In this issue of NEW JERSEY BUSINESS magazine, we showcase a series of articles tied together under one theme: Employment Matters. Separate stories take an in-depth look at: the importance of employee handbooks; creating and/or modifying corporate cultures; succession planning for business owners; how to “hire and fire” employees (while minimizing litigation risks); graduate degrees for working adults; and the role construction unions play in building New Jersey. Our 43rd annual Top 100 Employers feature and listing explores the statistics and analysis surrounding New Jersey’s corporate employment scenario.

Other feature articles include: a focus on community banking in a “digital world”; cybersecurity for businesses; and coverage of the BIO International conference, recently held in nearby Philadelphia.

Rounding out this issue is our special section titled “Profiles in Executive Leadership,” which spotlights specific executives’ careers, and the positive impact these men and women have had on their firms.