You’ve likely heard the recent buzz: New Jersey made a bold play to lure the Philadelphia 76ers across the Delaware River, offering an attractive deal for a new arena in Camden.
This move clearly caught the attention of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who quickly announced her own city’s agreement with the team for a proposed new arena in Center City near Chinatown.
However, the Philly “deal” still requires city council approval, and it already faces opposition from residents concerned about congestion.
We applaud the legislature for introducing legislation to address the alarming findings in the disparity study, which recognized the need for more equity in government contracting for Minority and Women-Owned (MWBE) businesses.
The imbalances outlined in the study have long been articulated by those affected – and is the focus of one of the Chamber’s economic priorities that calls for equal opportunities for MWBEs when it comes to securing not only public but also private sector contracts. Increasing supplier diversity spending with MWBEs has economic and social benefits for all by enhancing competition, encouraging innovation, increasing job creation and supporting communities. Solving for this inequity in a timely manner is what is best for New Jersey and its residents.
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
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.
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, 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.”