T HANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMERCE recently asked many of events - - PDF document

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HANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND Internet-facilitated communica- tions—from e-mails to Skype to Twitter to Facebook to Instagram to teleconferencing—opportunities for face-to-face interaction with clients and potential clients, and staff, are less com-

• mon. But by having holiday parties that

bring your customers and your team together, you can rekindle personal connections that still go a long way toward building long-term business relationships. In addition to holiday parties, VIP meeting- and event-driven client reten- tion and acquisition initiatives are valu- able tools for connecting with the peo- ple with whom you do business. Using meetings and events for continuing edu- cation programs (for staff and clients) or for fundraising and recruitment are a few of the added benefits of old-school networking programs, in which the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) is seeing a growing interest. “Our members are attending CIANJ networking events in greater numbers, as they seem to be looking for new ways to connect with business leaders and poten- tial clients,” explains CIANJ President John Galandak. “While our speakers are always a popular draw, many executives tell us that they want to spend more time talking with and listening to others in the business community to learn and build their book of business.” COMMERCE recently asked many of New Jersey’s top accounting firms, credit unions, colleges and universities, and law firms to discuss how VIP meetings and events are helping to support their bottom lines and strategic goals. Here are their insights and observations.

ACCOUNTING FIRMS

Citrin Cooperman By Alex Serrano, CPA, Co-Managing Partner Events, both internal and external, are signifi- cant components of our client relations and business development programs. Additionally they are an important part

• f employee training for business net-

working and account development skills. Our firm-sponsored events consist of thought leadership, social networking and client appreciation programs. The aim is to not only be a source of knowledge to our clients, but to also let them know that we appreciate them. We involve our employees in these events to give them an opportunity to connect with clients and develop their

• wn relationships, as well as to become

comfortable in a social networking envi- ronment that puts them in touch with new contacts and prospects. One specific event activity that we find especially helpful in relationship building is sport- ing events. We reserve and purchase space at multiple sports venues in the Tri-State area and use them to entertain

• ur clients—once again, as an opportu-

nity to show them we appreciate them and also provide a pressure-free envi- ronment where everyone can “let their hair down” and see the human side of

• ne another, not just the business side.

CohnReznick LLP By Philip Mandel, CPA, CFP, NY/NJ Regional Managing Partner CohnReznick frequently hosts events to provide thought leader- ship and develop and deepen relation-

• ships. Our Financial Managers Learning

Forum (FMLF) program is one of our suc- cessful event series and serves as a pre- mier resource for CFOs and other finan- cial managers to keep up with changing regulations, emerging trends and best

• practices. For more than 20 years, FMLF

has provided both CPE-accredited cours- es to attendees and a way for our pro- fessionals to network with their clients and prospects. One of our most innova-

COMPILED BY MILES Z. EPSTEIN

EDITOR, COMMERCE In addition to holiday parties, VIP meeting- and event-driven client retention and acquisition initiatives are valuable tools for connecting with the people with whom you do business.

First-Class, Face-to-Face Connections with Clients, Staff and Future Business Partners

VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

tive differentiators in the marketplace is

• ur Executive Women’s Forum (EWF).

The EWF positions our firm’s high-poten- tial women as thought leaders in the industries and geographic markets they

• serve. Some events hosted by the EWF

include a women’s golf event, panel dis- cussions on leadership, educational pre- sentations and social events. Through these and other regular events, the EWF has been successful in lead generation, nurturing prospects, retaining high- potential talent and closing more busi-

• ness. We also host a variety of industry-

specific events, including roundtables and Webinars, through which our experts provide attendees with insights and current trends specific to the indus- try in which they do business. Deloitte LLP By Joseph P. Welter, NJ Managing Partner Deloitte is an organiza- tion committed to team- work, collaboration and client service. Deloitte uses innovative meeting con- cepts to better serve clients and to train

