Wrap up ’17 with influencers you should know in ’18

When we started ROI-NJ in September, we did so with the goal of being more than just a news organization that covers business and politics and the lifestyle and work issues that impact the key players in both audiences.

We want to be a genuine source of relevant information that will help you during your business day, week, month and year.

We want to give you the news you need to know — and the news you should know.

The response we have received from readers across the state indicates we are doing just that. And we are grateful and honored by your support.

We feel our final effort of the 2017 — a double issue aptly titled The Interview Issue — represents what we’re all about.

In the pages to follow, you’ll find 10 Question & Answer stories with key influencers around the state. Some you know. Some you need to know.

In the political world, we talk with Jose Lozano, the man heading Gov.-elect Phil Murphy’s transition team, and Gurbir Grewal, the governor-elect’s attorney general selection, who represents a milestone moment for South Asians.

Want more politics? We’ve got Andrew Zwicker, the only scientist in the Legislature. And Shelley Brindle, the former businesswomen (thank her for HBO Go) who stunned the powerful Republican leaders in Westfield with an upset in the mayoral election.

You want more business, check out our talk with Ralph Thomas, the accounting expert who can make sense of the new tax changes.

Or Eric Levine, the lawyer who specializes in the biggest worry your business should have: cybersecurity.

And then there’s Kevin McCabe, the carpenters union leader who is changing the stereotype of his group by making CCT an advocate and a partner in the economic development of the state.

You want some insight on the arts, we’ve got Anna Marie Gewirtz, the head of the State Theatre.

Higher ed? There may be no one more innovative (or is it disruptive?) than Rowan University President Ali Houshmand.

And, if all of these stories put you in a feel-good mood, make sure you check out our talk with Linda Czipo of the Center for Non-Profits.

Insights on people and organizations you know … and people and organizations you should know.

That’s what ROI-NJ is all about.

Enjoy the holidays.

Read our interviews

  • Shelley Brindle, mayor-elect of Westfield
  • Linda Czipo, Center for Non-Profits
  • Anna Marie Gewirtz, State Theatre New Jersey
  • Gurbir Grewal, attorney general nominee
  • Ali Houshmand, Rowan University
  • Eric B. Levine, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper
  • Jose Lozano, Murphy transition team
  • Kevin McCabe, Carpenter Contractor Trust
  • Ralph Thomas, New Jersey Society of CPAs
  • Andrew Zwicker, state Assembly