NEWARK, NJ — More than 250 business leaders, executives and public officials gathered in Newark as the New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance held its 12th Annual Legislative & Business Luncheon.
The Aug. 6 event at the Robert Treat Hotel, hosted by The Berger Organization, recognized New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez and Fabuwood CEO Joel Epstein for their contributions to the state.
Suárez received the NJJBA Excellence in Leadership Award. Appointed DCA commissioner in 2023, Suárez oversees a department with more than 1,000 employees and a $2.152 billion operating budget.
Under her leadership, DCA has allocated more than $100 million through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund while advancing efforts addressing veteran homelessness, shared services and homeownership. Jim Hughes, CEO of Unity Bank, introduced Suárez before the award was presented.
Fabuwood received the NJJBA Corporate Excellence Award, accepted by founder and CEO Joel Epstein. The Newark-based cabinetry manufacturer operates from a 1-million-square-foot facility and employs more than 1,200 people nationwide.
Fabuwood has received the Kitchen & Bath Business Readers' Choice Award for cabinetry five times in seven years, most recently in 2025.
“Commissioner Suárez and Joel Epstein represent two sides of the same story,” said Miles Berger, NJJBA chairman and COO of The Berger Organization. “One is building the policy framework that lets New Jersey businesses grow, and the other is proof of what happens in this state when a business is given room to build.”
The luncheon also featured remarks from Amy Herbold, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, on the state's economic competitiveness and business attraction efforts.
Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, who represents the 27th Legislative District, also addressed attendees, discussing issues including education, public safety, economic development and combating antisemitism.
NJJBA General Counsel Ted Zangari called the event a “must-attend power lunch” for senior executives and public officials.
The event was supported by Fabuwood, United Airlines, Royal Wine Corp., Sills Cummis & Gross, Alma Bank, Catchmaster, Newlines Land Consultants, the New Jersey-Israel Commission, ELEC 825, Hackensack Meridian Health, Unity Bank and Bern & Associates.
