ACG New Jersey’s NextGen event fosters connection among emerging leaders

ACG New Jersey hosted its latest Next Gen Networking Event at Homestead Bar and Kitchen in Morristown, bringing together rising business leaders from across the state to connect, converse and build lasting professional relationships.

For ACG New Jersey President Mike Corridon, the event underscores what business is really about.

“To me, business is all about relationships,” he said. “In my career, the best things that have happened have happened in person, meeting somebody, getting to know them.” 

Corridon added that ACG New Jersey is focused on cultivating that next generation of leadership.

“We really believe we add a lot of value to the business community in New Jersey,” he said. “So we want to bring in the next leaders in business to get together and get to know one another. That really is what fuels this.” 

“Everybody has the skill,” Corridon later added. “But can you connect at a human level? I think that’s the importance of stuff like this.” 

ACG New Jersey Chair Blake Balsamo said the group’s Next Gen initiative is designed to make networking accessible and engaging for young professionals.

“With Next Gen, with young professionals, it’s a little bit harder these days to get people to come out and experience this,” Balsamo said. “So we figured if we get everybody at a bar and talk about what they do and how they do it, it’s just a great way to network in New Jersey.” 

He also emphasized the value of pushing beyond comfort zones.

“I love saying, just be comfortable being uncomfortable,” Balsamo said. “Coming out to events like this, even if you don’t know anybody, is a great way to meet good people and have a lot of fun.” 

Ultimately, Balsamo said, the goal of the Next Gen program is to help young professionals establish their footing in New Jersey’s business landscape.

“We’re really trying to grow that base of Next Gen people,” he said. “We know there are a lot of young professionals in the state who don’t have a network, and this is a great space for them to come.” 

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