News

For John Farnsworth, a benefits specialist at Custom Benefits Technologies (CBT), a provider of health insurance benefits (major medical and voluntary supplemental) and enrollment systems, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed technology to the forefront of his day-to-day business. Custom Benefits Technologies assists human resources directors, insurance brokers, and direct commercial customers by providing quality benefits…

Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 a.m. You’re invited to our Bernie Cohn Memorial Golf Classic and 74th Annual Outing on Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 a.m. at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. Each year, our Annual Golf Classic serves as an opportunity for the business and community leaders of Middlesex County to connect…

Support the Hub City’s Restaurants Today New Brunswick recently expanded its outdoor dining space by closing George Street between Albany and Bayard Streets every Thursday through Sunday. Restaurants may begin serving at 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and stop serving by 12:00 a.m. Accordingly, restaurants may begin serving at 12:00 p.m. on Sundays…

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce turns its spotlight on the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities (NJID) this month. The New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, a private not-for-profit agency best known for its Lakeview School in Edison’s Roosevelt Park, also has a network of 40 service sites in 4 counties.      NJID has served the…

Longtime New Brunswick-based company, Animal, recently donated 5,000 of the company’s new Boss Protein Bars to three of the Hub City’s food pantries: Elijah’s Promise, the Salvation Army and the Rutgers Students Food Pantry. Animal was connected with these local pantries through Chamber recommendations. MCRCC is grateful for Animal’s generous donation.

Elijah’s Promise, one of the area’s largest community soup kitchens, hasn’t missed a day of service since its inception 28 years ago. Even amidst this unprecedented pandemic, Elijah’s Promise is still fulfilling its promise to the hungry, keeping its doors open seven days a week. The kitchen, at 18 Neilsen St. in New Brunswick, has…

Even if you can’t volunteer right now, you can still make an impact in your community through monetary, food and medical supply donations. Local Non-Profits in Need of Donations: Elijah’s Promise: needs your help so they can continue their efforts during this difficult time. All donations are welcome. – Click Here To Donate McFoods: Any…

The Chamber and SHRM CNJ once again collaborated for this year’s Human Resources Summit at the Rutgers Club, which was held on Feb. 20. This year’s summit was titled “The Human Side of Business” and focused on teaching businesses how to create a high-performing organization. The keynote, Tabiri M. Chukunta, Executive Director of Community Outreach…

The 2020 Emerging Leaders Summit, originally scheduled for March 26, has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 28. The program will still take place from 12 – 4:30 p.m. at the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center in downtown New Brunswick. The Emerging Leaders Summit provides professional and personal development for beginning to mid-career professionals and helps…

As always, many connections were made over coffee at the Networking Breakfast on Feb. 21 at Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe in New Brunswick. The breakfast featured delicious food, a member spotlight from the founder of Palatable, Roopak Gupta and the presentation of plaques to two new members: Palatable and SitePod.

Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic has made major strides to advance behavioral health care in New Jersey. As the state’s largest and most comprehensive and integrated health network in 2020, it is looking to do even more. Carrier Clinic, a behavioral health care system located in Belle Mead, merged with Hackensack Meridian Health in January…

Have you accomplished your professional resolution of meeting new contacts yet? If you’re still interested in meeting new business contacts, then we have the perfect event for you! Come eat, chat and meet new contacts at the February Meet and Greet on Tuesday, February 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the newly-opened Redd’s Biergarten…

Did you know that immigrants make up more than 60 percent of Middlesex County’s STEM workers and nearly half of business owners? This was one of the main topics at Middlesex County’s 2020 Economic Outlook on Jan. 30 which featured a special presentation regarding the Gateways to Growth Report, a report published by the Chamber…

It was the first multi-chamber breakfast of the year, with the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, featuring global business CEOs, on Feb. 7. There was plenty of business networking, an engaging keynote address by Michael Ford, President of NJ District Export Council, and a full breakfast was prepared by DoubleTree Princeton. Ford is also Vice…

Bread, cookies and cake, oh my! You can find all of that and many more delicious treats at the Edison-based bakery, La Bon Bake Shoppes. Owner Brian Pansari purchased the well-known La Bon 10 years ago – known as La Bonbonniere at the time – because he was eager to leave his job in marketing…

What are your professional resolutions for the new year? If one of them is meeting new contacts to help expand your business or professional network, then we have the perfect event for you! Come eat, chat and meet new contacts at the January Meet and Greet on Wednesday, January 22 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.…

