The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Legislative and Business Awards Reception at EisnerAmper’s Iselin office, honoring state legislators and business advocates who have championed policies to strengthen New Jersey’s economy.
The evening opened with remarks from N.J. Chamber President and CEO Tom Bracken, who urged attendees to focus on the state’s economic direction ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. Guests also heard from EisnerAmper’s Diane Wasser, N.J. Chamber Board Chair Gil Medina and CGI Vice President James Titus.
Michael Egenton, executive vice president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, described how honorees are selected.
“We do it every two years for a reason. We follow the assembly legislative cycle, which gives us ample opportunity to review bills that they voted on, both in the Senate and Assembly, in committees,” he said. “We also take into account their engagement with the State Chamber. Do they come to events like this, our annual Walk to Washington, or our business summit in Atlantic City? Are they engaged with our members? There’s a lot of different criteria that we follow, and we typically pick one from each caucus.”
Egenton also reflected on the purpose of the event. “A lot of times, people can be critical of our policymakers in Trenton. We try to have a good working, established relationship with them.”
The Chamber presented Legislator of the Year awards to:
- Sen. Andrew Zwicker, for advocating innovation, tax-credit expansion, and solutions to energy and infrastructure challenges.
- Sen. Vince Polistina, for supporting economic growth in South Jersey and backing tourism investment and infrastructure renewal.
- Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, for streamlining permits and advancing construction modernization.
- Assemblyman William Spearman, for promoting workforce training and expanding opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
- Assemblyman Robert Clifton, for supporting transportation investment, regulatory reform, and programs to help farmers and employers.
The Chamber also recognized business leaders. Business Advocate of the Year awards went to:
- Lisa Chowansky, president of HC Constructors, for civic leadership, supplier-diversity advocacy, and workforce development work.
- Jacquelyn Suárez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, for advancing permitting reforms and collaborating with the business community.
Chamber Alliance Partner of the Year was awarded to:
- Chris Phelan, president and CEO of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, for championing local business growth and supporting the statewide Chamber Alliance.
The reception concluded with dessert, coffee, and networking.