• staff. This focus has been strengthened

with the Deloitte Greenhouse experi-

• ence. Deloitte Greenhouses are cutting-

edge physical spaces located around the world designed to help clients tackle their complex problems. They apply a tested set of principles that combine behavioral science, analytics, technology and facilitation to break through tradi- tional methods of problem-solving. For example, the New York Greenhouse hosts labs for Deloitte teams and clients that are looking to tackle complex challenges in a creative and collabora- tive environment. Greenhouses demon- strate Deloitte’s commitment to foster- ing innovative thought. These labs offer dynamic room configurations, immersive visuals, holistic sensory activation and emerging technologies. The sessions in each Greenhouse are customized for specific client challenges. For example, they help navigate complexity, utilize analytics to make data meaningful, and new leaders jump in and thrive in their new positions. Each Greenhouse rein- forces Deloitte’s commitment to learn- ing and development and continues to attract clients and professionals. EisnerAmper LLP By Jay Weinstein, CPA, Partner-in-Charge, New Jersey Office At EisnerAmper, we understand that people are the most important part of our business. While most of our new clients are referred to us, we also are active in the market- place, which includes meetings. Most of

• ur meetings fall into several categories.

We meet formally and informally with entrepreneurs and executives in indus- tries such as financial services, real estate and technology. Some meetings are held on the Internet, and others are held in settings such as a golf course or a banquet hall. Attendance ranges from small groups to large groups of up to 1,000 attendees. Our most successful meetings are tailored toward the busy

• executive. That’s why we offer a variety
• f formats including online education,

networking events, educational sessions and even social outings. EisnerAmper University features training events including everything from one-on-one mentoring to small group sessions focus- ing on a variety of business and techni- cal topics which qualify for continuing professional education. We know that public accounting is a “people” business, and we therefore focus on connecting people every day. Grant Thornton LLP By Michael C. Bernstein, CPA, Partner-in-Charge, NJ Office Similar to our approach

• f providing professional services, Grant

Thornton events are focused on provid- ing our clients and the marketplace with value in two distinct ways. We provide a unique forum for senior business lead- ers, board members and their key advi- sors (lawyers and bankers) to deeply understand issues and opportunities that impact key business objectives and provide them the benefit of Grant Thornton’s experience, subject matter specialists and proven strategies to con- tinue to build upon their growth and

• success. We also provide peer-to-peer

networking and the unique exchange

• f ideas between influential business

leaders and tenured Grant Thornton partners—connections that our events

• create. Grant Thornton specifically

designed its new offices to host execu- tive-level events that foster this environ- ment of collaboration. We use our meet- ing rooms (affectionately known as N.J. Universities) to conduct events that provide professional and personal devel-

• pment for our partners and staff. The

feedback that we receive from our peo- ple confirms the effectiveness of our

• approach. An example of the value

and connections gained from a Grant Thornton event was the recently hosted session with New Jersey’s Lt. Governor 52

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VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

A

ldo’s Restaurant (Wyckoff); Crowne Plaza (Monroe Township); Hanover Manor (East Hanover); Highlawn Pavilion (West Orange); Hilton Woodcliff Lake (Woodcliff Lake); Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen (Morristown); Jumping Brook Country Club (Neptune); LuNello Restaurant (Cedar Grove); Mayfair Farms (West Orange); Nanina’s In The Park (Belleville); Pines Manor (Edison); Pleasantdale Château (West Orange); Restaurant Serenade (Chatham); Seasons Catering (Washington Township); The Brick House (Wyckoff); and The Park Savoy (Florham Park). Source: COMMERCE Survey 2015 n

Top New Jersey Venues for Holiday Parties and Events

Kim Guadagno, where she spoke to more than 100 New Jersey business lead- ers and professionals. Throughout the interactive session, Lt. Governor Guadagno shared insights on incentives for growth in the state. Kreinces Rollins & Shanker, LLC By Gerald A. Shanker, CPA/ABV We hold a variety of events, with at least one each quarter. Our roundtable discussions give us the

