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Most New Jersey residents prefer using natural gas to heat their homes and power appliances, and they don’t want to be forced to transition from gas to electric heat, according to a new research poll on energy issues from Affordable Energy for New Jersey. 

The public opinion survey conducted by Illuminate Research found that 76% of respondents view natural gas favorably as an energy source. When asked if all homes should be mandated to transition from natural gas to electric heat, 61% of those surveyed were opposed. 

“The results of this opinion survey clearly show that regulators and legislators are out of touch as to what New Jersey residents energy preferences are,” said Ron Morano, Affordable Energy for New Jersey executive director. “We need sound energy policy that includes reliable, affordable and realistic choices not unrealistic, expensive mandates.” 

Cost clearly was top-of-mind for respondents. Although 61% percent of respondents said they would support New Jersey moving toward more solar and wind power, that support plunged to 29% if that meant higher utility bills. 

In fact, when respondents were specifically the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has calculated that getting 100% of the state’s power from wind and solar could quadruple monthly power bills, only 9% supported paying that to get New Jersey completely off fossil fuels. Seventy-eight percent said they would be opposed and 13% said they were unsure. 

According to the survey, residents preferred natural gas, solar and nuclear as New Jersey’s primary energy source with 22% choosing natural gas, 22% choosing solar, 21% choosing nuclear and 20% undecided. Only 6% preferred wind power.  

Asked how they felt about the State of New Jersey using taxpayer dollars to go to court to stop natural gas pipeline projects, 57% said they were opposed. 

“The numbers in this survey show clear support of natural gas. Before the Board of Public Utilities goes back to the drawing board to update the Energy Master Plan, they need to listen to New Jersey residents, not come back with more of the same,” added Morano. 

Affordable Energy for New Jersey (AENJ) is a broad, grassroots coalition, which includes NJBIA, that advocates for actionable, fact-driven energy policy that emphasizes keeping costs low for residents and businesses. The coalition evaluates energy policies and proposals based by asking three questions: Is It feasible? Is It reliable? What does It cost? 

Survey results are based on online surveys of 1,158 registered New Jersey voters collected between March 5-7 from cell phone users randomly drawn from a sample of registered voters reflecting the demographic and partisan characteristics of the voting population. The survey has an overall margin of sampling error of +/- 2.9% with a confidence interval of 95%. 

Businesses, unions, government entities and community organizations are invited to register now for the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board’s career event on youth and community apprenticeship opportunities on May 6 at Raritan Valley Community College. 

The GRWDB’s Youth Apprenticeship Week Career Event, held during the first National Youth Apprenticeship Week, will provide attendees with the opportunity to network and learn about Registered Apprenticeships options available to the workforce-bound students and other jobseekers looking for a career path that provides financial security and independence. 

The free event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6 at the Raritan Valley Community College Conference Center on Lamington Road in Branchburg. Businesses, unions, school programs, service providers, governmental agencies and other organizations can register here to participate as exhibitors and network with attendees. There is no charge to participate as either an exhibitor or attendee. 

“Registered Apprenticeship programs like the Career Event we are hosting on May 6 is a proven way for community members to obtain pathways to secure high-paying careers in different fields,” said GRWDB Director Paul Grzella. “We are proud to support Youth Apprenticeship Week and to showcase the impact apprenticeships have on building the workforce in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties and around the state. 

“We thank the GRWDB Youth Committee for their assistance with the event, as well as RVCC and the county commissioners in both counties for their ongoing support of our local workforce development programs.” 

The free Career Event there will include a light meal available for visiting attendees, as well as a program presentation from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. that features young workers sharing their apprenticeship experiences and explaining how the program has transformed their lives. 

For more information, contact GRWDB Contract Compliance and Engagement Specialist Jeanne Cassano at jcassano@co.somerset.nj.us or call 908-541-5785. 


About Youth Apprenticeship Week  

Youth Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration that highlights the benefits and value of registered apprenticeship program opportunities for youth, ages 16 to 24. Employers, educators, labor unions, state and federal agencies, and workforce professionals across the country are launching apprenticeship programs that allow young workers to earn competitive wages while obtaining relevant training and experience to start their careers. 

