>> Funding is provided by IBEW.

Local 102, proudly serving the business community since 1900.

Local 102.

Lighting the path.

Leading the way.

Visit IBEW 102.org.

And, for more than 100 10 years, MJ BIA has been focused on the advancement and success of our members.

We are the voice representing all industries.

Working together to help build a more prosperous New Jersey.

Through advocacy, support, networking and benefits.

>> This week on NJ Business Beat.

>> We are here to talk about a historic contract.

>> Educators officially securing a new contract, but how will the state pay for it?

Plus.

>> We plan to fight hard over the next 30 days and beyond.

>> New Jersey law's makers push back congestion pricing plan as the feds give for luminary approval, and, >> You know the initiative I've been working on has that much of an impact, but it's an honor to help so many people.

>> We are highlighting the next generation of New Jersey entrepreneurs.

We are focusing on how young people are jumping into the business world print sometimes for they even graduate.

That's all ahead on MJ business Beat.

>> >> this is NJ Business Beat.

>> Hello.

Thank you for joining me on NJ Business Beat.

After an unprecedented strike, educators at Rutgers are officially having a new contract.

>> They voted overwhelmingly to except a new deal, bringing to and months of failed negotiations between the two side.

This brings a salary increase and improve job security for part-time graduate workers.

The question is, who will pay for the costly deal?

Shortly after this deal was made, the Rutgers president testified before the state budget committee over how much the deed will cost.

If the school needs states funding.

>> He couldn't give a precise answer but said they face a 120 $5 million deficit.

>> Can you tell me whether this will involve a tuition increase?

>> That is premature.

They are the governing body that makes the decision.

>> It is critical in that we take a step forward in writing for contracts for adjunct faculty, for better and not enough, but decent pay for our grant workers.

We have taken the fight to the management and we have been on the offensive.

That is the first time this is happened in this country, and it needs to be noted.

>> Inflation appears to be cooling according to a report from the federal government.

The consumer Price Index rose .4% in April, making the annual rate or .9%.

Lightly lower than expected and the lowest rate since April of 2021.

The price of gas, it saw the greatest increase over month with 3%.

But that was offset by other energy prices remaining steady.

It was largely unchanged in April, and homes with used cars also saw slight increases last month.

New Jersey lawmakers are stepping up their pressure against New York and the congestion pricing plan.

New York would lever -- levy a toll for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

This week's, Rob Menendez vowed to fight the Federal Highway administration decision to greenlight a plan.

Congressman got Heimer said the MTA proposal would unfairly target New Jersey drivers without the transit sector benefiting.

The Congressman also noted the plan includes no funding to mitigate those environmental concerns prey >> According to the report, there will be increases in particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide as well as toxins like firm aldehyde in the outer boroughs of New Jersey.

They admitted so bad that they actually had to put $25 million for asthma treatment programs.

That is how bad this tax will be on her children.

>> Tolls are going up again.

During a budget hearing, the state transportation committee will increase on the Turnpike and Garden State Park rate in 2024.

This would mark the fourth toll increase since March of 2020.

The declined to say how much extra drivers will be paid, and if the expressway will be included.

Toll increases have been determined over the last three years using a process known as indexing.

It ties a rate hike to an economic indicator and doesn't require public hearings.

New Jersey workers are starting to get new protections under the law this week.

Parts of the worker Bill of Rights which Governor Murphy signed in February took effect this week.

They will ensure that the state's 127,000 temporary workers are given basic information in their native language, including the location of the worksite and hours.

Every workers are usually employed by staffing agencies who hire the workers out to other companies.

The rest of the log goes into effect in early August and will hire temp workers to be paid the same salary and benefits as traditional staff.

This week, we have a short list for the New Jersey entrepreneur of the year award, given out by Ernst & Young.

We wanted to talk to one of the years -- Nominees to learn about the journey from the birth of the idea to the opening of a business.

The president and cofounder of GEP focused on software strategy for supply chain management.

Their global headquarters are in Clark read they have spoken to us about how they utilize the company's platform to promote a social initiative and diversity and inclusion.

>> Thank you for joining me.

>> You're welcome.

I'm excited to be here.

>> Let's talk about your big award.

Ernst & Young finalists entrepreneur of the year.

Tell me about that?

