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Governor Corzine's Economic Growth Strategy
Governor Corzine's News Release
Taking Care of Business (State Web site)

The report released today by the Governor and the State Office of Economic Growth provides some important steps for addressing the problems that are undermining New Jersey's private-sector economy, said Philip Kirschner, president of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

“For the first time in years, we have a comprehensive plan to tackle many of the problems that have been holding our private-sector economy back,” Kirschner said.  “Governor Jon Corzine has picked up on many of the key issues facing employers.  This is a report that attempts to build on the State's strengths and address the problems that many businesses face.”

Kirschner said he was impressed that the plan took such a comprehensive approach, looking at the total process a business must go through to move here. 

“First impressions are lasting ones,” Kirschner said.  “New businesses interested in coming to New Jersey or existing businesses that need help are confronted with a sprawling bureaucracy that makes it difficult to find information and get approvals.  The report recognizes that we must do a better job in the way government does business with business.”

Many of the problems identified in the report have long been cited by NJBIA and its members.  The high cost of health insurance and energy in New Jersey have plagued New Jersey's competitiveness and cost the State jobs.  NJBIA has provided detailed policy initiatives for addressing many of the problems identified in the report.

“We remain committed to working with the Governor and the Legislature to improve the business climate in New Jersey,” Kirschner said.  “By working together, we can build a stronger private-sector economy that will lead the region.”

With more than 23,000 member companies, NJBIA is the largest state-level employers’ association in the nation.