When I meet with members about how the chamber can help grow their business, the topics of talent and human resources are at the top of the list. Accordingly, I am proud to announce we kicked off our new Human Resource and Talent Committee this spring, led by co-chairs Christy Harper, president of Launchpad Talent Group, and Michael A. Shadiack, Esq. of Connell Foley LLP. Christy has extensive background in talent recruitment, on-boarding and retention and brings many years of experience helping businesses succeed through the identification of top talent and effective programs to develop employees. Michael is a partner in and serves as chair of the employment law practice group at Connell Foley. He has extensive experience providing employment law compliance counseling to businesses of all sizes, conducts practical training programs and drafts employee handbooks, all with a perspective gained from defending businesses in litigation during the last two decades.   

The committee is collaboration between the chamber and the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), a division of the chamber. The mission of the committee is to provide members with the opportunity to discuss timely topics related to talent. It also provides the opportunity to plan and present at forums and seminars that provide valuable information to members and the business community about best practices in human resources, up-to-date information regarding laws and regulations, and strategies for attracting, on-boarding and retaining talent.

While the committee will comprise primarily individuals who have primary responsibility for hiring, firing, providing day-to-day direction to employees and are responsible to address any employee conflict or inquiries by government agencies, any chamber member that is interested in human resources as it applies to their business is welcome to attend.

It is clear that that Morris County will only remain a “top 10” county and continue to grow if we can successfully attract, retain and develop talent. We encourage all members who are involved with hiring decisions or interested in learning more about how labor regulations affect their business to attend the committee, which meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the chamber offices.  If you are interested in learning more or being a presenter, please e-mail Michael Shadiack at MShadiack@connellfoley.com 

I am excited to announce that the MCEDC also is investing in a new database, Hometown Opportunities, to provide improved connectivity between employers and prospective employees that will be developed this year. Employers will be able to list local job opportunities and residents, students and volunteers will be able to find opportunities in their hometown or within Morris County. You will realize the benefit of this resource by having a tool to attract talent in a competitive labor market through your business profile. 

Michael Stanzilis has been serving as the new vice president of membership engagement and business development at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce since April 1, where he is responsible for membership sales, retention and overall member experience, including creating, developing and overseeing a membership strategy for chamber growth. “I am thoroughly enjoying this new position,” he said. “What has impressed me is the passion of our members. They are all dedicated to growing their businesses. And willing to help each other. It’s amazing. “I am getting to know as many members as I can and finding out how I can help them make connections.” Mike has a strong track record of success. Most recently he was general manager at security services entity G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc., where he led the company’s Northeast Region in bottom-line growth for
two consecutive years and advanced the New Jersey portfolio from the third-largest in the region to the largest. Prior to G4S, Mike worked for Securitas Security Services USA, New York Life and Harrison Securities. Mike also serves as the mayor of Mount Arlington. He said his business background and government experience position him well to support chambers members.

​   “The chamber is the perfect intersection of my business and government experience and my passion for economic growth,” he said. “In addition, in my previous position I was a chamber member so I understand the perspectives and needs of businesses.” Mike’s goal for the member experience side of his job focuses on ensuring members get the most out of their membership, he said.

“I want to really define the value proposition of the three business sectors within our chamber – small, medium and large businesses – and ensure our activities are in line with those value propositions so they maximize the benefits of their membership. “I also want to show prospective members the benefits of membership, including the opportunities to network with other businesses of all sizes and interact with government officials, as well as education and training.”

Mike is an active volunteer in Morris County, including with the Morris County League of Municipalities as an executive board member and Habitat for Humanity, Morris County, as a past board member. He attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts and holds a certificate of security management from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Mike and his wife, Laura, and son, Mike, Jr., live in Mount Arlington. When he is not working or tending to township business, he is an assistant scout master for his son’s Boy Scout troop and loves skiing and camping.