TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed an Executive Order establishing a new Economic Council, which will be supported by a newly established Development Coordination Committee. Under the executive order, the Economic Council will provide a regular forum for the business community and state government to discuss, collaborate, and solve issues important to the public and private sectors, and stimulate economic growth and prosperity. The new Development Coordination Committee will support the Council’s work in advancing development projects that require multiple state, county and local government approvals.
Eight New Jersey businesses and a business leader that are leading the way in demonstrating tangible and measurable progress in diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) were recognized Nov. 14 at the third annual DE&I Trailblazer Awards reception, co-hosted by the African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce congratulates the winners of the 2024 election and commends them on successful campaigns. Yesterday’s outcomes make it clear that economic concerns are top of mind for voters across New Jersey and the nation.
The African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce will co-host the third annual DE&I Trailblazer Awards Reception to recognize companies that are demonstrating tangible and measurable progress in diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). The honorees in the key areas of access to capital, board diversity, corporate citizenship, DE&I influencer, supplier diversity, and workforce diversity will be revealed on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. at Pines Manor in Edison.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Oct. 15 elected seven new board members. These accomplished leaders, from a variety of industries and regions across the state, will contribute to the Chamber's mission of fostering a dynamic and thriving business environment in New Jersey.
By Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
As we approach a major election, partisanship is dominating both our state and country, leading to confusion and stagnation. At the same time, businesses in New Jersey, large and small, are urging our leaders to set aside political differences and focus on what matters: improving the economy. The business community wants policies that promote growth and create jobs.
This strike could be a disaster. It is going to cause disruptions to world supply chains and negatively affect the New Jersey and national economies. As evidenced by the recent Federal Reserve rate cut, inflation was finally somewhat under control – and the longer this strike lasts, the higher the probability prices will increase. And who knows how long this will last. We do not want the holiday buying season to be interrupted, which is so critical to the health of the economy. We believe that anybody who has the ability to stop this strike, slow it down, and try to have the sides come to an agreement – should weigh in. The strike has the potential of being so bad that people who have the ability to mute this – should mute it. There’s absolutely nothing good about this.
Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
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.
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.