Corzine Administration and Business Community to Collaborate on Regional Forums Focusing on Growing State’s Economy

The Chamber's Platform for Progress Coalition will host three forums this spring to provide the Corzine Administration with opportunities to speak directly with the business community about the Economic Growth Strategy for New Jersey. The forums will be a place where business people can engage state departments and authorities about their ideas for making New Jersey a better place to grow a business.

"By unveiling the Economic Growth Strategy for New Jersey this past September – an outline for prosperity which mirrors much of the Chamber’s Platform for Progress – the Administration has demonstrated that they understand the seriousness of the situation and what must be done to encourage more investment in New Jersey," said Joan Verplanck, president, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. "Now the plan must be fully implemented at a rapid pace – and the business community wants to assist."

The Central Jersey Economic Growth Forum is March 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Middlesex County College in Edison, in cooperation with the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The North Jersey Economic Growth Forum is April 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in cooperation with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. The located has yet to be determined. 

The South Jersey Economic Growth Forum is May 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Burlington County College Enterprise Center in Mount Laurel, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. 

Since it was launched in October of 2005, the Platform for Progress has grown to over 160 member organizations representing thousands of employees, business owners, and concerned citizens. The Coalition was formed because many businesses, as well those from a wide range of groups, continue to be deeply concerned that New Jersey is not reaching its economic potential. This group is working collaboratively to tackle long-term challenges our state is facing in six key areas. They are Economic Development, Education, Environment, Government Reform, Health Care, and Transportation.

"The goal of this campaign is to not only raise public awareness of the issues that affect the growth and prosperity of New Jersey’s business community," said Verplanck, "but to also ensure that business and government can work effectively together. By working together we can achieve the common goal of a prosperous New Jersey.