A record crowd packed Rella Café on Tuesday morning for the monthly Rockland Business 2 Business Network (RBBN) breakfast, where business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered to hear from New York State Senator Bill Weber.
The standing-room-only event highlighted the growing popularity of RBBN, a networking organization that connects local professionals through monthly breakfasts, virtual meetings, and other networking opportunities designed to help businesses grow.
Drawing on his 35-year career as a certified public accountant and chief financial officer, Weber shared insights from both his private-sector experience and his work in Albany. He discussed legislation and constituent services aimed at supporting local businesses, emphasizing that helping employers succeed remains a top priority for his office.
“Businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and strengthening our communities,” 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.”
During his presentation, Weber outlined practical strategies for building and sustaining a successful business, including maintaining strong cash flow, understanding tax and regulatory requirements, investing in employees, delivering excellent customer service, networking within the community, adapting to changing market conditions, and developing a strong online presence. He also highlighted how his district office has helped businesses navigate state agencies, resolve regulatory issues, obtain permits, and overcome government-related challenges.
RBBN co-host Mickey Cohen said the event drew one of the organization’s largest crowds to date despite the rainy weather.
“This was one of our largest business breakfasts yet despite the bad weather, and the response was tremendous,” Cohen said. “People had an amazing experience hearing from Senator Weber, who shared valuable practical knowledge as both a successful business executive and a state senator.”
The breakfast also included a special tribute honoring the late Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson, a longtime Monsey Fire Department First Assistant Chief and former RBBN member who recently passed away following a lengthy illness at the age of 46. RBBN presented Jacobson’s family with a commemorative plaque recognizing his decades of service to the Monsey Fire Department, his commitment to the local business community, and his lasting impact 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 RBBN founder and organizer Heshy Friedman.
Following the program, attendees remained to network with Senator Weber and fellow business leaders, continuing conversations on business growth, public policy, and strengthening the local economy.
