The North Jersey Jewish Business Alliance (NJJBA), formerly known as the Hudson County Jewish Business Alliance, hosted its third annual legislative and business luncheon at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
Due to its exponential success, the luncheon also marked the alliance’s name change. By providing a comprehensive network for Jewish business owners to expand their reach, the alliance, too, expanded with tenacity, and now includes the greater North Jersey area. The alliance has carefully put together a board of prominent business leaders to ensure its continued success.
After a bustling networking session, the program commenced with an introduction by Ezra Friedlander, master of ceremonies, as well as opening remarks by Miles Berger, the host and chairman of the board.
David Rosenberg, founder and executive director of the NJJBA, thanked and recognized the presence of the esteemed crowd in front of him. With great pride, Rosenberg stated: “In Judaism, anything repeated three times becomes… permanent.”
Since its inception in 2015, Rosenberg has wanted to ensure that northern Jersey is recognized as an unparalleled place to live, work and visit for the Jewish individual. Celebrating its third annual legislative luncheon, the Alliance has worked hard to assist businesses in their decision-making process and to connect them not only with other business executives, but also with distinguished and influential New Jersey officials and legislative leaders.
Ronnie Sevilla, Hudson County retail market manager for Investors Bank, took the stage to introduce Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey Kim Guadagno. “In 2009, we had 9.9 percent unemployment, virtually dead last in any economic indicator of success; people were fleeing the state of New Jersey not by the tens of thousands, but by the hundreds of thousands… so long as you do the job, and you do it the best you can… and that’s what I’ve been doing for the past eight years,” Lt. Governor Guadagno explained. “Today, as I stand here, we went from 9.8 percent unemployment to 4.1 percent. We have more people working in New Jersey today than ever in the history of the state,” she beamed.
Freeholder Anthony Romano then presented the Hudson County Proclamation: “Hudson County Board of Freeholders would like to honor and commend the NJJBA on its expansion and name change. We will always be proud to recognize this organization, and we will work in tandem for the success of this organization.”
The Leadership in Excellence Award was presented to honoree Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti, who serves the 31st legislative district of New Jersey. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award and recognition. Although, I am more grateful for the support and friendship the organization and so many of its members have shown me in recent years,” said the assemblyman.
Louis LaSalle, vice president for external affairs of RWJBarnabas Health, took the podium to introduce Senator Richard Codey (D-NJ). Senator Codey, who spoke on behalf of Democratic Nominee for Governor Phil Murphy, offered poignant words: “People want to relate to their president, their governor and their mayor… We’ve got to turn the page to a governor that’s got to listen to us and do the right thing. It’s not going to be an easy day, but it will be a good day.”
The third consecutive legislative and business luncheon can only mean continued success and growth not only for the Alliance, but for the state of New Jersey as well. With top business executives and distinguished officials and legislative leaders working together, New Jersey will only experience continued success. For more information, please contact [email protected].
By Julie Ahn
