The recent release of a state Disparity Study by the Murphy administration has shed light on a longstanding issue in Trenton – the inequities in public contract opportunities for minority-, veteran-, and women-owned businesses in New Jersey. Examining five years of procurement data across goods and services, professional services, and construction, the 221-page report confirms what many already knew: A significant disparity exists.
The disparity study recognizes the need for immediate action in order for there to be more equity in government contracting for Minority and Women-Owned (MWBE) businesses. The imbalances outlined 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. Now it is time to move forward and have constructive dialogues and collaborations between the Administration and our business community colleagues to develop solutions that remedy the inequities that exist.
—Thomas Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
To read the Governor's press release and view study, click here.
The Governor’s State of the State address emphasized affordability and continuing to grow a fair, strong and inclusive economy to create the best state to raise a family. He mentioned several times the need to “work together” to achieve those goals.
The Governor’s State of the State address emphasized affordability and continuing to grow a fair, strong and inclusive economy to create the best state to raise a family. He mentioned several times the need to “work together” to achieve those goals.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently elected nine new board members representing various fields across the state. The expertise these leaders bring to the Chamber Board will strengthen the organization's work of fostering a strong business environment in New Jersey.
The talk of extending the state’s “temporary” 2.5% Corporation Business Tax (CBT) surcharge – set to expire at the end of 2023 – has to end. Some are advocating it be prolonged for the purpose of funding NJTransit, which is experiencing financial problems. Others are publicly stating Gov. Murphy should break his long-term promise to end the surcharge to fund other programs. The revenue from the surcharge is NOT the solution to the state’s fiscal challenges – and it never was intended to be that.
On December 6, over 80 New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members attended an exclusive breakfast briefing from some of Gov. Phil Murphy's key advisors, including Chief Counsel Parimal Garg, Chief Policy Advisor Dennis Zeveloff, Office of Climate Action and Green Economy Executive Director Catherine Klinger Kutcher, and Office of Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Director Jayné J. Johnson.
The 2024 ReNew Jersey Business Summit, which last year was attended by over 900, will focus on issues impacting employers and the economy as we begin 2024 – and attendees will examine New Jersey’s economic competitiveness moving forward. New Jersey recently climbed 23 places to No. 19 in CNBC’s annual Top States for Doing Business list. This is certainly a reason to celebrate and New Jersey is moving in the right direction, however, there is more work to be done to maintain that ranking or place even higher. Join us and be part of the interactive discussions that will focus on solutions, not politics. Read more.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce completely agrees with Gov. Murphy’s negative reaction to the MTA’s Traffic Mobility Review Board congestion pricing report that indicates cars could pay up to $15 to enter Manhattan and commercial trucks as much as $36. We are extremely disappointed that MTA officials are continually creating policies in a vacuum without consulting New Jersey when it is our residents and businesses that will bear the brunt of congestion pricing at a time of already high inflation and other rising costs. New Jersey deserves better from our neighbors in New York City. The Chamber remains steadfast in our opposition to the current congestion pricing plans because it is bad for the state’s economy, especially for those that rely on regularly conducting business in New York City.
Thomas Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Awards Reception Was Hosted by the African American Chamber of N.J. and the N.J. Chamber of Commerce
Six New Jersey businesses that are leading the way in demonstrating tangible and measurable progress in DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) were recognized Nov. 20 at the second annual DE&I Trailblazer Awards reception, co-hosted by the African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.