(Courtesy of J-Biz) The J-Biz Expo set the stage for a dynamic convergence of industry leaders, government officials and trade ministers with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception on the evening of Dec. 9. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Harrah’s Resort waterfront, this gathering wasn’t just an event but a melting pot of visionary insights and strategic partnerships.
Hosted as a boutique, high-level affair, the J-Biz Expo brought together an impressive array of leading businesses and heads of departments of trade. Featured prominently in its panels were illustrious partners such as the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Peru, NJ Natural Gas, Choose NJ, RWJBarnabas Ocean County TLS and more. The expo stood as a testament to collaboration and innovation in the business world, offering a window into future possibilities.
Gov. Phil Murphy commenced the proceedings with insightful opening remarks, setting a tone of leadership and forward-thinking strategy. His words paved the way for a day filled with substantive dialogue and networking opportunities, punctuated by a ceremony honoring Argentina’s ambassador and Chairwoman Elise Stefanik. These honors recognized their exemplary contributions to fostering international trade relations and economic growth.
The morning began on a delightful note with breakfast generously provided by Four Corners Bagels. Each exhibitor was treated to a private bagel box brimming with a variety of freshly baked delights that catered to every palate. Accompanying the bagels were an assortment of pastries, adding a touch of sweetness to the morning spread.This sponsored breakfast served as a perfect kickoff, setting a warm and inviting tone for the event.
A key highlight of the expo was the New Jersey Business Opportunities and Resources Panel. Brian Timberman, senior business development officer of NJEDA, provided an extensive briefing on the diverse array of financial grants and subsidized loan programs available through NJEDA’s forward-looking initiatives. His insights were crucial for businesses seeking financial support and strategic growth opportunities within the state.
Panelist Andy Kuhn, director of business development at Choose New Jersey, Inc., further enriched the discourse by underscoring the multitude of incentives available for businesses eyeing expansion or relocation to New Jersey. His emphasis on growth prospects highlighted the state’s welcoming business environment and strategic location advantages.
Moreover, Brady O’Connor, chief of external affairs and deputy chief commercial officer for FIFA World Cup 2026 NY, NJ, shone a spotlight on the monumental opportunities the FIFA World Cup presents. His presentation illuminated how this global event forecasts multi-billion dollar opportunities for small businesses in New Jersey, promising significant job creation and the birth of new business ventures.
Together, these discussions not only stimulated business growth throughout New Jersey but also extended their ripple effects beyond, echoing the expo’s theme of transforming vision into reality. The J-Biz Expo didn’t just gather leaders; it inspired action and fostered a synergistic environment poised to propel local and international businesses into their next phase of development.
The recent multinational trade panel proved to be a landmark event for global commerce, drawing notable participants from diverse economic backgrounds. Among the
distinguished attendees were Miriam Stiefel of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Sagit Hollander, president of the Haifa & Northern Israel Chamber of Commerce; Chris Grabowski from the Polish Embassy; and James Kim, chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA. The event was further enriched by Adnan Mahmood Awan, trade investment minister from Pakistan, and Edward Mermelstein, New York City commissioner for international affairs, among others. During the proceedings, Co-Chair Stiefel expressed gratitude toward Duvi Honig and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce for orchestrating such a dynamic platform, emphasizing the value of cross-continental networking and the array of products and services showcased by exhibitors.
A highlight of the event was the honoring of Consul General of Argentina in New York, Ambassador Pablo Pineiro Aramburu, who received the prestigious Building Bridges, Stimulating Economic Growth Award. This accolade, presented on behalf of President Javier Milei, acknowledged his pivotal role in fostering strong ties with the Jewish community and Israel, and his contributions to Argentina’s economic turnaround marked by unprecedented low inflation rates over the previous three years.
The J-Biz Expo’s health and medical panel showcased a remarkable assembly of healthcare leadership speakers, including distinguished figures such as Nelson Arboleda, M.D., MPH, the Washington director of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; Eric Carney, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health Monmouth Medical; Roee Atlas, CEO of Rambam MedTech Ltd. from Haifa; and Michael Landau, J.D., MSC, founder and executive chairman of LifeHealth Digital Health. This illustrious panel engaged with attendees, equipping them with insights into the future trajectory of the healthcare industry leading up to 2025 while delving into international advancements and novel opportunities within the sector.
Adding a layer of expertise, Dr. Julie Ancis, a distinguished professor in the department of informatics at NJIT, delivered a keynote address titled “Exploring the Future of Technological Innovation: What Lies Ahead and Where It Will Lead Us,” further cementing the tone of innovation and foresight at the expo.
The event also featured a vibrant international presence with a pavilion led by the Haifa North Israel Chamber of Commerce, showcasing Israeli startup companies. This was complemented by a Pakistan pavilion demonstrating its burgeoning textile industry, and a Peru government pavilion which not only promoted opportunities for networking with its government officials but also highlighted the country’s tourism potential. Entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country and around the globe converged to seize the unique opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Among the diverse sessions offered, “How to Apply for and Get a Business Loan” stood out, as it provided invaluable insights from industry experts. This session catered specifically to small business owners, entrepreneurs and mid-size companies eager to secure funding for their ventures by learning effective strategies to position their businesses, identify suitable loans and navigate the application process. The energy and networking within this arena were described as overwhelming, marking a significant milestone in empowering the community and fostering connections beyond borders.
Duvi Honig, founder/CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and J-Biz Expo, emphasized the event’s achievement in uniting government and community leadership to help expand business reach, underlining the transformative impact of bringing together varied sectors and nations for collective progress.
