The Loss of a Friend: We Remember Business Titan, Philanthropist and Gentleman Al Koeppe Page 15 www.njchamber.com NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
a quarterly focus on the people and the issues that drive New Jersey business 4Q 2016
THE 2017 WALK TO WASHINGTON AND CONGRESSIONAL DINNER
ALL ABOARD, FOR THE YEAR’S BEST NETWORKING As the 80th Annual ‘Walk’ Approaches, Veteran Riders Share their Memories of the Train Ride to D.C. Page 12
“What stays with you is the phenomenon of more than 1,000 people on that train networking and walking the car.”
Dennis Bone Director, Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship, Montclair State University, Former President, Verizon New Jersey
table of contents
Cover photos and photo at left by Russ DeSantis.
uCover 12 The Walk to Washington, ‘an Exercise in Extreme’ Networking, Turns 80 this February, and Participants Share their Memories
features 09 Leadership and The Godfather: A Lesson You Can’t Refuse
10 Dr. Bonnie Bassler, Whose Research is
Leading to New Antibiotics, says the Contributions of Women in Science have been ‘Undervalued’
12 Message from the President 04 An Ending, and a Beginning
22 State of Success: New Jersey Business Victories
17 News Makers
focus on Government Affairs 06 Victories for the N.J. Chamber, and
for the State Economy: $16B in Transportation Funding and a Phase Out of the Estate Tax
focus on health 20 Is High-Deductible Health Insurance
the Way to Go, and will it Matter under President-elect Trump?
10
focus on events 05 N.J. Chamber Members Network at Bayshore Community Hospital
07 Comic Relief: Hillary and Donald Impersonators Square off at N.J. Chamber Forum
08 DEP Commissioner Bob Martin to
Business Leaders: Our Program to Speed-up Permitting Can be Expanded to other State Agencies
16 N.J. Health Commissioner Cathleen
07
Bennett: ‘We are not as Healthy as We Should Be’
18 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Sends 34-Member Team to Haiti
The Loss of a Friend 15 Al Koeppe: Business Titan,
18
Philanthropist, Family Man, Gentleman
President’s Message
An Ending, and a Beginning BY THOMAS A. BRACKEN
For the past eight years, Enterprise magazine has been a valuable platform for communicating with you about initiatives at the Chamber and important trends in New Jersey’s business community. The fact that it has been a quarterly publication made it possible for us to provide you with more indepth coverage than you could get in a daily newspaper or a 24/7 news website. However, most of you have made it known that you prefer communications from the N.J. Chamber in electronic format. Therefore, this is the last printed issue of Enterprise. Beginning in 2017, Enterprise will be transformed from a printed, quarterly publication into a monthly electronic publication called NJ ChamberEdge. NJ ChamberEdge will appear in your email inbox at the end of each month and will feature one in-
depth story on a topic we think important to running your business. NJ ChamberEdge will also feature links to other important stories and initiatives we believe you should know about. As always, we invite and welcome your comments and feedback as we roll out NJ ChamberEdge. ◆ Thomas A. Bracken President and CEO New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Positive coverage helps drive business. Put your coverage to work with a reprint from ENTERPRISE. To order your latest reprint visit www.bit.ly/EnterpriseReprint
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rePRINTS
CHAMBER STAFF
Thomas A. Bracken President and CEO
Donna Custard President, New Jersey Chamber Foundation
Michael Egenton Executive Vice President Government Relations
Lawrence Krompier Vice President, Member Services
Ray Zardetto Senior Vice President Communications
Scott Goldstein Communications Manager and Enterprise Editor
Ric Principato Creative Director/ Web Tech Manager
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Staff
216 West State Street Trenton, N.J. 08608 Phone: (609) 989-7888 www.njchamber.com
N.J. Chamber Events
N.J. Chamber Members Network at Bayshore Community Hospital New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members exchanged business cards and discussed the latest Chamber programs, events and ways to grow their businesses at a networking event Oct. 26 at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel. Chamber members were joined by the Chamber’s executive team, including Chamber President and CEO Tom Bracken; Executive Vice President of Government Relations Michael Egenton; Vice President of Member Services Larry Krompier; Vice President of Communications Ray Zardetto; and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Jennifer Stegers. ◆
NJCC Board of Directors Officers Chair
Amy B. Mansue President & CEO Children's Specialized Hospital First Vice Chair
Robert Doherty New Jersey State President Bank of America Second Vice Chair
Linda Bowden Regional President New Jersey PNC Bank Treasurer
Walter J. Brasch Partner & Chief Business Development Officer PFK O’Connor Davies LLP
William Ruckert, senior vice president at Provident Bank.
Secretary
Robert Podvey Director Podvey Meanor Immediate Past Chair
Ralph Izzo Chairman and CEO Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc PUBLISHED BY
280 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 Phone: 617-428-5100 Fax: 617-428-5118 www.thewarrengroup.com ©2016 The Warren Group Inc. All rights reserved. The Warren Group is a trademark of The Warren Group Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Advertising, editorial and production inquiries should be directed to: The Warren Group, 280 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. Call 800-356-8805.
Stephanie Branna, vice president - commercial accounts at the Branna Agency, and Michael Egenton, executive vice president of government relations, at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 5
Government Affairs
Victories for the N.J. Chamber, and for the State Economy: $16B in Transportation Funding and a Phase Out of the Estate Tax
N.J. Chamber President Tom Bracken led a press conference on Nov. 3 to discuss the importance of voter passage of Ballot Question #2. The question, which was passed on Election Day, dedicates all gas tax revenue to transportation improvements.
