NJBIZ Conversations

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.

Finding a way to reduce substance abuse

Princeton-based Protega Pharmaceuticals focuses on producing abuse-deterrent pain management products, which go a long way toward reducing substance abuse. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Protega Chief Operating Officer Paul Howe describes the company’s products, its research and what the market looks like.

Discussing the security needs of workplaces

Brian Higgins – a former chief of the Bergen County Police – is the founder and president of Group 77, a security and public safety consulting firm based in Mahwah. In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Higgins discusses the security needs of workplaces, along with the financial implications for building owners. He also talks about the issues surrounding next summer’s World Cup soccer games at the Meadowlands and elsewhere around the country.

Making medicine a bit easier to take

Ewing-based Orcosa developed the The RITe Platform, which produces an easy-to-take orally disintegrating tablet that rapidly infuses an active ingredient through the tissue in the cheek – enabling therapeutic effects quickly and efficiently. In this episode of NJBIZ Conversations, co-founders Bryan Ridall and Vincent Mileto discuss Ocrosa's origins, the promise of its technology and where the life sciences company is headed next.