Arthur “Scott” Porter, the newly appointed chairman of the Meadowlands Chamber, is pressing forward with two key initiatives that would prove to be defining and transformative moments in northern New Jersey: developing a convention center and maximizing the impact of the 2026 World Cup on the region.
Porter, the managing partner at Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll P.C., said both of these initiatives represent a once-in-a-lifetime generational shift for the Meadowlands and its businesses — noting the World Cup aims to produce more than $2 billion worth of economic activity to the region.
“The chamber’s World Cup Committee’s mission is to bring our members together to capture as much of that business as we can,” Porter said. “Through seminars, workshops, local activations and networking opportunities, we are connecting our members, both big and small, with the opportunities and skillsets they need to make 2026 a resounding success.”
Porter said he also is committed to continuing the work of the 2040 Foundation, Chairman Fletch Creamer Jr. and current Chamber CEO and President Jim Kirkos in advocating for the construction of a multiuse youth and amateur sports/convention center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
“Over the last several years, former chamber Chairman Dan Baer, Jim and the 2040 Foundation have dedicated vast amounts of time to making a convention center a reality — and the next two years will be critical in making sure it crosses the finish line,” he said.
“This project will not only create thousands of fair wage jobs, but will also play a vital role in the economy for decades to come. We’re talking $30 billion in new spending in our region. It will bring untold amounts of activity to our existing businesses, but also create opportunities for the next generation of business owners in our region.”
Porter previously served as the chamber’s vice chair. He also served as general counsel to the Urban League of Bergen County, board member of the Tenafly Business Improvement District, and member of the board of governors of Bard College.
Kirkos said his experience will be an invaluable asset.
“Scott’s experience in his legal practice and past service to the surrounding community is a tremendous asset to us at the chamber,” he said. “We are on the precipice of these two momentous endeavors, and having Scott as our chairman to help lead the way during this historic chapter will lift the region to its full potential as a continued economic powerhouse.”
The two major initiatives at the Meadowlands Chamber come at a time when Porter’s own law firm also is seeing expansion, with its recent merger with the law offices of Matthew Grabell. PTGB Law is engaging chamber members, offering workshops for businesses to help navigate the fast-evolving landscape of employment law and other complex legal issues to provide them with an indispensable resource as the region continues to grow.
“Many businesses, especially smaller and midsized companies, often get overlooked by the larger law firms in the state,” Porter said. “At PTGB Law, we’re more efficient in catering to those businesses’ needs.
“Being able to provide chamber members with the tools they need to succeed as the legal complexities of operating a business in New Jersey increase means we will continue to make our membership stronger and more successful.”
The first event will focus on employment law and will be held Sept. 12 at the chamber headquarters in Lyndhurst.