N.J. Chamber executive vice president Michael Egenton speaks at a roundtable forum Oct. 19 at the State House on the reauthorization of the state’s Transportation Trust Fund.
Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature adopted positive and transformational legislation that invests $16 billion in road and mass transit upgrades over the next eight years; and reforms the state’s tax codes, including something that the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has long fought for - the phasing out of New Jersey’s estate tax.
More good transportation news came on Election Day with the passage of Ballot Question 2, which makes it a mandate, under the state Constitution, to use all revenue from the recently enacted gas tax for transportation projects. This ends a State House practice the N.J. Chamber has long fought: the shifting of gas tax money away from transportation infrastructure to pay for other initiatives.
“For too long, New Jersey has been one of only two states in the nation with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.“That double taxation is a reason why many executives leave New Jersey before they retire; and why they think twice before moving or expanding their companies here. The result has been a loss of income tax revenue and a loss of jobs for the people of New Jersey.” “This tax reform sends a clear signal that New Jersey is open for business,” Bracken added. Transportation Funding The transportation funding also benefits business and commuters since it will allow the state to upgrade roads, bridges and tunnels, as well as modernize its airports and expand the capacity of its ports. “By investing in our transportation infrastructure, our members know that they can get their employees to work on time and goods and services where they need to be on time,” said Michael Egenton, executive vice president of the N.J. Chamber. 6 |
Sales and Income Tax Cuts Other important tax reform in this legislation includes a reduction in the state sales tax, and much needed income tax cuts for seniors, veterans and low income workers. “All of this legislation goes a long way toward restoring the state’s long-term economic health,” Egenton said, “and making New Jersey a more affordable place to work, to live and to retire.” Thank You The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce thanks Gov. Christie for signing the landmark legislation, and both Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto for their bipartisan leadership in making the legislation possible. We also acknowledge and thank Sens. Paul Sarlo and Steve Oroho for their effective work in originating the legislation, and Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick for helping guide the bills to final passage. Finally, we thank the members of the Senate and Assembly from both parties who voted for this legislation and did what is right for New Jersey. ◆
Events
Top Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump impersonators squared off at the Pines Manor in Edison on Sept. 20, hosted by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
Comic Relief
HILLARY AND DONALD IMPERSONATORS SQUARED OFF AT NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S FORUM IN EDISON As the campaign season was winding down, one thing was clear. We all needed some comic relief. And that’s what we got when top Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump impersonators squared off at the Pines Manor in Edison on Sept. 20, hosted by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Comedic actors Rosemary Watson and John Di Domenico provided the laughs amidst a tense campaign season. During a cocktail networking session before the debate, Watson also played Melania Trump. Below is a sampling of their lines:
Donald and Melania Trump impersonators mixed it up with N.J. Chamber of Commerce members.
Steve Fleischer of Delta Dental of New Jersey enjoys the debate.
Hillary Clinton (as played by Rosemary Watson): • “The Dems have Bruce and DeNiro.You guys got Ted Nugent and Chachi.” • “I know about women’s issues. I have been playing one for 60 years.” • “Donald is big on family values. He has had three of them.” • “I just need to run the clock out until he explodes like a Samsung 7.” Donald Trump (as played by John Di Domenico): • “We need to protect ourselves from the state of Pennsylvania. We need to build a wall. I will build a phenomenal wall between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. And Pennsylvania will pay for it. I have been to the Delaware Water Gap, they stream across thousands at a time. It is like Swiss cheese at the Delaware Water Gap.” • “I want to build up the military. I’m more militaristic than anyone in this room, and I never even served in the military. That’s how incredible I am.” • “The reason the system is rigged is very obvious: The Electoral College is out of date. No one goes there anymore. The buildings are falling apart. It’s a horrible, horrible college. I will replace the rigged Electoral College system with Trump University. And the first two classes are free.” • “I will not be living in the White House. I refuse to live in government housing. We are going to bulldoze that building. We are going to put up a phenomenal Trump Tower Hotel.” ◆
Dennis Wilson, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey, introduced a candidate.
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken moderated the debate.
Comedic actors John Di Domenico, impersonating Trump, and Rosemary Watson, impersonating Melana Trump, brought laughs to the pre-debate networking session.
ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 7
Events
DEP Commissioner Bob Martin to Business Leaders: Our Program to Speed-up Permitting Can be Expanded to other State Agencies A program instituted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, in which consultants from the private sector are hired to help speed-up the permit process for companies seeking to clean contaminated properties, can be replicated by other agencies, said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “We are talking about using outside experts to (help applicants) move through the process and get certifications,” said Martin, during an address to business leaders Sept. 21 at a breakfast in East Windsor hosted jointly by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. This program “should be considered for expansion to other agencies,” he added. “If an agency is committed to it, it can get done.” The Licensed Site Remediation Program has helped the DEP issue permits more rapidly to companies looking to clean contaminated properties and convert them into productive use, Martin said. The state has roughly 14,000 contaminated sites today, down from 20,000 in 2010 when Gov. Chris Christie and Martin first took office, Martin said. Another reason for the more efficient permitting process is the DEP’s Waiver Rule, a rule promoted by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and adopted under Martin’s tenure, Martin said. Under the waiver rule, the DEP can exempt permit applicants from the state’s many regulations in the fol-
State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin talks to business leaders during a breakfast on Sept. 21 hosted jointly by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.