>> We are a company that started nearly 24 years ago.

Based in New Jersey, and today, we have over 6000 employees at we are in nearly 25 offices around the world.

We serve some of the largest global corporations in the world , including Johnson & Johnson, Google and many other countries.

We are focused on providing end-to-end secure and supply for illusions, with software solutions to companies to help them become more efficient, digitize, and towards the overall company objectives.

>>, about your leadership role of the company.

I understand, you mention, is a key driver of GDP sustainability and social initiative analogy -- strategies, talk about that.

>> My role is focused on growing the company year after year.

All of the solutions that I just mentioned.

Also, my combined personal passion and interest with the company platform.

I also cosponsor all of the new investment innovation and sustainability space because we are in a very unique crossroads and ability to help our organization, as I said, drive value out of the value chain, but also to figure out ways to give more business endeavors suppliers and partners.

Minority owned suppliers.

So on, so forth.

To be able to draw that out and find issues in the supply chain and what we call the tier one, tier two and tier three is a base to root out these issues related to a living wage or child labor or trafficking, and of course, things are improving and admissions, decarbonization and improving the waste of water and other things like that.

>> That's what I love most about this.

You are creating a pathway for not just women, but women of color, and a variety of different types of people and communities.

Talk about your personal experience as a woman of color.

As a cofounder of this.

>> There are many times with a small business, women-owned business, we are the only women in the room, often.

We are the only minorities in the room that has changed from what we were 20 years ago, to now.

But we still find that, and we find it conscience, and more unconscious bias that hold us back, even within our company, even as a leader of a company who wants to promote equity, inclusion, diversity.

We find ourselves, there is an unconscious bias within us, so this constant need to bring awareness to all of these team members within our walls.

Within GEP, but within our customer base.

It is such a privilege.

It is really a privilege.

To make changes, incremental, and I hope, variable changes, towards a much more diverse and equitable and diverse and inclusive company.

That is for our customer base and within society.

>> I am grateful women like you.

Representation is everything.

If you see it, you can believe it.

You can be it.

That is so critical to so many young women, entrepreneurs, especially women of color who will be watching the segment.

Thank you.

>> Thank you so much.

Thank you for this opportunity to share our message.

>> People mentor younger entrepreneurs on their way out.

Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. and New Jersey have seen an explosion of Entre new oriole activity with thousands of new businesses opening.

We are highlighting not just on doors, but the youngest go-getters who are starting their business journey early.

Sometimes, before they even graduate.

According to the Global entrepreneurship Monitor 2023 report, the United States ranks 15th in the business environment for on doors.

The United Arab Emirates is number one.

In 2023, younger people, ages 18 to 34 are feeling the entrepreneurial activity.

They are 1.5 times more likely to start a business than those aged 3564.

The Small Business Administration says there are almost 6 million out newer's under the age of 35 in the U.S..

This week, we wanted to highlight a number of those creative thinkers and hard workers.

We started with someone who wasn't even in high school before he entered the business world.

She is just 14 years old, but he has launched a clothing break -- brand to be with the likes of supreme.

He told me about where he got the idea, and how his business is going, and what he has learned throughout the process.

Next welcome to our show.

>> Thank you for having me.

>> Let's start off with the nickname.

Tell me about it?

>> If I like things I try my best at them, so I try to be a lot of things.

A drummer, NFL studio, now I do this too.

That is where my nickname comes from.

Mega Misha.

>> That's the inspiration for the clothing line.

Tell me.

14 years old, you already have a clothing line.

Tell me about it?

>> It started in the summer of last year during COVID.

I was looking at -- a supreme sweatshirt is something I wanted really badly, and I can't remember what it retails for, but I couldn't get it.

I would check on the stocks and it would drop immediately.

The Rios tail price was $160, and I'm not try to pay hundred $60 for a T-shirt.

Not with just a couple pieces of words on it.

I'm trying to save my money, so I was like, there's not much else to do because the whole world is locked down, so why don't I just find what's stopping me from doing that.

I could do that.

>> Tell me.

I see you are modeling some of your merchandise.

Tell me about what you offer.

Teachers, hats, what you offer?

>> We start with T-shirts and hoodies and hats.

In my spring and summer collection, we had coats because I manufacture those, so I dropped some coats and some water bottles.

