President & CEO Tom BrackenLess 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.
We also fully embrace the governor’s bold and decisive early actions. Pausing regulations for a 90-day review demonstrates a willingness to listen and reassess policies that directly affect employers. Likewise, her efforts to restore funding to the Gateway Tunnel underscore a clear understanding of what is at stake. Gateway is imperative to our region’s economic future and long-term success, and leadership on this issue matters.
Strong leadership is mandatory if New Jersey is going to get back on a track toward growth and prosperity – and we are seeing exactly that in these first weeks of the governor’s term.
For too long, businesses have felt disconnected from Trenton. That appears to be changing. To date, outreach from the governor, lieutenant governor, and senior staff has been strong and meaningful. It is a change from the past, and it is one that the business community welcomes. This type of engagement will go a long way toward improving our current No. 49 ranking in business friendliness, according to CNBC – a statistic none of us are satisfied with.
Looking ahead, we in the business community stand ready to provide input and offer assistance as the administration develops a strategic and aggressive plan to kick-start our economy. Rebuilding confidence among the hundreds of thousands of businesses that form the foundation of New Jersey’s economy must be a top priority. Equally important is encouraging companies to stay, grow, and create jobs here – while also making our state a true destination for businesses seeking a competitive, welcoming environment in which to invest.
These goals are achievable, but they require collaboration, transparency, and sustained commitment. The early momentum we are seeing gives us reason to believe that this administration understands what employers need to succeed and is prepared to work alongside us to deliver real results.
Momentum for economic growth has begun – but the best is yet to come.