The Economy is New Jersey’s Biggest Issue: Let’s Act Like It

September 05, 2024

As the Legislature returns this month, our New Jersey Chamber of Commerce lobbying team will be back in the State House pushing for policies that will make New Jersey a better place for our members to run their businesses – and for their employees to live and raise a family.

We are motivated by polling that consistently shows that the economy remains the top concern for Americans and employers. A recent survey of more than 500 members of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) revealed unsteady views on the state’s economy for the second half of 2024, with 43% expecting it to worsen. 

NJ Chamber Statement on George Helmy Appointment to U.S. Senate

August 16, 2024

George Helmy was an excellent choice to fill the U.S. Senate seat. As chief of staff, he was truly exceptional and one of the best. George was responsive, professional, objective, respectful – and he was a true asset to Gov. Murphy and the state. We are fortunate that he will bring all these qualities to the U.S. Senate. We wish him well and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is ready to assist him in any way.

Tom Bracken, president & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

NJ Chamber of Commerce Honoring 12 Women Business Leaders and Advocates Who are Making a Difference

August 05, 2024

These Exceptional Women Will Receive the N.J. Chamber's 'Women of Inspiration’ Awards

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today that it is honoring 12 exceptional women who have used talent and hard work to create economic opportunities and help make New Jersey a better place to live and work. The women will be recognized at the 2024 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception, on Oct. 24 at The National Conference Center in East Windsor.

N.J. Chamber President to Legislators: The $56.6B State Budget, with New Corporate Tax, Inflicts Damage on New Jersey’s Economy

June 27, 2024

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken issued a stark warning last night to a panel of state legislators who were on the verge of voting on a $56.6 billion state budget. Bracken said the proposed budget, as it stands, is a stopgap measure that will harm New Jersey’s economy and damage its business reputation. The spending plan includes what Bracken labeled an “outrageous and punitive” 2.5% tax on the state’s largest employers – dubbed a Corporate Transit Fee.

“I have been very clear about our opposition to this budget – and the Corporate Transit Fee – and the extreme harm each will be doing to the state,” Bracken said.

Diane Wasser, of EisnerAmper, Elected Treasurer of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

June 10, 2024

Diane Wasser, EisnerAmper’s Partner-in-Charge of New Jersey and Managing Partner of Regions at EisnerAmper, was elected treasurer of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at its June 5 annual meeting. Wasser, a Chamber Board Audit Committee member, has been a board member for four years. 

“It is an honor to be elected board treasurer,” said Wasser. “I look forward to working with Chamber staff and the other board officers in advancing the organization’s work of ensuring that New Jersey remains a desirable state to operate a business providing good-paying jobs to employees.”

There’s no need to rush through the Corporate Transit Fee proposal with many negative economic consequences

May 20, 2024

By Tom Bracken

There has been a lot of discussion about the proposed 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee (CTF) on New Jersey’s largest employers and we, along with many of our trade association colleagues, are totally against it and would like to see it eliminated. Everyone agrees NJ Transit needs to get its fiscal house in order, however, the employer community stands firm the CTF will never be a viable solution. Thanks to NJ Transit’s increased funding sources, policymakers can instead spend the next year doing a deep dive into the agency’s true financial position and needs – and not rush through a proposal during budget season with many negative economic consequences.