You won’t want to miss the Middlesex County 2020 Economic Outlook on Thursday, January 30 at the Rutgers Visitors Center in Piscataway. This year will once again feature James W. Hughes, University Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Public Planning, who will be helping to educate members on economic forecasting…

It was another successful holiday party hosted by the MCRCC, as members toasted to the holiday season and enjoyed one last networking event in 2019. This year’s festivities took place at the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 17. The party also featured delicious food…

Did you know that the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy (MEWSA) is the leading child care provider in Middlesex County? Across its 11 child care center locations in the county, the YMCA serves up to 1,000 children a day. And that number is going to keep growing, vows President and CEO Rose…

Having a company-wide playbook is one of the keys to success in the sales business, according to Dave Mattson, President & CEO of Sandler Training. At his training event, “Building an Organization of Excellence,” Mattson identified some of the common “blind spots” that individuals face within their businesses including not having a proper process for…

The first installment of the chamber’s “Make It and Move It Middlesex” economic development series, which helps to connect local business and legislative leaders, went off without a hitch on Dec. 3. as a group of almost 50 attendees gathered at Cascades Containerboard Packaging. The event at Cascades, located at 1 Turner Place in Piscataway,…

The chamber would like to welcome Freshii, a fast-casual chain restaurant specializing in healthy options, to the Hub City. Located at 131 Neilson St., Freshii held its grand opening on Dec. 4 and offers a wide variety of customizable nutritious options such as soups, salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, frozen yogurt, juices and smoothies. The chain…

Gilbert Santana, the general manager of the Hyatt Regency in downtown New Brunswick, has been with the hotel corporation for more than 26 years. He has traveled to California, Florida and even Puerto Rico in his work, but has yet to find a place quite like New Brunswick. From the food to the live entertainment,…

Are you looking to make your business more successful, but aren’t sure how? We have the perfect event for you. Hosted by Performance Selling and the Chamber, Dave Mattson of Sandler will share insights on the “barriers and blind spots” the company has identified over the decades, which often prevent companies from achieving the level…

Don’t miss our November Networking Breakfast on November 22 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at one of the most well-known and delicious restaurants in the Hub City. And you seriously won’t want to miss out on those scrumptious breakfast potatoes. Members will also enjoy ice breakers and great conversation to kick-start their Friday in beautiful…

There’s nothing better than wings and great company on a Monday night, so come on down to the November Meet and Greet on Nov. 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Come network with local businesses or perhaps meet a new friend at the Chamber’s monthly meet and greet at Hooters of Somerset, in The Clarion…

“Ladies, you can have it all. I’m not going to say it’s easy, sometimes it’s very difficult, but you can have it all.” That pearl of wisdom was part of Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred Scott’s closing remarks at the 18th-Annual Women’s Leadership Summit on Oct. 18, with a theme this year of “Create Your Own…

Speaking of meet and greets, it was a great Tuesday night at On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in New Brunswick as MCRCC members had a chance to have some chips and salsa while connecting with the best of Middlesex County’s business community. Are you looking to network with the best of Middlesex County’s…

There was plenty of networking going on at the chamber’s October Networking breakfast on Oct. 22 at Due Mari in downtown New Brunswick. Members heard from Chris Gilbert, a district manager at Benefit Mall, a national provider of employee benefits and payroll to small- and medium-sized businesses. Chamber networking breakfasts are a great opportunity for…

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), the state’s largest health insurer with 3.7 million members, prides itself on being involved and engaged in the communities it serves. A membership with the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce is just one way in which the insurer accomplishes that mission. Headquartered in Newark since 1932, Horizon BCBSNJ…

Enjoy good conversation and light refreshments at the Chamber’s October Meet and Greet at On the Border, Route 1 in New Brunswick, on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and your appetite. The event will be held take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and a cash bar will be available.

MCRCC’s first round of it’s new breakfast series – Education, Entrepreneurship and Innovation – was marked with success on Tuesday, Oct. 8, as attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast and engaging lecture. The event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Christopher J. Molloy, chancellor of Rutgers University – New Brunswick, who focused his remarks on the growth of…

It was certainly a night to remember as hundreds of business owners and professionals came from miles around to not only network, sample new foods, learn about new opportunities, but to also have a terrific time. Once again, the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick was packed with event attendees and vendors on Monday, Sept. 16 for…

It was a great Tuesday night at Provident Bank in East Brunswick as MCRCC members had a chance to have some wine and connect with the best of Middlesex County’s business community at this special after-hours meet and greet. There were even some special guests including East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen and East Brunswick Councilwoman Sharon Sullivan