lowing cases: public emergency; a regulation creates undue hardship or conflicts with other state or federal rules; or if the project generates a net environmental benefit. “There is red tape out there that doesn’t make sense anymore,” Martin said.“The approval process is too long and we will keep attacking it. We can issue permits online and issue more general permits without (undermining) the environmental standards. Making it easier to get a permit doesn’t mean we are giving away permits.” A special thank you to Langan Engineering and Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP for sponsoring the breakfast event. ◆
TRASHING ONE EGG WASTES 55 GALLONS OF WATER
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feature
Leadership and The Godfather: A Lesson You Can’t Refuse BY STEVE ADUBATO, PHD
Like so many fans of The Godfather movies (Parts I and II, but definitely not III), I find myself frequently quoting Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic masterpieces. In fact, many of the challenges I have faced as a leader can be put in context by a scene or quotation from The Godfather movies. I explore these lessons in my new book, Lessons in Leadership. Here are a few: • “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” Many leaders, whether the head of a large corporation, a baseball coach or a hospital CEO, gravitate almost exclusively to people they get along with and like. It’s human nature. Yet, in The Godfather II, Don Vito offers valuable leadership insight by reminding us to never assume that our “friends” or those we simply like will stay loyal or supportive. Further, there are times when it is essential for leaders to stay connected to their so-called enemies. By engaging them and interacting with them, we have the potential to neutralize their animosity toward us by finding common ground and areas of agreement or mutual interest. In addition, in a constantly changing world where mergers and acquisitions are the norm and not the exception, your so-called enemy today may very easily wind up being someone who (because of market forces) you are forced to be friends or colleagues with tomorrow. • “Never tell anyone outside the family what you’re thinking.” This is what Don Vito told his outspoken and often volatile son, Sonny Corleone, who had a habit of saying whatever came to mind in meetings with other organized crime families and associates. It’s an important lesson about leaders having discretion, being disciplined and holding their tongue at critical moments in meetings. I’m not advocating that leaders never put their cards on the table or speak candidly with others. The key here is that leaders can be candid, direct and honest while remaining disciplined, diplomatic and selective in how they share information. • “You’re not a wartime consigliere.” This quote is about Tom Hagen, Sonny Corleone’s stepbrother, at a critical
moment in The Godfather as it becomes clear the Corleone family is about to engage in a violent war with other organized crime factions. Under these conditions, Sonny (the de facto leader of the Corleone family at this point) concludes that the situation requires a different type of advisor: a “wartime consigliere.” While Tom was a loyal soldier and a smart advisor, he lacked both the skill and the temperament to effectively perform in this role. Sometimes, difficult decisions must be made regarding whom to put in certain positions and whom to remove in order for the organization to succeed. The well-rounded leader understands that loyalty and dedication – while extremely important – are not the totality of what is required in certain positions at certain times. Rather, skills involving strategic thinking, temperament, personality and a range of other factors that must be considered. So, while The Godfather is largely about criminal activities that are clearly deplorable, it also shares relevant lessons in leadership about family, loyalty, business, competition and how human beings interact and deal with each other in difficult, challenging and complex situations. ◆ Steve Adubato PhD is an author of Lessons in Leadership, is an Emmy award-winning anchor for PBS affiliates Thirteen/WNET and NJTV. He also provides executive leadership coaching and seminars for professionals. Read more “Lessons in Leadership” at www.Stand-Deliver.com. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveAdubato and Facebook @SteveAdubatoPhD. ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 9
feature
Dr. Bonnie Bassler, Whose Research is Leading to New Antibiotics, says the Contributions of Women in Science have been ‘Undervalued’
Dr. Bonnie Bassler (front left) and her team were honored at the Alice H. Parker Women Leaders in Innovation Award Reception and Ceremony.
Bonnie Bassler, whose work at Princeton University is changing the face of medicine and laying the groundwork for new antibiotics, didn’t mince words about the state of women in science when she accepted the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Alice H. Parker Women Leaders in Innovation Award. Bassler noted that the work of women scientists has traditionally been “undervalued.” “If you had a genderless Leaders in Innovation prize, I would not be standing here tonight,” said Bassler, during a ceremony on Sept. 22 at the National Conference Center in East Windsor. “What that means is my lab would not be recognized for its game-changing contributions to biomedicine.” She added, “I thank you for singling us out. Prizes like these help all of the world’s great women scientists. It is an honor to represent them, and it is also an honor to represent my lab group.” Bassler, Squibb Professor of Molecular Biology and Chair of Princeton University’s Department of Molecular Biology, and her team discovered that bacteria “talk” to one another through a chemical process called “quorum sensing.” Bacteria use quorum sensing to coordinate their invasions of plants, animals and people. Bassler’s research into how quorum sensing works and how to interfere with it is laying the groundwork for new generations of antibiotics. Bassler, a Chicago native who earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University, has spent her entire career in Princeton. She thanked her department at Princeton University for hiring her 22 years ago at a time when “my science ideas” were not embraced and at a time when “science departments rarely hired women.” 10 |
Amanda Smith, senior project control engineer at PSEG, and Lauren Lalicon director of government relations at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
Chari Smith of Princeton University’s Department of Chemistry with Michael Mantell, Wade Martin and Arthur Martin of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
But, she added, “This New Jersey school bucked both trends when they took me on. I made my home here. I built my lab here. And ultimately people from all over the world moved to New Jersey to work with me. And I met and married my husband here. New Jersey has been good to me.” Bassler, who also is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, was accompanied by members of her team at the awards reception, and they spoke candidly about how she served as a strong leader and mentor with a unique ability to boil down complex topics into plain conversation. Bassler, in turn, thanked her team. “They came (to work with me) because our science is crucially important and working on this project allows them the chance to change the world,” she said. “They truly are fearless and they truly are innovators.”
“If you had a genderless Leaders in Innovation prize, I would not be standing here tonight,” said Dr. Bonnie Bassler.
