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Alfa Demmellash, co-founder and CEO of Rising Tide Capital, is a keynote speaker on Feb. 24 at NJBIA’s summit “Bridging the Gap” to connect Not-for-Profit and For-Profit businesses.

NJBIA and its Not-for-Profit Council are bringing together scores of for-profit and not-for-profit businesses on Feb. 23 and 24 for a two-day exchange of ideas, resources and networking aimed at helping to position organizations for greater success. 

“During these challenging times, nonprofits must look to opportunities for greater collaboration with the for-profit sector to achieve efficiencies, increase effectiveness and leverage their efforts to be most impactful,” NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka said. “We are bringing together some of the most inspiring change-makers in this state for an event that will provide valuable information and connections.”  

The Collaborative Approach: Bridging the Gap” will feature keynote speaker Alfa Demmellash, CEO and co-founder of Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit organization that provideunder-resourced entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to launch and grow successful businesses.  

RTC, which has been honored as a CNN hero and recognized by former President Barack Obama for social innovation, helps entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities by providing training, mentorship and access to funding for promising venturesRTC’s Community Business Academy serves a network of over 3,000 entrepreneurs in New Jersey and three other states. 

Siekerka said the two-day event organized in conjunction with NJBIA’s Not-for-Profit Council, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.mon Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 and feature two keynotes, a total of four breakout sessions, and opportunities for attendees to benefit from one-on-one coaching sessions that can grow their businesses.  

The nearly two dozen expert speakers and panelists taking part in the summit will share insights on: 

  • Creative Collaboration for Not-for-Profits and For-Profits 
  • Volunteerism Opportunities in Challenging Times  
  • Keeping Teams Motivated, Energized, and Connected 
  • Engaging Multiple Generations in Philanthropy 

Six business leaders also will be honored with the NJBIA Collaborative Approach Award” during the summit: Carol Stillwellpresident & CEOStillwell-Hansen, Edison; Kim Guadagno, president & CEO, Fulfill, NeptuneSteve Klein, president & CEO, Northfield Bank, Woodbridge; Richard Thigpen, senior vice president, PSEG, Newark; Alfa Demmellash, CEO, Rising Tide Capital, Jersey City; and Dennis Pullin, president & CEO, Virtua Health, Marlton. 

The agenda and registration information for this online event can be found here 

Members of the media who wish to cover the summit may email Bob Considine at bconsidine@njbia.org. 

Sponsors of “The Collaborative Approach: Bridging the Gap” include: NJM, CBIZ Borden Perlman, DCM, Grunin Foundation, InsperityInvestors Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, Mercadien, Mercer Street Friends, New Jersey Resources, Northfield Bank, and Stillwell-Hansen.