Opportunity NJ Economic Development and Advisory Council

to Gather This Week in Trenton

TRENTON, NJ — Opportunity New Jersey (ONJ), which this summer announced the establishment of the New Jersey Economic Development and Advisory Council (EDAC), will host a meeting this week of individuals and organizations interested in participating in the Council.

Comprised of statewide leaders representing numerous organizations and business interests, the nonpartisan Council has been organized to support ONJ’s mission and further its objectives. These include supporting New Jersey’s economic growth, and identifying ideas to leverage the state’s numerous assets and streamline the cost of government. Some participants in this week’s meeting already have volunteered to participate on the Council, while others are attending to learn more about the organization’s activities.

“In addition to established EDAC members and representatives from the ONJ steering committee, we look forward to meeting potential stakeholders seeking a better understanding of our plans and processes,” said Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Co-chair of ONJ.

“We expect an array of viewpoints — and in fact, we welcome and encourage a diverse mix of perspectives,” added Michele Siekerka, Esq, President and CEO of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association and Co-chair of ONJ. “We look forward to an enlightening discussion as we review the Council’s progress and prepare for a very eventful 2020.”

The formation of the EDAC is a key tenet in ONJ’s Plan for Affordable New Jersey, which the organization released earlier this year.

“New Jersey has many attributes that can make it a perfect state for business,” Bracken and Siekerka jointly stated when releasing the Plan. “The reality, however, is that New Jersey’s structural challenges hold us back from achieving the competitiveness necessary to expand our economy. Quite simply, the Garden State needs a course correction on the path to affordability and toward establishing a welcoming environment for businesses.”

In announcing its Plan and the establishment of the EDAC, ONJ expressed its intention to engage with Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Speaker Coughlin — and their staffs — to discuss these key economic concerns and generate legislative solutions.  ONJ plans to issue additional updates and outline its next steps following the October EDAC meeting.

Those interested in learning more about the Plan for an Affordable New Jersey, and signing up for the organization’s e-newsletter, can visit www.opportunitynj.org.

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