Linda Bowden, New Jersey regional president at PNC Bank; Dr. Bonnie Bassler, chair of Princeton University’s Department of Molecular Biology; and Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
Blenda Riddick, director of corporate & government affairs at United Airlines.
Jack Miller, president and CEO of Solix.
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ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 11
Walk to Washington #chambertrain
TURNS 80 THIS FEBRUARY, THE WALK TO WASHINGTON
LONGTIME PARTICIPANTS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES By Diana Lasseter Drake
Gov. Brendan Byrne has attended the Walk to Washington 50 times. During the Walk of 1959, “Gov. Meynor told me he was going to make me the prosecutor of Essex County,” he said.
Simply put, New Jersey’s best business networking event of the year is the annual Walk to Washington and Congressional Dinner. What makes it great for participants is the powerful memories the trip leaves – and of course the contacts they gain. So as the 80th annual walk approaches, on Feb. 16 and 17, we asked some veterans of the event to share their Walk to Washington memories. Bill Dressel, the retired executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, recalled getting to meet President Clinton during the 1993 Congressional Dinner. “It was the first time I met a U.S. President,” he said. Ralph Izzo, the chairman, president and CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group, recalled the President George W. Bush impersonator who at least one member of Congress in the dinner audience thought was the real President. And Gov. Brendan Byrne said it was during the train trip of 1959 that he got a piece of exciting news. “Gov. Meyner told me he was going to make me the prosecutor of Essex County,” Byrne said. For the uninitiated, the Walk to Washington is not a walk exactly. But it is a moving networking event. Hundreds of 12 |
the Garden State’s movers and shakers board a chartered Amtrak train at four different stops in New Jersey, and cruise down to the nation’s capital, walking the train aisle and shaking hands along the way. Once in D.C., guests attend receptions that culminates in the Congressional Dinner at the historic Marriott Wardman Park hotel. The second day includes a breakfast networking event followed by a mellow charter train ride back home. From door to door, the conversations and the business card exchanges flow. The Star-Ledger has called it “A time-honored exercise in extreme networking.” The Philadelphia Inquirer said it is “Like a power lunch writ large.” And the website PolitickerNJ said the train ride gives state leaders “across the ideological spectrum a once-a-year opportunity to network, all in the privacy of a steel tube hurtling down the tracks at 80 miles per hour.” In other words,“If you want to meet people and you want to know what's going on in New Jersey, you go on the Chamber's Walk to Washington,” Gov. Byrne said. “There's a built in camaraderie."
HERE ARE SOME MORE MEMORIES FROM LONG-TIME RIDERS: the opportunity to spend quality time with then-Gov. [Jon] Corzine talking about the profession. In Washington, we hosted a special late-night event with a lounge-type atmosphere that kicked off around 10 p.m. It was a different feel. We got a lot of kudos from folks to have that kind of format with couches, lounge chairs, nightcaps and conversations.”
uDennis Bone Director, Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship, Montclair State University Former President, Verizon New Jersey 18-time attendee
Photos by Russ DeSantis
“What stays with you is the phenomenon of more than 1,000 people on that train networking and walking the car. You literally have hundreds of conversations. Some are friendly and hold the promise of new connections and community. Every year it’s a marvel. I have a theory that our effectiveness is enhanced by the community we have around us. Not one day of the year is more impactful than the Walk to Washington in respect to building and enhancing your network.”
uDiahann Lassus President, Lassus Wherley & Associates Five-time attendee “In the early years when I did the Walk to Washington, I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Sen. Frank Lautenberg [who passed away in 2013]. He was always one of my favorites because he supported women in business and women’s rights. He was a true believer in equality. It’s an incredible opportunity for connections. You have so many intelligent, driven people all in one place. That doesn’t happen very often.”
uRalph Albert Thomas CEO, New Jersey Society of CPAs 16-time attendee “The N.J. Society of CPAs was the sponsor of the train ride in 2008, and had close to 100 CPAs on the train. Some of our younger emerging leaders did a survey on the train about whether or not people were prepared for retirement. A couple of 20-somethings had
uWilliam Dressel Retired Executive Director, New Jersey League of Municipalities 42-time attendee “I was young in my career and I was at one of the evening receptions prior to the dinner. I was standing in line for a drink and this gentleman was standing behind me. We struck up a conversation. We were speaking about a Giants football game and had an engaging conversation about the Legislature. It turned out to be Gov. [Richard] Hughes [the 45th governor of New Jersey from 1962 to 1970]! I admired his writings and his philosophies of government. Years later, when he became attorney general, he was speaking at the League conference and remembered me. I was aghast! I also remember when Bill Clinton spoke during the Walk to Washington in 1993 after he was elected to his first term. It was the first time I ever met a U.S. president. You get to meet so many people in a more relaxed atmosphere. I never begin the train with an agenda as to what I want to accomplish. I have an open mind and let the train come to me.”
uLinda Bowden New Jersey Regional President, PNC Bank Six-time attendee continued on page 14 ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 13
Walk to Washington #chambertrain “During my very first Walk to Washington, I tried to go from one end of the train to the other. In my walk, I stopped to talk to this woman I had never met before, and we had things in common. We exchanged cards, got together for lunch, and she became a PNC client and a good friend. That woman has introduced me to several other people who have become clients. Anyone who goes on that train is receptive to this type of opportunity. These are people who want to make connections and further their business agenda. And we are there to support the state of New Jersey.”
uAmy Mansue President Southern Region, RWJBarnabas Health 12-time attendee
uRalph Izzo Chairman, President and CEO, Public Service Enterprise Group 20-time attendee
“It’s a great opportunity to see people outside the general run of Trenton and the committee structure and to get to know them on a different level. I look forward to spending time with Gov. Brendan Byrne. He and his wife Ruthie sit right in the front. It’s always a wonderful time to catch up with him. He is so sage and funny, and even in the most difficult times he helps you to see the other side of the coin.”
