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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.
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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. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Communications & DEI, [email protected]  NEWARK, New Jersey --- Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP), the greater Newark region’s leading business membership organization, is pleased to announce that the following members of the Board of Directors have assumed leadership roles on the Executive Committee: Jennifer Mazawey, partner, K&L Gates is now board chair; Mary Makfinsky, SVP regional manager, Popular Bank, is now vice-chair; Kevin Collins, chief financial officer, Invest Newark is now treasurer; and Sarah Jones, director of government affairs, Horizon BCBSNJ is now secretary.
“I was thrilled to serve as vice-chair of NRBP’s board and I am honored to continue my service to the organization as its chair”, said Ms. Mazawey. “NRBP has significant plans for the new-year, and I look forward to working with the Board and NRBP staff as they bring the organization’s goals to fruition.” Additional Executive Committee members include past chairs Calvin Ledford, president, PSEG Foundation and director of corporate social responsibility, PSEG; Darrell K. Terry, Sr., president and CEO, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center/Children’s Hospital of NJ; Frank Ferruggia, partner, McCarter & English LLP; and Monica Slater Stokes, managing director – corporate & government affairs, United Airlines. The at-large members are Renard Barnes, general counsel and chief risk officer, PS&S and Mitch Cahn, owner, Unionwear. NRBP honored outgoing board chair Ms. Slater Stokes at its end of year holiday celebration on December 5. Ms. Slater Stokes served a two-year term leading NRBP’s board in partnership with her vice-chair, Ms. Mazawey. Her time as board chair coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and Ms. Slater Stokes provided skilled and inspired leadership to the organization. Ms. Slater Stokes had this to say regarding her time as board chair: “It was my pleasure and honor to serve as NRBP’s board chair. I am proud to have worked in collaboration with my fellow board members and NRBP’s staff to guide the organization through challenging pandemic and post-pandemic periods. As immediate past chair, I look forward to working with Ms. Mazawey and all NRBP stakeholders to build upon the good groundwork laid for continued strong progress and growth.” The following NRBP members and Newark-area business leaders are new members of the board: Marlene Bauer, president, InGroup; Sam Caucci, founder & CEO, 1Huddle; Stephanie Park, rail operations manager, Bechtel Corporation; Silvia Pereira, business banking relationship manager, Citizens Bank; Naomi Stevens, operations coordinator, SOSV/HAX; and Dr. Suffiyah Webb, owner, Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. “NRBP’s board of directors provides valuable governance and leadership to our organization”, said Chip Hallock NRBP’s president and CEO. “Our board represents the diversity of our membership, the City of Newark, and the larger business community. We are excited to have 6 new board members join us this year and we are grateful for the continued support and engagement of our executive committee and existing board members.” NRBP values the support and participation of its esteemed board of directors and looks forward to working with them in the new-year on initiatives which will support the growth and vitality of NRBP, its membership, and the business community. (Photo caption: Incoming NRBP board chair Jennifer Mazawey (center) and president Chip Hallock (right) present outgoing board chair Monica Slater Stokes (left) with the chairperson's appreciation gift. Photo credit: NRBP/Carlos Alayo.) ### About Newark Regional Business Partnership Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen our 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. www.newarkrbp.org PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023 Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Comms. & DEI, [email protected]  NEWARK, NJ --- The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is pleased to announce that Kirsten Giardi will join the professional staff as Vice President, Member Relations and Engagement, effective March 20.
