NJBIZ Conversations

Healthcare Institute of New Jersey leader shares industry outlook

Chrissy Buteas, president and CEO of the Healthcare Institute of New Jersey, talks about what she’s experienced in her time on the job, how the industry is coping with policy changes coming out of Washington and the outlook for a sector that remains critical to the state’s economy.

Bankers assess economy, analyze CRE landscape

Chris Maher, CEO of OceanFirst Financial Corp., offers an assessment of the economy and looks toward 2026. And he's joined by OceanFirst Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Real Estate Officer George Destafney, who analyzes the commercial real estate landscape.

How Provident Bank continues to serve its communities even as it grows

Provident Bank started with one office in Jersey City 185 years ago. Today, the bank is a prominent financial services institution with a market capitalization of more than $2.4 billion and about 1,800 employees. 
In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, CEO Anthony Labozzetta talks about what the bank has become and how it continues to serve its communities even as it grows. Labozzetta also offers insights on the national and regional economies and the banking industry in general.

What can be done about NJ's nursing shortage?

Most NJBIZ readers are likely aware that the state's health care system has been plagued by continuing shortage of nursing professionals. Health care executives and other stakeholders are constantly exploring new ways to alleviate the problem. Judy Schmidt knows the problem inside and out. Schmidt is the CEO of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, a post she has held since 2015. 
In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Schmidt discusses the roots of the shortage, how technology can ease the problem and what the Legislature could and should be doing to help.

How AI can help local candidates

Jonathan Goodman is the founder and CEO of Halyard Consulting, a Jersey City-based firm focused on helping businesses use AI. Floyd Jeter is the city's chief diversity officer and a candidate for an at-large council seat. In this Election Edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Goodman and Jeter describe how AI works in the campaign, what they've learned from the experience, and the lessons for small organizations with limited resources.

How NJBAC can help businesses

The New Jersey Business Action Center is a tremendous resource for business owners and executives. Melanie Willoughby, who runs the agency, discusses NJBAC's programs designed to help the manufacturing industry, individuals hoping to break into the cannabis industry, businesses trying to improve their online presence and more. 

Community banking leader offers assessment of the economy, interest rates

Hamilton-based First Bank and CEO Patrick Ryan is one of the state’s top community bankers and among the most knowledgeable. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Ryan offers his assessment of the economy and interest rate environment and discusses what’s ahead for First Bank.

How can NJ encourage development of more affordable housing?

Ben LoPiccolo is the founder of the Ben LoPiccolo Development Group – or BLDG-UP – a real estate investment advisory and consulting firm based in Jersey City. And he is president of the Jersey City Apartment Owners Association, an advocacy group. Here, LoPiccolo talks about what’s going on in Jersey City and how the state can encourage development of more affordable housing.

Wells Fargo exec: Where the economy is, where it's likely to go

Pete Dontas, managing director and New Jersey market executive at Wells Fargo, assesses the attitudes and outlook of business leaders, the biggest challenges ahead, and how the Federal Reserves is likely to respond to changing conditions.

Porrino builds a private law practice that works on both sides of the aisle

Lowenstein Sandler Partner Chris Porrino enjoys a reputation for being nonpartisan. For example, Porrino is representing the Trump Organization in its dispute with the state over liquor licenses at the company’s New Jersey golf courses. At the same time, he is representing Gov. Phil Murphy in an investigation over immigration practices being conducted by Alina Habba, President Trump’s choice to serve as U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Porrino talks about what it’s like to handle those two cases and weighs in on the proper role of the attorney general’s office — something the next governor will have to figure out.