ANTHONY R. SAPIENZA, retired CEO and president of JA Apparel Corp., the New York-based parent company of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp. in New Bedford, was recently presented with the Roger Valcourt Outstanding Citizen Award from One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce. He received the award during a Sept. 10 ceremony at Century House in Acushnet. The award is presented to a citizen who has a long record of volunteerism and leadership that has produced a measurable and lasting contribution to the region. Along with his leadership positions at Southwick/Grieco Bros., GFT USA Corp. and Joseph J. Pietrafesa Corp., Sapienza has served the community in various roles, including as the current board president of the New Bedford Economic Development Council.
What does receiving this award mean to you? I am deeply honored to receive the Valcourt Award. It affirms my belief in the vital role business leaders play in their communities. I am especially grateful for the One SouthCoast Chamber and its work at the intersection of business and civic life. Strong corporate citizenship and strong civic responsibility are inseparable. This recognition underscores how business success and community success must go hand in hand.
How have you helped improve economic development within the south coast area? What initiatives did you spearhead to boost the local economy? As CEO of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp. and JA Apparel, I led our team to the forefront of men’s fashion, employing 800 associates and producing more than 1,400 suits daily. Beyond business, as president of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, we’ve worked to expand the creative economy, revitalize the port and support offshore wind development just miles from New Bedford. These efforts have created jobs, diversified the economy and positioned our region for long-term sustainable growth.
What is the biggest workforce need within the south coast area, whether in manufacturing or other sectors? Our future depends on a resilient, trained workforce ready for today and tomorrow. Skilled trades and manufacturing remain essential, but we must also prepare for the influence of AI [artificial intelligence], shifting demographics and evolving industries. My experience on local and state workforce boards has reinforced the belief that workforce readiness must remain an economic priority. Only by aligning training and education with emerging needs can we ensure opportunity and prosperity across the south coast.
What is the key component to being a good leader in the business community? Leadership begins with building strong teams, but it should extend beyond the walls of one’s own business. Effective leaders understand the community they operate in – its history, people and needs – and engage fully in civic life. When leaders embrace the positive role their companies can play, the community benefits and so does the business. True leadership recognizes that business and community are partners in shared success.
