Former New Jersey State Senator Bob Gordon, now Vice President at Stevens & Lee Public Affairs LLC and a Senior Policy Fellow at the Bloustein School, is featured in the September 2026 issue of COMMERCE Magazine for his role in helping entrepreneur Glenn Laga turn innovative business ideas into public policy solutions. Drawing on decades of experience in state and local government, including service as mayor of Fair Lawn, a state senator, and a commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Gordon has become a key partner in navigating the legislative process and building relationships among businesses, lawmakers, and state agencies.
Gordon first worked with Laga to advance legislation protecting consumers’ personal data stored in vehicles being returned or traded in to dealerships. Their partnership later turned to the growing problem of end-of-life solar panels. Working with legislators and their staff, Gordon helped move legislation establishing mandatory solar panel recycling requirements through the New Jersey Legislature. Assembly Bill A6005 passed the Assembly in December 2025 and was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on January 12, 2026, as P.L. 2025, Chapter 211.
The article also highlights Gordon’s view of effective lobbying as more than advocacy. He describes lobbyists as educators and fact-checkers who help lawmakers understand complex issues, identify potential problems before legislation is introduced, and develop workable solutions. His work with Laga illustrates how collaboration among entrepreneurs, policymakers, and advocates can transform emerging business and environmental challenges into legislation with broader public benefits.
COMMERCE Magazine , the flagship publication of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ), reaches business leaders throughout the Garden State. For nearly 50 years, it has been dedicated to covering key business trends and issues and advocating for New Jersey’s business community. In addition to being mailed to senior executives at New Jersey’s largest and most successful companies, a digital edition of COMMERCE is e-mailed to top executives, as well as posted on the CIANJ and COMMERCE websites.