Middlesex County hosts Seventh Annual Business Summit, gathering

major business leaders in New Brunswick

Honored guest speakers included Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour and Senior Business Analyst for NBC News, and Governor Philip D. Murphy

*For photos, click here*

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – On Tuesday, September 26, Middlesex County welcomed leaders in business and government to its Seventh Annual Business Summit. The event served as a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of best practices across businesses of all sizes. This year’s summit theme, The Future Belongs to Those Who Build It, celebrated Middlesex County’s rich legacy as a cutting-edge life sciences hub while providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the business community. For more information about the event, including key takeaways, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/businesssummit.

The Middlesex County Business Summit commenced with a morning session featuring Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour and Senior Business Analyst for NBC News. During her session, she delved into various critical aspects of the current business landscape. Ruhle explored the profound impact of public investments in infrastructure, education, and workforce development on the economy, emphasizing that investing in education is the key to a strong economic future. She also underscored the significance of not only providing resources but also offering competitive pay to attract and retain good educators.

Adding to the summit’s prestige, Governor Philip D. Murphy was also present as a featured speaker.

Tom Bergeron, founder, editor, and owner of ROI-NJ served as moderator for the Keynote Panel Discussion, which focused on the theme of the summit, The Future Belongs to Those Who Build it. Panelists included Dr. Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Vice Chancellor for Cancer Programs at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences; Michael Bzdak, Global Director of Employee Engagement at Johnson and Johnson; and Kara Moore, Sector Lead, Life Sciences at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

“From its humble beginnings, the Middlesex County Business Summit has grown to be one of the pre-eminent business events in New Jersey, as evidenced by the impressive lineup of speakers and esteemed guests we’ve welcomed each year,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Businesses of every size can find their path to success here. We’ve embraced a strategy called Thrive Here that identifies core areas of support services including economic development, workforce, education, arts and culture, and transportation. Existing businesses and new prospects should take advantage of these incredible resources to build or grow their footprint in our County.”

“From the small businesses lining its main streets to the companies and academic institutions anchoring its communities, Middlesex County continues to serve as a formidable economic engine,” said New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy. “Indeed, few counties better epitomize New Jersey’s nation-leading talent and location, a combination displayed most distinctly by Middlesex County’s life sciences and innovation ecosystems. Through forward-looking investments in public transportation, transit-oriented development, and the industries of tomorrow, we will continue to maximize the potential of these burgeoning sectors.”

Following the morning session, attendees enjoyed lunch and participated in three distinct breakout sessions, each addressing key facets of Middlesex County’s business landscape. These breakout sessions encompassed:

• Unlocking Capital for Community Growth: An exploration of state and county financing tools for development and redevelopment ventures.
• Blueprints for Business Success in Middlesex County: An interactive opportunity for attendees to connect with flourishing entrepreneurs in Middlesex County.
• Strategies for Inclusive Business Growth: An in-depth discussion on the strategies propelling MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) firms forward.

In addition to networking opportunities, this year’s event offered a Business Resource Area, with tables featuring relevant business agencies that allowed for one-on-one interaction with interested attendees. Participating agencies included the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement, New Jersey Department of Labor, and many more.

Since its inception in 2017, the Middlesex County Business Summit has supported the County’s forward-thinking economic development strategy — Destination 2040 — by providing leadership and resources to increase business retention, expansion, and economic opportunities for both County residents and businesses. Destination 2040 envisions transforming the County into a central hub that fosters innovation, partnerships, and collaboration. For more information on Middlesex County’s economic and business development and the three focus business sectors — Life Sciences, Food Innovation, and Autonomous Technology — visit discovermiddlesex.com/thrivehere.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.