A standing-room-only crowd filled Rella Café on Tuesday morning as business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered for the monthly Rockland Business 2 Business Network (RBBN) breakfast featuring New York State Senator Bill Weber as the keynote speaker.

RBBN is a business to business networking group consisting of professionals who are looking to expand their business and grow their network. The organization holds a monthly breakfast networking event with a guest speaker as well as virtual gatherings and other meet-ups. 

This month’s event drew record attendance, reflecting strong interest in hearing from Senator Weber, whose 35-year career as a Certified Public Accountant and Chief Financial Officer has given him firsthand experience navigating the challenges businesses face. Throughout the morning, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow professionals while hearing practical advice from someone who has spent decades in the private sector before bringing that experience to the New York State Senate.

Senator Weber opened by sharing his professional background and discussing his work in Albany, including legislation and constituent services aimed at supporting businesses throughout Rockland County. He emphasized that helping businesses succeed remains one of his office’s top priorities.

"Businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and strengthening our communities," Senator Weber said. "As someone who comes from the private sector, I understand the challenges businesses, particularly small businesses, face every day. I'm proud to bring that real-world experience to Albany, something that is sorely needed."

Drawing from his decades in finance and executive leadership, Senator Weber shared ten practical strategies for building and sustaining a successful business. His presentation focused on maintaining strong cash flow, establishing good business credit, understanding tax obligations and state regulations, investing in employees, delivering exceptional customer service, networking within the community, maintaining proper licensing, adapting to changing market conditions, and building a strong online presence.

The Senator also highlighted the many ways his district office has assisted local businesses through constituent services, helping employers navigate state agencies, resolve regulatory issues, secure permits, and overcome government obstacles that can hinder growth.

"This was one of our largest business breakfasts yet despite the bad weather, and the response was tremendous," said RBBN co-host Mickey Cohen. "People had an amazing experience today hearing from Senator Weber, who shared valuable practical knowledge as both a successful business executive and a state senator, giving attendees valuable insight that was practical, informative, and immediately applicable. I would like to thank my fellow RBBN co-hosts, Heshy Friedman and Yaakov Gluck, for helping make this outstanding event possible. ”

The breakfast also included a special tribute honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of former RBBN member and longtime Monsey Fire Department First Assistant Chief Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson, who passed away following a lengthy illness at the age of 46. RBBN presented a commemorative plaque to Chief Jacobson's family in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the Monsey Fire Department, his commitment to the business community, and the countless lives he touched throughout Rockland County. 

"We were proud to sponsor an event that brought together so many leaders from the local business community for a morning of networking and meaningful discussion featuring the Senator," said Heshy Friedman, RBBN founder and organizer.

As the breakfast came to a close, attendees remained to speak with Senator Weber and one another, continuing discussions sparked by his presentation and reinforcing the importance of connecting business leaders with policymakers who understand the realities of running a business in New York State.