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written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP  On behalf of the members, Board of Directors, and staff of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, I wish to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of former Newark Council President Mildred C. Crump.
Councilwoman Crump was a trailblazer and tireless advocate for the people of Newark. She broke barriers as the first Black woman elected to the Newark City Council, the first female president of the Newark Municipal Council, and the first Black Braille teacher in New Jersey. Throughout her life, she championed the causes of women, children, senior citizens, persons with physical challenges, and working families. Her legacy is one of service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her community. Councilwoman Crump was a role model for countless individuals, inspiring us all to strive for a better, more inclusive future. While she will be deeply missed, her remarkable contributions to Newark will continue to inspire and guide us. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends during this difficult time.
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Addressing Our Vibrant Community
written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP I would be remiss if I did not address NRBP’s vibrant community in the wake of last week’s election results. As the newly appointed President and CEO of NRBP, I want to reassure our members and stakeholders that our commitment to bolstering Greater Newark’s economy remains steadfast, regardless of political changes. NRBP’s Mission For more than 150 years, NRBP has been a cornerstone of Newark’s business community. From our founding in 1869 as the Newark Board of Trade, we’ve evolved into an organization dedicated to supporting local businesses through valuable connections, resources, and advocacy. Embracing Diversity Newark’s strength lies in its diversity, and NRBP reflects this through our membership. We represent businesses of all sizes and industries, bringing them together to drive economic progress in the region. A Nonpartisan Approach NRBP’s pro-business agenda transcends political lines. We collaborate with stakeholders across the spectrum to advance policies that benefit the Greater Newark business community. Advocacy and Economic Development Our history of advocating for transformative projects speaks to our commitment to Newark’s economic growth. From supporting the development of the Prudential Center and the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau to championing critical infrastructure improvements, NRBP has played a key role in Newark’s renaissance. Looking Ahead As we look to the future, NRBP remains dedicated to ensuring that Newark continues to be a thriving hub of opportunity. We will focus on fostering innovation, advancing key projects, and supporting the policies that will make our region even more competitive. Together, we will build on Newark’s momentum, fostering an environment of continued prosperity. Faith and Finance: How Newark's Diverse Religious Institutions Drive Economic Growth written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP  This past Sunday, Newark's downtown bustled with an unusual convergence of events. As Disney on Ice dazzled families at the Prudential Center, the historic First Presbyterian Church marked a significant milestone – the installation of its first woman pastor. The resulting parking shortage was a testament to the vibrant activity in the city center – a scenario that holds promise for Newark's economic future. The Economic Impact of Faith-Based Organizations Religious institutions often fly under the radar when discussing economic contributors, but their impact is substantial. In the United States, religion contributes approximately $1.2 trillion of socioeconomic value annually to the economy. This includes not only the direct economic activities of religious congregations but also the value generated by religious schools, charities, and faith-inspired businesses. Newark's Diverse Faith Community Newark's rich tapestry of faith communities, including Christian churches, Islamic mosques, Jewish synagogues, and other places of worship, has deep roots in the city's history. These organizations have the power to draw people into the downtown area, creating opportunities for local businesses. Consider the following ways faith-based organizations can boost Newark's economy:
Learning from Other Cities Newark can draw inspiration from other cities where diverse faith institutions enhance downtown vitality:
The Path Forward: Celebrating Newark's Visionary Initiatives Newark is already making remarkable strides in harnessing the potential of faith-based organizations to enhance its economic landscape. The city's proactive and collaborative approach is commendable, showcasing a commitment to community engagement and revitalization.
