Newark, NJ (March 26, 2026) — The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF), the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP), will host the Annual Partners & Leaders Dinner on Tuesday, April 14, 6:00pm-9:00pm, at the renowned Nanina’s in the Park.  This signature event will bring together the Greater Newark region’s business and civic leaders for an evening of high-impact networking and celebration in support of RNF’s mission.

This year’s program will honor two cornerstone institutions and one distinguished business leader whose leadership and partnership continue to drive Newark forward:

• New Jersey Institute of Technology — A nationally recognized R1 research university and one of NRBP’s longest-standing partners, NJIT plays a critical role in bridging academia, industry, and community. Its leadership in workforce development, technological innovation, and research continues to strengthen Newark’s position on the global stage.
• Urban League of Essex County — For more than a century, ULEC has been a pillar of equity and economic empowerment. Through workforce development, youth education, housing initiatives, and crisis response, the organization ensures that Newark’s growth remains inclusive and accessible.
• Francis J. Giantomasi, CSG Law — A proud son of Newark’s Ironbound and one of the city’s most respected leaders, Giantomasi has played a key role in shaping Newark’s skyline and civic fabric. As a founding partner of CSG Law and former Chair of NRBP’s Board of Directors, his decades of leadership reflect a deep and enduring commitment to Newark’s progress.

The evening will also feature a curated Vendor Marketplace, showcasing Newark-based artisans and local businesses, offering attendees a chance to explore unique products and connect directly with the city’s entrepreneurial talent.

“This evening celebrates the leaders and institutions whose vision strengthens Newark’s position as a city of equity and prosperity," said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO, NRBP. "Their efforts and influence play a crucial role in the economic growth and stability of Newark, creating opportunities and fostering development that positively affects every member of our community."

RNF programs include the Small & Emerging Business Initiative (SEBI) and Navigating Newark. Launched in partnership with Prudential Financial, SEBI expands access to chamber membership by equipping small businesses with the tools, resources, and connections needed to grow and succeed, strengthening Newark’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Navigating Newark connects newcomers to the city’s businesses, institutions, and neighborhoods through interactive experiences that foster meaningful engagement and highlight Newark as a dynamic place to live, work, and grow.  This year, RNF will serve as a regional partner for the National Civics Bee, an initiative of the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation aimed at boosting the civic knowledge, skills, and disposition of middle school students across the United States.  

The 2026 Partners and Leaders Dinner is sponsored by: Prudential Financial (Dinner Sponsor), CSG Law and PSE&G (Cocktail Reception Sponsors), and Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, LLC, Kuiken Brothers Company, Inc., and Turner Construction Company (Marketplace Sponsors).

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. To reserve a sponsorship, table or tickets, please contact Kirsten Giardi ([email protected]).


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About the Renaissance Newark Foundation
The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Newark Regional Business Partnership. Committed to Newark’s bright future, RNF harnesses the power of education, research, and civic participation to fuel economic development, attract businesses, and create pathways to success for Newark’s diverse communities. www.newarkrbp.org/rnf.

About Newark Regional Business Partnership
As the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org. 

Newark, NJ (March 13, 2026) — Business leaders gathered at Newark Regional Business Partnership’s Leadership Roundtable on March 11 for an intimate and candid discussion with Evan Weiss, newly named Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

The event, hosted and sponsored by New Jersey Institute of Technology, brought together leaders from various industries to exchange ideas and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the greater Newark region.

The program opened with remarks from Dr. Teik C. Lim, President of NJIT, who emphasized the university’s role in preparing the state’s workforce and driving innovation. Lim highlighted NJIT’s commitment to workforce development and technological leadership in the state.

"For NJIT to thrive, Newark must thrive, and NRBP is a critical component of the partnership between NJIT and the city of Newark,” said Lim. “NJIT's impact through tech-driven economic development, creation of a world-class talent pipeline, and numerous industry partnerships help make Newark a hub for technology, talent, and economic opportunity."

In a conversation moderated by NRBP President and CEO Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Weiss reflected on his first weeks leading NJEDA and shared his vision for strengthening the agency’s impact across the state.

Weiss discussed NJEDA’s broad portfolio of economic development tools, including tax credits, venture innovation initiatives, business attraction efforts, and real estate development programs. He also noted the organization’s deep presence in Newark, which is home to NJEDA’s second largest office, and how it plays an important role in the agency’s work across New Jersey.

Throughout the discussion and audience Q&A, participants explored a range of topics including:

• NJEDA priorities and efforts to make its programs and products more accessible
• The need for strategies to support micro and small businesses across New Jersey
• The importance of cross-sector collaboration and breaking down silos
• Opportunities for communities to engage around the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Real estate and infrastructure challenges, including commercial leasing challenges and improvements to Newark Penn Station

 
“I appreciated the opportunity to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership’s roundtable and discuss ways the NJEDA is working to bolster the state’s economy,” said Weiss. “Conversations like this help bring together private and public partners who share a common goal of driving job creation and economic growth across New Jersey. I’m excited for our continued collaboration to move our state forward.”

Attendees included representatives from organizations including K&L Gates, GNEC, Audible, PSEG, CBRE, NJIT, Citizens Bank, CSG Law, Edison Properties, Essex County College, Newark Downtown District, PNC Bank, Rutgers University–Newark, The Enterprise Center, and Tonio Burgos & Associates.

“The challenges and opportunities facing our region are too complex for any one organization to tackle alone. What makes Newark special is our willingness to come together across sectors, share ideas, and contribute our unique talents and resources. Convenings like this ensure that collaboration remains at the center of how we move our economy forward,” said Nixon.

NRBP’s Leadership Roundtable Series provides an opportunity for senior leaders to engage directly with policymakers and decision-makers on issues shaping the region’s economic future, while fostering the connections and collaboration needed to move ideas into action. It is open exclusively to NRBP members in the Innovator Tier and higher.

The next Leadership Roundtable will be held on September 17 at NJIT and will feature the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
 
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About Newark Regional Business Partnership
As the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org.