PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
Greeting the New Year Special Events on the Agenda
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
As we turn the page to 2023 , we ’ re already filling the calendar with new events and programs to enable CIANJ to grow and expanding its reach , while helping our members prosper too .
Each month will offer a combination of live and virtual events to inform and educate . Our events also always offer members opportunities to connect , as we navigate the post-pandemic era and all the ways it has reshaped our work and our communities .
In January , we ’ ll kickoff the new year with a real estate forecast . Our Real Property Roundtable is one of oldest and most popular programs , consistently attracting the state ’ s leading developers , property managers , engineers , attorneys , accountants , and other consultants . Warehouse development has become the hottest asset class in New Jersey and will most probably figure in the conversation . The live presentation also will undoubtedly touch on the rising interest rates and how they will affect development . Our agenda will also offer a virtual event in January for marketing directors . The
goal is to share the best advice on how to beat the competition .
Later this winter we have plans for a special Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion ( DEI ) program that will focus on hiring . We plan to partner with our higher education members to learn how they perceive DEI and how it will shape the next generation of workers .
For our Women in Commerce forum there are plans for an uplifting program at the American Dream in East Rutherford . The unique retail and entertainment center will be the backdrop for a fashion show , which will also offer guests a way to support “ Dress for Success ,” a non-profit organization committed to helping empower women and attain economic freedom .
Of course , our signature events are already positioned on the calendar : The annual golf outing in May , the Companies that Care celebration in the spring , the Environmental Awards reception in April , our Women ’ s Leadership event over the summer and the Annual Luncheon that always draws upwards of 400 executives in October .
Throughout the year we will continue our very popular networking events too . They create an atmosphere where our members – who come from every business sector – can catch-up or make new acquaintances and sometimes plant the seeds for a business alliance . A network program especially designed for international businesses is taking shape for February .
In November , the New Jersey Senate and Assembly are up for election . CIANJ prides itself on the strong relationships it has developed with our legislators . Our political action committee , CommerceNJ , will be holding fund-raisers throughout the year to support pro-business candidates .
One of the most important roles CIANJ plays is as an advocate for our members in Trenton . Once again , we pledge to keep you apprised of what is happening in the legislature and in the governor ’ s office . When a member turns to us with a problem or issue , we are ready to make the call to a legislator , committee chair or caucus leaders to impress upon them the concerns of our members and try to find a fair and equitable solution .
We work to make certain our lawmakers understand how their actions affect the business community and the well-being our state . We stand committed to making the Garden State an excellent place to live and work .
Throughout the year we will be communicating our plans , goals , and achievements on our social media platforms . We will be sharing more video content because it ’ s a powerful way to give the most accurate picture of who we are and how we are working to benefit our members . We hope you enjoy our daily Hot Topics newsletter and the weekly Business Beat . Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn .
CIANJ works with legislators in Trenton as an advocate , explaining the concerns of their members .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Ultima _ Gaina
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