Morris County Chamber marks 105th annual meeting as Shaw highlights growth, business expansion
WHIPPANY, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce held its 105th Annual Meeting at the Hanover Marriott Hotel, drawing hundreds of business and community leaders to recognize local achievements and hear updates on the county’s economic outlook.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw delivered the State of the County address. Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioner Christine Myers also attended, along with County Administrator Deena Leary, Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray and Clerk of the Board Debra Lynch.
“Morris County is strong, stable and outperforming much of the region,” said Director Shaw. “Our unemployment rate remains well below state and national averages, workforce participation is among the highest in New Jersey and our business community is expanding in sectors from life sciences to advanced manufacturing. Morris County consistently ranks among the top counties in the state for median household income and educational attainment — which means we’re not just working hard, we’re working smart.”
Shaw said the county is home to 33,002 businesses, with more than 960 opening locations in the past year. He also noted Morris County’s 50th consecutive Triple-A bond rating and cited a skilled workforce, competitive tax structure and infrastructure network as drivers of continued growth.
“Our mission is clear: to make Morris County the best place in New Jersey to build a business, raise a family and invest in the future,” Director Shaw continued.
Looking ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary, Shaw emphasized Morris County’s role in the American Revolution.
“Independence was not only declared in Philadelphia — it was preserved and defended right here in Morris County,” he said, adding that the Semiquincentennial presents an opportunity to showcase the county’s historic significance and boost tourism and economic activity.
Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, delivered the State of the Chamber address, highlighting membership growth and programming.
“In 2025, we had 694 members, including 166 new members, and hosted 250 events and meetings with total participation of 8,500 attendees and more than 300 sponsors,” Hunscher said. “The Morris Chamber is truly a regional chamber, and we are proud to include businesses throughout north central New Jersey and beyond.”
Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of County College of Morris and chair of the chamber’s board, provided updates on campus initiatives, including the Career Training Center, which opened in fall 2025 in partnership with the Morris County Vocational School District; a ribbon cutting planned in March for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science; and the Center for Health Professions, scheduled to open in January 2027.
Iacono also announced that County College of Morris received a $1 million grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation Inc. to support dental hygiene and dental assisting programs in the new Center for Health Professions.
The keynote address was delivered by Seth Mattison, founder of FutureSight Labs, who spoke on workplace transformation in a presentation titled “The Future-Ready: Strategies for Leading the Future of Work.”
The Saint Clare’s Health William P. Huber Award for Outstanding Community Leadership was presented to Gary Fisch, founder and CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace. Fisch opened his first store in Madison in 1987 and has grown the company into a major fine wine retailer and national e-commerce business.
The company’s annual Grand Tasting event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations, including Morris Arts, the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, Homeless Solutions, Interfaith Food Pantry and JBWS.
The chamber also presented its 2026 Business Catalyst Awards to Delta Dental of New Jersey Inc., Guided Parenting Support-GPS, Marotta Controls Inc., and SESI Consulting Engineers for leadership and community impact.
