beyond Staples’ expectations.

Bill is extra recognized in great part, because his efforts at connecting with the community, especially non-profits, have been enormous.

Originally from Bloomfield, Bill and his wife settled in Hackettstown about eight years ago.

Bill came on as GM at Staples Hackettstown one and a half years ago. Previously, he worked at Staples Randolph for nearly two years as a sales manager. He said, “The Hackettstown store went through several general managers over the years. When the position recently opened up again, my boss asked, ‘Don’t you live down the street?’ And here I am!”

Staples’ foundation has always been small business-based – connecting, with a focus on community and solutions. Bill said, “My boss relocated me into my community, and gave me the opportunity to make it happen.”

Within one month of his arrival Bill contacted the Mount Olive Chamber to determine how best to get involved, opening the door to community-building. He explained, “Beyond staffing, cleaning up the store, and putting things in order, it was important to join the Chamber and see how I could help.”

At the Chamber’s networking meetings, Bill details Staples’ donation programs and discounts to benefit the businesses. He pointed out, “Putting a name and face to your business makes you more friendly and outgoing. Customers are more likely to come in to see you.”

As GM, Bill immediately assessed his staff for product specialists and relationship builders, explaining, “These people are the face of Staples.” He manages the day to day things – staff, payroll, the many departments – and helps customers.

Staples’ newly revamped website, StaplesConnect.com, outlines the many facets of Staples Hackettstown, like the online Community Business Directory, and an array of other unique initiatives.

In one, Classroom Rewards lets customers support local teachers and schools every time they shop at Staples. For no added charge, consumers earn 5% back for Classroom Rewards earmarked for a specific local educator. Teachers are invited to sign up, too.

In another, Care Packages is a donation program geared towards non-profits and schools. Customers are asked if they’d care to make a $5 donation at the time of checkout. Each donation purchases one pre-boxed Care Package containing classroom and office supplies. This year, Washington PTO, The Arc Foundation, and Hackettstown school system are the three recipients of the Care Packages. Donations are collected over a three month period, after which Care Packages are purchased by Staples and given to the first organization to distribute in the most effective way. The collection process then resets for the second, and third recipients. Bill is forever thankful for the community’s generous support.

How does he feel about being named Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year? Bill replied, “It’s overwhelming. It’s great. It’s an honor to be nominated, let alone to win, especially to follow Billy Lockwood, one of the most generous, most humble and nicest people I’ve met in my life. It’s a huge honor to win Humanitarian of the Year.”

In addition to this latest recognition, Bill earned the Mount Olive Chamber’s Oliver Award for Best Social Media for marketing efforts in 2021.

He also received a Staples award in 2021. “Staples recognized me as Community Champion in the Northeast region for how much my team and I do throughout the area.”

The concept of helping community isn’t new to Bill Ritacco. Every company he’s worked for has practiced something similar, but never to this extent. He recalled, “I’ve always been involved with things like this, even when I lived in Bloomfield. I attended Bloomfield High School and was part of a program to teach kindergarteners how to play soccer. Every Saturday morning for 12 weeks a few of us soccer players would help the kids learn soccer skills.”

Does Bill have any “me-time”? Sports tops his list of spare time activities. He grew up playing soccer, baseball, bowling, golf, and basketball, but his absolute favorite sport is hockey. He said, “I’m a diehard San Jose Sharks fan and try to make sure I’m home to watch every game that I’m not attending.” He’s racked up plenty of miles traveling to see them play – NJ, NY, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Boston, Detroit, Nashville, and San Jose.” To stay in shape, he plays hockey with an adult hockey league at Inline Morristown.

He enjoys travel, and plans a return visit to Jamaica this year. Bill’s a big fan of hard rock music – Sevendust being one of his favorite bands. Favorite meal? His default is usually a good Italian restaurant.

Buon appetito and congratulations William Ritacco, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year!

Photos by Cathy Miller

To speak with Bill at Staples, (908) 684-1214.