There was plenty of networking going on at the chamber‘s September Networking breakfast on Sept. 20 at Due Mari in downtown New Brunswick. Members enjoyed a delicious breakfast, ice breakers and great conversation to kick-start their Friday in beautiful Middlesex County. Chamber networking breakfasts are a great opportunity for members to network with the best of the local business…

The Blue Horse Restaurant, on Raritan Avenue, is CAM Hospitality’s newest endeavor as it hasn’t even been a year since they cut the blue ribbon, but Joe Amore, part owner, said that it has already become an important part of the Highland Park restaurant scene. It was even recently named the “Best Restaurant for 2019”…

A new era began on Sept. 5 as the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, located on Albany Street, held its ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the showing of their first performance, “Paul Robeson.” Residents from all over, local officials and dignitaries flooded the streets to witness this momentous occasion which took almost 12 years to…

Ladies, here’s an event you won’t want to miss. Join the Chamber at the annual Women’s Leadership Summit on Friday, Oct. 18 at The DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center at 200 Atrium Drive in Franklin Township from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “Create Your Own Story” and the…

There was plenty of networking going on at the chamber’s August Networking Breakfast on Aug. 16 at Due Mari in downtown New Brunswick. Members enjoyed a delicious breakfast, ice breakers and great conversation to kick-start their Friday in beautiful Middlesex County. This month’s breakfast was hosted by Johnson & Johnson Director of WHQ Facilities Management…

MCRCC is excited to once again partner with the Princeton-Mercer Chamber of Commerce for its fifth-annual Global Business Summit, Sept. 13, 8-11 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Princeton. The Summit is the largest Global Business event in Central New Jersey and filled with multi-chamber, regional and international networking opportunities. Two high-profile keynote speakers will…

You won’t want to miss the first event of the Chamber’s Breakfast Series: “Education, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the Rutgers University Visitors Center, at 100 Sutphen Road in Piscataway. Rutgers- New Brunswick Chancellor, Dr. Christopher J. Molloy will be the keynote speaker and the 7th Annual New Jersey Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards will…

Enjoy good conversation, light refreshments and, of course, wine at this special “after hours” meet and greet. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and your appetite. The event will be held on Sept. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Provident Bank in East Brunswick, located at 208 Rues Lane.

The Chamber held yet another member orientation on Sept. 6 where new, current and prospective members got a chance to meet the staff and learn about the many benefits of Chamber membership. After a brief presentation, members enjoyed bagels and coffee, courtesy of Investors Bank in New Brunswick. Check out our website for more details…

Launched in 1992, the Largest Networking Party (LNP) was created to offer an exciting and relaxed networking opportunity to business partners of Central Jersey. In its 27th year, the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating all that Middlesex County has to offer with a distinguished event on Monday, Sept. 16 that tops all…

There was tons of chewing and chatting at this joint meet and greet with the South Brunswick Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Members and other attendees enjoyed complimentary light fare and a cash bar while networking with the best of Middlesex County’s business community. For more photos, click here.

The Chamber held yet another member orientation on July 12 where new, current and prospective members got a chance to meet the staff and learn about the many, many benefits of a Chamber membership. After a brief presentation, members enjoyed bagels and coffee, courtesy of Investors Bank in New Brunswick. Check out our website for…

From Italian to Ethiopian cuisine and everything in between, the 10th-annual New Brunswick’s Restaurant Week has something to offer for everyone’s inner foodie. More than 30 New Brunswick restaurants will offer a selection of special promotions, prix-fixe menus and discounts for the two-week period, from July 13-27. Offerings include all-you-can-eat specials, drinks, desserts and more! “This…

Did you know that a one-time blood donation can help save up to three lives? Help save a life (or many) at Johnson & Johnson’s first Summer Blood Drive, to be held on three separate days this month: July 17, 18 and 30. All participants must bring a valid form of identification if they want…

Join your chamber friends for the July “Game & Greet” on Wednesday, July 31, 5 p.m. at Dave and Buster’s, Woodbridge Center, 274 Woodbridge Center Drive, in Woodbridge. Enjoy complimentary light fare and a cash bar while networking with the best of Middlesex County’s business community. Early Bird admission is through July 10. The event…

Members had a blast at this year’s Annual Meeting at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe on June 20. Members networked with other members and enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Forsgate. Members also got the chance to meet the Board of Directors as well as hear from the keynote speaker, Kevin Corbett, Executive Director of…

There was plenty of “meeting” and “greeting” taking place at the chamber’s June Meet & Greet June 13 at The Blue Horse Restaurant in Highland Park. Members clinked drinks to the summer season and exchanged business cards as they met new business professionals. Chamber Meet & Greets are a great opportunity for members to network…

Summertime, good company and great food! There was all that and great networking, of course, at the Women’s Leadership Committee June Meet & Greet, June 26, at The Imperia in Somerset. Members talked about summer plans and bonded over delicious drinks. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon during the work week.

