At the recent ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, we centered our conversations on a single, defining theme: New Jersey’s economic competitiveness.
More than 850 leaders from across business, government, and the nonprofit community gathered in Atlantic City, and there was an overarching conclusion: New Jersey’s ability to compete depends on how well we prepare for the opportunities in front of us.
That focus could not be timelier.
In just a few months, we will have one of the most unique opportunities in our state’s history. The FIFA World Cup (games are June 11 through July 19), will kick off in the U.S. New Jersey will host eight matches, including the Final at MetLife Stadium — which is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events in history.
The scale of this moment is hard to overstate. We are expecting more than 1.2 million visitors and more than $3.3 billion in economic impact across the region.
Is New Jersey’s business community prepared for this opportunity?
I am pleased to say there is real coordination underway to ensure this moment delivers for businesses across the state.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is helping promote an initiative called the ‘Welcome World Rewards Program,’ which is designed to drive World Cup tourists to small businesses in our region. Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, announced the initiative at the ReNew Jersey Business Summit, saying it will drive foot traffic and reward neighborhood exploration. Free to all, the program provides a digital experience linking residents and tourists to participating businesses. Businesses can register here.
Over the course of the tournament, people won’t just be traveling back and forth between matches; they’ll be exploring neighborhoods, looking for places to eat and gather, and experiencing New Jersey in ways that go far beyond the venue.
The NYNJ Host Committee’s Welcome World Rewards Program will give World Cup fans the opportunity to earn incentives for attending local businesses – including a chance to win the most coveted prize: a ticket to the FIFA World Cup Final.
For a chance at that opportunity, visitors and residents will show up at your store, your restaurant, and your main street. The question is whether we’re ready to meet that moment and show them what New Jersey is all about.
The World Cup will bring global attention to our state. If we’re ready, that attention can translate into long-term economic growth, increased tourism, and future investment.
This year’s Summit made it clear that New Jersey understands what’s at stake.
If we’re prepared, this summer’s FIFA World Cup won’t just be a successful tournament. It will be an economic success for New Jersey.
Tom Bracken is president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, based in Trenton.
