Christopher Emigholz, Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, discussed the top concerns of small businesses in New Jersey during an interview with NJ101.5 morning host Bill Spadea on March 17. The conversation focused on what the state’s small business community hopes to see from Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration.
Regulatory reform was identified as a leading priority for small businesses. Emigholz said, “If you’re a small business, you don’t have lots of people working for you to do compliance and legal stuff. And you might have the same guy making your product, opening the doors, doing the billing while having to worry about all the HR and all the environment and all the other compliance stuff.” He added, “So, if we make it easier to do business and to get out of the way of businesses, regulatory reform, I think that helps a lot.”
Emigholz noted that Governor Sherrill has emphasized efforts to streamline processes for businesses. “She has used this quote a couple times, that in New Jersey we need a ‘get to yes’ culture instead of just finding ways to say no, which I think in recent years we’ve been seeing too much in state government,” he said.
The discussion also addressed support for manufacturers. Emigholz explained that most manufacturing businesses in New Jersey are relatively small but face barriers accessing certain tax credits due to high entry requirements. “Typical manufacturing size business in New Jersey is 30 to 40 employees,” he said. “We have a brand-new manufacturing tax credit, but you have to get a $10 million buy-in to access that program. That’s not going to help small businesses.” He also called for restoring the Manufacturing Voucher Program: “There was a great manufacturing program called the Manufacturing Voucher Program that allowed small manufacturers to buy capital equipment… We would love to see that restored under Governor Sherrill, and it’s a priority of ours.”
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing employers across various sectors according to its official website. The association advances competitive excellence and financial success for its members while providing essential information and services according to its official website. Michele Siekerka is president and chief executive officer according to its official website.
The association supports private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to its official website, facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions according to its official website, and offers advocacy along with practical information and cost-saving benefits according to its official website.
A replay of Spadea’s broadcast can be found online.
