The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce congratulates Jack Ciattarelli and Rep. Mikie Sherrill on their victories in the New Jersey gubernatorial primary. We commend them for their dedication to public service and wish them the best of luck as they begin the next phase of the campaign. This is a critical moment for New Jersey. Our state faces significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunity. Whoever is elected as the next Governor will need to prioritize policies that encourage economic expansion, curb unsustainable state spending, and support job creation. These issues are central to ensuring New Jersey remains a competitive and prosperous place to live, work, and do business. The business community stands ready to partner with our next Governor in advancing a bold, pragmatic economic agenda for New Jersey.
—Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Gil Medina, executive vice president at CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has been elected chair of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His two-year term was voted on by the full Chamber Board at its June 4 meeting in Florham Park.
A Message from President & CEO Tom BrackenAs New Jersey’s fiscal year 2026 budget deadline approaches, the stakes have never been higher for our economy, our employers, and our future. In just one month, Governor Murphy and the Legislature must finalize a budget that either sets us on a sustainable path, or pushes us further toward a fiscal cliff. We must choose wisely.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned by the transit strike that began at midnight – and we call for it to end immediately. Prolonged disruption of NJ Transit service will inflict serious harm on our economy, our workforce, and our businesses.
We are living in a time of deep uncertainty – politically and economically. As we look to the future, one thing is abundantly clear: if we are to navigate the challenges ahead and unlock the opportunities waiting on the other side, leadership is the key.
New Jersey is gearing up for what is being touted as the most significant sporting and economic event in its history: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At a special briefing for New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone members held on April 30, hosted by Montclair State University, Alex Lasry, CEO of the World Cup’s NY/NJ Host Committee, outlined the enormous potential this global soccer tournament presents for businesses across the state.
When Governor Murphy signed the Corporate Transit Fee into law last year, it was pitched as a bold investment in New Jersey’s future. The message was clear: our largest, most profitable corporations would pay more to fund critical upgrades to NJ Transit — fixing tracks, modernizing stations, improving reliability, and keeping fares affordable for riders.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on April 9 elected six 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.
New Jersey’s economy was already facing much uncertainty when President Trump made his tariff announcement. In February, Gov. Murphy proposed a record-high state budget including $1.2 billion in new fees and taxes – and increased spending. There is the looming threat of huge federal aid cuts that could upend the proposed budget and jeopardize vital services to residents. Massive budget deficits are projected for future state budgets. The cost of living for New Jersey businesses and residents is sky-high causing increased pressure. There is uncertainty regarding who our next governor will be – and the direction that person will take the state.
With the dust still settling from President Trump’s tariff announcement yesterday, Neil Bradley, senior vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, provided N.J. Chamber of Commerce members with an exclusive briefing this morning on the new tariffs and other economic policies coming out of Washington.