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.
A Message from President & CEO Tom BrackenWe 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.
On March 26, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tom Bracken delivered testimony before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, warning that Governor Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion budget—New Jersey’s largest ever—fails to address the state’s fragile economic future.
The past months have been marked by unprecedented economic uncertainty – globally, nationally, and right here in New Jersey. Businesses thrive when they can plan for the future with confidence, yet today’s economic climate is inherently unpredictable. From inflationary pressures to tariff wars, executives across industries are grappling with challenges that make long-term investment and expansion difficult.
In short, there’s an old truism: Uncertainty stifles prosperity.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced that its Young Professionals (YP) Network has established a board of directors and appointed seven young leaders to serve as its inaugural members.