President & CEO Tom BrackenAt the recent ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, we centered our conversations on a single, defining theme: New Jersey’s economic competitiveness.
More than 850 leaders from across business, government, and the nonprofit community gathered in Atlantic City, and there was an overarching conclusion: New Jersey’s ability to compete depends on how well we prepare for the opportunities in front of us.
That focus could not be timelier.
In just a few months, we will have one of the most unique opportunities in our state’s history. The FIFA World Cup (games are June 11 through July 19), will kick off in the U.S. New Jersey will host eight matches, including the Final at MetLife Stadium — which is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events in history.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday outlined an agenda focused on improving New Jersey’s business climate and expanding the state’s economy, telling business leaders that government must become a more efficient and reliable partner for growth.
“We all know that New Jersey has the best business in the world,” Sherrill said. “What we need to make sure of, as we go forward, is New Jersey is the best place to DO business in the world.”
Speaking at the ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, Sherrill emphasized her administration's efforts to streamline permitting, reduce delays, modernize state operations, and to create a more predictable environment for companies to invest and hire.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday outlined support for elements of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed $60.7 billion state budget, while also expressing concern over items that raise costs for some business and might hurt the state’s economic competitiveness.
Testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee March 18, NJ Chamber Executive Vice President of Government Relations Michael Egenton praised the Sherrill administration’s work to address a roughly $3 billion structural deficit and cut red tape, but cautioned that some provisions would essentially raise taxes on some businesses and threaten job growth.
“This comes at a time when New Jersey already faces significant competitiveness challenges,” Egenton said.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill today delivered her first budget address, which kicks off the negotiating period for the governor and Legislature to craft a FY2027 state budget that must be adopted by June 30. In response, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement:
We congratulate Governor Sherrill on releasing her first budget proposal and appreciate the administration’s ongoing outreach to the business community. Regular engagement with employers across the state has been a positive and constructive step, and we look forward to continuing that dialogue.
Less than a month into Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration, there is already a palpable sense of optimism across New Jersey’s business community. Early outreach from the governor, Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, and key members of the administration has been positive, robust, and refreshingly open – signaling what many of us have hoped for: a true partnership between state leadership and the employer community.
Gov. Sherrill inherited an extraordinarily complex set of challenges – from fiscal pressures and infrastructure needs to workforce shortages and competitiveness concerns. At the same time, she has had to assemble an entirely new leadership team. That is no small undertaking. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates the magnitude of these responsibilities, and we are encouraged by the talented staff being put in place to help guide our state forward.