Listen to this articleThe basics:
- NJ Chamber honored lawmakers and business leaders at biennial awards
- Awards recognized efforts in economic growth and business reform
- Honorees included legislators, state officials and private sector leaders
- Event emphasized collaboration, innovation and bipartisan progress
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce hosted its Legislative & Business Awards reception Oct. 22 at EisnerAmper‘s headquarters in Iselin.
The biennial event this year recognized five state legislators and three business advocates for their work to improve the state’s business climate and strengthen economic growth. The gathering attracts many of the state’s top business leaders and lawmakers – and promotes a spirit of bipartisanship.
The honorees were selected for their leadership on policies promoting tax and regulatory reform, workforce development, infrastructure investment and innovation.
“Every two years, the Chamber honors leaders who are making a real difference for New Jersey’s business community and its economy,” said Tom Bracken, NJ Chamber president and CEO at the outset of the event. “And I can say confidently, the leaders we’re recognizing tonight have earned every bit of the recognition they’re getting.
“We thank them for the work they do every day – and for being here tonight, so we can say, simply and sincerely, ‘thank you.’”
“Tonight, we are recognizing and celebrating some truly outstanding individuals,” said Diane Wasser, EisnerAmper’s New Jersey partner-in-charge and treasurer of the NJ Chamber’s board of directors. “This year’s awardees include an impressive group of legislators, an influential member of the governor’s cabinet, and two dedicated business leaders.
“We deeply appreciate their work.”
Making progress possible
Gil Medina, president of CBRE and chairman of the NJ Chamber board, said the awards were not just about recognizing individual achievement.
“We’re celebrating the partnerships that make progress possible,” said Medina. “New Jersey thrives because of collaboration between the business community, government leaders, and organizations like those represented here this evening. The New Jersey Chamber has been presenting these awards since 1996 – and they remain as important as ever.”
2025 NJ Chamber honorees
Legislator of the Year Awards
- Assemblyman Robert Clifton, R-12th District
Honored for supporting the Transportation Trust Fund renewal, co-sponsoring legislation to re-establish the Red Tape Review Commission, and measures to strengthen small business and agricultural lending programs. - Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, D-18th District
Acknowledged for modernizing permitting and construction processes, cutting red tape, and sponsoring multiple Chamber-supported bills driving economic growth. - Sen. Vincent Polistina, R-2nd District
Honored for advancing South Jersey’s economic development through tourism district legislation, supporting the renewal of the Transportation Trust Fund, and affordability measures for families and retirees. - Assemblyman William Spearman, D-5th District
Recognized for his accessibility and leadership on commerce, job creation, and minority- and women-owned business initiatives. - Sen. Andrew Zwicker, D-16th District
Recognized for championing innovation and business growth, including expanding Angel Investor tax credits, supporting a new Department of Commerce and Innovation, and leveraging his scientific expertise from Princeton University’s Plasma Physics Lab.
Business Advocate of the Year Awards
- Lisa Chowansky, president, HC Constructors Inc.
Celebrated for her leadership in construction, workforce development, and supplier diversity, as well as her philanthropic efforts supporting youth employment programs. She serves as first vice chair of the NJ Chamber board’s executive committee and is a director emeritus of the New Jersey chapter of Professional Women in Construction. - Jacquelyn Suárez, commissioner, NJ Department of Community Affairs
Honored for streamlining permitting, fostering collaboration between state agencies and businesses, and serving as a visible advocate for efficiency and accessibility in government – while overseeing one of the state’s largest departments, managing a $1.5 billion budget and more than 1,000 employees.
NJ Chamber Alliance Partner of the Year Award
- Chris Phelan, president, Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Recognized for his leadership in local economic revitalization, statewide chamber collaboration, and commitment to mentoring and professional networking.
Next up: Election Day
Bracken said the gathering was taking place at a pivotal time – just before the 2025 election, which includes the close race for the governorship and campaigns for all Assembly seats.
“This election presents a critical opportunity to confront our state’s economic challenges with fresh ideas,” said Bracken. “Regardless of party, the next governor must make New Jersey’s economy a top priority – and we look to our state legislators to do the same.
Regardless of party, the next governor must make New Jersey’s economy a top priority – and we look to our state legislators to do the same.
– Tom Bracken, NJ Chamber of Commerce president and CEO
“The New Jersey Chamber does not endorse candidates, but I can say with confidence that the legislators we are honoring tonight have been strong supporters of economic growth.”
Bracken said that for New Jersey to succeed over the long term, the state must maintain a business climate that is competitive, fair, and not overtaxed or overregulated. “Tonight, we recognize those who have already played a vital role in supporting and building New Jersey’s economy – and we look forward to celebrating them,” said Bracken.
