Some of the most valuable work we do at Lenox Consulting happens long before a meeting begins.
Recently, we were proud to help make the connection that brought together the Maritime Association of the Port of New York & New Jersey and members of Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Administration for a roundtable focused on the maritime industry and the enormous role it plays in New Jersey’s economy.
The meeting was part of the Administration’s 21 County Saving You Time and Money Tour, an effort to hear directly from businesses and industries across the state about the challenges they face and the opportunities ahead.
For us, it was exactly the kind of opportunity we value most: helping connect the right people, getting important voices into the room, and creating a setting where an honest and productive conversation can take place.
Hosted by Maher Terminals, the roundtable brought together Acting Governor Dale G. Caldwell; Kellie Doucette, Chief Operating Officer to Governor Sherrill; New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation Priya Jain; Senator Joe Cryan; Genevieve Clifton, Director of Maritime Resources at NJDOT; and leaders from across the maritime and supply chain industries.
Maritime Association Executive Director Stephen Lyman moderated the discussion, giving member companies the opportunity to speak directly about the issues affecting their businesses, workforce, infrastructure, and the future competitiveness of the Port of New York and New Jersey.
And that access matters.
The Port is one of the most important economic engines in our region, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and connecting New Jersey businesses and consumers to the global economy. Yet, like any industry, maritime faces challenges that are difficult to address without communication and coordination among government, businesses, labor, and other stakeholders.
That is why meetings like this are important—not simply because everyone was in the same room, but because the conversation created opportunities for follow-up and, hopefully, meaningful action.
We are always grateful for the opportunity to support the Maritime Association and the work it does on behalf of its members and the broader Port community. Helping make connections like this one is a big part of what public affairs work means to us.
Sometimes success is a headline, a new policy, or a major announcement. Other times, it starts more simply: bringing the right people to the table, making sure the right voices are heard, and helping turn a conversation into the beginning of something productive.
We look forward to seeing where this conversation takes the Port—and helping chart the course forward.
