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“I am surprised,” Dib said of the honor. “Other than surprised, I am a little confused. I look at (the invitation) now and still think it’s a misprint.”
This annual Gala for Great Futures event benefits the Boys & Girls Club and honors outstanding community leaders.
Dib, a lifelong Hackensack resident, started in working in the city manager office while studying for his law degree. He passed the bar in 1999.
He later began serving as staff council to the city, reviewing ordinances and contracts.
Having a strong interest in his community, Dib joined the Hackensack Upper Main Alliance, as a board member in 2004, and became Executive Director in 2009.
The HUMA manages the district, which stretches from Clinton Place to Atlantic Place and consists of roughly 500 property owners. Management includes grants for new store facades, street festivals, holiday tree lighting and more.
A big change started in 2007 when the city strategized on how to rehabilitate the downtown area.
“Ever since the malls came in, in the late 60s there was a slow and steady decline in the retail climate in Hackensack,” Dib said. “Without a long term plan to stop the bleeding, it was only going to get worse.”
In 2012, the HUMA implemented a rehabilitation plan that involved public participation, government leaders, residents and businessed to find out what to do to transform Hackensack.
“We couldn’t be happier with the plan we came up with in conjunction with DMR Architects,” Dib said.
“By the time we are done with the core revitalization of the downtown, everyone will enjoy the prominence we had in its hay day. Everyone will sit up and take notice.”
The event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Venetian in Garfield.
TICKETS cost $150 each. Call (973) 473-7410, ext.113 or email joe.licata@bgcoflodi.org.
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