Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order 28 today announcing that “New Jersey Means Business.”
It’s one thing to say it, but another to prove it. And she means business.
EO 28 sets forth a pathway to take the great assets New Jersey already has and give them a real opportunity to flourish.
For far too long our policymakers have taken our great location, spirit of innovation, foundational infrastructure, and second-to-none workforce for granted and as a result, we have seen businesses that once thrived in the Garden State take up residence elsewhere.
The time is now to recapture those great assets and truly put them to work.
Business friendliness: Of course, this matters, and it is signified by how job creators are treated through rules, regulations, costs of doing business and as simply as making them feel like they have a meaningful voice. EO 28 takes the current “Saving You Time and Money” agenda and expands it to a comprehensive review of all costs that affect business growth, acknowledges the need for site ready properties and requires retention attention to our current job creators.
High growth potential sectors: EO 28 recognizes that one-size-fits-all policies, procedures and incentives do not work. The diversity of business sectors is significant, and we have earned the right to see many of them grow here — particularly in manufacturing. However, to compete for their retention or attract more anew requires individual attention to the needs of a certain project and a comprehensive “all of government” approach to see it through.
The home of innovation: At NJBIA, we have championed New Jersey’s right to reclaim its stature as the Innovation State. In fact, it’s in our vision statement. And the governor’s initiative to increase R&D funding and increase our rankings in national indicators of innovation is what it will take to see the state move forward.
Growth that works broadly: We often see economic growth strategies focused on the largest of our job creators and, rightfully so, the workforce they enable affords hundreds of thousands the ability to live, work and raise a family in our great state.
However, recognizing that the heart of our economic pulse lies in those who employ anywhere from 1 to a 1,000 is an acknowledgement of the great diversity of business opportunities that drives our economic engine.
A place-based strategic plan for these employers with the understanding that running a small- to mid-size business is not for the faint of heart, can afford the whole of these job creators and their workforce to have the sustainable jobs needed to make New Jersey their home – and do so in an affordable manner.
To say it is one thing. To do it is another.
Gov. Sherrill has shown bold leadership and it will take that guidance and command to drive this economic strategic; holding people accountable, pushing back on unnecessary mandates that hinder job growth, evaluating all of the costs of doing business and then, with intention, executing on a course of driving those costs down and ensuing that business is heard at the table at every turn. Her EO 28 sets the pathway.
This is doable and NJBIA looks forward to being a true partner in proving that “New Jersey Means Business.”
Michele Siekerka is the CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.