We mostly stick to your general T-shirt and hoodie, but we like to make some exceptions.

Jackets, vests, shorts, stuff like that.

>> I understand you are able to sell this on a variety of platforms.

You have a pop-up shop, and you have soldier merchandise online.

>> I mostly sell online.

That is where you can find most of the products, but during the summer, I try to plan pop-up shops at local boutiques, so last year, I did a pop-up shop, and this year, I will do another again.

I have others that I have scheduled.

>> You have scheduled.

>> You brought up an interesting point.

It is hard at your age to afford these branding or clothing lines.

Tell me what your prices look like and why people should look at your site and buy your product.

>> My teachers go for between nine, and for more print, you have on the shoulder or the back, it adds more and more, so I am dealing with an all-around T-shirt, and is printed all around.

But then cheaper ones are $25 my hoodies are both 25 or $24, and my jacket, my most expensive product is my jacket which is $150.

>> What is your goal now?

>> I want to get more out about the brand.

I want more people to know.

When I grow bigger, I don't wanted to be supreme.

Their brand is mostly skateboarders and Nike, and Jordan does a for basketball players, but I don't wanted to be -- I don't want everyone, and I don't want it to be no one.

I want my grandmother were my hats, it my baby cousin who is for who wears measures.

>> We look or her to seeing what else you have in store.

>> Thank you for joining me.

>> Thank you for having me.

I appreciate it.

>> One of the most popular avenues for entrepreneurs is a phone, specifically mobile apps.

We caught up with Alex Simeon, record student, and the creator of the money up app.

It seeks to make financial literacy simple and engaging freezers.

Even got to show up his app at TechCrunch.

One of the biggest technology and business conferences in the world.

Alex told us what he would tell entrepreneurs who are trying to follow in his footsteps.

>> Think big and that is the number one thing I have had to understand.

Your idea at the beginning may just seem like a small thing, but it's great to think big so you can apply to as many people as possible.

>> The second thing is to stay great.

You have to take your idea from Justin idea to a service, and the last thing is to just stay happy.

There are a lot of negative things that come your way, and its importance for gritty and think big.

Making sure you are happy, mentally well.

>> The technology sector isn't the only place for entrepreneurs to gloat -- grow their ideas.

One business is teaching the ins and outs of the business world through the arts.

Class roots runs a program for youth entrepreneurial spirit which shows how they can turn creativity and talent into all fledged businesses.

I spoke with the grassroots director about what the students gain from this program.

>> This is where great entrepreneurs are made, and perfect their craft.

Tell us where we are.

Tell me about the program.

>> Thank you.

We are sitting in this flame shop at grassroots.

Class roots is an art center in Newark founded 22 years ago.

It was by a business professor at Newark red for 22 years, we have been working with high school students in a program we call yes.

It stands for youth entrepreneurial spirit.

We believe the arts, entrepreneur skills, and life skills.

It can be a glass artist.

But that is not our only goal.

We love it when they leave, creating objects, selling those objects.

Saying I want to be an artist or work in an art career.

Just as important to outs is the skill they learn along the way about how to write a business plan.

How to create a product.

How to market a product red you can imagine 22 years, how that has changed, so how to mark a product online.

One of the skills that you come back to and say, they remember most of those fondly, or thought that was important, that was public speaking.

How to sell their product.

How to sell what they've done in front of an audience.

All of these skills as you know our life skills.

They are careers skills.

So what we feel it we are doing is creating artists, but were also helping to mold people and of course future adults who are going to be out in the world and out in everywhere.

Wonderful people.

>> The thing I love most about this program is not the traditional book or studying.

You are getting hands-on experience.

Students come after school, basic program, they come from all high schools around Newark and the surrounding area.

We invite any high school student to apply for the program.

It is a year-long program.

It is broken into semesters.

It is taught by an artist and entrepreneur, which is a bit of a unique person, but one of the things you learn in the arts, and you want to be an artist, you have to learn how to sell yourself.

You have to learn to sell art.

We bring in teaching artists who are also successful in their careers, they want to impart that to young people.

We've had a few sessions, and then they can get on the torches with adult supervision around us and start to make their way up for their colleagues to show.

Then, there is a class portion of the day.

