The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has launched a new video series called "Blueprint Minute" aimed at providing voters with concise information on business and economic policy issues ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. The series summarizes the main chapters of NJBIA's "Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey," a 28-page policy document designed to guide the state's next governor on promoting innovation and economic growth.
The Blueprint was initially presented to Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli during NJBIA’s “Meet the Gubernatorial Candidates” event, which took place shortly after the June primaries. Since then, NJBIA, the candidates, and their teams have continued to discuss the document’s recommendations.
NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka commented on the candidates’ engagement with the Blueprint, stating, “We are very encouraged that both candidates have taken a strong interest in our Blueprint and in bringing much-needed improvement to New Jersey’s business climate.”
Siekerka also emphasized the importance of informed voting, saying, “As this is such a critical election for New Jersey’s business community and our future affordability, NJBIA endeavors to bring as much information as possible, and as in palatable of form as achievable. This is not a time to bank on soundbites or even the politics of the day. As the leading advocate for business in the state, it is our obligation to help inform those interested voters who will determine our next governor.”
The "Blueprint Minute" videos feature Siekerka alongside members of NJBIA’s Government Affairs staff, including Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz, Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor, and Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford. The videos can be found on NJBIA’s YouTube channel and the association's Blueprint webpage at njbia.org/blueprint, where viewers can also access the full policy document.
Leading up to Election Day, NJBIA plans to share web posts and social media content highlighting each "Blueprint Minute" video along with the gubernatorial candidates’ positions on the topics discussed. The video topics include budget and cost-saving reforms, consumer affairs, legal and insurance matters, manufacturing and innovation, taxation and economic development, education and workforce development, employment and labor, energy, environment, childcare, and healthcare.
