One of the most encouraging developments during the first months of the Sherrill administration has been its clear commitment to engaging directly with New Jersey’s business community.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is participating in Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s 21-county business outreach tour – an important initiative designed to hear directly from employers across the state about both the opportunities and challenges of operating a business in New Jersey. The Chamber has been assisting the governor’s office in identifying locations for many of these meetings in partnership with local chambers of commerce, associations, and regional business groups.
So far, I have participated at tour stops in Hunterdon, Bergen, Morris, and Somerset counties, with more scheduled in the coming months. Gov. Sherrill participates in some of the visits herself, while the administration’s COO, Kellie Doucette, leads the 21-county tour. Other key administration officials have also been actively involved throughout the process.
What makes these meetings especially valuable is their practical focus. Each stop is an opportunity for business owners to speak candidly about what they appreciate about doing business in New Jersey – from our workforce and location to our innovation economy – but also, importantly, about the barriers that make growth more difficult. These conversations are generating real insights into the obstacles employers face and the reforms needed to help companies succeed, expand, and create jobs in our state. Every meeting has attracted growing audiences who have been forthright about their issues.
I look forward to participating in many more of these sessions and thank the administration for undertaking this important initiative.
The overall takeaway from these early months of the Sherrill administration is clear: there is a genuine openness to listening to the business community and a willingness to explore ways to make New Jersey more competitive and affordable. That includes finding solutions that encourage business growth, attract investment, create much-needed jobs, and generate the long-term economic activity that benefits all New Jersey residents.
This 21-county tour creates a very simple foundation for our business community. Outreach creates confidence that the administration is pro-business, confidence helps create economic growth, and growth will begin a path to the economic prosperity we are seeking.
As always, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce remains committed to ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard and that New Jersey continues moving toward a stronger and more competitive future.
Tom Bracken is president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, based in Trenton.
