President's Message
There’s only one word that adequately describes the NJCCA’s Annual CLE Conference held on September 23 at the Hanover Marriott: “Wow!” We had a record-setting turnout of attendees, speakers, and sponsors. The program offerings were of extraordinary quality. The luncheon and post-conference cocktail reception were both well attended and offered unparalleled opportunities to network with colleagues in an informal atmosphere. It’s not possible to name everyone who spent time and effort in the months, weeks and days leading up to the conference to make it a success, but to everyone who did, I want to offer very heartfelt thanks. Special recognition should go to Gail Girard, NJCCA’s Executive Director, whose work behind the scenes made the day a seamless success; Barbara Sellinger and Valerie Camara, the conference co-chairs, who put it all together; and Giuliano Chicco, who obtained all of the conference materials and put them onto the flash drive. Thank you all very much for your Herculean efforts. Of course, I would be remiss in not thanking the many law firms and other sponsors who participated at the conference; your support is essential to the NJCCA and much appreciated.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and comments on the September 23 Annual CLE Conference. Did it meet your expectations? What did you like most about it? What did you dislike? What, if anything, would you like to see done differently? What suggestions do you have to make the conference even better next year? Are there any particular topics that you would like to have on the agenda at next year’s conference?
Earlier in the month, on September 14, a Social Media Workshop was held at the Vine Restaurant in Basking Ridge, sponsored by Update Legal. Thank you to Larry Samilow and the entire Update Legal team for making the event a success. Participants learned tips and techniques for using on-line media to successfully network with peers and potential employers.
Looking ahead, October promises to be another exciting month for the NJCCA. Please check the Upcoming NJCCA Events tab of this Newsletter for information about the programs and other events scheduled for October.
Most excitingly, the Association of Corporate Counsel of America (ACC)’s annual conference is being held during the week of October 23 in Denver, Colorado. Gail Girard and I plan to attend as representatives of the NJCCA, and numerous NJCCA members have registered to attend, as well. I hope to forge new relationships with colleagues and peers from other ACC chapters around the country and to pick up some pointers on how to make the NJCCA even more successful and responsive to members’ needs than it is already. If you are planning to attend the ACC convention, please send me an email. Perhaps the NJCCA delegation can meet up for some after-hours socializing in the Mile High City.
Finally, mark your calendar for the NJCCA’s annual dinner, which will be held this year on November 17 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Dolce Hotel in Basking Ridge. As has become our customary practice, a CLE program will be held immediately prior to the dinner reception, offering 2 hours of credits to those who attend. The annual dinner is always a great opportunity to mingle and network with friends and colleagues and to welcome NJCCA’s new members.
My e-mail address is joseph.aronds@hartzmountain.com and my telephone number is (201) 272-5308. Feel free to write or call.
