Newark Regional Business Partnership Events Newswire

New Jersey Family Leave Expansion: What Every Employer Needs To Know - VIRTUAL 9/29/2026 12:00 Noon - 9/29/2026 1:00 PM

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:47:37 GMT

New Jersey Family Leave Expansion: What Every Employer Needs to Know

New Jersey has significantly expanded job-protected leave through recent amendments to state law, and the changes affect employers of every size. One amendment provides job protection for employees who take leave and receive Temporary Disability Insurance or Family Leave Insurance benefits, regardless of company size. This applies to virtually every employer in the state.

This program is part of NRBP’s Professional Development Program Series and included in the benefits package for Catalyst, Innovator, Trailblazer, Visionary and Luminary members. ALL NRBP members should register using their promo code. Non-members register at the full price. For questions, contact Kirsten Giardi – kgiardi@newarkrbp.org.

Facilitator Information

Amy Vazquez is Vice President of the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ), where she has spent more than 26 years helping employers navigate the ever-changing landscape of employment law and workplace compliance. In her role, she oversees a broad range of organizational operations while leading the development of services, programs and initiatives that support EANJ's mission.

Please note:
This is a virtual program that will be held on Zoom. Attendees will receive meeting access information within 48hrs of registering. If you have not received your access information by that time, please email kgiardi@newarkrbp.org.

Engage and Exchange Luncheon (Members-Only) at GlassRoots 9/30/2026 12:00 Noon - 9/30/2026 2:00 PM

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:39:37 GMT

Join us for NRBP's members-only Engage and Exchange Luncheon at the new home of GlassRoots.

This in-person gathering brings the spirit of our virtual Engage and Exchange conversations to life, nurturing meaningful connections and resource sharing among NRBP members.

Be among the first to experience GlassRoots's new Teachers Village home as Carol shares the organization's next chapter. Tours of the new facility will be available following the luncheon.

This members-only event is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations.

Seats are limited—secure your spot today!

Please note:

This is a members only event. If you are not a member, please contact Kirsten Giardi. kgiardi@newarkrbp.org, to learn more about NRBP and the benefits of membership.

Photo/Video Disclaimer
Your attendance of/participation in any Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) program, event or webinar constitutes consent to be photographed, filmed, or videotaped and you hereby give the NRBP the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, photo, without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation.

Annual Outing at Essex Fells Country Club (new location for 2026!) 10/5/2026 10:00 AM - 10/5/2026 8:00 PM

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:30:51 GMT

The annual golf outing supports NRBP’s 501(c)(3) affiliate organization, Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF). The RNF is dedicated to NRBP’s economic development efforts in the Greater Newark region. We are excited to be at Essex Fells Country Club! As the new home of the Annual Outing, Essex Fells offers a beautiful backdrop for a day of golf, networking, camaraderie, and more.

New this year!
* New location
* Dinner only option

We are excited to host our 32^nd outing and our first at this new location! Click here for reservation and sponsorship details.

For questions, please contact Kirsten Giardi.

Please note: this event is being held in partnership with Renaissance Newark Foundation Inc. (RNF), NRBP's 501(c)(3) affiliate organization. Registration and sponsorship are handled via Zeffy, the fundraising platform used by RNF. Zeffy is free for both organizations and donors. When registering, you’ll be asked to consider a donation to Zeffy, this is optional. To skip, just select "other" and enter $0.

Photo/Video Disclaimer
Your attendance at/participation in any Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) or Renaissance Newark Foundation Inc. (RNF) program, event or webinar constitutes consent to be photographed, filmed, or videotaped and you hereby give the NRBP and RNF the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, photo, without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation.

Bank On It Kick-Off with PNC Bank 10/6/2026 4:30 PM - 10/6/2026 6:00 PM

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:25:43 GMT

Bank On It: Get to Know Your Banker Kick-off with PNC Bank

How well does your banker really know your business?

For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, the relationship with their bank begins and ends with a checking account. But your bank can be much more than the place where you deposit checks and pay bills.

When your banker understands your business, your challenges, and where you want to go, they can be a valuable resource, whether you’re navigating a tough stretch, preparing for your next stage of growth, or looking for financing, tools, or other resources to help your business move forward.

That’s the thinking behind Bank On It, RNF’s new networking series designed to help our business community get to know the people behind the bank, and the programs, resources, and connections they can offer.

We’re kicking off the series with PNC Bank, and we’d love to have you join us. Come meet the PNC team, connect with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners, and learn more about the programs and resources available to help businesses like yours. And, of course, there will be plenty of time for conversation and networking.

Light refreshments will be served. This program is free and open to everyone, but registration is required.

Space is limited! Click here to reserve your spot!

For questions, please contact Kirsten Giardi.