• pportunity to work with a small group
• f clients in a confidential setting to

explore the challenges they face as busi- ness owners and senior executives. Roundtables are popular with clients and enable us to respond more effec- tively to what matters most to them. This is a “win-win” and enhances client

• retention. Our larger networking events

are an opportunity for our staff to meet clients and referral partners on an informal basis. The entire KRS team is involved in business development, so these events also give our newer mem- bers the opportunity to learn network- ing skills from the partners and then hone those skills. We also encourage those we invite to bring colleagues to these events, which gives all attendees the opportunity to make new connec- tions and discover new opportunities. We believe in celebrating KRS team successes, so we also hold staff-only events such as a Cinco de Mayo

• party. Such staff-only events build

camaraderie and contribute to the family atmosphere at KRS. Smolin, Lupin & Co., P.A. By Theodore J. Dudek, CPA, President, Managing Member I believe that in an increasingly digital marketplace, it becomes so much more important to practice “old-fashioned,” face-to-face relationship development. When them- ed and executed properly, there is still nothing as effective as getting people in a room to hear your message, and share in the conversation. Social plat- forms present great opportunity, but business still requires a level of human interaction that only meetings and events can provide. The firm finds great success with experiential meetings and events—forcing people to look up from their e-mails and get engaged in the conversation. Sobel & Co. LLC By Alan D. Sobel, CPA, CGMA, Managing Member At Sobel & Co., we have always used events such as seminars, roundtables and conferences as an effective way of adding real value for the business community. We most

• ften do this by offering industry-specif-

ic programs that provide a combination

• f practical value, hands-on advice and

peer-to-peer networking. For example,

• ur nonprofit practice group hosts quar-

terly roundtables for board chairs as well as for executive directors as a means of delivering timely and relevant information for them to help them be more effective in their respective roles. We also present Webinars on the hottest nonprofit topics, and start each year with a half-day symposium presenting guest speakers who are well-known for their expertise in the nonprofit commu-

• nity. We replicate this successful format

across various industry niches, as well as with key audiences, such as families in business and women in business. Adhering to this process enables us to personally connect with our audiences in a very meaningful way by demonstrat- ing our knowledge, sharing our resources and making powerful intro- ductions whenever possible. WithumSmith+Brown, PC By William R. Hagaman, Jr., CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner, CEO For our clients, as part

• f WithumSmith+Brown’s value proposi-

tion, we offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) opportunities through live seminars and online Webinars, which are held regularly, sharing valu- able news and updates related to tax law, regulations and accounting trends which they need in order to stay current and compliant. Our clients appreciate the knowledge-sharing and education credits, presented by our practice area

• experts. For our staff, we uphold our

commitment to recruit and retain quali- ty staff by providing an atmosphere which encourages them to reach their fullest potential. We established “Withum University,” offering firm- sponsored, in-person and live-video CPE

• n various accounting topics, keeping
• ur staff current for the purposes of

maintaining their professional licenses and, more importantly, to continue pro- viding world-class quality service to our 54

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VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

• 1. Send invitations to your employees and guests well in advance.
• 2. Convey the dress code for the party along with the invitation.
• 3. It is a good idea to also invite spouses or significant others.
• 4. Always check with your important guests to make sure that

they are coming.

• 5. Make a list of all the items required for your company holiday party.
• 6. A menu must be chosen keeping in mind the theme and timing of the party.
• 7. You need to arrange suitable decorations or guide the event managers in this regard.
• 8. Having a relaxed atmosphere with entertainment is a must. Remember, this is a party!

