Agenda - 8:30 AM - Registration Opens - 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM: Breakfast & Networking - 9:15 AM to 9:25 AM: Welcome - 9:25 AM to 9:45 AM: Keynote - 10:30 AM to 10:40 AM: Break - 10:40 AM to 11:05 AM: Group Discussion - 11:05 AM to 11:25 AM: Closing - 11:25 AM to 11:45 AM: Networking - 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM: Panel
Keynote Philip Petracca, Source Brewing Serial Entrepreneur and Technology Industry Executive with an extremely successful track record leading product strategy and development within the technology industry. Vast experience in diverse sectors of emerging technology including Biometrics, Consumer Electronics, Mobile Communications, Satellite Radio and recognized as a visionary in the craft-beer industry. Philip is the consummate beer geek with a true passion for big flavored beers and the craft community a community that s both experimental and experiential.
Moderator Gabriel Lavigne, UBS Gabriel is a Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager at UBS Financial Services. His practice revolves around assisting families and businesses in planning, goal setting and managing their finances effectively. Gabe is very active in the business and non-profit community with a strong focus on workforce development and individual advocacy. He is currently the Chair of the Middlesex County Workforce Development Board, as well as chairing the Board's Youth Advisory Committee. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce where he also serves as the chair for the Emerging Leaders Committee. Gabriel also sits on the Board of Trustees for Elijah's Promise, a local non-profit maintaining New Brunswick's community kitchen, catering program and culinary school, helping to alleviate poverty and fight food insecurity.
Panelist Kim Alvarez, NJ Advance Media Kim Alvarez is Vice President of Business Development and Digital Strategy at NJ Advance Media. With over 18 years of advertising experience she manages a team of 40+ strategic marketing professionals and develops new approaches to exceed customer expectations utilizing current and emerging media. She has helped companies all over the country to grow the strength of their brands; leveraging Social Media, Content Marketing, Video and Traditional Media. Kim is the recipient of NJ AdClub s prestigious award Jerseys Best Marketing and Communications Professionals Under 40 and has received the honor of being named LWE Leading Women s Brand Builders for 2017. Kim is also involved in many professional organizations and volunteers in her community. The development of female leaders is at the forefront of her volunteerism. Through her work with the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Kim has helped to fulfill the organizations mission of Building Girls of Courage, Character and Confidence.
Panelist Richard Bentrewicz is co-founder of Heathermeade Distilling LLC, where a world class vodka is produced- Tree City. Prior to distilling he worked as a sales and operations professional for multiple IT companies including Specta Logic, Datalink, and SSI Hubcity. Former resident of East Brunswick he is "today" a small business owner in Kenilworth, NJ and family man in Cranford, NJ. Richard Bentrewicz, Heathermeade Distilling, LLC
Panelist Michael Giacobello, Investors Bank Michael is a Vice President with Investors Bank and has been there for 9 years working in many different areas of the bank. His experience stems from many years in the retail network in sales management roles with exposure to all lines of business in the bank. He currently manages the Banks Advisor Board and is responsible for managing over 150 of the banks premier clients. His current role covers clients stretching from Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Michael is a recipient of the 2015 NJ Bankers Association Emerging Leaders in Banking award and is currently enrolled in their Emerging Leaders Program. He has his MBA from Rutgers University and a Finance degree from the University of Connecticut. Michael is an avid golfer and enjoys all outdoor sports.
Panelist Chris Tsombanos, Advantage Communications Group Chris Tsombanos started his career in technology at Qwest Communications (now CenturyLink), as a Strategic Account Executive in the New York, NY office. While at Qwest, the second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise customers, Chris designed solutions for his global enterprise clients over a variety of industries including: Healthcare, Finance, Digital Marketing, and Manufacturing. Chris then became an Enterprise Account Manager at his current firm, Advantage Communications Group. Advantage leverages partnerships with 170+ domestic and international technology providers to design solutions with purely best-in-breed technology. When Chris joined Advantage, he was the company s sixth employee, and five years later, they have grown to 45 employees and counting. About a year ago, Chris was promoted to Director of Strategic Accounts, due to the crucial role he played in Advantage s stage of hypergrowth. He graduated from Fairfield University in 2009 with a dual degree in International Business and Management, and puts that education to use by managing accounts in 50+ countries.