Union County Means Business

Union County Means Business – Strategic Resilience – Lunch & Learn – May 10, 2023

May 10th, 2023 “The Future of Work” panel discussion took place on Wednesday at Kean University’s Donald R. Conklin Conference Center, organized by Union County Means Business. The event, proudly hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, aimed to bring together the local community and foster a thought-provoking conversation about the changing landscape of work. Moderated by Erich Peter, Executive Vice President of UCEDC, the panel consisted of Jane E. Allerman-Rey, President and COO of Spencer Savings Bank; Perle Almeida, Deputy Director of the Union County American Job Center; Sal Garcia, Founder and Principal of MAS, Real Estate and Urban redevelopment company; and Shakira Johnson, founder and owner of John PR and Events.

The panelists, comprising Union County business owners and business resource experts, shared their insights and perspectives on various topics related to the future of work. They delved into critical areas such as finding quality employees, implementing strategies to lower fringe benefit costs, and adapting to the evolving work environment, which included the emerging trend of hybrid working and work-life balance.

Throughout the event, attendees gained valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities brought about by the changing nature of work. The engaging discourse and interaction with the panelists allowed participants to draw from their unique experiences and expertise, empowering them to better plan for the future of work in their own professional endeavors.

Overall, “The Future of Work” panel, provided a platform for the local community to come together and engage in a stimulating conversation about the evolving work landscape. The event successfully equipped attendees with valuable insights and practical strategies to embrace the changes and make informed decisions in their professional journeys.

Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast June 28, 2022

June 28, 2022 Union County Means Business held its networking breakfast event at Kean University’s Donald R. Conklin Conference Center. This was a first in a series of Union County Means Business events scheduled for 2022. This event offered local businesses an opportunity to network with other business leaders and expand their customer base. The keynote speaker was Kean University President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D.

Union County Board of County Commissioners Chair Rebecca Williams welcomed event attendees and praised the leadership of President Dr. Repollet during the pandemic, citing the successful collaboration of the County and Kean University in establishing a Covid-19 Testing Lab on the Kean University Campus. Furthermore, Chair Williams revealed that The County of Union will be receiving recognition at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Convention with the 2022 NACo Achievement Award for Covid-19 Testing Lab Partnership. The event was well attended with over 70 individuals participating.

Union County Means Business – The Future of Work – Lunch & Learn October 4th, 2022

On October 4th, 2022 Union County Means Business teamed up with its respected partners to host a panel at Kean University’s Donald R. Conklin Conference Center which highlighted six Union County businesses that were successful coming out the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was titled “The Future of Work: Panel on adapting business in the event of an economic emergency” as a part of Union County Means Business Lunch & Learn series. The panel masterfully offered insight on the day to

day innerworkings and the challenges navigated by businesses during the pandemic as well as provided the unique strategies they implemented. The event was hosted by County Commissioner Rebecca Williams and moderated by NJSBDC’s Regional Director Rafael Mata.

The panel consisted of 6 business owners throughout Union County. The panelists were Charlotte Diakite of A3 Contracting, Mike Kelly of Garden State Strength and Fitness., Gladys Vonglahn of Gladys Cleaning Service LLC, Koron Barley of Headquarterz Hair Studio, Lee Frankel of Cross roads – Restaurant, Bar & Music Venue and lastly Kevin Castor of Melao’s Cafe & Creamery.

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Please email Jeffrey Brooks at Jeffrey.Brooks@ucnj.org

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