Gov. Mikie Sherrill will deliver the keynote address at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s (NJBIA) 2026 Public Policy Forum on Friday, January 30. The event will be held at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal and is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
This annual forum brings together policymakers and business leaders to discuss economic issues in New Jersey. Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of NJBIA, said, “We are delighted that Gov. Sherrill will be joining us for her first speech to the business community since her inauguration last week.” She added, “We look forward to hearing more about the executive orders signed last week to reduce red tape for business and bring more accountability to permit processes, as well as her other plans for New Jersey’s economy this year.”
The agenda includes a Legislative Leaders panel discussion featuring Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19), Republican Budget Leader Declan O’Scanlon (D-13), Minority Conference Leader Christopher DePhillips (D-40), with Briana Vannozzi from NJ Spotlight News moderating.
There will also be an All-Star C-Suite panel moderated by Bill Caruso of Archer & Greiner, P.C., with participants including Robert Garrett (CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health), Liat Krawczyk (Executive Director, New Jersey AI Hub), Steve Sweeney (Former Senate President and Gloucester County Administrator), Bruce Van Saun (Chairman and CEO, Citizens Financial Group), and William F. Tate IV (President, Rutgers University).
NJBIA will recognize seven business leaders during the event, including three legislators noted for their support of business interests.
Sponsors and partners for this year’s forum include a range of organizations such as Amazon, AT&T, Hackensack Meridian Health, Johnson & Johnson, United Airlines, among others.
Founded in 1910 as the New Jersey Manufacturers Association before adopting its current name in the mid-1970s according to its official website, NJBIA represents employers across sectors like manufacturing and services throughout New Jersey and is headquartered in Trenton. It works to promote competitive excellence among its members by providing advocacy efforts and essential resources and facilitates collaboration between businesses, government entities and academic institutions. Michele Siekerka serves as its president and chief executive officer as listed on its website.
