Membership in the State Chamber also provides you with the opportunity to get involved by sitting on one of our committees.

The Business Coalition for Educational Excellence functions as the chamber’s education committee. Coalition goals are aligned to a broad set of issues that include standards-based education and rigorous assessments, teacher quality, accountability and data management, technology in education, and adapting hiring practices to include a review of high school performance records. The Coalition also establishes official positions on issues that impact education, serving as the voice of business in education reform and the representative of employers in the preparation of tomorrow’s workforce. Contact: Dana Egreczky

Economic development is the programmatic center of all of the desired outcomes identified in the chamber’s newly adopted strategic plan. Under construction for nearly two years, the plan identified economic development as the goal toward which all programs and activities progress. While the Economic Development Committee will become a conduit for the work of other chamber committees, it will also undertake specific issues relative to land use policy, working with state government and through the legislative process. Quality sustainable development is the vision for New Jersey; the Economic Development Committee plays a necessary role in making that vision a reality. Contact: Mary Elllen Peppard

The Environment Committee pushes for a strong, healthy economy while, at the same time, encourages the preservation of New Jersey’s air, water and land. The committee works with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to foster a cooperative, ongoing relationship with business in developing and instituting environmental regulations. Issues examined range from supporting the reuse of brownfield properties for land development to monitoring the potential impact of “environmental justice” on businesses in the state. Contact: Michael Egenton

Health care affordability and accessibility are critical issues facing state employers and are consistently listed as the top area of concern of businesses in New Jersey. The chamber’s Health Care Committee monitors these and other issues which impact the cost and quality of health care in the Garden State. Through thorough examination and analysis of legislative initiatives that impact the health care system, this committee provides a sounding board for members of the Legislature and Administration. Contact: Jim Leonard

Employee Manuals. Family Leave. COBRA. Unemployment. Changes in state and federal laws impact these and other personnel issues almost daily. The Human Resources Committee examines legislation, regulations and court cases that impact the personnel arena – all major areas that affect, by law, how employers must engage their employees. The committee also serves as an information resource for our elected officials and helps the chamber create policies on HR initiatives. Contact: Jim Leonard

The Garden State is a geographic gateway for international trade. Our challenge is to translate the blessings of location into a vibrant network that serves to increase our piece of the international pie. With probably the best intermodal transportation infrastructure in the region, we need to increase our exports while continuing to promote inward investment. The International Trade Committee addresses state and federal policy, as it relates to our stated goal, while serving as an information source for businesses considering exporting. It’s clear that our productivity requires markets beyond our domestic borders; finding customers abroad for New Jersey companies will expand existing markets to encompass the world. Contact: Mary Elllen Peppard

The Tax Council tackles one of the most complex issues in New Jersey politics and business – taxes. Understanding the way in which businesses are taxed is crucial to the economic survival and economic development of the state. The committee thoroughly examines this issue, which takes on more importance during times of economic uncertainty. Contact: Mary Elllen Peppard

The goal of the Transportation Committee is to ensure that New Jersey’s roads, bridges, ports, railways and airports are maintained and improved. The committee works in conjunction with key decision-makers in the NJ Department of Transportation, NJ Transit and other groups to develop and implement solutions to the state’s transportation needs. Key issues range from ensuring the stability of the Transportation Trust Fund to advocating for the development and extension of light rail projects in Hudson/Bergen, Camden/Gloucester and Union counties. Contact: Michael Egenton