“Once in Washington we had a President Bush impersonator. I remember that one of the members of Congress did not realize until after the presentation that it was not actually President Bush. The event is valuable for us because we get the unfiltered perspectives of our customers and our prominent policy makers, be they NGOs, government reps or other influencers, all in one place. It is so important sometimes to speak to the people who are being quoted in New Jersey’s media outlets. My only hope is that the people at the end of the train are not the same year after year, because I never make it that far.”
uMichael Egenton Executive Vice President, Government Relations, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce 22-time attendee
uGov. Brendan Byrne New Jersey Governor from 1974 to 1982 50-time attendee “During one of my first trips when I was a nobody, I was seated next to U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. That was a great privilege. During the train trip of 1959, Gov. Meyner told me he was going to make me the prosecutor of Essex County.” 14 |
“I always tell politicians at any level of government: If you’re looking to run for office, you need to do ‘The Walk.’ If you’re going to make an impression and kick off with the business community and the media, you’re going to need to work that train; give out a tchotchke, button, or something with your name on it. This Walk to Washington coming up will be a real banner year and is already generating buzz. We have a new president and candidates who are seeking to run for the New Jersey governorship in 2017. I’ve always enjoyed that the trip has a nice mix of big and small business, politicians and local government. One year, Gov. [Chris] Christie said, ‘The year doesn’t begin until the Walk to Washington.’” ◆ To register for the Walk to Washington and for more information, go to www.njchamber.com
The Loss of a Friend
Al Koeppe: Business Titan, Philanthropist, Family Man, Gentleman Al Koeppe, a well-respected business titan and philanthropist who steered two iconic New Jersey corporations and served governors on both sides of the aisle, passed away on Dec. 6 at the age of 70. Koeppe was a major talent, having served as COO of PSE&G; CEO of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey and chairman from 1999 to 2001 of the N.J. Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, the N.J. Chamber of Commerce bestowed upon him its inaugural Business Leadership Award, one of the many business and service awards he received. “The passing of Al Koeppe is a deep loss to the state, the Chamber, and me personally,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of othe New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “Simply said, Al was one of the finest people I had ever met in my career. He always put the interest of others ahead of himself and worked diligently to make our state a better place.” Bracken added, “The importance of his contributions to the New Jersey community are immeasurable and the example he set as a leader is the standard we should all aspire to achieve.” A graduate of Rutgers-Newark, and a native of Jersey City, Koeppe began his career working in the field as a lineman at New Jersey Bell. Following his marriage to Ann Poletti, he went on to receive his law degree from Seton Hall Law School and later became a trial attorney for the New Jersey Department of the Public Defender. Later, in a landmark case that affected the future of telecommunications nationwide, he represented AT&T in the Department of Justice antitrust case. Koeppe ended his telecommunications career at New Jersey Bell in 1996, having been elected president and CEO in 1993. He joined Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) in October 1995 as senior vice president - external affairs, playing a key role in the deregulation of the electric industry in New Jersey, and was named president and COO in March 2000. Upon his retirement from PSE&G, he led the Newark Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving the city’s educational and economic opportunities. Over the years, he served as chairman of the state’s effort to reform the New Jersey Court System, chaired the Commission on Higher Education, Schools Construction Corporation, and the Domestic Security Infrastructure Taskforce, as well as serving as a trustee for the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice and St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark. At the time of his passing, Koeppe served on the board
of New Jersey Resources and Horizon Blue Cross, and chaired the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. When Koeppe received the N.J. Chamber’s leadership award, he gave a special thanks to three people: His father, mother and wife. Here are excerpts from that speech: My dad was a longshoreman on the Hoboken docks and taught me that it is both important to show respect for others and to demand respect from others when necessary. My mom, with a quick Irish wit and with a passion for social justice, was a longstanding and very active member of the famous and powerful Downtown Democratic Club of Jersey City. My lively Irish mom and stoic German dad were quite a duo together. And then, last but not least of these three, there is my wife Annie, an emergency room nurse and supervisor for over 25 years. Annie customarily worked the 3 to 11 shift. That’s the one with the drug overdoses and car accidents. As you might expect, when you live with someone whose decisions are the difference between life and death, the challenges of the corporate or legal world are much less intimidating. As a leader, I believe that men and women should be more than what they do for a living, and that corporations should be more than the goods and services they offer. I know that many of you see your obligations exactly as I do and that is why so many of you invest your personal intellectual and human capital in making New Jersey a better place. Thank you for that. I haven’t ever considered my way of doing things as anything special, and frankly I haven’t paid much attention to it. But you have, and I appreciate that very much. Thank you. ◆ ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 15
focus on events
N.J. Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett: ‘We are not as Healthy as We Should Be’ BY RAY ZARDETTO
Department of Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett addresses attendees at a NJ Chamber Roundtable Breakfast. Photo Credit Ric Principato
“We are not as healthy a population as we should be,” state Department of Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett told business leaders at a New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Roundtable Breakfast Oct. 28 in East Windsor. Chronic illness and sick days costs employers billions of dollars each year, Bennett said. Citing statistics from 2009, she said cardiovascular disease costs employers $475 billion and diabetes costs $275 billion in lost productivity, sick days and insurance.