The GRWDB’s event is just one of many happening across the country. YAW events and activities showcase and promote high-quality, inclusive, in-demand career pathway opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship programs. Registered Apprenticeship program events include Apprenticeship recruitment fairs, Apprenticeship Open houses, Career discovery boot camps, Hackathon competitions, social media challenges, Apprenticeship graduations, signing ceremonies for new programs, Virtual tours for students, podcasts, and more. 

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board 

The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. Programs and initiatives are guided by a board of private business representatives, labor unions, community-based organizations, educational entities, and other partners who set larger policy initiatives based on metric-based, state-developed data, as well as direct customer and employer feedback. For more information about the board and its services, go to www.thegrwdb.org. 

In the NJCPA Society’s latest Issues Watch podcast, NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz questioned why a proposed $1 billion tax now on corporations is the governor’s first option to plug a future NJ TRANSIT budget deficit, instead of implementing efficiencies. 

Gov. Phil Murphy has proposed a $1 billion retroactive tax on New Jersey’s largest companies in his FY25 state budget proposal to address a fiscal cliff that the mass transit agency won’t face until FY26, Emigholz told Jeff Kaszerman, the host of the weekly podcast produced by the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

“Next year … they will have a hole in their budget, but have we adequately looked at them for reforms to make them more efficient, so they won’t need as much money?” Emigholz asked, noting the governor’s proposed corporate transit tax is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024. 

Making NJ TRANSIT more efficient before their FY26 budget shortfall occurs is important because “maybe we’ll never get back to the amount of people using trains and buses that we used to” prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emigholz said. 

NJBIA supports investments in mass transit infrastructure, Emigholz added. “But can we figure how to find that investment through the time-honored approach of time and discipline as we did with ramping up school aid?” 

Instead of increasing taxes by $1 billion all at once, the state should increase funding over time with the natural growth of budget revenues and by being disciplined about its spending priorities, Emigholz said. 

Go here to listen to the NJCPA podcast. 

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will honor 10 New Jersey-based businesses and organizations as Energy Star Partners next month for their outstanding leadership in support of the transition to a clean energy economy. 

Four longtime NJBIA member companies are among the corporations that will be honored at the awards event in Washington, D.C. on April 25: 

  • Bristol Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, has leveraged ENERGY STAR tools and resources to strengthen its energy program, including earning ENERGY STAR certification for two pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and amplified its promotion of ENERGY STAR to strategic suppliers. The company has been a Sustained Excellence winner for 6 years. 
  • Merck & Co., Inc., a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, has employed ENERGY STAR strategies and resources to support the company’s 2023 commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative and its achievement of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reductions. Merck has been a Sustained Excellence winner for 17 years. 
  • PSE&G, the largest provider electric and natural gas service in New Jersey, enhanced program offerings for its instant discount ENERGY STAR heating and cooling program, resulting in the sale of 7,900 certified products and energy savings of more than 1,900 MWh and 580,000 therms. PSEG has been a Sustained Excellence winner for 4 years. 
  • Verizona telecommunications giant with corporate offices in Basking Ridge, increased the average ENERGY STAR score and reduced its source energy use intensity by 2.9% across 1,378 properties since 2022. Verizon has been a Sustained Excellence winner for 10 years.
     

The Energy Star Partner Awards recognize the leaders among thousands of thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations – including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500 – that partner with EPA through the ENERGY STAR program.  

“I congratulate this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for their innovation and leadership, in delivering cost-effective energy efficient solutions that create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said Tuesday. 

For every $1 EPA spends to administer ENERGY STAR, these partners collectively add $230 of their own investment, the EPA said. The result is millions of ENERGY STAR certified products, homes, apartments, buildings, and industrial plants across the nation; utility rebate programs reaching 95% of American households; 4 billion tons of greenhouse gas reductions; and $500 billion in cost savings, according to the EPA. 

For a complete list of the 2024 Energy Star winners, go EPA’s website here. 

Businesses looking to hire are invited to register to participate in Berkeley College’s Spring Career Fair, which will be held at the Woodland Park Campus on Tuesday, April 30. 

The Spring Career Fair aims to connect job seekers with employers actively seeking talented individuals to join their organizations. Attendees can explore potential career paths, network with industry professionals, and learn about job opportunities in various fields. 

So far, 75 prominent employers have already registered to participate in the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Atrium & Community Room at the Woodland Park Campus of Berkeley College at 44 Rifle Camp Road. 