written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I'm thrilled to invite all NRBP members to our annual Holiday Reception, where we will honor an individual who has shaped our organization and our city for a quarter of a century. On December 10, from 5-7 p.m., at Nico Kitchen + Bar at NJPAC, we’ll toast to Chip Hallock, our immediate past president and CEO, as he retires after 25 years of dedicated service. A Legacy of Leadership Chip's leadership has not only strengthened our organization but also played a pivotal role in Newark's revitalization. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of Chip’s most significant accomplishments. Empowering Future Entrepreneurs  2016, Chip launched the Newark Young Entrepreneurs Academy (Newark YEA!), a groundbreaking program that provided entrepreneurial education to more than 80 Newark-area youth. This initiative, unique in urban New Jersey, has equipped our city's young minds with the skills and confidence to pitch to investors and access real start-up funds. Advocating for Critical Infrastructure Chip's unwavering commitment to Newark’s growth is evident in his tireless advocacy for the Gateway Program. His support for this crucial infrastructure project, which includes new Hudson River tunnels and the Portal Bridge, will shape our region’s transportation landscape for generations to come. Boosting Tourism & Economic Growth  Under Chip’s guidance, NRBP played a key role in establishing the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB) in 2008. GNCVB now generates millions of dollars annually through its effort in attracting conferences, meetings, and leisure travelers to Newark. Supporting Vital Industries From advocating for the Port of New York and New Jersey to championing investments in energy and telecom infrastructure, Chip has been a steadfast supporter of the industries that keep our region thriving. A Celebration to Remember As we bid farewell to Chip and celebrate his remarkable career, I encourage all NRBP members to join us at our Holiday Reception. This is not just an opportunity to network and enjoy the festive season but also a chance to personally thank Chip for his dedication to our organization and our city. The event promises to be a night of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the bright future that Chip has helped shape for NRBP and Newark. Don’t miss this chance to be part of this special moment in our organization’s history. Mark your calendars for December 10, 5-7 p.m., at Nico Kitchen + Bar at NJPAC. We look forward to seeing you all there as we raise a glass to Chip and to the continued success of NRBP and Newark! Click here for registration and sponsorship information.  Newark: Celebrating Leadership and Economic Vitality written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP
Congratulations to the outstanding leaders from Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) member organizations who have been named to ROI-NJ's prestigious 2024 list of the top 140 business leaders in New Jersey! This recognition highlights the thriving business ecosystem in our state, with Newark at its heart.
We proudly celebrate these visionary leaders and their NRBP member organizations: Joseph Boccassini (McCarter & English, LLP) Wasseem Boraie (Boraie Development) Becky Button and Reid Brockmeier (Gensler) Jim Burns (Genova Burns LLC) Antonio Calcado (Rutgers University) Tom Comiskey (M&T Bank) Enrico Della Corna (PNC Bank) Tim Corriston (Connell Foley) John Doll (RWJBarnabas Health) Jeffrey Chiesa and Frank Giantomasi (CSG) Kim Hanemann (PSEG) Shaun Keegan (Solar Landscape) Doug Kennedy (Peapack-Gladstone Bank) Jonathan Koppell (Montclair State University) Tony Labozzetta (Provident Bank) Megan Myungwon Lee (Panasonic North America) Teik Lim (NJIT) Gil Medina (CBRE) Ron Moelis (L&M Development Partners) Rebecca O'Connell (Citizens) Sean O'Sullivan (SOSV) Marjorie Perry (MZM Construction) Lamont Repollet (Kean University) Gail Rottenstrich (Zago Manufacturing) Ed Russo (Russo Development) John Schreiber (New Jersey Performing Arts Center) Alex Serrano (Citrin Cooperman) Peter Torcicollo (Gibbons P.C.) Jen Velez (Horizon BCBSNJ) Hans Vestberg (Verizon) Anton Vincent (Mars Wrigley North America) John Weigand (United Airlines) As proud members of NRBP, these organizations demonstrate a shared commitment to Newark’s growth and prosperity. Their active involvement underscores the city’s pivotal role as the business hub of New Jersey. Newark is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, emerging as a center of culture, opportunity, and progress. The diversity of industries represented by NRBP members – spanning law, finance, education, the arts, and technology – illustrates the broad strength of the city's economy. For those who have yet to experience Newark's rebirth, we invite you to witness it firsthand. From the vibrant downtown scene to the innovative projects shaping our skyline, Newark is a city on the move. To the honored leaders and their organizations: thank you for your active engagement in NRBP and your contributions to Newark and New Jersey's economic landscape. Your vision and dedication are integral to our shared success. As Newark continues its rise, we look forward to building an even brighter future together. Join us in celebrating the spirit of collaboration and transformation that defines our city and state, embodied by the strong community of NRBP members. Celebrating Our Recent Success written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP
