(Courtesy of The Friedlander Group) North Jersey Jewish Business Alliance (NJJBA, http://www.njjba.com) members kicked off a day filled with advocacy by meeting with Senator Cory Booker, who found time to sit down with the alliance between committee hearings and Senate floor votes, quipping that “This is mishpacha” (family).

The senator stressed that NJJBA members are doing noble work by employing so many. NJJBA members were updated on soon-to-be established “Opportunity Zones, “ new business incentives in low-income neighborhoods created with Senator Booker’s help.

Next up was a lively meeting with Senator Menendez’s senior staff at the Senate Hart Office Building. A rigorous conversation ensued on transportation, trade and taxes.

Congressman Leonard Lance (R-7) stressed his unwavering pro-business support and pro-Israel stance. Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-3) spoke about his personal history as an entrepreneur who understands the tough challenges that businesses face. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5) received a round of applause for his bipartisan pro-business record. Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-9), a ranking member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade, went into detail about trade issues that are presently being tackled by some of the NJJBA members.

Joel Epstein, COO of Fabuwood Cabinetry, said, “I came back to New Jersey energized, knowing we have our representatives’ support in these challenging times. I felt that they all understood the importance of protecting manufacturing jobs.”

According to Ari Stahl, VP of Gel Spice and vice chair of NJJBA,“The Day of Advocacy in Washington, D.C., was a tremendous success.” He added, “We were able to discuss a wide array of issues concerning our businesses with the nation’s top decision-makers.”