Local writer tells about leaders of the new economy

Leaders are either made or broken during defining moments in history. As America slowly recuperates from the worst financial crisis in decades, a new economy has emerged and many companies are struggling. Some companies have failed. Others are fighting to survive. Rising to the top are the captains of industry who are leading their companies through these unprecedented times and thriving. So says West Milford writer Lori Ann LaRocco Wallace in her new book. “Thriving in the New Economy: Lessons From Today’s Top Business Minds” (Wiley; January 2010; $24.95; Hardcover), by West Milford resident and CNBC producer LaRocco Wallace, offers information from some of the best minds in business today. The book is a series of personal accounts from a group of business leaders whose stories are inspirational - even legendary. In the book, they offer advice and actionable strategies readers can follow in order to avoid financial disaster, recognize opportunities, and thrive in the “New Economy.” The book is divided in sections: the economy, banking, real estate, autos, and retail. For each one, author Lori Ann LaRocco opened her “trillion dollar” Rolodex - because it contains a trillion-dollar money manager, several billionaires and numerous millionaires - and asked the top leaders to contribute their thoughts, advice and expertise. These leaders are many of LaRocco’s “go-to” newsmakers in her role as senior talent producer at CNBC. They include Wall Street legends Steve Forbes, chairman, president and CEO of Forbes, and Peter Cohen, founder of Ramius, economist Larry Lindsey, CEO of The Lindsey Group and the assistant to the president on economic policy, banking experts Donald Powell, former FDIC chair and Don Marron, chairman and CEO of Lightyear Capital, auto industry pro Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, real estate expert Don Peebles of The Peebles Corporation, and retail giant Steve Sadove, CEO of Saks. “What makes these leaders unique,” writes LaRocco, “are the strategies they employ. They are the ultimate chess players in the economy game.” In “Thriving in the New Economy,” they share their moves with all of us. The book has a foreword by H. Wayne Huizenga and an afterword by former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.