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Aug. 19, 2025

Today's Highlights

Governor’s economic council finally holds first meeting – and pledges many more 

The long-awaited first meeting of the Governor’s Economic Council, held Monday afternoon in the Statehouse, did what it was intended to do when it was created back in February — it provided a forum for top business leaders and government officials to discuss key issues of the day. The only thing that was unanimous during the 90-minute meeting was this: The group should meet on a regular basis (perhaps monthly), those meetings should aim to be in person (though that’s not always possible) and most of all this: The group’s existence should continue into the new year and new administration. (BINJE)

Bessent says interviews for potential Fed chairs will start after Labor Day

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday he will begin interviewing candidates for Federal Reserve chair as soon as the White House whittles down what has suddenly become a crowded field. In a CNBC “Squawk Box” interview, Bessent confirmed the race to replace current Chair Jerome Powell is between 11 candidates, an array that includes past and present central bank officials as well as economists, a White House advisor and a few Wall Street market experts. (CNBC)

AAA discloses Labor Day travel trends as summer winds down

Whether it’s an Alaska cruise, Central Florida theme park, or Broadway show, many Americans are squeezing in one final trip before summer ends. According to AAA booking data, Seattle, Orlando, and New York are the most popular cities over Labor Day weekend. The good news for domestic travelers is that flights, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared with last year. The top international destinations are Vancouver, Rome, Dublin, and London. (ROI-NJ)

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What’s (new) for dinner? Restaurant franchises target NJ for growth

Thanks to New Jersey’s dense, diverse and affluent consumer base, more and more restaurant franchises are making strategic moves to expand their presence here. And, much to the delight of local foodies, many brands that have built loyal followings elsewhere in the U.S. have made their in-state debut over the past few years. However, believe it or not, New Jersey is considered underserved in fast food, fast casual and quick service markets due to a combination of demographic, regulatory and economic factors. It continues to rank among the bottom three states in the U.S. for chain restaurant density, with only about 2.0 locations per 10,000 residents. (NJBIZ)

Hurricane Erin tracker: When and how storm will impact New Jersey, Delaware beaches

Officials are warning millions of people up and down the East Coast to prepare for impacts from Hurricane Erin as the large Category 3 hurricane continues across the Atlantic Ocean and draws closer to the U.S. While Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall in the U.S., it will still pose a variety of threats to beachgoers in New Jersey and Delaware throughout the week. (Fox 29)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

Hackensack Meridian Health, CLEAR partner to bring seamless digital identity to patient experience 

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, announced a partnership Aug. 18 with CLEAR, the secure identity company whose technology is used at airports, to power a seamless appointment check-in and medical record access platform across Hackensack’s ecosystem. (ROI-NJ)

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MHANJ awarded $112K KPMG grant for mental health work

As part of an effort to increase mental health advocacy and education, the KPMG U.S. Foundation awarded a three-year, $112,500 grant to the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. MHANJ says the funding, which is part of a nationwide initiative from the KPMG U.S. Foundation, will be used to support its mission to help people achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. (NJBIZ)

Cornerstone NJ is a membership program of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. 

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Do business with fellow N.J. Chamber members — you can find them in our online directory.

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

Sept. 9 – Breakfast with Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald

National Conference Center, East Windsor, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Enjoy a networking opportunity with attendees over breakfast, and then hear from Majority Leader Greenwald. The presentation will be followed by Q&A.

More information and register

Sept. 10 – Young Professionals Networking Mixer

NJ Sharing Network, New Providence, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information and register

Sept. 18 – Women of Inspiration Awards Reception

National Conference Center, East Windsor, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The New Jersey Chamber is honoring 12 women who have used talent and hard work to create economic opportunities and help make New Jersey a better place to live and work.

More information and register

Sept. 25 – Member Networking Breakfast (Free to members)

New Jersey Audubon, Bernardsville, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Register

Oct. 6 – Young Professionals Networking Mixer 

Fiserv, Berkeley Heights , 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Basketball star and Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman will be our guest speaker at this special event sponsored by the N.J. Chamber Young Professionals Network.

More information and Register

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

Oct. 21 – The State of Transportation

National Conference Center, East Windsor, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

More information and register

Oct. 22 – NJ Chamber Legislative & Business Awards Reception

EisnerAmper, Iselin, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

We will recognize state leaders and advocates who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting N.J.’s business community.

See honorees and register

Nov. 6 – DE&I Trailblazer Awards Reception

Co-Hosted by African American Chamber of NJ and NJ Chamber

Pines Manor, Edison, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information and register

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

Dec. 2 – The State of Higher Education & Workforce Development

National Conference Center, East Windsor, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

More information and register

Dec. 11 – Annual Member Holiday Party (Free to members)

Calandra's Italian Village, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information coming soon

March 31 – April 1, 2026 – ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo

Harrah's Atlantic City

More information coming soon

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

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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.

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