Employers interested in taking part can contact Michael Iris, associate vice president, Alumni Relations and Career Services, Berkeley College, at Michael-Iris@BerkeleyCollege.edu 

“We are thrilled to host the Spring Career Fair and facilitate meaningful connections between our students, alumni, and the diverse array of employers participating in the event,” Iris said. “This is an excellent platform for job seekers to engage with potential employers, gain insights into various industries, and take the next step toward achieving their career goals.” 

Berkeley College Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree and certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The college also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials. 

 

The Stockton University Foundation will hold its Scholarship Benefit Gala on April 20, which returns for the third year in a row to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. 

“This year’s gala holds special significance as we celebrate the historic inauguration of Dr. Joe Bertolino as the sixth president of Stockton University, while also underscoring the critical importance of supporting student scholarships,” said Brigid Harrison, Stockton University Foundation board chair. “Scholarship assistance is essential in providing deserving students with the resources they need to pursue their academic goals.” 

The event will feature activities led by students and faculty, live music by Philly’s Finest, networking opportunities, fabulous raffles and more – all while supporting scholarships for Stockton students. 

Student- and faculty-led experiences include the opportunity for guests to: 

  • Help create an original work of art with the assistance of Art students and faculty. 
  • Taste and discover how Stockton is growing local maple syrup production. 
  • See how students can turn a passion for esports into a career. 
  • Interact with professors and students as they share the science behind making homemade sherbet. 
  • Learn some tricks of the trade as our Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management students lend insight on what pairs well with food. 
  • Enjoy small bites and learn what’s new on the 1.5-acre student run Sustainability Farm. 

Net proceeds benefit scholarships for Stockton students. Since its founding, the event has raised more than $5 million. 

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is the event’s top sponsor. 

“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is proud to sponsor Stockton University Scholarship Benefit Gala. Having the opportunity to meet some of this year’s recipients was incredibly rewarding,” stated George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Atlantic City. 

“Partnering with Stockton for this important cause allows Hard Rock to give back to our community and support education. It’s truly inspiring to witness the impact this event has on these remarkable students.”  

Other top sponsors include International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 351. the Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors, the Azeez Foundation, Cooper Levenson, Dr. Howard and Gayle Gross, SOSH Architects, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Local 255, Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Pepsi and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.  

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, go to stockton.edu/gala or contact Alicia Trombley, associate director of Development, at 609-652-4861.  


Photo Caption: Stockton University President Joe Bertolino works with students to make homemade sherbet at last year’s foundation gala. The 2024 gala on April 20 will celebrate Bertolino’s inauguration as president and raise funds for student scholarships. – Photo courtesy of Stockton University.

 

 

Raritan Valley Community College will hold several Career Nights in April that will offer prospective students information about educational opportunities and career pathways in fields such as business, engineering, paralegal studies, and criminal justice. 

During the programs, which are free of charge and open to the community, participants will be able to engage with faculty members and/or industry partners in their respective fields at roundtable sessions. All Career Nights will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Event Center at the Branchburg campus on these dates: 

  • Engineering Career Night, April 2 
  • Business Career Night, April 9 
  • Paralegal Studies Career Night, April 15 
  • Criminal Justice Career Night, April 17 

 To register for any upcoming Career Night, go here.  For additional information, contact Admissions at 908-526-1200 (Select Option 2) or admissions@raritanval.edu. 

Raritan Valley College offers approximately 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses 

 

A collection of more than 100 business, labor and nonprofit groups have sent a letter to all members the New Jersey Legislature urging them to oppose Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed $1-billion-plus business tax increase on business in the FY25 State Budget. 

The governor’s proposed 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee is a permanent and retroactive restoration of an expired Corporate Business Tax surtax on corporations with more than $10 million in earnings – returning New Jersey to the highest CBT tax rate in the nation, by far, and the only state with a double-digit CBT rate. 

“This action further hurts New Jersey’s economic competitiveness for the creation and attraction of jobs and capital because corporations can pick and choose their investment locations based upon where they get the best return on investment,” the NJBC wrote. 

