Event Details

FREE ADMISSION (Reservations required; please call 973-382-1033 or email linda@sopacnow.org.)

Part of SOPAC’s mission is to create a dynamic cultural center that is a catalyst for economic development in the region and continued revitalization of South Orange’s Central Business District.

The Business Leaders Breakfast educates audiences on timely business topics, provides a networking opportunity for area business leaders, and highlights SOPAC as an ideal venue for hosting business meetings and events.

Special Guest Speakers:

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive
When Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. was sworn in to his third term as Essex County Executive, he made history as the only person to serve more than two terms. Mr. DiVincenzo has turned Essex County into a model for good government. He runs Essex like a business – eliminating unnecessary contracts, cutting expenditures, reducing the size of the County workforce and raising revenue. He is a hands-on Executive, with an open door policy and a strong demand for ethical behavior by members of his administration and companies doing business with the County.

Caren Franzini, Chief Executive Officer, NJ Economic Development Authority
Caren Franzini has served as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) since January 1994.  Under her direction, in 2010, the EDA finalized over $567 million in financing assistance, state business incentives and tax credits, which supported more than $1.4 billion in total public/private investment in the state’s economy and led to the creation of an estimated 5,200 new jobs.  Ms. Franzini currently serves as Chair of the state’s Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, Vice Chair of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, and President of the Corporation for Business Assistance in New Jersey.  She was most recently appointed as a Member of the State Planning Commission.

Sharon Waters, Editor, NJBiz
Sharon Waters has been the editor of NJBIZ since July 2008 and joined the company in 2007 as deputy editor—news. Sharon started her journalism career at the Home News Tribune, where she worked as an editor and reporter for seven years. A CPA, Sharon previously worked for seven years in public, private and governmental accounting. She has a master’s in journalism from New York University and a BS in accounting from Villanova University. Sharon was a member of the 2011 class of Leadership New Jersey, and currently serves as a director of the Women’s Leadership Council at Liberty Science Center.