“Kirsten has been an active member and volunteer ambassador of NRBP for many years and we have always appreciated her enthusiasm for our organization and ability to connect with community stakeholders,” said Board Chair Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines. Giardi comes to NRBP from her role as Assistant Director for Development at the Newark Public Library where she was also executive director of the Newark Public Library Foundation. During her extensive career, she has served as an independent strategic consultant to non-profits, worked as a policy analyst in state government and in senior leadership positions with Goodwill Industries. “Given her ability to build business relationships, demonstrated success in a career in the non-profit world and familiarity with key people and organizations in Newark, Kirsten has the qualities to help grow our membership and enhance the member experience,” said Chip Hallock, President & CEO, NRBP. “We look forward to having her on our team to serve our members’ interests and deepen their involvement with NRBP.” “NRBP is a terrific organization, and I am so excited about the opportunity to work with its members,” said Giardi “The past several years have demonstrated the importance of staying connected through active and essential organizations like NRBP. My goal is to increase engagement through vital programs and events while attracting more members. I can’t wait to get started!” ### About Newark Regional Business Partnership Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is the pre-eminent member-based organization connecting businesses in the Greater Newark region. By CONNECTING, INFORMING and ADVOCATING on behalf of its members, NRBP strengthens the region’s business infrastructure and REVITALIZES New Jersey’s largest city. NRBP leverages its deep experience to bridge sectors and foster individual and collective success for its broad-based and diverse membership, which includes nearly 400 corporations, professional firms, small businesses, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations. www.newarkrbp.org NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Comms. & DEI, [email protected]  NEWARK, New Jersey --- Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced today that Barbara E. Kauffman has decided to step down from her responsibilities as executive vice president and COO in Fall 2022. Barbara has been with NRBP for 34 years, beginning as a project manager for NRBP’s predecessor organization, Renaissance Newark, Inc. (RNI). When RNI merged with the Metro Newark Chamber in 1993, Barbara took on an economic development role as a vice president. She was later elevated to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Monica Slater Stokes, Chair of the NRBP Board of Directors and Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs at United Airlines said, “We are grateful to Barbara for her many years of service and dedication to our members. Barbara has made countless connections across industry sectors, and established long-lasting partnerships that created many opportunities to grow and expand business.” NRBP President & CEO Chip Hallock lauded Barbara for her consistent efforts to support NRBP’s members and her work to produce hundreds of high quality events that included expert speakers and supportive sponsors. “Barbara has an extraordinary combination of intelligence, passion and work ethic that has served our members well. She has been a statewide resource for countless business acquaintances in helping to build their networks and careers – we can’t applaud Barbara enough and wish her well as she continues her civic engagement.” Barbara stated that her greatest accomplishment has been helping members make connections that fostered new business and opportunities. “I enjoy the challenge of making a meaningful introduction and providing assistance through our wide network of member contacts. I am fortunate to have members who are so willing to use their networks to respond to other members and provide assistance.” She continued, “I intend to continue making connections after I step back from NRBP. I will be pursuing opportunities to continue my commitment to the City of Newark, in part through work at NRBP, the NJIT Martin Tuchman School, Rutgers Business School, and by continuing to serve on boards such as the University Hospital Foundation, the Newark Museum Business and Community Council, and more.” ### About Newark Regional Business Partnership Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is the pre-eminent member-based organization connecting businesses in the Greater Newark region. By CONNECTING, INFORMING and ADVOCATING on behalf of its members, NRBP strengthens the region’s business infrastructure and REVITALIZES New Jersey’s largest city. NRBP leverages its deep experience to bridge sectors and foster individual and collective success for its broad-based and diverse membership, which includes nearly 400 corporations, professional firms, small businesses, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations. www.newarkrbp.org For the latest COVID-19 information and list of resources, please click here. Our business, government and community leaders have been clear that containing COVID-19 will require a united effort to protect our citizenry and that it is in everyone’s best interest to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Our thoughts are with the individuals and families of those who continue to be stricken during this pandemic. NRBP is here to support your organization. Our office is closed until at least March 27, with staff working remotely, in support of nation-wide efforts to curtail community spread. During this time you may hear from us as we will be using this opportunity to increase our member care efforts. You're welcome to contact any member of our staff should you have questions or immediate needs. We will respond to email and voice mails. Additionally, we have postponed our March 24 Partners & Leaders Dinner honoring RWJBarnabas Health CEO Barry Ostrowsky and Newark Mayor Ras. J. Baraka. Working with our Board of Directors, honorees, sponsors and supporters, we intend to reschedule the dinner and will advise our members accordingly. There are numerous professional resources available online that provide valuable information including: Resources for business owners:
Additional information:
We urge you to heed the advice of professionals to maintain good health for all.
We are aware that our event schedule may require further modification based upon COVID-19 activity but for now we intend to maintain an active calendar so that you can plan ahead to be with us. NRBP is also considering webinars and other media as resources to share information that we might otherwise present at an event. We will keep you informed of any changes and suggest that you visit our event calendar from time to time. We look forward to continued dialogue with all of you and it is our sincerest hope that COVID-19 will be contained effectively and quickly. We extend our best wishes for good health in the weeks and months ahead. - Chip Hallock President & CEO NRBP UPDATES as of March 23, 2020
UPDATES as of March 19, 2020
 John White John White, a Dewberry intern studying architecture, recollects his experience traveling out of the country for the first time and how having visited nine countries and 47 cities in only 78 days impacted his contribution to the workforce.
"I stood atop the Alps, tried escargot in Paris, ate the most amazing pizza in Italy, and attended my first professional soccer game in Munich. I had, without a doubt, the experience of a lifetime. But aside from all the fun, this trip allowed me to grow exponentially as an architecture student." Read more here. |
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