Morris County Chamber of Commerce Hosts 104th Annual Meeting
Morris County Director Selen Delivers State of the County Address
Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen gave a “State of the County” address at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s 104th Annual Meeting, which drew about 500 attendees at the Hanover Marriot Hotel in Whippany today.
Director Selen recapped some highlights that made Morris County strong and successful in 2024, including earning a Triple-A bond rating for the 49th consecutive year, making strategic investments in workforce, education and public safety, and continuing the county’s dedication to preserving the area’s history and parks.
“Another big reason for our success is our strong business community,” said Director Selen. “Morris County is home to more than 23,000 businesses, and just last year, nearly 600 new businesses opened here, adding to our already growing list of internationally recognized companies and 73 corporate headquarters.”
Selen pointed out that business success fuels job creation, tax revenue and key investments while allowing the county to keep the county tax rate flat.
“That’s why we invest in education and training, so that skilled talent can be found right here in Morris County. We’re expanding the County College of Morris (CCM) and Morris VoTech with a new Career Training Center that will offer programs in AI, robotics and supply chain management and we’re building an 80,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Center for Health Professions with Atlantic Health to train future nurses, dental hygienists and radiology technicians,” said Director Selen.
Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce delivered a “State of the Chamber” address, thanking all the sponsors, local businesses and community leaders who make an impact in Morris County.
“I am proud of the community we have cultivated here at the Morris Chamber. As we enter our 104th year, it is imperative that we continue to innovate and introduce new initiatives that build on our success. I look forward to developing new ways to connect our members to valuable resources, opportunities for business growth and rewarding relationships with members across the region,” said Hunscher.
Hunscher also announced changes to the chamber’s Board of Directors for 2025-2026, with Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of County College of Morris, succeeding outgoing chair Deirdre Wheatley-Liss, Esq., of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman. Wheatley-Liss reflected on her two-year tenure and the chamber’s achievements before passing the role to Dr. Iacono, who emphasized his commitment to education, workforce development and economic growth in Morris County.
Highlights of the Morris County Chamber 104th Annual Meeting
The Chamber luncheon also celebrated the success of individuals and businesses from throughout the county.
The keynote speaker, Sudeep Kesh, chief innovation officer at S&P Global Ratings, shared practical insights on mitigating risk while fostering creativity, strategies for navigating an increasingly connected economy, the future of human-AI collaboration and the critical "innovation imperative" for succeeding in a rapidly changing world.
Christine Cox-West, founding partner of The Fortis Agency, a financial services agency, was honored with the Saint Clare's Health William P. Huber Award for Outstanding Community Leadership. The award recognizes a person who displayed outstanding leadership to benefit the community during the previous year.
In his remarks, Director Selen emphasized that Morris County’s success is about synergy.
“It’s about businesses investing here and schools educating our students. It’s about leaders who drive innovation and economic growth. It’s about the people who built our county and those who continue to build our communities by choosing to live and raise their families here,” said Director Selen, who also thanked past and current county officials for ensuring that the county is prepared for a bright future.
Selen said 2026 will offer tremendous opportunities to boost tourism and support local businesses with the 250th anniversary of American Independence and the FIFA World Cup. Currently, the county has more than 120 restored historic sites, including the first National Historic Park, and is anticipating thousands of visitors for these two major events.
“It’s our opportunity to showcase our county on the national stage,” he said.