L-R Bill Noonan Chief Business Development at Choose NJ, Duvi Honig Founder/Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, Senator Carmen Amato, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, Stephen Milgrom NJ Business Action Center,

Saurin Parikh Senior Business Development Officer at the (NJEDA) New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Mark Jaffe President Greater NJ Chamber

Governor Phil Murphy Declared New Jersey Economic Development Day, on the second Monday of May annually, a day dedicated to recognizing and empowering businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state. The Governor signed this into law, highlighting the importance of economic growth and prosperity in the Garden State.

New Jersey Economic Development Day Celebration was not only a symbol of economic growth and development but also a platform for collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.

Women in The Workforce Panel: L-R Stacy Kavanaugh, Provident Bank First VP, Jodi Hope Grinwald, CEO of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Tara Chalakani, CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health, Sandra Lazaro of Ocean County Business Development & Tourism Dept

The event brought together government exhibitors and officials who were there to provide information, resources, and support to those in attendance. By cutting through red tape and offering one-on-one interactions with various government departments, participants were able to connect with the services and programs available to help them succeed in their business endeavors or find employment opportunities.

One of the key highlights of the event was the women in the workforce panel, where leading women CEOs shared their insights and experiences on how to navigate the corporate world and achieve success at higher levels. Panelists such as Sandra Lazaro of Ocean County Business Development & Tourism Dept, Jodi Hope Grinwald, CEO of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, and Tara Chalakani, CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health, provided valuable advice on how women can overcome obstacles, climb the corporate ladder, and reach their full potential. The importance of women supporting each other and advocating for themselves was a key theme throughout the panel discussion, emphasizing the need for gender equality and empowerment in the workplace.

Recognizing Senator Carmen Amato

The event also recognized the leadership of individuals such as Commissioner Frank Sadeghi and Senator Carmen Amato, who have played a vital role in stimulating economic development in Ocean County and beyond.

The State of NJ leadership panel, which included Senator Amato, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, and other prominent figures such as Bill Noonan Chief Business Development at Choose NJ, Stephen Milgrom NJ Business Action Center,

Saurin Parikh Senior Business Development Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Duvi Honig Founder/Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. The panelist shared insightful information about NJ Economic Development Departments helping empower businesses and individuals in attendance.

L-R Duvi Honig Founder/Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, Senator Carmen Amato, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, Bill Noonan Chief Business Development at Choose NJ, Stephen Milgrom NJ Business Action Center,

Saurin Parikh Senior Business Development Officer at the (NJEDA) New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Saurin Parikh, a Senior Business Development Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority who was part of the panel, highlighted the importance of bringing government entities together to share information and resources with communities. He emphasized the role of the NJEDA in supporting economic development and helping businesses thrive in the state. The event also included a proclamation declaring NJ Economic Development Day annually in May by Governor Phil Murphy and by the Ocean County Commissioners, showcasing the commitment of Ocean County to promoting economic growth and development.

The event was organized and hosted by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, which introduced the legislation for NJ Economic Development Day on behalf of the state of New Jersey. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it marked the first time the event was held post-COVID, providing a much-needed platform for businesses and communities to come together and collaborate on economic development initiatives. Looking ahead, the organizers hope to use Ocean County’s Economic Development Day event as a model for other counties throughout the state, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

By bringing together government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, the event showcased the commitment of Ocean County and the state of New Jersey to supporting economic development and empowering communities to thrive.

Moving forward, the hope is that other counties in New Jersey will follow Ocean County’s lead and join in the celebration of New Jersey’s Economic Development Day, promoting economic growth and opportunity annually in their counties throughout the state of NJ.

Press Release. Photo credits Langsam Photography