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.
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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. |
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