President & CEO Tom BrackenOne of the most encouraging developments during the first months of the Sherrill administration has been its clear commitment to engaging directly with New Jersey’s business community.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is participating in Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s 21-county business outreach tour – an important initiative designed to hear directly from employers across the state about both the opportunities and challenges of operating a business in New Jersey. The Chamber has been assisting the governor’s office in identifying locations for many of these meetings in partnership with local chambers of commerce, associations, and regional business groups.
At the recent ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, we centered our conversations on a single, defining theme: New Jersey’s economic competitiveness.
More than 850 leaders from across business, government, and the nonprofit community gathered in Atlantic City, and there was an overarching conclusion: New Jersey’s ability to compete depends on how well we prepare for the opportunities in front of us.
That focus could not be timelier.
In just a few months, we will have one of the most unique opportunities in our state’s history. The FIFA World Cup (games are June 11 through July 19), will kick off in the U.S. New Jersey will host eight matches, including the Final at MetLife Stadium — which is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events in history.
Less than a month into Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration, there is already a palpable sense of optimism across New Jersey’s business community. Early outreach from the governor, Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, and key members of the administration has been positive, robust, and refreshingly open – signaling what many of us have hoped for: a true partnership between state leadership and the employer community.
Gov. Sherrill inherited an extraordinarily complex set of challenges – from fiscal pressures and infrastructure needs to workforce shortages and competitiveness concerns. At the same time, she has had to assemble an entirely new leadership team. That is no small undertaking. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates the magnitude of these responsibilities, and we are encouraged by the talented staff being put in place to help guide our state forward.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to every member of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce for your partnership, commitment, and engagement throughout 2025. This year, your support has helped drive the Chamber’s mission forward in countless meaningful ways.
Residents are already voting, and in days we will know the results of the gubernatorial election. The stakes could not be higher for our state’s economic future. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce urges our members – and all New Jerseyans – to take a close look at the economic records and plans of both candidates.
And vote!
As we move into mid-September, New Jersey finds itself at a critical crossroads. The gubernatorial election is quickly approaching, and with it comes an opportunity to set the course for our state’s economic future. The stakes are higher than ever. Uncertainty continues to surround both the national and state economies, and our next governor and legislature must make the economy a top priority. New Jersey must be positioned not only to grow in good times but also to withstand the next downturn that might come.
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.
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