Source: www.MoreBusiness.com n

A Checklist for Company Meetings, Events and Parties

• clients. Supplemental training is also

provided through an online learning library of more than 300 courses. Withum offers mentoring for younger

• r newer professionals to assist with

firm assimilation, receiving continued guidance thereafter. And we offer spe- cial training specifically directed towards skill development for our new managers and senior managers, with sessions con- ceived and conducted by our senior

• partners. The formal leadership training

we provide at all staff levels develops the skills and attributes needed to improve every professional’s strategic thinking, long-term vision and positive influence on others.

CREDIT UNIONS

North Jersey Federal Credit Union By Lourdes Cortez, President and CEO At North Jersey Federal Credit Union, we host an annual busi- ness summit every fall. The event is meant to not only attract new commer- cial customers, but also to give our cur- rent business members the opportunity to network. We all love hearing and learning about successful businesses. We’re very excited that we’ve grown our commercial business between 15 percent and 30 percent each year over the last five years. Some of that growth definite- ly comes out of our business summit. Recently, we held an open house to attract new members. We felt it was very successful, since we gained new members and were able to close on sev- eral loans. This past winter, we had our first training day with employees. We talked about our goals for the year and had fun with a game show session about all of our products and services. We got a lot of positive feedback. Lastly, I meet quarterly with staff from all lev- els of our organization to brainstorm, look at what we do well and learn about turning around our challenges. The different perspectives are really helpful in fine-tuning how we conduct business.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Berkeley College By Michael J. Smith, President Two programs that pro- mote professional growth at Berkeley College are Leadership Berkeley, which supports the advance- ment of associates on a management growth track, and All Associates Day, a college-wide day of professional devel-

• pment. Leadership Berkeley is com-

prised of individuals identified by their supervisors and senior management as future leaders. The program, founded in 2004, pairs each class member with a mentor from upper management. The Leadership class attends monthly meetings about different topics and periodically tours various departments. The program culminates with the class presenting a solution to an organiza- tional problem they have been asked to address. All Associates Day brings Berkeley College faculty, staff and administrators together for a day filled with learning, team-building and enter- taining activities that encourage associ- ates to mingle with colleagues from

• utside of their departments. Last year

“on-stage” scenarios were presented to involve participants in the student expe-

• rience. These skits simulated different

students’ views about college life. We also attended mini-classes on topics ranging from phlebotomy to feminism and globalization in an effort to experience the college from a student perspective. Felician College By Dr. Anne M. Prisco, President Events at Felician College are an important part of what we do as a Franciscan institution. Prospective students who attend admis- sions events learn about our programs

• f study, facilities and small class sizes.

Enrolled students participate in events and programming throughout the year that engage their mind, body, and spirit. We invite our donors and alumni to attend special events such as athletic events, theatre productions and Homecoming Weekend. Each spring we hold “Felician Spirit Day” for all faculty and staff members to build comaraderie and to recognize outstanding work by

• ur colleagues. Through events such as

these and our communications program, we keep our students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends engaged and connect-

• ed. Our overarching goal is to share our

commitment to Felician Franciscan val- ues—especially our care for each individ-

• ual. Our commitment to providing a

21st century education based on time- less values is reflected both in and out- side the classroom, from scheduled meetings and events to impromptu gatherings and soulful dialogue that are hallmarks of our community. Georgian Court University By Dr. Joseph R. Marbach, President One of Georgian Court University’s most successful admissions events is Instant Decision

• Day. Held throughout the year, we offer

transfer and freshman students a chance to tour our beautiful historic campus, meet with an admissions counselor, and, for most students, receive an admissions decision that day. We’re known as a warm and welcoming campus, and this 56

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VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

joyful event is a perfect example of

• that. We get to see prospective students’

reactions to being accepted and make those personal connections they will continue to experience throughout their GCU education. Nearly 30 percent of the students who attended a GCU Instant Decision Day in the past year enrolled. One of GCU’s most successful fundrais- ing events is the annual Scholarship Golf

• Classic. Our 2015 event netted $126,816,

the second-highest net in its 20-year history, and attracted more than 130 community and business leaders. Like

