When a community’s nonprofit sector gathers under one roof with business leaders, government officials, and funders, the potential for real change multiplies. That was the driving idea behind the first-ever Thrive Together Summit, organized by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and held at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison. The event drew representatives from nonprofits across Morris County and surrounding areas, offering a full day of learning, networking, and strategic planning.
The summit’s keynote speaker was Monique de Maio, founder and Chief Marketing Officer of OnDemandCMO, an author and strategic advisor. She delivered a presentation titled “You Always Have a Choice: Three Small Decisions That Change Everything,” in which she reminded attendees that they are not stuck—not by their calendars, not by old personal narratives, and not by the version of themselves that walked into work that morning. Through an interactive exercise, de Maio guided participants to identify three words meant to filter every decision, helping them choose more intentionally and wisely.
Dr. Kimberly Iozzi, Vice President of Operations and Programming at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the summit’s broader purpose. “The Thrive Together Summit is Morris County’s premier cross-sector gathering for nonprofits, businesses, government leaders, funders, educators, volunteers and community advocates committed to strengthening our region,” she said. “This event was designed to spark ideas and inspire action. This one-day experience brought people, organizations and resources together to address community challenges and create meaningful impact.”
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Inaugural Thrive Together Summit enabled representatives from various nonprofits to connect, learn, collaborate and take action steps to thrive.
The Thrive Together Summit is Morris County's premier cross-sector gathering for nonprofits, businesses, government leaders, funders, educators, volunteers and community advocates.”— Dr. Kimberly Iozzi
Attendees had the chance to learn and discover innovative ideas and proven practices, explore resources to support their missions, and strengthen organizational capacity and community impact. They also connected and collaborated, building meaningful cross-sector relationships, meeting potential volunteers, interns, and board members, and developing partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and funders. The day included a dynamic keynote presentation, timely breakout sessions, an insightful panel discussion, and a resource expo where community organizations showcased their work.
The breakout sessions covered a range of critical topics. Kelly Castro, vice president of philanthropy at Greater Somerset County YMCA, led a session titled “Transitioning From Fundraising to Philanthropy.” Another session, “Partnerships that Create Real Community Impact,” was moderated by Chelsea Dormer, senior vice president, business banking sales leader at Valley Bank, and featured panelists Joanne Bjornson, CEO of Family Promise Morris County; Melinda Iannarone, chief strategy and impact officer at ARC Morris; and Joanne Lopez, vice president, regional community outreach officer, and Halbert Rodriguez, relationship manager, both at Valley Bank. Adam Holzberg and April Kushner, partners at SAX LLP, presented “Beyond a Clean Audit: How to Measure Financial Stability.” Daniel S. Makoski, principal at Porzio Bromberg & Newman, delivered a session titled “Skynet is Real,” focusing on artificial intelligence and its applications for nonprofits.
Meghan Hunscher, chamber president, underscored the importance of the gathering. “The Morris County nonprofit sector provides invaluable services and resources to our community,” she said. “While they receive assistance from the business community and County government, there might be no greater source for one-on-one support than other nonprofits. The Thrive Together Summit is an opportunity to bring all these key players together for the benefit of all, and we look forward to making it an annual event.”
About the Morris County Chamber of Commerce: The organization has more than 700 member organizations, from entrepreneurs and small businesses to large corporations and Fortune 500 companies. Its mission is to collaboratively advance the interests of its members to champion a thriving business and community environment. Through events, meetings, and seminars, the chamber provides a platform for members to connect, collaborate, learn, and succeed. Headquartered in Florham Park, the chamber is dedicated to the advancement of Morris County’s businesses and community by providing services, information, and advocacy.
Colette Moran
Morris County Chamber of Commerce
+1 973-210-6083
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Why it matters: In an era when nonprofits are asked to do more with less, cross-sector collaboration can unlock resources, volunteers, and strategic partnerships that no single organization could achieve alone. The Thrive Together Summit models a replicable approach for strengthening regional nonprofit ecosystems—one that other chambers and communities may look to as a blueprint for collective impact.
