PRINCETON CHAPTER DESCRIPTION

Chapter Description
The Financial Executive Network Group began in 1991 with a circle of friends around a table in Connecticut. As membership expanded outside of the tri-state area, there was a need to create the same personal and direct contact for FENG members in other parts of the country. That is how the local chapters developed. The Princeton chapter was one of the first and is an extension of the national organization. It follows the same governing tenets and rules of conduct established by the National office. The Princeton chapter has over 1,800 members, over half of which are “alumni.”

First and foremost, the chapter is a networking group decentralized and driven by the needs and interests of the Chapter members themselves. It serves as a link to the Route 1, the Einstein Alley business community, and Central New Jersey in general. John Czajkowski and Jim Hockenberry run it jointly with its sister chapter, Monmouth/Ocean. The two chapters have strong connections, many joint members, and a history of working together. They are close geographically which facilitates combined meetings.

Our mission is to support / guide, and help each other, share leads, and discuss general intelligence about the market. We look to help you to sharpen your talents and help you to grow in these areas:

• Skills for life -personal branding and fulfillment, self-marketing, personal awareness, etc.
• Professional development including how to better leverage your network and FENG, to better interview, to focus your goals, and how to reach out to others for help.
• Your business issues and concerns. Discuss and receive advice.

The two chapters hold two “Princeton breakfast-style” meetings per month with exceptions for holidays:
• A Zoom meeting, open to everyone in FENG, on the first Friday, and
• A Face-to-face-meeting in the Princeton area once a quarter.

The meetings are designed for members to get to know and help each other in a relaxed and informal setting. There is no agenda – this will give you time to interact and receive individualized attention. The goal of our meetings is to advance your career, meet your needs, and answer your questions. Everyone will have a chance to discuss his/her issues in a collaborative and constructive setting. Everyone contributes, and the format facilitates long-term friendships.

REMEMBER:
-Each job is just the gap we have between looking for new work
-The key to finding new employment is NETWORKING.

Jim Hockenberry, CPA, international finance director, and author of World War One thrillers, has been head of the Princeton Chapter for over 20 years. During that time, Jim has pioneered and refined this individual focus and brainstorming format that has helped hundreds. He is proud that he has a devoted cadre of long-term Feng members who look to help others. He likes to say that "We are your job search Board of Directors."

John Czajkowski is a NJ CPA with several years of accounting leadership experience, including the last 10 years at a company where he has served as the Controller with responsibilities above and beyond Finance, including, but not limited to, system conversions and cultural changes. Additionally, John has served on local volunteer boards for approximately 30 years in an education foundation, sports organizations, and alumni associations, which has provided him with strong experience to help fellow FENG members.