Join the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce for its virtual Business Summit: Global to Local where expert speakers will share what’s happening – Global to Local. They will address the impacts of global supply chain on local businesses and tell us what we can anticipate as the economy recovers. You will learn about trends in foreign investment in New Jersey and potential opportunities for growth. You will come away with unique insights into the future of business and the impact global trade has on our local business landscape.
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Business Summit: Global to Local
July 15, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Opening Keynote: Sam Ruda, Director of the Port
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Sam Ruda was appointed Director of the Port Authority’s Port Division on April 15, 2019.
Sam joined the Port Authority of NY & NJ as the Assistant Director, Port Business Development, in August of 2015. In that role, Sam had oversight for the retention and growth of the Port’s maritime business segments: auto, bulk, containers, and cruise.
Resource Speaker: Sara Cadeddu, Office of Int’l Trade and Development
NJEDA
Sara Cadeddu joined the NJEDA in 2018 as the Sr. Trade and Investment Analyst for the newly created Office of International Trade and Investment. In her position she has assisted senior leadership with strategic planning and coordination of FDI attraction strategies, developed FDI analysis and designed international initiatives. She has also acted as the liaison with the international diplomatic and business community in the greater New York city area.
Prior to joining the NJEDA, Sara spent 20 years in the public and private banking sector in Italy, where she focused on financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises, export finance, and international relations. She has organized banking delegations for over 30 government-sponsored economic missions in coordination with the Confederation of Italian Industries in 25 countries across North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
Closing Keynote: Melanie Willoughby, Executive Director
New Jersey Business Action Center
Melanie Willoughby, named one of New Jersey’s most influential economic development leaders in 2021, is no stranger to the New Jersey business community. Before joining the NJBAC in 2018, Melanie served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA). A seasoned government relations strategist, Melanie has worked with state and local levels of government as an advocate for businesses of all sizes.
Prior to joining NJBIA, she served as the president and CEO of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, a statewide retail business organization representing over 3,500 stores.
Her personal motto – “I’m from state government and I’m here to help.” – reflects her commitment to aiding New Jersey business owners.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
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