• ur admissions events, the Scholarship

Classic also establishes personal connec- tions, including those with the students who benefit from the funds raised. Likewise, our annual Scholarship Brunch, which is attended by more than 400 donors and scholarship recipients, gives

• ur students a chance to thank their

donors and allows donors to hear how their scholarships have made an impact. New Jersey City University By Dr. Sue Henderson, President Throughout the year, NJCU presents special events and cultural programming that connect the university community with its neighbors, potential students, donors, and corporate, business, and civic partners. Recent programs have included lectures by Pulitzer Prize-win- ning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin; renowned physicist Michio Kaku; jour- nalists Arianna Huffington, Nicholas Kristof and Dan Harris; seminars with Chris Versace and other Wall Street insiders; the premiere of the Black Maria Film Festival; exhibitions by internation- al artists; performances by John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Jon Faddis and others from Lincoln Center and Broadway; musical and theater productions by stu- dents and faculty; sports events; Open Houses, Town Hall meetings, galas and benefit dinners; professional confer- ences; the Festival de los Andes and

• ther ethnic celebrations; alumni events;

and scholarship and awards celebra- tions, Veterans Appreciation Day, honor society inductions, and Hall of Fame din-

• ners. “Sounds of Summer” concerts are

co-sponsored with the City of Jersey City on the waterfront and in parks. In September, jazz great Wynton Marsalis and the NJCU Alumni Jazz Band per- formed a tribute to the late Clark Terry. By engaging the greater community, sharing resources, and showcasing

• ur attractive campus, accomplished

faculty, and successful alumni, public awareness of NJCU grows, our reputa- tion is enhanced, and fundraising and student recruitment benefit. It’s a win-win situation. Ramapo College of New Jersey By Dr. Peter P. Mercer, President Beyond traditional admis- sions events such as Multicultural Open House and Admitted Student Day, Ramapo College provides opportunities for potential students to meet one-on-

• ne with faculty, deans, academic and

career advisors, student leaders, and the college president. Admitted students that have not yet committed to Ramapo are introduced to these individuals at Dean’s Receptions that showcase the college’s four pillars of education: inter- national, intercultural, interdisciplinary and experiential. The receptions are cus- tomized and may feature student-facul- ty research, a scene from a student per- formance or a prestigious joint admis- sion program. The events also introduce prospective students to recent alumni who may discuss their internship, study abroad and post-Ramapo experiences. Applicants identified as Presidential Scholars are invited with their parents to my home. These special events allow me to better know these student lead- ers, their diversity of interests and their concerns—a connection that is furthered by our small class sizes, low faculty to student ratio and commitment to the liberal arts. At Ramapo College, the indi- vidual attention given to prospective students has often yielded a higher rate

• f admission but, more significantly, our

students report a personal connection with Ramapo from the day they arrive

• n campus, and the relationship contin-

ues through graduation and beyond. Saint Peter’s University By Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia, President On Friday, November 6, Saint Peter’s University will host its 44th Annual Regents Business Symposium, which is one of New Jersey’s longest-running forums designed to inspire and educate an audience of all ages, professions and industries regard- ing business trends, challenges and best

• practices. This year’s theme is “Beyond

the Gold Watch: Motivating the Modern Workforce” and the symposium will explore how to succeed at employee 58

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VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

• 1. Have guests RSVP a week before the event, so you can

arrange seating and order food.

• 2. Let the facility know of any special needs you might have

as soon as possible.

• 3. Include every piece of pertinent information on the invitation or a separate insert.
• 4. Test AV equipment and prescreen chair/table setup and space for entertainers, etc.
• 5. Put up directional signs pointing guests toward the right room for the meeting.
• 6. Put up signs to the restrooms if they are not in the immediate area for all to see.
• 7. Confirm arrangements with hired service providers a few days ahead of the meeting.

