Congratulations to the winners of yesterday’s election – and we look forward to working with the Administration and legislators in the new legislative session. The 2023 election has passed and New Jersey voters, in exit polling, overwhelmingly stated that strengthening the economy and tackling affordability is their No. 1 issue. These have been priority issues the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has been pushing for many years. Moving forward, the Chamber looks forward to meeting with policymakers to discuss ways to build upon our state’s economic momentum highlighted by New Jersey climbing 23 places to No. 19 in CNBC’s annual Top States for Doing Business list. However, there is more work to be done to maintain that ranking or place even higher. The Chamber will continue to push its six-point legislative agenda designed to assist employers of all sizes and, if implemented, build on the state’s recent successes. New Jersey has the potential to be a Top 10 state in the nation when it comes to doing business – and let’s all work together to achieve that milestone. A strong economy will benefit every business and resident of our state.
Thomas Bracken
President & CEO
NJ Chamber of Commerce
PARSIPPANY & CRANBURY NJ – October 23, 2023 – Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. (DDNJ) and AmeriHealth are bringing their insurance expertise together to offer New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members group health, dental, and vision plans.
Benefits New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members can take advantage of through this exclusive member health insurance program include:
- Big-business benefits for small and large businesses;
- Better dental pricing for small businesses than purchasing group benefits on your own;
- Flexibility to choose the coverage you want;
- And, one year’s Chamber membership fee will be covered with the purchase of an AmeriHealth plan* (provided as an administrative credit for the first year only).
The state needs to create more affordable housing, develop the health care sector and “reconstruct” the state’s business incentives, said Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (D-6) at an Oct. 17 Business Roundtable sponsored by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
Honored Were Four Legislators, Three Murphy Administration Executives and Two Business Leaders at an Awards Reception at Manasquan River Golf Club
Award Reception is at Manasquan River Golf Club on Oct. 11
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced that four state legislators – two Democrats and two Republicans – will receive the Chamber’s biannual Legislator of the Year Awards. The State Chamber further announced that five leaders – inside and outside of government – will receive awards for their outstanding work to make New Jersey a great place to live and work.
We applaud Gov. Murphy’s decision to select Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as his next chief of staff.
Improving the state’s transportation network has always been a top priority for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and as chair of several statewide infrastructure initiatives, I have said many times our infrastructure is the foundation of our economy. Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti has done an outstanding job ensuring that transportation projects have been prioritized that will keep New Jersey’s economy moving.
Victoria (Ahde) Licata has joined the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation as director of resource development. She will cultivate partnerships and will oversee funding and development plans for the Foundation.
Summer is coming to an end, and business is back
As the Legislature returns this fall, our New Jersey Chamber of Commerce lobbying team will be back in the State House pushing for policies that will make New Jersey a better place for our members to run their businesses – and for their employees to live and raise a family.
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