Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), appeared on NJ101.5’s “Jersey Thing” with Eric Scott to discuss Governor Mikie Sherrill’s recent actions that have given the state’s business community a sense of optimism.
Siekerka highlighted two executive orders signed by Governor Sherrill this week aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and improving governance. “I give kudos to this now governor,” Siekerka said during the interview. “During her transition period, she had us at the table. Her team reached out to us on what does business need.
“As you know, Eric, we had our Blueprint For A Competitive New Jersey with 60-some-odd policy recommendations. Many of those recommendations made their way to the table.”
On Inauguration Day, Governor Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 4, which establishes the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Order No. 5, which creates a Cross-Agency Permitting Team within that office. Both measures align with recommendations from NJBIA’s previously released Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey and are intended to make permitting processes more efficient while increasing accountability and transparency.
“A business made all this investment upfront to even apply for a permit, and they’re sitting there, not able to open their door,” Siekerka told Scott. “That’s money lost. Every dollar counts, so efficiency and processes like that is welcome.”
Eric Scott noted his impression that Governor Sherrill “actually does care about the nuts and bolts of how government operates.” He asked Siekerka if she shared that view.
“Yes, 110%,” Siekerka replied. “And it starts with looking at the processes from the inside and how user-friendly and favorable they are to the user from the outside.
“What makes me optimistic about this governor is she is very governance focused. I am known to say 10 times a week, ‘A good process yields a fair result.’
“I’m an attorney by trade. Governance is incredibly important to me, ok? She believes in that. She is intentional on governing, and we need a governor who governs, who understands process. That was not (Gov. Phil) Murphy.”
The NJBIA serves as one of New Jersey’s largest employer organizations representing businesses across multiple sectors such as manufacturing, retail, wholesale, contracting, and services (https://njbia.org/). The association provides advocacy efforts along with practical information and cost-saving benefits designed to support business prosperity in New Jersey (https://njbia.org/). It also facilitates partnerships among businesses as well as government entities and academic institutions (https://njbia.org/).
Siekerka has led NJBIA as president and chief executive officer since her appointment (https://njbia.org/). The organization maintains its headquarters in Trenton at 10 West Lafayette Street (https://njbia.org/).
To see the full “Jersey Thing” interview referenced in these remarks visit NJ101.5.