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“Those numbers are a lot higher in 2016 dollars,” she said. Complicating matters, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study predicts that in 13 years, obesity among New Jersey residents will double from 24 percent of the population to 48 percent, bringing with it all of the challenges linked to obesity; and putting a bigger strain on New Jersey’s healthcare system. The answer, Bennett said, is an integrated approach to healthcare, and the Department of Health is playing a central role in implementing it. “The healthcare system used to center around hospitals and the care of the sick,” she said. Programs from the Department of Health are taking a more proactive approach that goes beyond administering medicines and managing chronic care, and includes promoting wellness screenings as well as healthy nutritional and lifestyle habits. The Worksite Wellness Toolkit can help employees lead healthier lifestyles and help employers create a “culture of wellness” at their workplaces Bennett said. “Chronic diseases are the most common causes of sickness and death and much of it is preventable,” Bennett said. One of the most common problems in healthcare each year is flu season, Bennett noted. More than 10,000 people were admitted to New Jersey hospitals last year because of the flu. “Again, very preventable,” Bennett said, urging employers to encourage their employees get this season’s flu shot. A special thank you to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey for sponsoring the breakfast event. ◆
news makers
Unleashing creativity and removing the fear of failure are among the leadership traits that Gary S. Horan, president and CEO of TRINITAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, uses to lead his 2,700-member staff. These attributes were recognized by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, which presented him with a Best Practice Award. Newark-based law firm MCCARTER & ENGLISH named Joseph Boccassini its new managing partner. Gary S. Horan
Joseph F. Scutellaro
Gary Walker
Steve Mignogna
Wednesday nights in New Jersey have been about wine as the GARDEN STATE WINE GROWERS ASSOCIATION, a coalition of nearly 50 wineries and vineyards across the state, launched the NJ Winedown Radio Show on Greater Media’s 1450 Talk Radio WCTC AM. Peter S. Reinhart, director of the KISLAK REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE at Monmouth University, has joined the law firm Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis to serve of counsel to the firm’s Real Estate and Redevelopment & Land Use Departments. Joseph F. Scutellaro, a partner at COHNREZNICK, was named vice chair of the American Society of CPAs’ Tax Practice Responsibilities Committee. Tracy Fink, the director of the Executive Women’s Forum at CohnReznick, was named a 2016 Leading Woman Entrepreneur and Erin ConnollyKriarakis, senior marketing manager for the New Jersey region of CohnReznick, was named a Leading Woman Brand Builder by Leading Women Entrepreneurs.
Dr. Mark Preston & DaVinci Robot
Dr. Mark Preston, one of the first doctors in the U.S. to become board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, joined the Robotic Surgery Team at TRINITAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. THE NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE announced the following promotions on its team: Ray Zardetto to senior vice presidentcommunications; Larry Krompier to senior vice president – member services; Becky Turetzkinto vice president – finance; and Neil Wildonger to vice president – operations and Cornerstone NJ.
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE BANK announced Timothy E. Doyle was promoted to senior vice president, chief risk officer, and Gary Walker was promoted to senior managing director, wealth private banker for the bank’s wealth management division. J.G. PETRUCCI COMPANY INC. and IRON HILL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CO. hosted the 13th Annual Iron Hill Charity Golf Open at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, which raised $100,000 for Lehigh Valley Military Affairs and Community Hope for Veterans. Ground was broken on the RWJBARNABAS HEALTH ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CENTER at Rutgers University. Through this partnership, RWJBarnabas Health will become the exclusive health care provider for Rutgers Athletics, while creating a best-in-class sports medicine program that can be expanded across the state. ARCHER & GREINER lawyers Drew Burach, Suzanne Collins, Tiffany Donio, Daniel Farino, Lloyd Freeman, Doug Leney and Niall O’Brien have been promoted to Partner. Steven K. Mignogna, a shareholder in Archer & Greiner’s Haddonfield office, has been reappointed as chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee in the Litigation, Ethics and Malpractice Group of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section. Law firm ECKERT SEAMANS welcomes associate Victoria D. Britton to the firm’s Princeton office to practice in the areas of land use and real estate law.
BERKELEY COLLEGE delivered 85 colorful kickballs, basketballs, volleyballs and footballs to Children’s Aid and Family Services in Paramus in celebration of the College’s 85th anniversary. Berkeley College is a longtime supporter of Children’s Aid and Family Services, providing mentorship as well as volunteer hours on its annual Community Service Day. In photo are Earl Brown, Berkeley College business developer, Career Services; Melinda Iannarone, volunteer and resource specialist, Children’s Aid and Family Services; and Brian Maher, Berkeley College vice president, Career Services.◆
ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 17
focus on events
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Sends 34-Member Team to Haiti, and Shows the World America’s Human Side
Marines and soldiers in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Oct. 5, 2016, to support the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort arising from Hurricane Matthew. Photo Credit Sgt. Adwin Esters
The U.S. Military conducts all kinds of missions, including humanitarian missions overseas designed to aid people
worldwide, and “make sure that the U.S. is portrayed as we are: trying to do good and showing the compassion that we have.”