Each teaching artist has a curriculum, but it will have a theme for the day, an idea, and it will spend some time introducing how the artist works, how the artist creates businesses, so it a B -- body crater project.

How do you package a product?

How do you sell a product?

It are different themes in which there are quick classroom settings, and then, what are you going to create, and it's on to the torches and hot words, but to make a start to make their product and think about how they will resent them.

>> The idea is not to spend too long in any classroom setting, but to get hands-on and start working through the product right away.

Think about a 14-year-old you think about a 24-year-old.

We love doing this.

We learn by doing, so, think about how to create a business, how to sell.

All of those skills.

Then they do it.

They actually make a product, desperate >> Tell me about the success stories.

>> As I said, we love our students to become artist because we love art.

Creating and depending on artist to work with us, so some of our success stories our own employees.

They have been through the program.

Dave gone off to college.

University.

Some are still in college right now who are working with us.

Others have graduated.

They have chosen a career in the arts and they have come back and they are teachers and they are working with students day in and day out.

So, that's one level of success stories.

The artists.

Paying it forward.

They become teachers and that is invaluable.

>> Arts, entrepreneurship and a safe space to perfect their craft.

Thank you so much.

Thank you for this.

>> thank you.

I love talking about grass roots, so thanks for the time.

>> Each year, financial honor students with a fresh perspective and innovative students are helping to make a difference in their community.

This year, the Prudential visionary is Mark Walsh and ski of falter he entered a film festival to help filmmakers get their products off the ground.

I spoke with Mark about the film festival and what is next for him as a filmmaker.

>> Let's talk about -- man, 17 years old and you are making a mark in the world where it tell me about this award.

How you received it.

>> Definitely.

It is an honor to receive this reward to become an emerging visionary, and its name by Prudential Financial in partnership with Ashoka.

Also, the financial health network I received this award for starting at the student world impact festival which is a program I started to help peers and other students out there all over the world and 120 countries.

To help showcase and express themselves through film, to showcase those films at a film festival that I started, so that is my project and I am working to democratize snowmaking for students and to enable students to have a platform for what they think about what the most pressing issues, such as racial justice and climate change.

Many of these topics that are so pressing, we need change on.

>> So many times, it is not just talent that you need for these film festivals, it is money.

Tell me about those barriers when it comes to submissions, fees, and sometimes, discrimination.

>> I wanted to make a festival with a certain impact that waives all submission fees.

As a mission, I wanted to democratize filmmaking in the art of storytelling, and for students to submit to a festival like mine where there is no submission fee, no barrier for entry.

We have dissipation open for everyone, and for that, I want to grow to about 17,000 films from students all over the world and about a year.

So, the fact that I have a limited that barrier to entry, for the submission fee, has enabled a lot of students to be a part of this festival.

To share their voices.

I agreed that discrimination in film festival industry and the film festival in general is present as well.

>> What types of resources are you offering for Yum -- young filmmakers.

>> The film festival is a place to showcase films for those who have made them already.

I am tackling the aspect of the platform of students to get a black arm to showcase films.

I also want to focus on helping students make films in the first place.

So, on the website, online film fest on order, on our program, I am publishing articles where I teach students about different concepts likes storyboarding and getting a concept for a film were shooting a film, which can to lose -- use, different types of things that go into making a film.

>> What is the plan.

You've done so much.

In such a short time.

What is the next move?

>> I've been working with prime video, Amazon prime video to publish the films of the filmmakers at night film Festival on prime video.

Ask the sky is the limit for sure.

Mark, you are proof that all you need is ambition.

17 years old, and look what you have done in just one year.

I can't say enough.

Thank you for joining me.

>> Thank you for having me.

>> That does it for us.

Remember to subscribe to our spotlight news, and our YouTube channel to get alerted when we post new Epson goes -- episodes.

Next week, we kick off tourism season with what New Jersey has to offer print I'm Raven Santana.

Thank you for watching.

We will see you next weekend.

>> Funding is provided by IBEW, local 102, proudly serving New Jersey's business community since 1900.

Local 10 two.

Lighting a path.

Leading the way.

Visit us at 102.

And for more than 110 years, MJ BIA has been focused on the advancement and success of our members.

We are a voice representing all industries.

We are working together to help build a more prosperous New Jersey through advocacy and benefits.

♪