Jeff Cantor, the head of the N.J. Veterans Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled that
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is the first former full-time military veteran to hold the
position in the state since the Civil War era.
He also is proud that Sherrill is the first female veteran to serve as governor in any
state.
“We certainly think it will give the owners of veteran-owned, disabled veteran-owned,
and military spouse-owned businesses a better chance to secure government
contracts,” he told BINJE.
To be clear, former governors Jon Corzine and Jim Florio served in the reserves — so
it’s not the first time in recent memory that a governor has had military experience.
Sherrill, however, brings something unique: Her husband, Jason Hedberg, is also a
veteran. The two met at the U.S. Naval Academy.
“That is a huge bonus,” Cantor said. “Jason has come to our events and let us know
that he supports what we are doing. We think that will be a big help.”
Where and how that help materializes is the question.
On the eve of Veterans Day, we asked Col. Cantor (U.S. Army, retired) to share a wish
list of actions he hopes Lt. Commander Sherrill (U.S. Navy, retired) will pursue during
her administration.
Here are four:
1. Enforce the 3% set-aside for disabled veteran-owned businesses
New Jersey law mandates that 3% of all state contracts be awarded to businesses
owned by disabled veterans. But as Cantor points out, “It’s not just about having the law
— it’s about enforcing it.”
The requirement was recently made more accessible by reducing the number of
required bids from three to two, but enforcement remains spotty. Cantor believes that
with Sherrill in office, there’s finally a chance to put real teeth behind the statute.
“If we just get that done,” he says, “that’s going to be huge business for disabled
veterans.”
2. Recognize veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, too
Currently, New Jersey doesn’t formally recognize veteran-owned or military spouse-
owned businesses in its contracting system. That means no preference, no incentives
— and no reason for many of these businesses to even bother getting certified.
“There are thousands of veteran-owned businesses in the state,” Cantor estimates, “but
only 770 are certified. Why? Because there’s no value in it.”
Cantor believes that if the state creates a category and offers real opportunities, the
number of certified businesses could increase tenfold — just as it did in other states that
made similar changes. He said he hopes the state also will take action on a category
that often is overlooked: Military spouse-owned businesses.
“No one has ever attempted to figure out that number, but I can tell you there are
thousands,” he said. “That would have a huge impact, too.”
3. Reestablish and empower the Small Business Growth Council
Cantor wants to see the resurrection and formalization of the Small Business Growth
Council, formerly known as the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council. This
body would be tasked with shaping policy not just for veteran-owned businesses, but for
all diverse business categories — Black-owned, Hispanic-owned, women-owned,
LGBTQ-owned and more.
Cantor knows that goes against the sentiment coming out of Washington, D.C. He said
he hopes others can look past the “diversity” classification and see what these
businesses truly represent.
“Whatever nomenclature you use — diverse, equitable, fair share — it’s all about small
businesses getting a fair shot,” Cantor said.
He points to New York’s 30% spend rate with minority- and women-owned businesses
and 6% with disabled veteran-owned businesses as proof that ambitious goals are
achievable.
4. Expand mental health and healthcare access for veterans
Cantor is urging the new administration to prioritize behavioral health, homelessness
and food insecurity among veterans.
“Veterans don’t raise their hands and say, ‘I need help,’” he said. “But too many do.”
Cantor is calling for more resources for mental health — especially for PTSD, anxiety,
and depression — and sees potential in public-private partnerships. One example:
Braven Health, which offers zero-premium plans for Medicare-eligible veterans. Cantor
believes the state could partner with organizations like Braven to expand access to both
mental and physical health care for veterans, spouses and caregivers.
“I can’t think of a better way to truly thank someone for their service,” he said.
