Newark, NJ — October 21, 2025 — The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) hosted the inaugural sessions of its new Leadership Roundtable series on October 15 and 16, providing an exclusive forum for members to engage directly with New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidate, Jack Ciattarelli, and Lt. Governor candidate, Dr. Dale G. Caldwell.
 
The October 15 session was an intimate gathering held at Makerhoods in the Springfield-Belmont neighborhood of Newark.  Attendees included representatives from Audible, IPS Security, Makerhoods, NJIT, and Citizens Bank.  Caldwell, President of Centenary University and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, attended on behalf of Mikie Sherrill’s campaign. Demonstrating his deep roots in Newark, he frequently referenced his previous work in the city, highlighting its many neighborhoods (at least 14) and attractive qualities.  This wide-ranging conversation highlighted Caldwell’s community-driven approach and outlined initiatives to support small businesses and nonprofits—sectors that employ more than half of New Jersey’s residents.
 
During the discussion, Guy Navarro, EVP of IPS Security, asked about plans to increase affordable housing for veterans. Caldwell noted that he and gubernatorial candidate Sherrill would explore opportunities around vacant office parks, adding that “veterans are top of mind.”  Later in the discussion, in response to a question about initiatives to keep seniors in the state, Caldwell noted that the administration would “increase ratables and try new programs.”
 
Other topics included overall accountability and transparency within government agencies, the development of a small business dashboard, education and literacy, and the economic potential of global events like FIFA World Cup 26™. Throughout the program, Caldwell emphasized a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to economic and social challenges.
 
Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President and CEO of NRBP, asked how chambers of commerce like NRBP could continue these conversations under the Sherrill administration should she be elected. Caldwell highlighted his prior work supporting family businesses, noting potential opportunities to match family businesses with talented leaders in cases where the next generation does not wish to take over.
 
The October 16 session, held in Roseland at the law offices of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC (CSG), featured Jack Ciattarelli, candidate for Governor, who outlined his vision for making New Jersey a more efficient and business-friendly state. Attendees included representatives from Audible, CSG, IPS Security, CBRE, NJIT, TD Bank, Essex County College, United Airlines, and Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. He discussed reducing the size of state government, lowering business taxes, and establishing a Department of Energy to ensure a rational energy transition.
 
Transportation emerged as a recurring topic during the discussion, highlighting its importance to New Jersey’s economic and urban development.  Barbara E. Kauffman, Director of Corporate Relations at NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management, asked whether federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project would continue. Ciattarelli emphasized that “we are completing the Hudson Tunnel…. It's a quintessential federal infrastructure project.” He further shared that since “this project is under the GDC [Gateway Development Commission] and the GDC has money, they can continue work for a time and seek reimbursement later.” He also shared plans to create the Garden State Transportation Authority, consolidating New Jersey’s transportation systems under one chief executive officer to improve accountability and management.
 
Later in the program, Dr. Suffiyah Webb, owner of Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, asked how the administration would support small businesses like hers. Ciattarelli highlighted proposals to exempt the first $100,000 of small business income from taxes and the first $100,000 of payroll from employer payroll taxes.
 
Both Caldwell and Ciattarelli were asked about New Jersey’s Disparity Study and its implications for minority- and women-owned businesses. Each emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability, and equitable access to state contracts. Caldwell highlighted the importance of fair processes and strategic public-private partnerships, while Ciattarelli discussed looking to New York City for best practices and creating a chief procurement officer and chief business opportunity officer to ensure minority- and women-owned businesses receive timely payments and better access to capital. Both underscored their commitment to addressing longstanding disparities and supporting inclusive economic growth.
 
The Leadership Roundtable series is designed to foster intimate, high-impact dialogue among business leaders and policy influencers. Through peer-to-peer learning and strategic discussion, members gain actionable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s business environment. This series is an exclusive benefit for NRBP members in the Innovator tier and above, offering a unique opportunity to engage with high-level leaders and peers in a collaborative, solutions-focused setting. 
 
“I commend NRBP for offering the Leadership Roundtable Series as a members-only benefit and for hosting both gubernatorial candidates — Dr. Dale Caldwell, representing Mikie Sherrill, and Jack Ciattarelli. Sessions such as these are extremely beneficial in better informing the business community,” said Kauffman, whose organization, NJIT, is a member of NRBP at the Visionary tier level.
 
“Hosting these Leadership Roundtable sessions underscores NRBP’s commitment to connecting business leaders with policymakers who shape the economic landscape of our region,” said Nixon. “NRBP’s Leadership Roundtable discussions provide members with direct access to thought leaders and changemakers shaping Newark and the region’s future. These intimate conversations go beyond surface-level dialogue, offering a deep dive into the complex issues driving business, policy, and community development today.

Photo credits: NRBP/Kings Likeness LLC
 
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About the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP)
The Newark Regional Business Partnership is the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region. NRBP’s mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. The organization represents hundreds of corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions dedicated to fostering economic vitality and competitiveness in Newark and the surrounding metropolitan area. www.newarkrbp.org
 

Newark, NJ – September 30, 2025 – The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP), the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, today announced the launch of its new Vanguard Tier of individual membership. This new offering is specifically designed to provide high-value professional development and networking opportunities for ambitious individuals who are not connected through an existing corporate or organizational membership.
The Vanguard Tier marks a strategic commitment by NRBP to invest directly in the human capital driving Greater Newark’s future economic success. It is tailored for professionals and individuals whose primary interest is personal and professional acceleration and community engagement.

The tier is ideal for:

• Emerging Leaders working at companies that are not yet NRBP members, but who require exposure to high-level regional strategy and leadership networks.
• Independent Professionals seeking community, mentorship, and resources without focusing on business promotion.
• Talented Individuals in Career Transition who are eager to build powerful connections and cement their path in the Newark business ecosystem.

"For decades, NRBP has served as the anchor for established business growth and a catalyst for regional development. The launch of the Vanguard Tier is an intentional effort to cultivate the next wave of leadership," said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President and CEO of NRBP. "By offering direct access to our network, we are ensuring that the most committed and promising individuals in our community are connected, trained, and ready to become our future partners and collaborators. The Vanguard Tier isn't just a membership, it's a commitment to rising talent."

Vanguard members receive benefits designed to support their individual journey, including:

• Elevated Networking Access: Members gain access to all public NRBP events at the exclusive member rate and are welcomed into select member-only events, providing unique opportunities to interact and build relationships with existing leaders and decision-makers across the region.
• Targeted Professional Development: Members are invited to participate in NRBP’s quarterly professional development webinars, which provide valuable, members-only resources designed to sharpen skills and provide continuous career enhancement.

The annual investment for the Vanguard Tier is $225, plus a one-time $25 application fee. Applicants must complete the Vanguard Application using a personal email address.

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About the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP)
The Newark Regional Business Partnership is the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region. NRBP’s mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. The organization represents hundreds of corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions dedicated to fostering economic vitality and competitiveness in Newark and the surrounding metropolitan area. www.newarkrbp.org