Please note: this event is being held in partnership with Renaissance Newark Foundation Inc. (RNF), NRBP's 501(c)(3) affiliate organization. Registration are handled via Zeffy, the fundraising platform used by RNF. Zeffy is free for both organizations and donors. When registering, you’ll be asked to consider a donation to Zeffy, this is optional. To skip, just select "other" and enter $0.

NRBP Eye Opener: Scaling Newark's Talent Pipeline 10/8/2026 10:00 AM - 10/8/2026 12:30 PM

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:54:02 GMT

Thursday, October 8, 2026
Essex County College, Newark
Smith Hall

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Newark is growing. Its workforce is the engine.

The Newark Regional Business Partnership invites you to the Eye Opener Program, a morning built for the employers, educators, and workforce leaders driving the region's economic future. Together we will get honest about what it takes to build, hire, and retain the talent that powers Newark, and how business and education can partner to close the gap.

Fireside Chat
Powering Newark's Workforce: Economic Realities & Regional Growth

Anibal Ramos, Jr., Director of the Essex County Department of Citizen Services and head of the Department of Economic Development, Training and Employment, sits down with two of the region's most influential voices:

Aisha Glover, Global Head of Urban Innovation, Audible
Sara Peña, Director of External Affairs, PSEG

Employer Panel
The Talent Gap: What Are You Really Looking For?

A candid conversation with the employers doing the hiring. Facilitated by Dr. Elvy M. Vieira, Dean of Community, Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Essex County College, the panel digs into the questions that matter most: the workforce and hiring challenges employers face right now, the skills and qualities they look for in entry-level talent, where they see gaps in available candidates, what an ideal hire looks like in their sector, and how our schools and workforce partners can better prepare people for the jobs that are actually open.

Moderator: Dr. Elvy M. Viera, Dean of Community, Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Essex County College

Panelists include:
Mitch Cahn, Unionwear
Karen Gaylord, Newark Workforce Investment Board
Vineet Wadhwa, Reworld

With additional employers to be announced.

NRBP Engage & Exchange: CEO Updates & Members-Only Forum featuring Essex County College 10/22/2026 10:00 AM - 10/22/2026 11:00 AM

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:36:18 GMT

Join us for "NRBP Engage & Exchange: CEO Updates and Member Forum," a monthly virtual gathering designed to foster communication and collaboration among NRBP members. This event will take place on the last Thursday of each month (unless otherwise indicated).

During this one-hour session, our President and CEO will share important updates about NRBP initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for member engagement. Members are encouraged to bring their questions and insights to the forum, creating an interactive environment where everyone can contribute to the conversation.

Our special guest is Denise Williams, Director of Purchasing, Essex County College. Learn how to do business with Essex County College! Whether you're a small business owner or simply interested in partnering with us, this event is perfect for you. During this informative session, we will share valuable insights and tips on how to navigate the process of collaborating with Essex County College. You'll learn about the various opportunities available, including vendor partnerships, sponsorships, and more. Don't miss this chance to expand your network and explore potential business ventures with Essex County College.

We look forward to your participation in this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow members and leadership.

Let’s engage, exchange ideas, and enhance our partnership!

Please note:

This is a virtual program that will be held on Zoom. Attendees will receive meeting access information within 48hrs of registering. For questions, please contact Kirsten Giardi, kgiardi@newarkrbp.org.
This is a members only event. If you are not a member, please contact Kirsten Giardi. kgiardi@newarkrbp.org, to learn more about NRBP and the benefits of membership.

Regional Economic Outlook for 2027 - Healthcare, Tech & the Economy 11/12/2026 9:00 AM - 11/12/2026 12:00 Noon

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:24:05 GMT

What’s on the horizon for business in 2027?

This year’s Regional Economic Outlook: Healthcare, Tech and the Economy explores two forces reshaping New Jersey’s economy and redefining opportunities for the Greater Newark region: health care and artificial intelligence. As policymakers, providers, employers, and business leaders navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, decisions around health care coverage and emerging technologies are poised to influence economic growth, workforce development, business productivity, and regional competitiveness in the year ahead.

Join us for a morning of expert insight, lively discussion, and high-value networking with leaders from across sectors. This signature event draws the region’s key business, institutional, civic, and community leaders each year, offering a data-driven look at the economic outlook for 2027 and the trends most likely to shape Newark’s future.

This program features an Economic Outlook presentation provided by a leading economist from TD Bank, sponsor of the NRBP Real Estate, Economic and Development Series.

