NJBIZ Conversations

A decade at the helm of the NJBIA

It's been a decade of profound changes and challenges for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. In this episode of NJBIZ Conversations, Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the NJBIA, reflects on her 10 years leading the organization, the biggest challenges her members face right now and what her priorities are for the future.

BioNJ's president and CEO assesses the state of NJ's life sciences industry

Life sciences trade association BioNJ represents more than 400 research-based life sciences organizations across New Jersey, from startups to big biopharmaceutical companies. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart assesses the state of the industry; explains the importance of projects such as HELIX, HAX and SciTech Scity; and some of the tests the industry will likely face over the next 12 to 18 months.

Keeping NJ's schools at the head of the class

While New Jerseyans are rightfully proud of their state's education system – which is regularly cited as an asset in attracting businesses and economic development – good schools should not be taken for granted. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Tahina Perez, the executive director of Teach for America New Jersey, discusses how the organization works to improve educational equity, the central importance of communities to successful schools and what businesses can and should do to help maintain a quality system.

NJCPA leader discusses the challenges of the accounting profession

The accounting profession has been undergoing significant changes over the past several years. Consolidation is thinning the ranks of medium-sized firms. Technology is altering the way accounting is practiced and the ways in which CPA firms are run. And the pipeline of new accountants is running perilously low. In this episode of NJBIZ Conversations, Aiysha Johnson, the CEO and executive director of New Jersey Society of CPAs, provides updates on the issues NJCPA is tackling, especially consolidation, technology and recruitment and retention.

Upfield president talks sustainability – and what happens in a test kitchen

Any regular grocery shopper has almost certainly seen Upfield's products on store shelves. Famous names under the Dutch food producer's umbrella include I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Country Crock. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Upfield President Jim Breach discusses the company's commitment to sustainability, its latest efforts on research and distribution and what happens at its Hackensack test kitchen.

What companies should look out for after a global tech outage

Following the recent worldwide technology outage, many businesses could be forced to deal with unexpected changes to their insurance coverage, among other repercussions.
In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Lowenstein Sandler Partner Lynda Bennett, chair of the firm's Insurance Recovery Group, explains what business owners and executives should watch for and what they can do to mitigate the harm. She also provides an assessment of the insurance market in general.

Genova Burns founder discusses Newark development, NJ legal business

Angelo Genova, the founder and chairman of top New Jersey law firm Genova Burns, discusses development in Newark and other urban areas, the legal business in the state and the past few tumultuous months in New Jersey politics.

What is IUOE Local 825 doing about the labor shortage?

A lot of business leaders worry about finding and hiring qualified employees. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 is doing something about the labor shortage. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, IUOE Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee describes the genesis of its apprenticeship program with Hudson County Community College, how it works, and what participants and the union get out of it. Lalevee also provides an update on several major infrastructure projects around the state, including Gateway.

Wells Fargo executive: What businesses need to know for remainder of 2024

This edition of NJBIZ Conversations continues a series of mid-year assessments from leading executives around the state. Pete Dontas, who leads commercial banking in New Jersey for Wells Fargo, talks about how 2024 has unfolded thus far and what businesses need to know about what’s coming in the second half.

What makes the Jersey City Summit – and the city – so unique?

The 9th Annual Jersey City Summit for Real Estate Investment convened on the Hudson River waterfront at the end of May 2024.
NJBIZ was on hand at the summit, and served as a media partner of the event. Topics explored throughout the daylong program included: areas driving investment and development in the city, placemaking, capital markets, operations & design, emerging neighborhoods and more.
Listen below for a special edition of NJBIZ Conversations, recorded live at the event.