Source: www.RamonaCreel.com n

Tips for Avoiding Meeting Problems

engagement and satisfaction as the days

• f motivating an employee to receive

the proverbial “gold watch” are largely

• ver. The symposium has been one of

the university’s hallmark events for several decades. The event provides the university with the opportunity to engage with leading corporate sponsors and serves as a successful fundraising

• initiative. It also opens Saint Peter’s

doors to the external business communi- ty and provides prospective adult and graduate students the opportunity to see what the university has to offer. The event consistently attracts industry giants who serve as keynote speakers, panelists and moderators. Faculty, stu- dents and staff in attendance glean tremendous knowledge from the event and have the opportunity to network with business leaders. Thomas Edison State College By Dr. George A. Pruitt, President Thomas Edison State College values the opportu- nity to connect with degree-seeking adults wherever they live or work. We hold events throughout the year that take place on campus, off campus and

• nline to provide a chance for prospec-

tive students to meet our staff, learn more about our admissions and enroll- ment process, student services, transfer- ring credit, prior learning assessment, tuition plans, financial aid and scholar- ship opportunities. This includes general information sessions and program-spe- cific recruitment events held throughout New Jersey and the United States. We also visit our corporate and military partners to provide information about the college and how to get started as a student. In addition, we host online Webinars that are accessible to anyone with an Internet connection, so current and prospective students can join us from wherever they are located, includ- ing active duty service members who are

• deployed. These events give prospective

students a chance to see how they can finish their undergraduate degree or earn their graduate degree without sac- rificing their personal and professional

• responsibilities. We also have two annu-

al fundraising events—our Thomas C. Streckewald Memorial Golf Classic and Grande Ball—that support the develop- ment of new degree programs and tech- nologies and expand how we serve our students. Union County College By Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President Throughout my five years as president of Union County College, I have found my “Pizza with the President” meetings to be extremely productive and enjoyable. Once a month during the Fall and Spring semesters, I embark on a pizza pie listening tour that rotates among the college’s three campuses. Union’s College Life Department arranges for a van to deliver a dozen students to a local restaurant that’s ready to keep dishing out pies while the students are busy dishing with yours truly. Over the years, I have gotten used to some of the whimsical combinations

• f toppings that students have ordered.

I think the pineapple, anchovy, four- cheese and buffalo-chicken combo might’ve been the most difficult for me to swallow. What’s not so whimsical, though, is what the students talk about between bites, while they have a sound- ing board for their ideas for making Union a better college. Based on stu- dents’ feedback from these pizza meet- 60

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T

he National Speakers Association has compiled these tips to help make your next meeting a success with the right keynote speaker.

• 1. Determine the needs of your audience. Thorough knowledge of the needs of your

group is essential in selecting the right speaker.

• 2. Establish your date, time and budget. Start looking for a professional speaker as soon

as the date for your meeting is set. Consider how much time you have to fill and where that time falls in your overall program.

• 3. Identify the type of professional speaker who will best match the needs of your audience.

A speaker’s expertise in a given field may be the big draw, but a well-known name does not guarantee a professional presentation.

• 4. Locate your resources. Ask colleagues for recommendations. Speaker bureaus can also

locate speakers according to your specifications and needs.

• 5. Review your options and interview your speaker candidates. A professional speaker will
• ften ask what they can accomplish for you.
• 6. Hire a professional. Professional speakers understand that your reputation is riding
• n their performance.
• 7. Get it in writing. A letter of agreement or contract is a must.
• 8. Work with your speaker. Share information about your group or company to facilitate

a customized presentation.

• 9. Set the stage. Make sure the room is set up for optimum impact. Consider the number
• f chairs and how they are arranged, room temperature and lighting.
• 10. Evaluate the results. Have your audience complete evaluations on the speaker’s
• presentation. This will allow you to gauge results and plan for future events.