“New Jersey’s business climate already has an unrelenting tax environment. We are the only state in the nation that is in the top tier of the four major taxes…. If you in the State Legislature want to improve our economy and organically grow our revenues to be able to pay for things like Stay NJ, then this tax increase is certainly not the answer.” 

This coalition stated that the “massive 20% business tax increase” is especially difficult to understand and harmful to the state’s business climate, “because Governor Murphy publicly acknowledged in a radio interview just weeks before his budget proposal that New Jersey’s corporate taxes were already high and that the corporate business surtax hurt our state competitiveness.  

“What changed?” the coalition asked. 

The coalition also noted that the proposal to dedicate a new business tax to NJ TRANSIT was poor public policy, for three major reasons: 

  • “CBT is a very volatile revenue, one of the must unstable revenue sources in the New Jersey state budget. If we truly value transportation, then we should find a stable revenue source for it.” 
  • “There is no nexus or a weak nexus at best between the CBT and transportation in many areas of New Jersey, and no other state dedicates a corporate tax to a mass transit agency. Why would CBT payers in South New Jersey or Northwest New Jersey pay for a NJ TRANSIT system they and their employees do not use?”  
  • “A ‘dedication’ implies permanence, and making a CBT increase permanent exacerbates its negative impact on businesses and competitiveness. Those affected by this new 20% business tax get a double hit that was not the case with the prior temporary surtax. It is a cash tax increase and also a hit to a company’s balance sheet and stock value for publicly traded companies.”   

Similarly, the NJBC objected in the letter to a new ‘Warehouse Fee’ tax increase on New Jersey’s important logistics industry, which would likely be passed on to the consumer. 

“This tax will further hurt the competitiveness within many important sectors of our economy – retail, manufacturing, logistics, and other industries that work with them,” the coalition wrote.  

“In practicality, this is a tax on every item that goes into any box in New Jersey. This ill-conceived tax is punitive and does not seem to serve any public policy goal given the scant detail that has been provided on how the money will be utilized. As such, this tax must also be rejected.” 

To read the full NJBC letter to the State Legislature, click here. 

  

Element Six Creative Group (e6) a New Jersey-based boutique, full-service, creative, marketing and branding agency was recently certified as both a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). 

“These prestigious certifications underscore our commitment to excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, further enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional services to our clients,” said CEO, Agatha Smerak. 

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications are highly esteemed acknowledgments of a company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and diversity in the business landscape.  

As an SBE, Element Six is recognized for its agility, adaptability, and ability to provide personalized services tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Additionally, as a certified WBE, Element Six demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

These certifications offer numerous benefits to potential e6 clients, including access to diverse and innovative solutions, streamlined procurement processes, and opportunities to support and promote diversity initiatives. By partnering with Element Six, clients can be assured that they are not only receiving top-notch creative marketing and branding services but also contributing to the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the business community. 

Element Six Creative Group remains steadfast in its promise to overdeliver in the areas of quality, excellence in customer service, and innovation and is deeply grateful for the recognition and opportunities that these certifications bring. 

Tricia Fama, COO, said the business is “incredibly honored” to receive the Small Business Enterprise and Women’s Business Enterprise certifications.  

“These acknowledgments validate our dedication to excellence and diversity in all aspects of our business,” Fama said. “At Element Six Creative Group, we pledge to continue exceeding expectations in quality and customer service while upholding our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”  

Element Six(e6) is a full-service strategic, creative, marketing, and branding agency with nearly two decades of experience. Specializing in industries such as pharma, med tech, med device, biotech, and other industrial sectors, e6 offers personalized, exceptional, and targeted support to every client, every time.  

Comprehensive services include creative strategy, design, branding, marketing, communications, storytelling, print, digital and video. 

There’s a $20 million budget cut question hanging over the heads of New Jersey community colleges. 

The potential impacts of it were answered during a Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing this week – and none of them were good.  

“It will force colleges to make difficult and disastrous decisions, including possibly raising tuition and cutting services and programs,” said New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Aaron Fichtner. 

And the downstream impacts will potentially hit New Jersey businesses and our way of life in the state, according to many of the speakers asking the budget committee to reject a proposed $20 million cut for the state’s 18 community colleges in Gov. Phil Murphy’s FY25 Budget. 

Anthony Iacono, president of the County College of Morris, warned how increased tuitions would hurt the state’s efforts to address worker shortages in multiple industries. 

