The NJBIZ Power 100 The state's most influential people in business

NJBIZ STAFF//January 26, 2016//

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The people on this list impact business in New Jersey in many ways, whether it’s through the companies or agencies they run, the legislation they enact, the dollars they spend (or loan), the facilities they build or the employees and products they control. Here is our exclusive ranking from 1 to 100.

What’s the definition of power? It’s the question we get most often at NJBIZ, when it comes time for the Power 100.

Unfortunately, there’s not an easy explanation.

The one we often give is this: “If you called the governor, how quickly would he call you back? If at all.”

Others offered different opinions.

“There are those who have power because of their title. And those who have power without a title. Those are the most powerful.”

Sounds good to us.

It’s just a matter of applying that to the incredible number of suggestions and nominations we get each January.

It’s the most important thing we do all year — and we take great pride in it. We feel our Power 100 list reflects the most important, influential, successful and — of course — powerful people in the state.

It can be because of their title. Or not.

It can be if they use it. Or not.

This much is clear: The people on this list impact business in New Jersey in many ways, whether it’s through the companies or agencies they run, the legislation they enact, the dollars they spend (or loan), the facilities they build or the employees and products they control.

After meeting formally and informally with many of the state’s top insiders and power players, we ranked them from 1 to 100.

It’s never perfect. But we feel it represents a snapshot of the state, both looking back at 2015 and looking ahead to 2016.

Don’t agree?

More power to you.