A fireside chat with Gov. Phil Murphy discussing how Middlesex County is at the heart of so much of the governor’s mission to create an innovative economy will be the featured event at the annual Middlesex County Business Summit, to be held Tuesday at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
From the HELIX to the HUB, to the efforts at Johnson & Johnson and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the teachings at Rutgers University, Middlesex College and Middlesex County’s magnet schools, the county is in front on so much of Murphy’s vision.
The governor will discuss all this and more during a discussion with ROI-NJ editor Tom Bergeron, the moderator of the event.
Murphy’s appearance is just one of the many highlights of the event, entitled: “The Future Belongs to Those Who Build It.”
Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios obviously is thrilled to have Murphy at the event.
“Since its inception in 2017, the Middlesex County Business Summit has supported the county’s forward-thinking economic development strategy — Destination 2040,” he said. “It has provided leadership and resources to bolster business retention, expansion and economic opportunities for both county residents and businesses.
“We are thrilled to have Gov. Phil Murphy as our esteemed guest at our county’s premier business and networking event.”
Rios also was pleased to have Stephanie Ruhle, the host of MSNBC‘s “The 11th Hour” and a senior business analyst for NBC News, also serve as a keynote speaker. Ruhle will discuss the current business climate and trends in workforce development and other economic drivers in the county, state and around the country moving forward.
“We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Stephanie Ruhle, the host of MSNBC’s ‘The 11th Hour’ and a senior business analyst for NBC News,” Rios said.
“As we continue to shape Middlesex County’s future through strategic business decisions and investments that enhance the lives of our residents, workers and community members, the theme for this year’s summit, ‘The Future Belongs to Those Who Build It,’ will delve into our county’s rich history as a pioneering hub for life sciences.”
The event, which is on the verge of selling out (registration info here), also will have a number of panelists.
A panel discussing the present and the future of life sciences will feature Dr. Steven Libutti (head of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey), Kara Moore (of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority) and Micheal Bzdak (of Johnson & Johnson).
The event also will include three breakout sessions in the afternoon.
Unlocking Capital for Community Growth
A look at state and county financing tools with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the Middlesex County Improvement Authority.
- Moderator: H. James Polos, executive director, MCIA
- John Notte, water program manager, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank
- Melinda Roslon, transportation program manager, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank
Blueprints for Business Success in Middlesex County
A look at how networking with thriving Middlesex County entrepreneurs will help you uncover the resources that position Middlesex County as a powerhouse for business growth.
- Moderator: Sandy Castor, director, Office of Business Engagement
- Brian Lioce, partner/tax account leader – global compliance & reporting, Ernst & Young’s Northeast Area Tax practice
- Vetchay Vilvert, owner and innovative food curator, Naturalvert
- Steven Bier, founder, Popcorn for the People
Strategies for Inclusive Business Growth
A look into strategies propelling minority- and women-owned business firms forward. Unearth the transformative practices that both governmental bodies and larger corporate entities can adopt to boost MWBE participation and success.
- Moderator: Deirdre Viney, Employment Express Professionals
- Ferlanda Nixon, chief of policy and external affairs, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
- Nicholas Jeglinski, treasurer of Middlesex County
- Victor Salama, executive director of Greater Newark Enterprises Corp.
- Jeff Cantor, founder and CEO of the New Jersey Veterans Chamber of Commerce