In my 50-plus-year career, during which I have interacted with many governors and their chiefs of staff, George Helmy has been truly exceptional. He is responsive, professional, objective, respectful – and has been a true asset to Gov. Murphy and the state. We have not agreed on all issues, but there has been a mutual respect between us in dealing with our differences. I will miss my conversations with George – and I wish him the best of luck as he enters a new chapter. I hope our professional paths cross again. To summarize, when it comes to chiefs of staff, George Helmy is the GOAT!
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauds the governor’s appointment of Tahesha Way as the third lieutenant governor in the state's history. In her role as secretary of state, she has done an excellent job promoting New Jersey as a top tourist and entertainment destination, which is so critical to the Garden State economy, supporting 500,000 jobs and generating a total annual economic impact of over $73 billion. Secretary Way has also been a friend of the Chamber, attending many of our programs and events, including our annual Legislative Open House at the State Museum. We wish Secretary Way much success in her expanded role and we look forward to collaborating with her on issues important to New Jersey’s economy and employers.
—Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
We mourn the loss of BPU President Joe Fiordaliso, who had the right traits for a public servant – insightful, passionate, authentic, straightforward and pragmatic. He led the Murphy administration’s push for clean energy in a thoughtful way – and we were grateful that he considered all who would be affected, including the businesses community. He was a special guest speaker at New Jersey Chamber events on multiple occasions, and the give-and-take between him and our members was invariably genuine and constructive. We may not have always agreed with Joe’s positions, but we respected him. He will be missed.
—Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Over 50 members of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone New Jersey program received a briefing the morning of Aug. 23 at the Pines Manor in Edison, from Reps. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) and Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-7).
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is saddened to learn of the passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. As the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker, Lt. Gov. Oliver was a tireless advocate on a wide variety of issues and she always listened to the concerns of New Jersey’s business community, especially small businesses. She was a passionate supporter of urban revitalization efforts and she realized the state’s economic success was dependent on all New Jerseyans having access to safe, affordable housing as well as a quality education.
Gov. Phil Murphy sat down with New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tom Bracken on Wednesday, July 26, at New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark to discuss ways to improve and expand the state economy. The governor used the event to announce a trade mission this fall to Japan and South Korea, with the primary goals to be attracting jobs and investments to the Garden State.
Our state can improve No. 19 ranking by doing more for businesses
It is excellent news that CNBC, in its annual Top States for Doing Business List, ranked New Jersey as the most improved state, climbing 23 places to No. 19, after a 42nd place finish last year. This is certainly a reason to celebrate and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is pleased that the CNBC survey recognizes some important strengths in New Jersey’s economy.
The signing of these economic growth bills, which were supported by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, sends a message to the rest of the country that New Jersey’s leaders are supportive of burgeoning industries such as offshore wind and film/digital media, and will work with companies seeking to create jobs and facilities benefitting our economy and residents. The State Chamber thanks Gov. Murphy and the Legislature for paving the way to a strong future by making our state more attractive to innovative businesses that are seeking to invest in New Jersey and call New Jersey home.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce thanks the governor and legislative leaders for including, in the budget, tax reform measures that make New Jersey more attractive to companies based in our state and companies considering relocating to our state.
If the 2.5% CBT surcharge does not sunset, as promised, it will send the wrong message in many ways
When companies in New Jersey thrive, so do the state’s finances. When the business community thrives, state tax revenues rise, social programs are funded and the generous philanthropic giving of the business community grows.