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April 1, 2024

Today's Highlights

HELIX Hits Another Homer: J&J To Take Space at Life Science Center

The HELIX, the life science innovation hub in New Brunswick that aims to be a leader of research in the state and throughout the East Coast, landed another world-class tenant, as Johnson & Johnson announced it will take space at the complex. J&J’s global headquarters is within walking distance of the HELIX – a planned three-story complex under construction – but to be in the daily conversation with other leading companies in health care and other sectors was something J&J wanted, company officials said. (ROI-NJ)

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Baltimore Bridge Collapse Is Expected To Send More Cargo Ships to N.J.

The effects of Tuesday’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor will be felt in New Jersey, with more ships detoured to the nation’s second-busiest container port, and a renewed focus on safety, an engineering expert said. Port Authority officials said New York and New Jersey has capacity to handle the displaced ships. In 2021, the Port of New York and New Jersey handled approximately 20% more cargo than it is now, allowing the port to provide additional East Coast capacity as needed, officials said. (nj.com)

Read All of ROI-NJ’s Coverage of the ReNew Jersey Business Summit

ROI-NJ was in Atlantic City last week to cover the N.J. Chamber of Commerce's ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, held Tuesday and Wednesday at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Read a roundup of its coverage here. (ROI-NJ)

New York Panel Approves Congestion Tolls, but Court Battles Continue

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved congestion tolls Wednesday that would add at least $15 to fees drivers already pay at some crossings into Manhattan, but questions remain about the policy’s future as it faces a series of suits that claim the tolls would simply shift congestion and pollution into northern New Jersey. New Jersey in July sued the U.S. Department of Transportation, arguing the agency ignored the environmental and financial impacts congestion pricing would have on New Jersey residents. “This is far from over and we will continue to fight this blatant cash grab,” Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday. (New Jersey Monitor)

US Economic Growth for Last Quarter Is Revised Up Slightly to a Healthy 3.4% Annual Rate

The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.4% annual pace from October through December, the government said Thursday in an upgrade from its previous estimate. The government had previously estimated that the economy expanded at a 3.2% rate last quarter. The Commerce Department’s revised measure of the nation’s gross domestic product – the total output of goods and services – confirmed that the economy decelerated from its sizzling 4.9% rate of expansion in the July-September quarter. But last quarter’s growth was still solid, coming in the face of higher interest rates and powered by growing consumer spending, exports and business investment in buildings and software. (The Associated Press)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

EisnerAmper and Alabama-Based Advisory Firm Tidwell Group Combine

EisnerAmper, the global business advisory firm with a heavy presence in New Jersey, on Thursday announced that it will combine forces with Alabama-based tax and real estate consulting firm Tidwell Group LLC, in a transaction expected to close in May. Tidwell has 40 partners and a staff of more than 200 professionals in six offices across Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Ohio. (ROI-NJ)

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.

Business Events

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

April 10 – A Conversation with the DEP Commissioner & BPU President

The National Conference Center at the Holiday Inn of East Windsor, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Network with fellow attendees, then participate in a candid discussion and Q&A with DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. Breakfast is included.

Registration and information

N.J. Chamber Virtual Small Business Series

April 17 – Examining Solutions for the Labor Shortage

Virtual Event, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Experts will discuss how companies are finding qualified employees.

Registration and information

May 20 – N.J. Chamber Challenge Cup Golf Outing

Bedens Brook Club, Skillman

The outing features 18 holes of golf, as well as networking at our pre-golf lunch reception and post-golf banquet, where awards are handed out. Registration and information

N.J. Chamber Foundation Event

June 3 – 'Jobs for America's Graduates NJ' Fundraiser at Hudson Farm

Hudson Farm, Andover, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This clay shooting competition on 3,800 acres of scenic farmland supports 'Jobs for America's Graduates New Jersey,' a N.J. Chamber Foundation program that changes lives by helping young people build skills and prepare for success in education, employment and life.

Registration and information

June 13 – NJ Chamber Open House and Reception

New Jersey State Museum, Trenton

Dec. 10 – Annual Member Holiday Party Networking Event

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

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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