“We are, as many manufacturers say, the reason they’re about to stay in and around Morris County,” Iacono said. “We’re that pipeline.  

“More recently, one of our hospital executives called and said, ‘We’re going to need over 2,000 nurses in the next few years – can you do it?  

“My answer was, yes, and three days later I found out that we’re potentially facing a $20 million cut. (Now) my answer would be no.” 

BUDGET BY THE BOOKS 

Last year, the FY24 budget increased operating aid to New Jersey community colleges from $149 million to $169 million. 

Fichtner said colleges used that “much needed” $20 million investment “to strengthen services to students, to expand programs to prepare students to pursue family-supporting careers and to ensure that tuition is affordable.” 

The removal of that $20 million in the proposed FY25 budget is a 12% cut, or what Fichtner called “a significant reduction.” 

Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) told representatives from the community colleges that the “cut is a real problem” and said the same about an “almost schizophrenic budget messaging.” 

“It really begs the question of the priorities of this state,” added Senator Michael Testa (R-1). “Here it is in the last few years, we’ve given over $50 million for a potential French museum in Jersey City.  

“What would our community colleges in New Jersey be able to do with that? It’s really perplexing, and that’s the kindest way that I can really put it.” 

Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo (D-36) was sympathetic to the concerns of the colleges presidents and students who testified at the hearing, but also warned “we’re entering a new era of budgeting a little bit.” 

“There’s definitely a slowing of the economy, a correction is maybe a better term,” Sarlo said. “But we’ll work with you over the next couple of months.” 

THE COLLEGE TRY 

Other representatives from and supporters of New Jersey community colleges offered the following during their testimonies. 

Essex County College President: Augustine A. Boakye: “It will cause an increase in tuition, as well as a cut in programs and it will push us backwards from previous years.” 

Bergen County Community College President Eric Friedman: “My college is what stands between on the one hand a young person pumping gas, or on the other hand, having a meaningful career, as a pilot, a surgical technician or a teacher. 

“My students come from every possible background. Some are blind. Some have intellectual disabilities. Some come from backgrounds that would make you cry.  

“I can get all of them to graduation. But it takes extra support, advising and supplemental instruction. Cutting our operational funds, meaning cutting a lifeline.” 

Sussex County Community College President Jon Connolly: “(Last year’s $20 million increase) solidified a new program in optics technology. We’re going to be facing a very difficult decision about who is going to lead the program and how it’s all going to function if this particular funding is removed from us.  

“An essential portion of our economic development in Sussex County is essentially being taken away by this cut, and we hope you will give that consideration.” 

Warren County Community College Vice President of Academics Marianne Van Deursen: “(The cut) will hinder our ability to serve our communities of interest by providing students with the opportunity to become prepared.” 

Passaic County Community College President Steven Rose: “I had the opportunity to testify before this committee 20 years ago, and at that point, my college was getting $6.4 million in state aid. If this cut goes through, I will be getting $6.4 million from the state.” 

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco: “Tightening the state’s fiscal belt at the expense of community college students is not right and negatively impacts not only our students but the entire State.  

“If these proposed cuts are passed and tuition rates are increased, students will likely take fewer classes or drop out of college. This could cause a ripple effect leading to a decrease in attendance, which is then passed on as a cost to those students who are able to stay enrolled.  

“The loss of revenue for community colleges punishes students who want to better their lives through higher education.” 

Shemia Superville, Hudson County Community College nursing student: “Today I stand before you, representing students who are disadvantaged, student parents, students like myself who have to pay their own tuition to go to school.  

“My story is not very different from other students at Hudson County Community College. I pay my own tuition and feel like this cut will cause other students to have to pay much more than they should to experience the benefits that community colleges have to offer.  

“The clothes I have on today come from Hudson County Community College’s Career Closet, the food that I eat on most days is from the food pantry that my college has. I feel that this cut would cause so many things to affect students negatively.” 

  

On this weekend’s “Minding Your Business” on News 12+, Matthew Hale, president of the New Jersey Data Alliance and Kelly Fitzpatrick, associate professor of Mathematics at the County College of Morris, talk with host Bob Considine about a new partnership that will help ensure credits taken at community colleges are the ones needed for a four-year degree in the big data curriculum – saving students time and money.

