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April 2, 2024

Today's Highlights

N.J. Chamber ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo

J&J CEO Joaquin Duato: New Jersey Is Great for Innovative Companies, but It Must Be Cautious With Tax Policy

Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato can easily rattle off all the reasons why New Jersey is a great state for large, innovative companies. From location to infrastructure to its diverse population to its access to big markets and, especially, access to talent, the state has a lot to offer, he said. It’s a great place to do business, Duato said. But it’s not perfect. Duato, speaking last week at the ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, said the company was "disappointed" with the proposal to increase taxes – and said the state needs to do more to help innovative companies or risk losing more of them to other states. Duato spoke against Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed Corporate Transit Fee, which will make the state’s largest companies pay an additional 2.5% tax, to be used as a funding source for New Jersey Transit. (ROI-NJ)

N.J. Chamber ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo

See Photos of Summit: The N.J. Chamber Is All Business in Atlantic City

Over 850 business, government, nonprofit, labor and academic leaders attended the N.J. Chamber of Commerce’s ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo on March 26 and 27 in Atlantic City. Gov. Phil Murphy, Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato and Jersey Mike’s CEO Peter Cancro served as keynote speakers. The event featured two days of panel discussions, networking receptions and a business expo where New Jersey businesses showcased their products and services. See photos of the Summit here. See photos of the Expo here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

Report: NJ’s Bonded Debt Sheds $2B – More Than 5% Since Last Year

New Jersey’s bonded debt dropped to $41.5 billion during the past fiscal year, a reduction of more than $2 billion compared with the year before, according to new calculations included in a financial report released last week. Gov. Phil Murphy and lawmakers have prioritized debt relief after bonded debt soared to a record-high $48.2 billion during the 2021 fiscal year. The year-over-year decline during the past fiscal year is the second straight since the launching of that effort. (NJ Spotlight News)

We Asked N.J. Chamber Members To Dish Out Their Secrets on Meeting People and Developing Prospects at Networking Events

"Be strategic in regards to overall networking approach. Focus on topics that will directly impact you or your business. Make sure you are attending networking events that are related to what you are looking to accomplish. Follow-up on LinkedIn with a personalized message." - Nick Malefyt, Owner, Master Search Solutions. Read more here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

Simple Ways To Keep Your Employees Happy

Good morale leads to higher productivity and profits. Consider these strategies for keeping your team happy at work. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

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Betty Larson Joins Merck As EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Merck appointed 20-year health care industry veteran Betty Larson as executive vice president and chief human resources officer, the Rahway-based pharmaceutical giant announced. Larson is responsible for global human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion for the company. She comes to Merck from GE HealthCare, where she served as chief people officer. (NJBIZ))

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

BUSINESS MADE EASIER

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.

N.J. Economic Development Authority

Choose New Jersey 

New Jersey Business Action Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

N.J. Small Business Development Centers

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.

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