 The power of collaboration and community-building has never been more evident than in our recent joint event with NRBP member, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Our Eye Opener series, in conjunction with NJPAC's Business Partners Roundtable, delivered an insightful conversation with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka about the progress and future of the city of Newark. The event drew a record-breaking audience, with more than half the attendees being NRBP members. This success underscores the value of bringing our business community together and the appetite for meaningful engagement among our members. Building Connections  Our efforts to strengthen connections within our community extend beyond events. We recently had the pleasure of visiting several NRBP members. We met with Nicole Butler and Althea Alston from Prudential Financial, who shared valuable insights into the company's initiatives. At Seton Hall University, we engaged in productive discussions with Mary Kate Naatus, Matthew Borowick, Rosa M. Alves (School of Law), and Sandro Tejada about potential collaborations. The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Ricardo Salazar provided us with exciting updates on upcoming events in the city. We also had enlightening conversations with Evan Weiss of Newark Alliance, Alyssa Wilds of Reworld, Brendan Da Silva from the Da Silva Team, and Avi Telyas of Makerhoods. These visits exemplify the diverse and dynamic nature of our membership and reinforce the importance of ongoing engagement and exchange within our network. NRBP Engage & Exchange  It is in this spirit of connection and collaboration that I am proud to announce a new initiative. We're launching "NRBP Engage & Exchange: CEO Updates and Member Forum," our monthly virtual gathering set to kick off on October 31. This event will take place on the last Thursday of each month from 10-11 a.m. (unless otherwise indicated). During these sessions, we will provide updates on NRBP initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for member engagement. We encourage all members to bring their questions and insights, fostering an interactive environment where we can all contribute to meaningful conversations. Looking Ahead We are excited about the potential of NRBP Engage & Exchange. These encounters will allow us to build on the momentum from both our event with Mayor Baraka and our member visits, as we meet regularly, share ideas, and support one another. We look forward to seeing you at our first session! Together, we can drive positive change in Newark and strengthen our partnerships within the NRBP community.
Hitting the Ground Running: My First Week as NRBP's New President and CEO written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP What an exhilarating first week I experienced as the new President and CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership! From the moment I stepped into this role on Monday, September 16, I was immersed in the vibrant business community that NRBP serves. Let me share some highlights from my inaugural week. Teeing Off with NRBP Members
My journey began at NRBP’s 30th annual golf outing at the picturesque Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham, New Jersey. This outdoor event provided the perfect setting to meet NRBP members, including several esteemed members of our Board of Directors. I was delighted to have my husband, Milford “Nick” Nixon, join us. (He now affectionately dubs himself the First Gentleman.) The day was made even more special by the presence of Phillip Woolfolk, a former colleague from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, who came to show his support. NRBP member Turner Construction Company served as the Event Sponsor, adding to the day’s success. A Warm Welcome from the City of Newark On my second day, I received a heartwarming letter from the City of Newark City Clerk and the members of the Municipal Council, extending their best wishes for my tenure. Their support and encouragement set a positive tone for the work ahead. Celebrating the Arts and Community
Midweek brought a focus on Greater Newark's thriving arts scene. Our team attended the groundbreaking ceremony for NRBP member New Jersey Performing Arts Center's campus expansion, which will include the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center. This new development exemplifies the power of collaboration, bringing together public and private partners, including NRBP members Turner Construction Company, LMXD, Prudential Financial, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and showcases a significant investment in Newark’s cultural infrastructure. Later that day, NRBP’s Vice President of Member Relations and Engagement, Kirsten Giardi, and I visited Luna Stage, an NRBP member based in West Orange. We learned about its current productions, programs, and offerings, as well as its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, eliminating barriers to participation in the arts, and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences. Newark: A Transportation Hub  This event brought together more than 500 transportation, business, and government leaders, featuring speakers from NRBP member organizations like The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, NJ TRANSIT, and Amtrak to share information about existing and new projects. The week also highlighted Newark's significance as a transportation nexus: I participated in the inaugural kickoff reception of the New York Penn Station Working Advisory Group (SWAG) at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City on Tuesday. This initiative, organized by Amtrak, MTA, and NJ TRANSIT, aims to transform Penn Station into a world-class facility. On Thursday, I, along with NRBP board members Monica Slater Stokes, Jennifer Mazawey, and Mary Makfinsky, attended the New Jersey Alliance for Action's 22nd annual transportation conference as guests of NRBP member United Airlines. (Thank you, Monica, for the invitation.) Building Team Spirit
We capped the week with a birthday celebration for our team member, Nikki Drake, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the NRBP staff. As I reflect on this action-packed first week, I am filled with excitement for the future of NRBP and Greater Newark’s business community. The connections made, the projects witnessed, and the collaborative spirit encountered all point to the incredible potential we have to make a positive impact. I look forward to working closely with our members, partners, and the community to strengthen and grow Greater Newark's vibrant business ecosystem.  