Coverage at a Crossroads: What the Medicaid Changes Mean for Greater Newark’s Economy
Andrea Martinez-Mejia, Executive Director, Greater Newark Health Care Coalition (moderator)
Carole Johnson, President and CEO, University Hospital
Dr. Stephen Cha, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services
George Helmy, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, RWJBarnabas Health

This conversation will examine how changes to Medicaid could affect health care coverage, employment, and the hospital systems and insurers that serve as major economic anchors in Greater Newark, while exploring how leaders across sectors can navigate the transition.

The Productivity Puzzle: Is the AI Payoff Real, and Who’s Capturing It?
Dee C. Marshall, CEO, Ai Training Plus (moderator)
Mark Negus, Global Data Center Investments & Portfolio Management, PGIM
Gary Mann, Founder & CEO, Jasfel Analytics
Simone Lenzu, Economist, Federal Reserve Bank

This moderated conversation takes a grounded look at whether the promised productivity gains from artificial intelligence are materializing and who is positioned to capture them. From macroeconomic trends to the implications for Newark's businesses, institutions, and workforce, panelists will explore how AI is transforming productivity, competitiveness, and opportunity across industries.

Together, these conversations will provide valuable insight into the policy, economic, and technological trends shaping Greater Newark and the broader New Jersey economy in 2027.

Please note: registration increases by $10 as of November 10th.

2026 Transportation Symposium 11/23/2026 8:30 AM - 11/23/2026 11:00 AM

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:20:50 GMT

Regional Connectivity: A Dialogue on Shared Priorities and Collaborative Visions

Monday, November 23, 2026
9:00 to 11:00 AM
Paul Robeson Campus Center, Rutgers University-Newark
350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102

Three mayors. One region. One conversation about the network that moves us all.

The Newark Regional Business Partnership invites you to a morning of candid, forward-looking dialogue with the leaders shaping how our region connects, commutes, and grows. As the cities of Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey City chart the future of regional transportation, their mayors will share one stage for an honest exchange on the shared priorities and collaborative solutions that move the whole region forward.

Moderated by the Regional Plan Association, the panel will explore the questions that matter most to our business community:

Collaborative infrastructure: building and funding transit that crosses city and county lines
The commuter experience: what it takes to move people reliably, affordably, and sustainably
Resilience and innovation: preparing the network for what comes next
Stakeholder engagement: how business, government, and community align on a shared vision

This is a conversation for the leaders who have a stake in the region's future: C-suite executives, planners, policy advocates, and business leaders who understand that how we move shapes how we grow.

Featuring:
Mayor Ras J. Baraka, City of Newark
Mayor Emily Jabbour, City of Hoboken
Mayor James Solomon, City of Jersey City

Moderated by:
Zoe Baldwin, Regional Plan Association

Plus a special guest speaker, to be announced. Register now and be the first to know.

VIP Reception
8:00 AM, before the program

Luminary, Visionary, and Trailblazer members, along with our event sponsors, are invited to an exclusive pre-program reception ahead of the main conversation. It's a rare chance to connect directly with the region's business and civic leaders in an intimate setting, and to be recognized among the organizations investing in the future of regional connectivity.

Reception access is a benefit of top-tier membership and event sponsorship. To learn more, contact Kirsten Giardi (kgiardi@newarkrbp.org).

Please note: registration increases by $10 as of November 20.

Annual Meeting & Holiday Reception (Save the Date!) 12/9/2026 5:00 PM - 12/9/2026 7:00 PM

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:22:28 GMT

Newark Regional Business Partnership and the Renaissance Newark Foundation Inc. are proud to present the 2026 Annual Meeting and Holiday Reception!

Join us to toast the year’s achievements and make new connections.

Celebrate & Give Back: Your attendance supports a vital cause!

Proceeds benefit the Renaissance Newark Foundation, NRBP's 501(c)(3) affiliate organization which is dedicated to fueling economic development, attracting businesses, and creating pathways to success for Newark's diverse communities.

You don't want to miss this year's celebration!

Registration details coming soon!

Travel With NRBP - South Africa 2027 10/3/2027 - 10/12/2027

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:48:05 GMT

The strongest business relationships are often built through shared experiences.

That's why NRBP is partnering with Aventura World to offer a South African Adventure & Safari in October 2027, giving business and community leaders the opportunity to explore, connect, and create lasting memories together. Join us for breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime excursions that create the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections.

Whether you're looking to expand your network, reconnect with colleagues, or simply experience an unforgettable adventure, this is a journey you won't want to miss. Take advantage of the early booking offer, now through March 31, 2027!

Click the flyer or here for all details.The link will open a multi-page PDF document. Please read all pages.

To make your reservation, click here, create an account and use booking code ZJZDAE.

See you in South Africa!

Please note: All registrations are processed directly through Aventura World. NRBP does not manage registrations for this program.

For questions regarding the registration process, please contact Ben Weintraub. For questions regarding NRBP's role in this experience, please contact Kirsten Giardi.