The effort spurs from the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative, a collaboration to better align education with the needs of industry to build a more competitive workforce and strengthen the state’s economy.

Also on this weekend’s show, Drew Thompson, founder of Consult Drew, gives an inspired presentation on how entrepreneurs and small businesses can integrate Artificial Intelligence into their business strategies, all from NJBIA’s recently-held Insights & Outlook event.\

Emmy-award winning broadcaster, motivational speaker and author Dr. Steve Adubato joins the show to talk about his outstanding new book Lessons in Leadership 2.0: The Tough Stuff.

NJBIA’s “Minding Your Business” is a weekly TV show, and winner of two 2023 Telly Awards, that airs on News 12+ at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, as well as 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

News 12+ is available on most Fios and Optimum systems in New Jersey, or you can stream it live here.

NJBIA has added two top business executives to its Board of Trustees who bring their extensive expertise in business, law, strategic planning, and stakeholder and government negotiations to the board, NJBIA President and CEO Michele N. Siekerka announced Friday.

Connell Foley Managing Partner Timothy J. Corriston, Esq., and AT&T Regional Vice President for External Affairs-NJ Jaclyn Kator, M.P.A. joined the NJBIA Board of Trustees on Feb. 6 and will serve three-year terms.NJBIA’s expanding board now features executives from a wide array of backgrounds with expertise in business, manufacturing, accounting, banking, energy, technology, telecom, healthcare, law, logistics, academia, and nonprofit work.

“We are fortunate and grateful to have Tim and Jaci bring their informed voices and deep understanding of pressing New Jersey business issues to NJBIA’s board,” Siekerka said. “Their valuable input and experience complement a highly engaged board, providing more support for our mission to advance the competitive excellence and success of New Jersey businesses.”

Corriston is an accomplished environmental attorney and highly regarded in the legal community. Named managing partner at Connell Foley in 2022, he leads the firm’s strategic growth efforts while continuing to represent clients in a broad array of complex matters.He has a strong record of accomplishment handling commercial, environmental, product liability and land use disputes in state and federal courts nationwide.

Additionally, Corriston advises businesses as an outside general counsel for contracts, leases, and other day-to-day legal issues affecting their bottom line. He earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and an LL.M. in Environmental Law from Pace University School of Law.

Kator began her career at AT&T in 1998 in Illinois and has served in a variety of roles at the global information technology giant. In her current position as regional vice president for External Affairs in New Jersey, she works with government entities, elected officials, and community stakeholders on AT&T’s policy, strategic and community outreach initiatives as the state and local level.

A former small business owner who is passionate about helping businesses thrive, Kator also serves on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the advisory board of Jobs for America’s Graduates New Jersey (JAG), a state-based national nonprofit dedicated to supporting young people of great promise (ages 12-24) since 1980.Kator earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated communications from Roosevelt University Chicago and a Master of Public Administration degree in local government from Northern Illinois University.

The complete list of members of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association Board of Trustees is below.

  • Clifford F. Lindholm, III, (Chair), President & CEO, Falstrom Company
  • Lori Roth, CPA/ABV, CFF, (Vice Chair), Co-Managing Partner, Prager Metis
  • Rashaad Bajwa, CEO, Integris
  • Denise Beckson, VP of Human Resources & Government Relations, Morey’s Piers
  • Marcy Bliss, CEO, Wedgewood Pharmacy
  • Domenick Cama, President, NYC Metro & New Jersey Markets of Citizens Bank
  • Tim Corriston, Managing Partner, Connell Foley
  • James W. Horne Jr., President & CEO, Junior Achievement of New Jersey
  • Anthony Iacono, Ph.D., President, County College of Morris
  • Jaclyn Kator, Regional Vice President, External Affairs, AT&T
  • Celestina S. Quintana, Owner/Operator McDonald’s restaurants
  • Michael Reagan, Senior Vice President of Consulting Services, CGI
  • Michael Renna, President & CEO, South Jersey Industries
  • Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, CEO & Co-Founder, ZAGO Manufacturing
  • Deanna Sperling, MAS, RN, NE-BC, President & CEO, Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center
  • Rick Thigpen, Senior Vice President-Corporate Citizenship, PSEG
  • Dave Vitali, Manager, Public Policy DE/NJ/PA, Amazon