(Courtesy of NJJBA) The North Jersey Jewish Business Alliance (NJJBA), hosted its annual Legislative and Business Luncheon at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, on Wednesday, August 19, where two major announcements were made. Most speakers and honorees being present at the venue, while the bulk of viewers tuned in virtually.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from both Ezra Friedlander, the master of ceremonies, and Miles Berger, the chairman of the board, followed by a brief video from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy welcoming guests.
David Rosenberg, founder and director of NJJBA, then announced the expansion of the North Jersey Jewish Business Alliance into the New Jersey Business Alliance. Prefacing his announcement, Rosenberg described the remarkable impact the NJJBA has achieved in acting as a vital foundation in maintaining and growing business in the face of constantly changing circumstances. He contextualized his statement through the growing need for the NJJBA’s tested-and-proven methods of networking and business to be expanded throughout the entire state, laying the groundwork for job creation and inter-business collaboration on scales the Alliance has never seen before.
Along with this groundbreaking announcement, Rosenberg announced a new vice president of member relations, Josh Pruzansky. Pruzansky has been involved with the Jewish non-profit world for over 30 years. He brings passion and vibrancy to every cause in which he participates. Pruzansky wishes to utilize the friendships gained during his decade of experience working together with state government and the New Jersey Jewish communities to help promote the NJJBA and its membership.
After being introduced by NJJBA board member and CEO of Poly-Vision, Phil Goldschmidt, Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop was presented with the Leadership of Excellence Award for his strong leadership after the Jersey City shooting last December and more recently through the arduous process of maintaining and growing business in the face of a global pandemic.
Speaking about the efforts of the essential workers who have played a vital role in protecting our state, even at the risk of losing their own lives, George Helmy, chief of staff to the governor, said, “You get to see the best of people across the spectrum of industries and businesses in a moment like this.” Maimonides Prayer for the Physician Awards were given to the state’s hospital networks. Among their representatives were Kenny Esser, senior VP and chief of staff at Hackensack Meridian Health; Michael Prilutsky, president and CEO of RWJ Barnabas Health—Jersey City Medical Center; Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, president and CEO at Hudson Regional Hospital; and Moses Salami, director of marketing and communications at Holy Name Medical Center.
Noted labor law attorney Paul Mazer, associate at Genova Burns, introduced the keynote speaker: the Hon. Robert Asaro-Angelo, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor, who gave some insights into the state’s road to economic recovery.
Maksim Sheyn, senior VP of business banking and government banking at Investors Bank and NJJBA board member, summarized the expansion well: “I am proud of the growth our organization has experienced in just a few years through our simple mission of bringing the business community together. Because we have been able to provide high-quality connections and resources and have helped our members scale their businesses, the demand for membership has grown tremendously and we are able to expand statewide.” Sheyn added that “our board and members are excited to welcome everyone in the business community to thrive and employ in the great and logistically strategic state of New Jersey.”
