NJBIZ Conversations

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.

Mayor Ras Baraka shares what Newark Summit means for the city

Mayor Ras Baraka was on hand for the second annual Newark Summit for Real Estate. For two years running, the Brick City’s chief executive took to the stage to discuss development in the city during a fireside chat. Baraka – also a 2025 gubernatorial candidate – stopped by to chat with NJBIZ about the summit, what it means for the city and more.

Ensuring that accounts payable is accountable

Most businesses still manually key in invoices and automation remains relatively rare. Jeff Weinstein, CEO of Hamilton-based TranscendAP, wants to change that. 
In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Weinstein describes TranscendAP's platform, how the company uses artificial intelligence in its application and its move to work more closely with higher education institutions. 

Are consumers back in the holiday spirit?

When last we checked in on Cranford-based National Tree, the company was grappling with post-pandemic fallout. So how are things going this year, with many experts expecting a record year for holiday sales? In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Chris Butler – the CEO of the nation's largest importer and wholesaler of artificial Christmas trees and other holiday decorations – returns to provide an update on where the company is now. Have demand and customers returned?

Art and artists: Critical components of New Jersey's economy

Adam Perle, the president and CEO of ArtPride New Jersey, explains how the arts fit into the broader economy and how the arts community works together.

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.