The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) once again brought together some of the Garden State’s most influential voices in business, policy, and environmental innovation for its 5th Annual Energy & Environmental Policy Forum. Held October 28–29 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center, this year’s event marked a milestone — the first time the forum expanded into a two-day program, reflecting the growing urgency and complexity of the issues at hand.

With more than 50 speakers representing government, industry, academia, and advocacy, the event served as a critical platform to discuss New Jersey’s evolving energy policies, sustainability goals, and the state’s broader economic future. The discussions centered on how businesses can balance innovation, environmental responsibility, and economic growth — themes that have become increasingly intertwined in the post-pandemic economy and amid a rapidly changing energy landscape.

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka opened the conference by emphasizing the importance of collaboration across sectors. “We’re here to talk about the future of energy in New Jersey, the environmental assets that define our state, and what we must do to ensure their long-term protection and success,” Siekerka said. “We have an incredible lineup of speakers and an even greater opportunity to shape the policies that will guide us forward.”

The event came just days before New Jersey’s gubernatorial election, adding an extra layer of anticipation. Both major campaigns had a presence at the forum, offering insight into their visions for the state’s energy and environmental future. Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic State Senator Vin Gopal, representing candidate Mikie Sherrill, each outlined priorities for what they hope to achieve in the next administration.

NJBIA Deputy Chief of Government Affairs Ray Cantor, who helped organize the event, noted how far the forum has come since its inception. “This is our fifth year doing this — and it’s grown every year,” Cantor said. “This is also our first year expanding to two full days. Energy and environmental issues overlap so deeply that it made sense to bring them together in one comprehensive setting. Our goal is to give business leaders real information they can use — and to help policymakers shape a practical, fact-based agenda for the coming legislative term.”

Throughout the two-day event, panels tackled pressing topics such as renewable energy integration, grid resilience, clean technology innovation, climate adaptation, and sustainability in business operations. There were in-depth discussions about balancing carbon reduction with economic competitiveness, as well as the challenges and opportunities of transitioning New Jersey’s infrastructure toward cleaner energy sources.

Beyond the panels, NJBIA took time to recognize several leaders whose vision and dedication have shaped New Jersey’s environmental and economic policies for decades. Honorees included former Governors Chris Christie and Tom Kean — both celebrated for their roles in advancing renewable energy, environmental preservation, and energy efficiency initiatives during their administrations.

Other honorees included:

• Amy Cradic, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at New Jersey Resources, for leadership in sustainability and solar energy development.
• Toby Hanna, retired ERM partner, for his extensive contributions to air quality and climate policy.
• Former State Senator Joe Kyrillos, recognized for more than three decades of legislative leadership on job creation, shore protection, and economic development.
• Krishna Singh, CEO of Holtec International, honored for transforming the Camden-based company into a global leader in clean energy technology.
• Gary Sondermeyer, Vice President of Operations at Bayshore Recycling, commended for expanding one of the state’s largest recycling operations.
• Marilyn Lennon (posthumously), former Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, celebrated for her influential work in land use and environmental services.

As conversations unfolded, one theme remained constant: the need for balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Businesses, policymakers, and environmental advocates alike emphasized that the future of New Jersey depends on finding solutions that are both innovative and inclusive. Whether it’s expanding offshore wind, investing in solar infrastructure, or strengthening flood resilience, the state’s path forward requires cooperation across sectors.

This year’s forum arrived at a pivotal time for New Jersey. With a new administration soon to take office and several large-scale clean energy projects underway, the decisions made over the next few years will shape the state’s competitiveness for decades. The NJBIA continues to serve as a bridge between the private sector and policymakers — ensuring that business leaders have a seat at the table when crafting policies that affect both the economy and the environment.

For more coverage on New Jersey’s business community and the initiatives shaping the state’s future, visit Explore New Jersey’s Business section. As this forum showed, the dialogue between innovation, sustainability, and economic progress has never been more vital — and New Jersey’s business leaders are ready to lead that conversation.