The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce will honor five state legislators and three business advocates for their contributions to economic growth in the state. The awards will be presented at the Legislative & Business Awards Reception on October 22 at EisnerAmper headquarters in Iselin.
The Chamber selected the honorees based on their support for the business community, legislative records, and initiatives aimed at making New Jersey more business-friendly. The event is open to media representatives.
This year’s Legislator of the Year Awards will go to Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-16), Senator Vincent Polistina (R-2), Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-18), Assemblyman William Spearman (D-5), and Assemblyman Robert Clifton (R-12). The Business Advocate of the Year Awards will be given to Lisa Chowansky, President of HC Constructors Inc. and First Vice Chair of the N.J. Chamber Board of Directors, and Jacquelyn Suarez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Chris Phelan, President of Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, will receive the N.J. Chamber Alliance Partner of the Year Award.
Tom Bracken, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said: “The honorees were selected because each has taken substantive action to improve New Jersey’s economic climate and each has been at the forefront in the fight for tax and regulatory reform and fiscally responsible infrastructure investment. New Jersey faces many challenges, and the business community is fortunate to have individuals such as these taking action to help make our state more affordable and more competitive.”
Senator Zwicker serves as chair of the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee and is a member of several other committees. He has worked on expanding tax credits under the Angel Investor Tax Credit Act, creating a new Department of Commerce and Innovation, and supporting grants for scientific conferences.
Senator Polistina has sponsored legislation focused on South Jersey’s economy, including efforts to establish a tourism district in Atlantic City and support transportation funding renewal. He also advocated for extending outdoor dining regulations.
Assemblyman Karabinchak has promoted modernization in permitting processes and sponsored bills such as those supporting artificial intelligence investments and exempting sales tax for affordable housing materials.
Assemblyman Spearman chairs a key committee related to commerce and economic development. He supported legislation offering tax credits for pre-employment training programs as well as measures aimed at increasing opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses.
Assemblyman Clifton backed transportation funding renewal efforts that create construction jobs while also co-sponsoring bills targeting regulatory reform and health benefit plan requirements.
Lisa Chowansky is recognized not only for her leadership role but also her civic engagement through organizations like Professional Women in Construction and workforce development fundraising activities benefiting youth programs.
Jacquelyn Suárez oversees one of New Jersey’s largest departments with over 1,000 employees. She has contributed to streamlining permitting processes statewide while maintaining an active presence at chamber events.
Chris Phelan leads downtown revitalization efforts in Flemington as head of Hunterdon County Chamber. He participates actively within chamber networks across New Jersey supporting young professionals’ networking opportunities.
Registration information for members of the media is available by contacting the email address provided by organizers.
