Less than a month after Governor Mikie Sherrill took office, New Jersey’s business community is expressing optimism about the administration’s early efforts to engage with employers. Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, noted that outreach from Governor Sherrill, Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, and other officials 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.”
Governor Sherrill faces significant challenges including fiscal pressures, infrastructure needs, workforce shortages, and competitiveness concerns. Bracken acknowledged these issues as well as the task of assembling a new leadership team. He said the Chamber appreciates “the magnitude of these responsibilities,” adding that they are encouraged by “the talented staff being put in place to help guide our state forward.”
The governor’s recent decision to pause regulations for a 90-day review was highlighted as an example of her willingness to listen to employers’ concerns. Bracken also cited her efforts to restore funding for the Gateway Tunnel project as evidence that she understands its importance for regional economic stability: “Gateway is imperative to our region’s economic future and long-term success, and leadership on this issue matters.”
Bracken emphasized that strong leadership is essential if New Jersey is going to achieve growth and prosperity. He stated: “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.”
He also addressed past frustrations among businesses feeling disconnected from policymakers in Trenton but noted improvement under the current administration: “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.” Bracken referenced CNBC’s ranking placing New Jersey at No. 49 in business friendliness.
Looking ahead, Bracken said businesses are prepared to work with state leaders on plans aimed at stimulating economic activity: “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.” He added that rebuilding confidence among local businesses should be prioritized alongside efforts 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.”
Bracken concluded by stating these objectives require collaboration between government leaders and employers: “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.” He ended his statement by saying: “Momentum for economic growth has begun – but the best is yet to come.”
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce supports workforce development through its foundation with an emphasis on skills needed for future jobs (official website). The organization works statewide on economic solutions across regions (official website) while advancing policies intended to foster job growth (official website). It lobbies for measures designed to make New Jersey more attractive for businesses (official website), collaborates with local chambers on key issues (official website), provides networking events along with educational resources (official website), advocates broadly for business interests across New Jersey (official website), promotes job creation policies ( official website ), fosters workforce development initiatives ( official website ), offers educational programs ( official website ), provides networking opportunities ( official website ), collaborates with local chambers ( official website ) ,and addresses significant business matters statewide.