A 34-member team from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, participated in such a mission on Oct. 7 when it was quickly deployed to Haiti in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The team was part of the Air Force’s 621st Contingency Response Wing, which sent a team to Haiti to provide humanitarian relief to the storm-battered nation that had more than 300,000 residents in shelters. The unit, which specializes in opening airfields and establishing operating air mobility operations, surveyed initial needs and established mobility capabilities at the Port Au Prince International Airport. Nepal Earthquake The Haiti effort came a little more than a year after a humanitarian mission that followed the April 2015 Nepal earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people and injured nearly 22,000. In that operation, a C-17 cargo plane from Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst carried 70,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to Nepal. Members of the 6th Airlift Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing, flew the aircraft to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where it was loaded with relief supplies and equipment along with 69 members of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, base officials said. “It is exciting time for everyone involved in this mission,” U.S. Air Force Colonel Erik Simonsen said during the mission. “We know that this is a significant event in the world, and we want to make sure that the U.S. is portrayed as we are: trying to do good and showing the compassion that we have.” ◆
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focus on health
Is High-Deductible Health Insurance the Way to Go, and will it Matter under President-elect Trump? BY DIANA LASSETER DRAKE
With President-elect Donald Trump coming into office, many are considering the fate of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. Trump has said that repealing the law could be a top priority. Whatever the case, a great deal of political wrangling is likely and changes are not expected to happen quickly. Both employers and employees will no doubt be left to navigate the current health care landscape, which has increasingly involved rising costs and highdeductible health plans requiring significant out-of-pocket costs for participants. 20 |
“In the early 1990s, cost sharing was modest, but as the cost of health care started to rise dramatically, consumers have [been required] to have some greater skin in the game and exposure to higher cost sharing,” said Ward Sanders, president of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans in Trenton. “Employers see benefits because as their employees share more costs, premiums go down.” Before those with high-deductible health insurance can access employer insurance, they have to pay an average of nearly $2,300 a year and for families more than $4,000. Em-
ployees asked to meet high deductibles before their insurance coverage kicks in are sometimes putting off health-care-related decisions to save money. Still others have become more proactive about checking prices for treatments and procedures. Sanders suggests that cost-sharing can benefit both employers and employees. “You eat differently at a smorgasbord Amy Mansue than a la carte,” he says. “If consumers have cost-sharing responsibilities, they become more discerning about their health care decisions. This is an advantage, because ultimately if you consume poorly and end up receiving care in the wrong place or more expensively, it drives up the overall cost for both the employer and employee. Having some measure of accountability and awareness of cost and quality are important to help drive costs down.” In addition, some tools are in place to help meet high deductibles. Employees should be aware, say the experts, that if they have a high-deductible health plan (any plan with a deductible of at least $1,300 for an individual and $2,600 for a family), then they are eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA) through their employer. Employees can put money in an HSA before having taxes taken out where the money can grow tax-free and can be taken out taxfree. Employees can use that HSA money to pay deductibles and medical expenses. Employers may contribute to an HSA or a related Health Reimbursement Account (and many do), but the money belongs to the employee, even if he or she changes jobs. When it comes to rising health care costs, some insurance providers have introduced radical solutions into the New Jersey marketplace. In the fourth quarter of 2015, for example, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey decided to take what Michael Considine calls a “more transformative approach” to health care with its tiered plan known as OMNIA. “Horizon believes you can have both – lower premiums without having to satisfy high deductibles and cost sharing,” explained Considine, Horizon’s vice president for consumer, small group and mid-size businesses.“With the OMNIA approach, the premium is 15 percent below more traditional plan offerings, and as long as you go to a tier-one hospital and physician, you are paying typically no deductible and relatively low co-payments.” OMNIA, which has seen its share of controversy, is but one health plan option for employers to consider. “Highdeductible plans are not going away,” says Considine.
"WE HAVE SAID IN THE U.S. THAT WE WILL LET PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO EVERYTHING, BUT THERE IS A COST TO THAT. IT’S NOT WHETHER IT IS GOOD OR BAD, IT IS WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING AS A NATION TO HELP US CONTROL OUR COSTS."
“We’re not saying it’s OMNIA or the highway. We believe this is the long-term solution, but we also believe there needs to be choice in the marketplace for employers to make the best decisions for their employees.” In this age of rising costs, education and awareness are paramount to the success of any health care benefits solution. “We need to make people better consumers of health care,” said Sanders. “We need to inform them with more tools about shopping for coverage, quality and ranking systems grading hospitals. The infrastructure is being built, including apps, to help consumers make better decisions about accessing care.” Amy Mansue, president southern region at RWJBarnabas Health, says that employers, employees, policy makers and other influencers need to talk less about individual options and more about the overarching issue: the exorbitant cost of health care in America. “At the end of the day, everyone is asking how we can do this better and smarter,” she said. “It is something we are still struggling with as a nation. Other countries put dollars up front and moms get to stay at home, but at the end of life they don’t get the transplant or whatever procedure. We have said in the U.S. that we will let people have access to everything, but there is a cost to that. It’s not whether it is good or bad, it is what should we be doing as a nation to help us control our costs.” ◆ ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 21
focus on feature
New Jersey: State of Success This past summer, we asked business leaders all over New Jersey to write us and tell us their business success stories. We commend their hard work, and are happy to recognize them. Here is a sampling of the responses.
THE NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INCUBATOR A PLACE FOR SMALL COMPANIES TO BLOSSOM There is a place for small companies to bud. A place where the rent is low and the support is strong. It is the New Jersey City University Business Development Incubator (BDI), which provides private office space, shared resources and access to business advisors for technical, financial, legal, marketing and management matters. The BDI even provides the companies with interns from New Jersey City University. The business incubator’s goal is to help start-up businesses grow into healthy, viable companies that create jobs and bolster the economy in Jersey City, Hudson County and the state. The results? Since the incubator opened in 2005, it has graduated 53 companies and currently serves as a home to 20 companies with 250 local jobs. The current tenants include:
ABSOLUTEVENTS BY CORRINE LLC, a meeting and event planning company serving corporations, associations, nonprofit organizations, consumers and more. Proprietor Corrine Statia relocated to the U.S. from England, and became an executive with two companies where she helped organize corporate events for KPMG, Novartis, Victoria’s Secret Beauty, Time Warner Cable, and others.TURNING LEAF COMMUNICATIONS(, a minority-owned firm that helps companies integrate voice, data, cable, audio-visual and security systems. Proprietor Jim Mitchell nabbed Johnson & Johnson as the first customer and his client list grew from there. AMJ MUSIC, established by Adam Lomeo in 2011, provides top-notch entertainment for events. He works closely with clients to ensure a memorable musical experience. Seasoned and emerging artists are enlisted for projects, keeping with Adam’s philosophy of fostering artists for the present and the future. MANHATTAN HOME NETWORKS began in 2001 under Charles Stanton with a base of individual clients that needed networking for their home audio-visual systems, and evolved into a flourishing integrator, designer and installer of computer networks and high-end audio-video systems in New Jersey and New York.
