NJBIZ Conversations

Assessing the current strength of the economy

One of the most prominent regional bankers in New Jersey is Ira Robbins, the CEO of Valley Bank. On his watch, the bank has grown from $29 billion in assets to $62 billion. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Robbins assesses the current strength of the economy, the Fed's actions on interest rates and the outlook for Valley and other businesses.

What businesses need to know about AI

Jeff Miller, CEO of Synchronoss Technologies, discusses the company's pivot to a high-level cloud solutions provider, how it employs artificial intelligence, what other businesses need to know about AI and his outlook for the economy over the next 12 months.

2025 outlook for M&A and private equity

Dealmaking activity started strong in 2024, then leveled off. The result was a mediocre year for M&A. Eric Lewandowski, a partner at Sax LLP and leader of the firm’s Transaction Strategy and Transformation Practice, reviews the factors contributing to the 2024 numbers and assesses the outlook for M&A and private equity in 2025.

CSG Law kicks off new year with new leader

CSG Law kicked off the new year with a new leader, as Marie Mathews took over as managing member of the Roseland-based law firm. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Mathews discusses her priorities for the firm, how the legal business has changed over the years and her role in mentoring young attorneys.

The logistics industry's role in NJ's economy

Circulate NJ was established to educate the public about the logistics industry and the role it plays in the economy. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, David Greek — managing partner of Greek Real Estate Partners and Circulate NJ chair — talks about why the organization was created, its core message and how the members intend to spread that message. Greek also discusses trends in the market and what he expects through the rest of the year.

Former NJ attorney general discusses sentencing reform proposals

The New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission issued its most recent report last fall with four reform recommendations. Commission Chair Chris Porrino, a former state attorney general, said the panel believes the proposals “will move New Jersey towards a more rational, just, and proportionate sentencing system."
In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Porrino — now a partner at Roseland’s Lowenstein Sandler — discusses the rationale for all the proposals and assesses the likelihood that they will be adopted. In addition, he talks about the legal issues likely to face the next governor and attorney general as the election campaign begins its long trip to November.

Hackensack Meridian CEO talks Davos, AI and the future of health care

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett sat down with NJBIZ to talk about his work with the World Economic Forum, how technology – particularly AI – is helping to improve health care outcomes and what’s going on at HMH.

What can businesses expect in 2025?

Businesses are looking ahead to the coming year and what they need to know as they make decisions in investment, spending, hiring, expansion and other plans. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Christopher Maher, the CEO of OceanFirst Financial and a former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, talks about what to expect coming off a relatively robust 2024.  

The changing business of advertising

Eric Shoenfeld and Al Navarro, founders of Chester-based Mint Advertising, discuss the state of the advertising industry, Mint’s role in the business and the challenges ahead for both the firm and the sector as a whole.

NJBIZ sits down with real estate and development leaders at Newark Summit

Following a successful introduction last year, the 2nd Annual Newark Summit for Real Estate, Economic Development & Placemaking made its return to New Jersey’s largest city.
Presented by roundtable&advisory, the event featured a full day of networking, panel discussions and exhibitors. NJBIZ sat down with several notable attendees, who shared their thoughts on the Summit as well as their insights on the industry.