Two decades. That is how long Berkeley College has been a member of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jaime Pardo, a Career Services Counselor at Berkeley College, said the members within the chamber are one of the reasons Berkeley College has been a member themselves for so long. “The MCRCC members are honestly…

Summertime, good company and great food. It’s all that and much more at the Women’s Leadership Committee June Meet & Greet, Wednesday, June 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Imperia 1714 Easton Ave., Somerset. We hope to see you there.

Join us on Thursday, June 20 at Forsgate Country Club for MCRCC’s Annual General Meeting. Savor the flavor of a delicious lunch, connect with fellow chamber members, meet the Board of Directors and hear a keynote address by Kevin Corbett, Executive Director of NJ Transit.

Join the Global Opportunities Program as it connects Chamber members over cocktails. Meet Canadian representatives who can help shed light on expanding your business with our closest trading partner. At this fun, unique and engaging opportunity, you will: ● Meet and greet Canadian business expansion experts ● Mix and mingle at this multi-Chamber event ●…

Be a part of the MCRCC’s June Meet & Greet on Thursday, June 13, from 5-7:30 p.m., at The Blue Horse Restaurant, 247 Raritan Ave. in Highland Park. Enjoy complimentary light fare and a cash bar while networking with the best of Middlesex County’s business community.

  This year’s 2019 Human Resources Legal Update is presented in partnership with SHRM CNJ. This event will take place Wednesday, June 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at Rutgers University’s Busch Dining Hall, Meeting Room A&B. This year’s presentation will focus on: “Money Ball: Using Predictive Analytics to Manage the Workplace and Litigate Claims,”…

It was yet another terrific opportunity for members to get to know their mayors at the “Meet The Mayors, Part III” event, held May 17 at the Thomas J. Deverin Community Center in Carteret. Members enjoy a breakfast at Meet The Mayors Part 3 Mayor Daniel Reiman of Carteret and Mayor Wilda Diaz of Perth Amboy addressed such topics as arts & culture, travel & tourism, going…

It was a dry, but windy day for the 73rd-Annual Bernie Cohn Golf Classic on May 23 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe. Members play a game of bean-bag toss   Once again, the Chamber dedicated the outing to a man whose magnetism, enthusiasm and his “going out of the way” approach led to his success in business and charitable work.…

As the Regional Director of the American Heart Association in Central New Jersey, Patti Harvey’s main duties are leading the Central New Jersey Heart Walk and building relationships with community partners. In other words, she knows how to form relationships and make them stick. The American Heart Association is a proud member of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber…

Here’s your chance to get to know your mayors as the Chamber continues a four-part series of “Meet The Mayors,” Friday, May 17 from 8-10 a.m. at Thomas J. Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Ave., Carteret. You’ll get the chance to connect with the Middlesex County mayors as they share Economic Development Opportunities for your…

The 73rd Annual Bernie Cohn Golf Classic begins Monday, May 13 at Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Dr. in Monroe, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Once again we are dedicating this year’s outing to a man whose magnetism, enthusiasm and his “going out of the way” approach led to his success in business and…

It was a night of honor, filled hearts and lots of applause at our Community Leaders of Distinction (CLD) event on May 2 at the Pines Manor in Edison. CLD is one of our signature events that we truly look forward to each and every year. This is our chance to honor those who dedicate…

Members huddle up before they take their first steps on the course   The 2019 Central Jersey Golf Tour has begun! Members got to enjoy their first stop of six courses at Neshanic Valley in Branchburg. Members enjoyed a beautiful spring afternoon out on the course and took in all the jaw-dropping views. The Central…

We had such a great time at our Meet And Greet on April 25 at Due Mari in New Brunswick. There was more than enough networking, sipping and eating on a Thursday afternoon. Check out all the photos and fun on our Facebook page at Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to be a part of Tokiwa Cosmetics America’s ribbon cutting April 26. It welcomed the company to its new home in Monroe Township. Dozens of employees, elected officials, family, friends and others attended to support Tokiwa Cosmetics America as representatives cut the ribbon before giving tours…