KVIBE PRODUCTIONS, a filmmaking firm established by Khoa Lee, who has worked with the New York Yankees on a reality TV pilot and directed a full-length biopic of Walt Disney titled “Walt Before Mickey.” KVIVE’s sister company, Live Picture Studios, produces more than 300 weddings per year. They won “Best of Weddings 2013-2016” from The Knot. 22 |
NOVOFEX, a tech company run by Freddy Carrera and Allister Liberato, initially operated out of Freddy’s basement apartment where they launced a six-month, cold-call campaign and landed their first client. Their client list grew through referrals, and today Novofex is a successful and growing company offering open source technology solutions for small to mid-size businesses.
EASTERSEALS NEW JERSEY
ZAASS CONSULTING LLC, A TECH EMPLOYEE PLACEMENT FIRM owned by Abida Shaeen and her husband placed its first IT consultant at a client company last summer. Since then, the firm has placed five more IT consultants in long-term projects at various client companies. Abida’s goal is to be the company that large corporations and organizations go to directly for IT consultant talent.
HELPING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE REACH THEIR GOALS Easterseals has been helping people with disabilities and their families for more than 65 years, and last year it broke an organization record by helping nearly 9,000 youth and adults throughout the state. The group provided employment coaching, respite, housing, health and wellness skill-building and more. Its success is attributed to its fervent “person-first” approach towards service. Easterseals identifies the specific goals of people with special needs, and provides the support needed to achieve those goals. One sparkling example is Tina, a participant in Easterseals’ Millville Employment Program. Wanting nothing more than to earn her own way by securing a job in her community, Tina’s physical disability and lack of work experience dissuaded employers from bringing her on board. At Easterseals, she developed the job skills necessary to become a more appealing applicant. With the support of Easterseals’ staff and Tina’s relentless dedication, she eventually landed a job as a Walmart greeter. Not only has Walmart expressed satisfaction with her as a valuable employee, but Tina herself couldn’t be happier. uSubmitted by Burt Brooks.
BERKELEY COLLEGE
OPTIONS PLUS
SOCIAL VIBES MEDIA, established by Vicky Llerena, works with small businesses to create engaging online content. Vicky has more than ten years of experience in communications at Univision WXTV-41, Hudson Media Group and PRNewswire. Vicky has also written articles featured in Huffington Post, NY Press Club, CEO Blog Nation and Hispanic Market Works.
50,000 GRADUATES AND COUNTING This year, Berkeley College is celebrating 85 years of empowering students to achieve lifelong success. With more than 50,000 graduates, Berkeley College provides a pathway to higher education and sustainable careers, helping students from diverse backgrounds make a positive change in their lives and in the lives of others. Half of the more than 8,000 students who attend Berkeley College are of Hispanic or African-American descent, and many are the first in their families to attend college. More than 500 veterans and active military are enrolled, seeking to transition to civilian life. The College regularly hosts career fairs to connect students with top employers, focusing on areas like health care, criminal justice, the nonprofit sector and careers for veterans. During a recent Veterans Career Expo, employers such as Hackensack University Medical Center and NJ Transit came with ready-to-fill positions for veterans. Berkeley College engages students in educational initiatives that generate career opportunities and mold them into community leaders. One example is alumna Nicole Singletary, who founded a nonprofit that seeks to boost sustainability in Newark, as well as to reintegrate non-violent offenders into society. Nicole recently returned to speak with Berkeley students in Newark. “Never be afraid to challenge yourself while daring to be different,” she said. uSubmitted by Angela Harrington.
HELPING NJ’S CITIZENS AFFORD DENTAL, VISION, HEARING AND MORE We help the New Jersey community find affordable benefits, including dental, vision, hearing aid assistance, telemedicine and more. We began our company only a few years ago recognizing the need for low-cost ancillary (other than medical) benefits. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than “108 million Americans are without dental benefits” and even more are without any type of vision coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services further states that “the U.S. spends about $64 billion each year on oral health care -- just 4 percent is paid by government programs.” By providing discount plans to individuals, employer groups, PEOs (Professional Employer Organizations) and associations, we have helped countless families save on much needed dental procedures, vision needs and more. Our clients appreciate the out-of-pocket savings and we love being able to help them save money for other important needs like college funds and everyday bills. Helping clients rebuild their smiles after chemotherapy and radiation, assisting a single mother with a chance to provide braces to her young daughter, and helping an unemployed family gain access to care are just some of the reasons we feel successful here in NJ. uSubmitted by Debra Tucker. ◆ ENTERPRISE 4Q 2016 | 23
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Your employees’ eyes and smiles are important parts of their overall health. That’s why we offer affordable vision and dental plans for businesses, so your employees can get the total coverage and savings they need—all from the company voted Best Health Insurer in Insure.com’s 2016 Customer Satisfaction Survey. Talk to your broker or Horizon Representative about our affordable vision and dental plans today.
Health • Dental • Vision
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield ® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2016 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.