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Business community praises ruling that federal government must unfreeze funding for tunnel project

A federal judge Friday ordered the Trump administration to restore funding for the Hudson Tunnel project. And the New Jersey business community was thrilled. The order by U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas found that New Jersey and New York could face serious harm if the pause in funding were to continue. The temporary restraining order requires the Trump administration to resume funding while the lawsuit is adjudicated. The expectation is that the Trump administration will continue to battle. A hearing scheduled for Feb. 11 that may offer the first clues about what comes next. For now, it's a win for the project. "This ruling affirms what we have long known: Gateway is essential to our region’s economy and to the millions of commuters who depend on reliable rail service," N.J. Chamber President Tom Bracken said. (BINJE)

 

N.J. Chamber President's Message
NJ Chamber applauds Sherrill administration's early, decisive leadership

Gov. Sherrill inherited a complex set of challenges – from fiscal pressures and infrastructure needs to workforce shortages and competitiveness concerns. We embrace her early actions. Pausing the adoption of new regulations for a 90-day review demonstrates a willingness to reassess policies that affect employers. Her efforts to restore funding to the Gateway Tunnel underscore a clear understanding that Gateway is imperative to our region’s economic future. And Gov. Sherrill is assembling a strong team to guide N.J. forward. Strong leadership is mandatory if New Jersey is going to grow and prosper – and we are seeing exactly that in these first weeks of the governor’s term. Read the message from N.J. Chamber President Tom Bracken. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

 

Job market was already ‘slim pickings.’ New data shows it just got worse

The labor market is becoming increasingly inhospitable in the U.S. as demand for workers continues to wane and job postings are at their lowest levels since the pandemic. New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Thursday showed that the estimated number of job openings sank to 6.54 million at the end of December, settling at the lowest level since September 2020. Hiring, quits and layoff rates held relatively steady. The latest BLS report alongside other labor market data released this week provided further confirmation that the "low-hire, low-fire" slog continues. (CNN)

 

Is your social marketing working? How to monitor your social media ROI with analytics

Social media analytics can power product development, brand messaging, and improved customer service. Learn how with this guide. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

 

ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo

NJ's iconic business networking event returns March 31 & April 1

The ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo returns to Harrah’s Atlantic City on March 31 & April 1. The two-day Summit – attended by over 1,000 in 2024 – will feature keynote speakers, timely panel discussions on N.J.’s economic competitiveness, unmatched networking opportunities, and 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 2026 Summit is especially significant, coming just weeks after N.J. welcomes a new gubernatorial administration. More info and register here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)
 

Cornerstone NJ Member News

 

Amazon launches AI health-care tool for One Medical members

Amazon rolled out an artificial intelligence health-care assistant for members of its primary care chain One Medical. The tool, called Health AI, uses large language models from Amazon’s Bedrock service to answer questions and provide members with personalized advice based on their medical records, lab results and current medications. It can also assist with managing medications and book appointments with a user’s One Medical provider. The tool pulls answers from a variety of sources, including licensed and proprietary data, knowledge verified by medical experts and in some cases, publicly-available data, Amazon said. (CNBC)

Business Events
 

Feb. 26 – Member Networking Breakfast

UMC Foundation, Neptune

Register

 

March 31 & April 1 – ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo

Harrah's Atlantic City

More information and register

 

Young Professionals Networking Event

April 9 – Mastering the Mix: Sharpen Your Skills, Then Work the Room

Kean University, Union

More information coming soon

 

NJM Small Business Series

April 15 – Managing Mental Health, Burnout, and Productivity

Virtual Event (Free to register)

More information coming soon

 

May 14 – Member Networking Breakfast

Metro Exhibits, Pine Brook (Free for members)

More information coming soon

 

May 18 – NJ Chamber Challenge Cup Golf Outing

Bedens Brook Club, Skillman

More information and register

 

NJM Small Business Series

June 4 – AI for Small Businesses – Streamlining Operations and Boosting Revenue

Virtual Event (Free to register)

More information coming soon

 

June 11 – NJ Chamber Open House and Reception

New Jersey State Museum, Trenton

More information coming soon

 

NJM Small Business Series

Sept. 10 – Protecting Your Brand: Reputation & Risk Management in a Digital Age

Virtual Event (Free to register)

More information coming soon

 

NJM Small Business Series

Nov. 12 – Cybersecurity for Employers: Protecting Your Business, Employees, and Customer Data

Virtual Event (Free to register)

More information coming soon

Were you forwarded this newsletter? For more information about the N.J. Chamber, email Patrick.Daily@njchamber.com.

Business Resources

N.J. Economic Development Authority

 

Choose New Jersey 

 

New Jersey Business Action Center

 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

U.S. Small Business Administration

 

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The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is staying on top the issues important to business. For news media requests, please email Scott Goldstein.