Spanning over three decades, Partners in Economic Development is a significant forum for acknowledging the outstanding efforts and achievements contributing to Morris County’s economic vitality with a look into the future.
Morris County is an economic powerhouse with a Gross Regional Product of over $60 billion, an economy larger than several states. The strength of this vibrant economy and the 39 captivating communities that make up Morris County is celebrated April 11 at the 31st Annual Partners in Economic Development Awards at the Hyatt Regency in Morristown. The annual event’s program will consist of two keynote speakers, a panel discussion focusing on Downtown Development, Real Estate Awards and three Impact Awards. Ample networking opportunities, before and after the program, with the added perk of an author book signing, are included.
Creating opportunity together through the power of partnership
Continuing the tradition started in 2022, the program will once again be hosted in partnership between the Morris County Economic Development Corp., a division of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and the affiliated 501(c)(3), the Morris County Economic Development Alliance and its Tourism Division, the Morris County Tourism Bureau. The expansion of the event is representative in this year’s keynote selections: Tourism Keynote is Lauren LaRusso, co-host city manager, N.Y./N.J. World Cup Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the Development Keynote is Thomas Abdallah, vice president, environmental services, and chief environmental engineer, MTA New York City Transit.
“We are thankful for the leadership and partnership of our county commissioners and Morris County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, which has allowed us to develop a robust ecosystem. The joint annual event (Partners in Economic Development) we host in harmony with the Morris County Economic Development Corp. demonstrates the strong partnership we have within the Morris County Chamber of Commerce ecosystem and the innovative model we employ to create new opportunities and drive economic development throughout Morris County,” stated Craig Schlosser, CEO & president of the Morris County Economic Development Alliance and Tourism Bureau.
Celebrating Excellence
“Innovation, Community and Growth” are the ideals at the forefront of our 2023 Real Estate Awards and Impact Awards. The 2023 Real Estate Awards that will be presented are Deal of the Year: Office, Deal of the Year: Industrial, Business Retention Award and Business Attraction Award.
- Office Deal of the Year: Cushman & Wakefield and SJP Properties for the tenant Sanofi in Morristown;
- Industrial Deal of the Year: Binswanger for the tenant Dauphin in Boonton;
- Business Retention Award: JLL and Onyx for the tenant NJM Insurance Group in Parsippany;
- Business Attraction Award: Greek Real Estate Partners for the tenant Elettrotek Kabel North America in Parsippany.
The 2023 Impact Awards are Tourism, Community and Economic Impact.
- Tourism Impact Award: Morris County Historical Society & Acorn Hall;
- Community Impact Award: Crothers Consulting;
- Economic Impact: County College of Morris.
“Attending the awards is an investment in both personal and community growth, fostering the overall development of Morris County,” stated Meghan Hunscher, CEO & president of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp. “It’s an occasion ripe with potential for gaining new insights, uncovering emerging opportunities and building impactful connections that could shape the future of our economic landscape.”
The Future of Downtown
Downtown Development is the featured panel for this year’s program and will focus on how new office development, multifamily and unique retail creates value by leveraging proximity to transit. Featured panelists include Antoinette Quagliata, sustainability manager at Dewberry, Robert Donnelly Jr., vice chair at Cushman & Wakefield, and Ludivine O’Toole, senior development director at AvalonBay Communities.
“Morris County communities truly have ‘hometown roots with global reach.’ Home to hundreds of corporate headquarters and 39 wonderful communities,” Hunscher adds. “Many feature a vibrant downtown, which create a sense of place and vibrancy for their communities, attracting residents and visitors. It is through interactive and thought-provoking conversations such as our ‘Downtown Development’ panel discussion that innovation and best practices are shared and opportunities emerge.”
An Invitation to Celebrate Economic Excellence & Visionary Leadership
Join over 100 attendees for Morris County’s premier Economic Development Event by purchasing tickets or a sponsorship by visiting morriscountyedc.org/events or morriscountyalliance.org/events. For more information and/or questions, please call the Alliance at 973-210-6078 or EDC at 973-539-8270.