Source: www.chartcourse.com n

10 Tips for Finding the Right Professional Speaker

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ings, the college has implemented a number of key student-service improve- ments in library hours, laboratory avail- ability, parking tags, professor office hours, book costs and class schedules. William Paterson University By Dr. Kathleen Waldron, President William Paterson University’s prestigious “Distinguished Lecturer Series,” now in its 37th year, continues to attract large audiences to our campus, bolstering the university’s reputation as a cultural and intellectual core of the community. The program provides thought-provoking presentations from world-renowned leaders and experts such as Margaret Thatcher in 1999, Al Pacino in 2010 and Gloria Steinem in 2012. On October 29, we will host Lesley Stahl in a discussion

• f her groundbreaking career as one
• f the first prominent female television
• reporters. In conjunction with each

individual program, we conduct dinners and/or receptions to support our rela- tionships with alumni and friends. Many

• f the speakers have also met with small

groups of students, and classes often attend the lectures. The Distinguished Lecturer Series is one of dozens of events that we conduct each year to suc- cessfully engage our full range of con- stituents, including prospective students and their families, alumni and friends, and our community that extends beyond the campus. Other events include the Orlando Saa Foreign Language Poetry Recitation Contest and New Jersey History Day, which each bring hundreds

• f high school students to campus,

and the Ghandian Forum for Peace and Justice, which attracts students, teachers and community members.

LAW

Callagy Law By Sean Callagy, Esq., President Callagy Law’s philosophy is to offer massive value to prospective clients through which their

• wn business objectives can be more

readily attained. We feel that we should give in order to receive, and a primary means we have chosen for doing so is through periodic meetings of the Callagy Business Mastery Club (CBMC). Started in 2013, the CBMC is an evening seminar held every 30 days to 90 days and is conducted, by me, for the benefit

• f business owners seeking more fulfill-

ment, whether financial or personal, from their professional efforts. The methodology is one that I have devel-

• ped over a period of 18 years as an

entrepreneur, attorney and business coach, and have used to build two suc- cessful law practices, a coaching practice and a corporate training practice. Sharing the benefit of my experience creates in attendees an appreciation

• f not just the limitations they may be

placing on themselves, but how their

• bjectives can be more clearly defined

and effectively pursued. Perhaps not sur- prisingly, the personal relationships that are formed at the CBMC often lead to

• ne of attorney-client.

Cole Schotz P.C By Glenn Kazlow, Esq., Administrative Partner and General Counsel There’s an old salesperson proverb that says, “You can’t mail a handshake.” Bringing people together in meetings nurtures relationships, spurs new ideas and provides a platform to transfer knowledge in ways which are

• ften more effective than mere written
• words. Meetings allow people to feel

connected and engaged. At our firm, we meet with clients, prospective clients, vendors and colleagues every day. By the very nature of the confidential rela- tionship lawyers have with their clients, meetings are a necessary way to under- stand complex facts and explain legal

• issues. The give and take of those meet-

ings are crucial to a lawyer’s ability to properly represent their clients. We also use meetings for continuing legal educa- tion programs, technology and legal training and administrative coordina-

• tion. With the use of technology, it is

common for participation to be both in person and via video conference. Lastly, we often host social events, such as cocktail receptions, to create network- ing opportunities for our business

• clients. Those introductions have very
• ften developed into very profitable

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VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

relationships and an appreciation for

• ur willingness to connect people. We

have found that the personal dynamic

• f such events cannot be replicated by a

phone call or e-mail. Gibbons P.C. By Patrick C. Dunican Jr.,

• Esq. Chairman, Managing

Director At Gibbons, our most successful client events are our annual full- and half-day client seminars on the legislative, judicial and marketplace developments impacting our clients’ businesses—particularly in areas with constantly changing regulations and emerging law. Our client relationships are valued business partnerships; these educational events demonstrate our commitment to the overall success

• f our clients’ ventures by helping

them smoothly navigate evolving legal and business environments. Our compre- hensive “Healthcare Convergence” sym- posium advises various healthcare indus- try constituencies on such up-to-the- minute topics as Affordable Care Act requirements and the shift from fee-for-

