NEWARK, N.J. (July 27, 2026) — Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Newark Regional Business Partnership President & CEO, has been designated a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Virginia, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
 
The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant's knowledge of core chamber management areas: management, planning and development, membership, communications, revenue, and operations. Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs earned this prestigious recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field and leadership of their chamber to achieve the chamber’s goals.
 
"Certified Chamber Executives represent the highest level of professional achievement in our industry," said Justin McLaughlin, CCE, executive vice president and COO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber and chair of the CCE Commission. "This year's recipients have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leadership, innovation, and excellence, setting an example for chamber professionals across the country."
 
Nixon is one of 19 chamber professionals from across 12 states, to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2026. The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. It is recognized as the highest and most elite professional designation in the chamber profession. It’s the only globally-recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.
 
Nixon began her chamber executive career in 2021 at the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and, just three years later, was appointed President & CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, a trajectory that reflects both her rapid professional growth and the trust placed in her leadership. She is the first woman and first person of color to lead NRBP in the organization's 157-year history. With her CCE designation, Nixon becomes the only credentialed Certified Chamber Executive in New Jersey and only the second African American woman to earn the designation in the program's more than 40-year history.

Learn more about ACCE’s CCE program by visiting www.ACCE.org/CCE.

NEWARK, N.J. (June 20, 2026) – The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced the launch of its Manufacturing Council, a new industry council that will bring together NRBP members across the manufacturing ecosystem to foster collaboration and support business growth throughout the Greater Newark region.

The Manufacturing Council joins NRBP's growing portfolio of industry councils, alongside its Real Estate Council, Transportation Council, Nonprofits Council, Entrepreneurs Council, and Women’s Council. This group will serve as a forum for manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers, financial institutions, professional service firms, workforce development organizations, and economic development partners to connect, collaborate, and address issues impacting the region's manufacturing sector. Additionally, members will contribute to a stronger collective voice for the manufacturing sector across Greater Newark.

Manufacturing is a vital part of Greater Newark's economy, supporting local jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to the region's economic competitiveness. Many manufacturers spend their time focused on running and growing their businesses, leaving few opportunities to connect with peers. The Manufacturing Council creates a space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership development across the manufacturing ecosystem.

"Manufacturing has long been one of the driving forces behind Greater Newark's economy," said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President and CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership. "Our region's manufacturers don't operate in isolation. They rely on a network of financial institutions, logistics providers, workforce partners, professional service firms, and public agencies that help their businesses thrive. The Manufacturing Council convenes the full range of stakeholders to foster collaboration, support business growth, and ensure the manufacturing sector continues to play a central role in our region's future."

Mitch Cahn, Vice Chair of NRBP's Board of Directors and President of Unionwear, and NRBP Board Member Emily Manz, Chief Business Development Officer and Director of Marketing at Invest Newark, led the effort to establish the Manufacturing Council, bringing together an inaugural group of member organizations committed to strengthening the region's manufacturing sector.

Through educational programs, networking opportunities, facility tours, and discussions focused on workforce development, supply chain connections, and business growth, the council will create meaningful opportunities for members to learn from one another while elevating the voice of Greater Newark's manufacturing community. One of its first activities will be participation in the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program’s (NJMEP) ‘Made in New Jersey’ Manufacturing Day on October 2, 2026.

The council launches with an inaugural group of members representing manufacturing, economic development, workforce development, logistics, banking, construction, legal services, technology, and professional services, including:

• 1st Street Partnership
• CMIT Solutions of The Meadowlands
• Invest Newark
• JVS
• Kearny Bank
• Makerhoods
• McCarter & English
• NJMEP
• Nyah Beauty
• Phelps Construction Group
• Real Time Logistics
• Union County Savings Bank
• Unionwear
• VHB

 
NRBP will continue to expand the council's membership and welcomes organizations that manufacture products or provide services supporting the manufacturing sector.
Organizations interested in learning more about the Manufacturing Council should contact Kirsten Giardi NRBP’s SVP of Strategic Growth & Member Experience ([email protected]).


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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.