Dozens of business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs shook the hands of many representatives of state agencies at Rutgers University’s Cook Campus on April 22. These state agencies included the New Jersey Business Action Center, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Department of the Treasury, the State Library, Board of Public…

Located just four minutes away from the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and just a stroll down George Street in downtown New Brunswick, is the Zimmerli Art Museum on Rutgers University’s College Avenue Campus. The magnificent 70,000-square-foot facility holds a collection of 60,000 pieces of art; with a wide range of media and a survey…

You can definitely say this year’s theme “We Can Make a Difference” stood out to many members who wanted to make an impact at this year’s Emerging Leaders Summit. This year’s summit was held at the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center in downtown New Brunswick March 7. The program featured keynote speaker Dr. Carol Ash, Chief…

Many members warmed themselves up from the cold weather with some hot sauce and a bowl of wings at the chamber’s first Meet & Greet of 2019 at Buffalo Wild Wings in North Brunswick, Feb. 26. Members smile for the camera at the first Meet & Greet of the year. You guessed it, there were…

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce (MCRCC) and SHRM CNJ hosted this year’s Human Resources Summit at the Rutgers Club on February 21. This year’s summit was titled “A GPS For A Rewarding Business Culture,” and focused on how to “drive” through company culture on smooth roads. The keynote, Michael Ehret, Head of Succession Management and…

  Jon Gallo, President of “Now I’m Fit” knows his fitness; there’s no doubt about that. Gallo specializes in creating customized wellness solutions to overcome challenges that most companies might face when it comes to, for example, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and workplace injuries. MSDs are common, and as well as costly: two words you don’t…

State Theatre New Jersey is thrilled to be the first theater in New Jersey to be featured in the NJTV / PBS series, known as “Treasures of New Jersey.” The series spotlights the complexities of operating a modern “presenting theater” and family-friendly, non-profit community arts haven. The event chronicles the theatre’s history from its founding…

Join the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Emerging Leaders Summit 2019, Thursday, March 7 from noon – 4 p.m. at the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center in downtown New Brunswick. The program features a keynote presentation by Dr. Carol Ash, Chief Medical Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Rahway. There will also be…

Join the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and SHRM CNJ for the Human Resources Summit 2019. This Year’s Summit is Titled “A GPS For A Rewarding Business Culture!” and will focus on company culture.   The Summit will take place on Thursday, February 21, 8:30 AM at The Rutgers Club in Piscataway, just across from the…

“RU! Rah! Rah!”   Practice that chant now because you’ll be screaming it all night, on February 16.   It’ll be Chamber Night at the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center) in Piscataway and the chamber needs your help to cheer on the Scarlet Knights as they take on the Iowa Hawkeyes, another Big Ten school. Tip-off…

It was the first multi-chamber breakfast of the year with the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, featuring global business CEOs, on Feb. 8. Members take advantage of the multi-chamber event to network with new friends.     There was plenty of business networking (of course), a case study panel of CEOs from international companies doing business…

It’s often been said that knowledge is power. Just ask the attendees who got the inside track on local business growth at the Middlesex County 2019 Economic Outlook on January 30 at the Rutgers Visitors Center, Piscataway. Dean James Hughes, Rutgers Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy,…

Members enjoy the delicious food prepared by the Blue Horse Restaurant  It was the season to be jolly, and to participate in holiday festivities with friends and colleagues from the Chamber. Many members joined the chamber staff for MCRCC’s Sixth-Annual Holiday Party at the Blue Horse Restaurant, 247 Raritan Ave., Highland Park on Tuesday, December…

Join the Chamber at this year’s “Global Business Breakfast, Keys To Trade Success in 2019,” on Friday, February 8 from 8-10 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton of Princeton, 4355 Route 1 South at Ridge Road in Princeton. Learn 10 takeaways for International Success and the companies that are doing it right! Topics will also…

Ruth Garcis, CEO/Founder of Lightspeed RCM Ruth Garcis has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare/medical billing and service. She was quick to realize that there’s a need for quality Revenue Cycle Management in healthcare. She followed her dream 18 months ago, founding Lightspeed RCM. “My goal is to help private healthcare organizations and practices…

Be a part of The Middlesex County 2019 Economic Outlook on Wednesday, January 30, at the Rutgers Visitors Center, 100 Sutphen Road, Piscataway. Dean James Hughes, University Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, will serve as guest speaker, helping educate members on economic forecasting for the upcoming…