2023 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development Co-Hosts Announce Keynote Speaker

• Posted on: 07/13/2023

R. Donahue (Don) Peebles, Jr. Successful Entrepreneur, Industry Leader in Real Estate Development, and National TV Guest Commentator, Headlines Conference

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), co-hosts of the 2023 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, today announced that R. Donahue (Don) Peebles, Jr. a sought-after speaker and leader in real estate development, will headline at this year’s conference on September 28. The conference is slated for Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29 at the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.

Recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the nation, Peebles is founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of The Peebles Corporation. In an era where social responsibility, social inclusion, and making change are often seen as buzz phrases, Peebles is creating change and making opportunities happen in communities by leveraging his expertise and entrepreneurial skills in real estate investment and development. The Peebles Corporation is among the leading privately held real estate and development companies in the United States with a multi-billion-dollar project portfolio spanning key markets in the nation including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Washington, D.C. Peebles and The Peebles Corporation's uniqueness is guided by his company’s own principles of Affirmative Development ^TM to empower women and minorities to close the wealth gap – with the aim of developing not just land or buildings, but opportunities and people also.

Peebles is an industry leader in large-scale real estate development through public-private partnerships. Through construction excellence, sustainable materials, historic preservation and innovative design, every project is strategically selected to achieve transformative results for the company and community.

He is an avid supporter of mentoring underprivileged youth to the value of entrepreneurship. He is the former chairman of the Board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, is on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater New York, and is the former chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Peebles is a frequent guest commentator on CNBC, CNN, FOX News, and FOX Business Network. He has written two books entitled The Peebles Principles and The Peebles Path to Real Estate Wealth that provide rules and principles for individuals striving to succeed in real estate. In the book, Peebles is optimistic and believes everyone’s career goals are achievable. As a child raised by a single parent in a middle-class home, then achieving multimillionaire status by the age of 27, he believes that dreams really can come true.

Aside from Peebles’ keynote address, the conference features 21 sessions led by some of the state’s most distinguished business, economic development, and housing professionals. There will also be an Atlantic City Bus Tour on September 28, which will showcase the City’s new attractions in the Tourism District.

The conference will host an Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards brunch where organizations and individuals will be honored for their contributions to the advancement of housing opportunities that are affordable and accessible to all residents of New Jersey. By recognizing exemplary projects and initiatives, the awards aim to inspire and encourage further efforts to improve the overall quality of life for all New Jerseyans.

Other conference highlights include a Hall of Fame networking reception and a trade show featuring products and services from businesses and organizations that serve the housing and property management community.

The conference is self-sustaining, funded entirely through sponsorship opportunities and registration fees.

Registration is now open for the 2023 Governor’s Conference for Housing and Economic Development. Click HERE for more information or to register.