Newark, NJ -- September 3, 2024 – The Board of Directors of the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced today that Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq. is joining the organization as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 16, 2024. Nixon will fill the role currently held by Chip Hallock who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished service. As president and CEO, Nixon will serve as the senior officer of the organization, responsible for all administrative and management functions while executing NRBP’s mission to strengthen the greater Newark, NJ business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. Nixon comes to NRBP from senior leadership roles with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, where she most recently served as Chief of Policy and External Affairs. Nixon and Hallock will work together during her initial weeks to ensure a smooth organizational transition. “I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, staff and members as we proactively engage with businesses of all sizes to positively impact the community and the region.” Jennifer Mazawey, NRBP’s Board Chair, is delighted that Nixon has accepted the role. “We are very excited that Ferlanda will be leading NRBP and helping us to forward our mission. Ferlanda brings an outstanding record of success in partnering with a wide variety of constituents and is recognized as a collaborator. We look forward to her leadership now and in the years to come.” “It is a pleasure to have Ferlanda take the reins,” said Chip Hallock, NRBP outgoing president and CEO. “She is the consummate professional and I am confident that she will successfully execute and expand on NRBP’s mission and vision. Her leadership will help continue to grow NRBP’s impact on and in the greater Newark business community.” Nixon brings over 30 years of leadership experience as a corporate attorney, independent business consultant, nonprofit leader, and chamber of commerce executive. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. She also holds the professional certification of Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The NRBP Board of Directors retained Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruiting effort. Waverly Partners contacted hundreds of executives at chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other public and private sector leaders over the course of the search. Nixon was selected following a comprehensive process undertaken by a committee of the NRBP Board. About the Newark Regional Business Partnership Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. NRBP connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. More than 300 corporations, small businesses, organizations, and professional service firms are members of NRBP. NRBP has retained the services of Waverly Partners to conduct the search for the organization's next President and CEO.
Waverly Partners serves chambers and economic development organizations throughout the country and is the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Jennifer Mazawey, Partner, K&L Gates and NRBP Board Chair, will Ms. lead a 6-member search committee that will work with Waverly Partners to identify qualified local, regional and national candidates. Click here to view the position summary. If you are aware of an outstanding chamber, association or business executive who meets the profile requirements, please contact [email protected]. A full Position Profile is available upon request. NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Communications & Programming, [email protected] Newark, NJ – Newark Regional Business Partnership (“NRBP”) announced today that Chip Hallock has decided to retire as the organization’s President and CEO. Mr. Hallock has been with the organization since 2000 “developing a strong and distinguished chamber organization through his stellar reputation and thoughtful leadership”, said Jennifer Mazawey, Partner with K&L Gates, LLP and current NRBP Board Chair. “Chip’s tireless dedication and leadership has strengthened our organization and sustained it through challenging times. As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we extend our deepest gratitude for his diligent commitment to our mission and the Newark community.” Hallock will continue to serve as the organization's President and CEO until a new leader begins later this year. The organization has begun the search for the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer, retaining Waverly Partners as its executive search firm. Waverly Partners serves chambers and economic development organizations throughout the country and is the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Ms. Mazawey will head up a 6-member search committee that will work with Waverly Partners to identify qualified local, regional and national candidates. “Our committee has developed a Position Profile with the experience and leadership characteristics of our preferred candidate,” said Mazawey. “We are open to executives with backgrounds in chambers of commerce, economic development, business associations, other kinds of nonprofits, private sector or related experience with a commitment to our mission of economic growth and business advocacy in our region. We are excited to welcome a new leader who will guide the advancement of our mission to strengthen our business community through connections, resources, and advocacy.” “Serving with the members, volunteer leaders and staff of NRBP has been an extraordinary privilege for 25 years” said Hallock. “Whether I was connecting members for their mutual benefit or advocating for public policy, I have found my time here in Newark to be the most interesting and satisfying of my working life. I plan to enjoy my retirement with family and friends while always following news of Newark’s continued revitalization.” A summary of the CEO position is available on the NRBP website at www.newarkrbp.org. For more information about the search, or to express interest in the position or make a recommendation, please contact Waverly Partners consultants Eric Peterson and Debbie Galbraith at [email protected]; all inquiries will be held in confidence. Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. NRBP connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. More than 300 corporations, small businesses, organizations, and professional service firms are members of NRBP. Waverly Partners is a nationwide retained executive search firm and the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The firm has also been named by Hunt-Scanlon Media as one of the Top 60 Non-Profit Search Firms in the nation. In addition to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, Waverly Partners serves a wide variety of clients including Fortune 500 manufacturing and service corporations, nonprofits, privately held entrepreneurial growth companies and professional service firms across the country. |
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