• service. Our “Employment & Labor Law

Seminar” addresses recent employment legislation, court decisions and agency initiatives—plus upcoming trends and cases to watch, recently covering employee classification, paid sick leave laws and emotional distress damages. Our popular “E-Discovery Conference” guides companies on developing regula- tions regarding the management, collec- tion and production of electronic data, addressing cutting-edge concerns includ- ing the proliferation of mobile devices and cloud-based apps in the workplace. These programs provide comprehensive legal analyses and practical perspectives targeted to in-house lawyers and busi- ness professionals, presented by Gibbons attorneys and featured speakers who are among the most respected voices in their fields, with ample time built in for Q&A and discussion. Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. By Alison Galer, Esq., Managing Partner We frequently hold complimentary educational seminars on relevant topics we think our clients and potential clients will find of interest. Recent seminar topics have included Affordable Care Act requirements, hot topics in labor and employment, and business divorce. These seminars prove to be a good way for the firm and attor- neys to foster relationships with current clients as well as build new relationships with prospective clients. We also offer live in-house CLE programs to our attor-

• neys. These programs are presented by
• ur attorneys and not only assist with

their continuing education require- ments, but promote cross-selling within the firm. Lastly, we provide an associate development program for all our associ-

• ates. Our sessions vary by topic and

include relationship building, marketing techniques and creating a personal

• brand. These sessions provide our associ-

ates with the knowledge they need to mature into well-rounded attorneys. NPZ Law Group, P.C. By David H. Nachman. Esq., Managing Attorney While the Internet con- tinues to present amazing

• pportunities to disseminate U.S. immi-

gration law information quickly, the lawyers at the NPZ Law Group continue to conduct seminars onsite for our cor- porate clients as well as at conference centers throughout the nation. We con- tinue to find that our potential HR clients want/need personal support. We conduct training programs at Hilton facilities both within and outside the United States about U.S. immigration law options for investors and multina- tional transferees. Additionally, we con- tinue to use Marriott Corporation and the Intercontinental Hotel Chain (Ana) to support our conference needs throughout the country and abroad. The nature of our corporate and busi- ness immigration law practice continues to be of a personal nature, so we con- tinue to seek partnership relationships with hospitality facilities that are friend- ly, flexible and facilitating. n 64

COMMERCE • www.commercemagnj.com

continued from page 62

ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY

200 Club of Bergen County . . . . . . . . . 73 American Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Archer & Greiner P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Atlantic Stewardship Bank . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bergen Community College . . . . . . . . . 11 Caucus NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 CIANJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Citrin Cooperman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Columbia Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 DataScreening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 EAI, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Franklin Mutual Insurance . . . . . . . . . . 39 Freedom Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Goldstein Lieberman & Company LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Hilton Woodcliff Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Holy Name Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . 19 Horizon BCBSNJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hunter Group CPA LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

VIP PARTIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS

Kean University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Kreinces Rollins & Shanker, LLC . . . . . . 67 Lakeland Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 LeClairRyan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC MagnaCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Manasquan Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Matheny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 McCarter & English, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Nanina’s In The Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 New Jersey Innovation Institute . . . . . . 29

• NJCU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

NJM Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. . . . . 49 North Jersey FCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 NPZ Law Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 O’Connor Davies, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Palisades Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Pines Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 PNC Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Provident Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

• QualCare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Ramapo College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital . . . . 61 Saint Peter’s Physician Associates. . . . . 27

• Smolin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Stuyvesant Green Earth Press. . . . . . . . 77 TD Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Terrie O’Connor Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Valley Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Trinitas Regional Medical Center . . . . . 20 UnitedHealthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC United Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 UNITEMP Temporary Personnel. . . . . . . 10 Whitestone Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 48 William Paterson University . . . . . . . . . 63 WithumSmith+Brown, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . 24 XCEL FCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26