In celebration of Black History Month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today posted its latest ECONversations podcast. This month’s vibrant conversation centers around topics relevant for Black entrepreneurs and Black business owners, including what it takes for Black entrepreneurs to start a business in New Jersey, hurdles facing minority business enterprises (MBE’s) and steps New Jersey is taking to advance a stronger fairer economy. Hosted by NJEDA’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Michelle Boden, this episode of ECONversations features the following guests: •Terrence Clark - President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New York New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council •Desmond Hayes – Founder of GeoGreens •Ferlanda Fox Nixon – Franchisee, publisher, and editor of TAPinto Denville and Chief of Policy and Government Affairs for the African American Chamber of Commerce •Valarie Cofield – CEO, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC)

Our January 2022 ECONversations podcast focuses on New Jersey’s vibrant – and growing – film industry, what attracts film companies to the Garden State and what resources we offer to encourage filmmakers to consider our state. This month's guests include: *Steve Gorelick, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture & TV Commission, *Darryl Isherwood, the NJEDA’s new Senior Advisor of Film, Digital & Economic Growth Communications, and *Kenneth Gifford, the founder of the Newark International Film Festival.

Sustain and Serve NJ is supporting the economic recovery of New Jersey’s vital restaurant industry while helping to alleviate food insecurity within the state’s communities. Sustain and Serve NJ launched in early 2021 as a $2 million program to help New Jersey restaurants keep their doors open and their employees paid throughout COVID and has grown into a $45 million initiative that is on track to support the purchase of 4.5 million meals from over 400 restaurants in all 21 counties. The meals are then distributed to individuals and families that are facing food insecurity. Restaurants participating in Sustain and Serve NJ must have 50 or fewer employees. This month’s ECONversations episode is hosted by Tara Colton, the NJEDA’s Vice President of Economic Security. Participants include: Coalition on Food and Health Equity Founder and Executive Director Dr. Leeja Carter, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen Executive Director Joyce Campbell, and New Jersey Farmers Cooperative Founder Barbara Wilde.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15 – October 15, 2021, this month’s vibrant conversation focuses on Hispanic business owners and the impact they have on New Jersey´s economy. The ECONversations podcast is part of the NJEDA’s multi-media campaign to promote New Jersey’s small business community. The state’s nearly one-million small businesses are truly the backbone of New Jersey’s communities, as they provide opportunities, create jobs, drive economic growth, and help make our state a great place to live and work. Hosted by NJEDA Bilingual Communications Officer Alberto Garrido, this episode of ECONversations includes the following guests: * Luis De La Hoz, Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey * Raymond Lamboy, President & CEO of the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA) * Diana Negron, Policy Advisor at the NJEDA * Monica Martinez Milan, Entrepreneur, Master Networker and Franchise Owner

In celebration of National Small Business Week, this month’s vibrant conversation centers around the role of New Jersey’s small businesses, their impact to the state’s economy, and the different ways small business owners have been able to positively navigate the ups and downs of the pandemic. The ECONversations podcast is part of the NJEDA’s multi-media campaign to promote New Jersey’s small business community. The state’s nearly one million small businesses are truly the backbone of New Jersey’s communities, as they provide opportunities, create jobs, drive economic growth, and help make our state a great place to live and work. Hosted by NJEDA Program Manager Maggie Peters, this episode of ECONversations includes the following guests: • Dale Caldwell, Executive Director of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship • Andrea Kelliher, President & CEO of the Marketing and PR Agency Positive Solutions in Robbinsville • Reggie Hallett, Co-owner of 1911 Smoke House BBQ in Trenton

Another busy Jersey Shore summer is ending, but New Jersey tourism is still going strong! Autumn is a great time to visit our state's wineries, zoos & other small businesses. Our latest podcast explores how New Jersey's towns & businesses benefit from this vital industry. Our guest this month include: * Jeffrey S. Vasser, Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (https://www.visitnj.org/) * Cindy Kunnas, Executive Director of the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce (https://www.lambertvillechamber.com/) * Heather Brown, Owner of Wagonhouse Winery (https://www.wagonhousewinery.com/) * Kate Hartwyk, Deputy Director of the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Kate is heavily involved in the day to day operations of the Zoological Society of New Jersey at Turtleback Zoo. (https://www.turtlebackzoo.com/)

It’s summertime, and, as Governor Murphy has promised, it’s a Jersey Shore Summer! We’re focusing this month’s podcast episode on Jersey Shore tourism and the impact that the state’s recovery from COVID is having on local economies. This month we’re speaking one-on-one with our participants: • Christina Fuentes, Managing Director of Community Development & Small Business Services at the NJEDA • Carl Spatocco, Owner of Cape May Peanut Butter and Smithville Peanut Butter, gourmet food stores in Cape May County, as well as the Inn at the Park, a bed and breakfast in Cape May • Chris Clayton, Owner of the Margate Dairy Bar and Burger • Patty Barber, General Manager of the Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park • Dana Lancellotti, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association

In celebration of Pride Month, our latest ECONversations podcast focuses on New Jersey’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, the important role its members have in the Garden State, and resources available to LGBTQ+-owned businesses. This month's episode is co-hosted by NJEDA Diversity and Inclusion Analyst Kyle O'Donnell and Communications Officer Alberto Garrido. Kyle and Alberto are joined by: • New Jersey LGBT Chamber Vice President of Supplier Diversity and Certification Steven Garibell. https://www.njlgbtchamber.org/ • Confections of a Rockstar Bakery owner Kimmee Masi, who has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Asbury Park. https://www.confectionsofarockstar.com/ • CITI Medina, Founder of the collaborative workspace Equal Space and the marketing agency Medina = Citi, both located in Newark. https://equalspace.co/

NJEDA Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Bodden describes the history of the holiday & reminds us that the journey toward racial justice & equality is far from over.

In honor of Mother’s Day this month, we're talking about what the State of New Jersey is doing to increase access to maternal and infant health for mothers and babies of color. Specifically, we delve into Nurture NJ, a statewide, multi-agency campaign committed to driving down the maternal/infant mortality rate, particularly among Black and Brown mothers and infants, and to ensuring equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. This episode is guest hosted by NJEDA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden. Michelle is joined by First Lady Tammy Murphy, NJ Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Lisa Asare & NJEDA Executive VP Tara Colton.