As New Jersey enters a pivotal period of political transition with the 2025 gubernatorial election on the horizon, we are also entering an economic inflection point. This election presents a critical opportunity to realign the state’s priorities and confront the serious economic headwinds that continue to grow. The next governor – regardless of party or platform – must make New Jersey’s economy the top priority from day one.
The results of CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business rankings—placing New Jersey at No. 30 overall (we were No. 19 in 2023) and an alarming No. 49 in Business Friendliness—are disappointing, but unfortunately, not surprising. These rankings reflect what many in the business community have long known: there is a lack of focus in New Jersey on economic growth and creating a welcoming environment for businesses.
We are deeply disappointed in this year’s budget. It marks the eighth consecutive year of overspending and continues to show a troubling lack of focus on growing New Jersey’s current and future economies. This budget makes the state less affordable, less competitive, and less business friendly. Rather than driving progress, it maintains a status quo that has failed to deliver real economic success—and it’s not what New Jerseyans want, as reflected in a recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll showing widespread dissatisfaction with the state’s economic direction.
These Exceptional Women Will Receive the NJ Chamber's 'Women of Inspiration’ Awards
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 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception, on Sept. 18, at The National Conference Center in East Windsor.
The N.J. Chamber’s Women of Inspiration Awards recognize women who are inspiring leaders or advocates in the state’s business community.
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.