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Making N.J. a Convenient Place to a Run Business By Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno During the 2009 campaign and transition, Gov. Chris Christie and I met with hundreds of business leaders – CEOs, owners of midsize companies, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno entrepreneurs and various other economic stakeholders – to hear their concerns and suggestions about the state’s troubling business climate. These discussions informed us greatly as we created the New Jersey Partnership for Action, later supported by a bi-partisan report issued the week we took office. Consisting of three unique components – Choose New Jersey, the Eco-
nomic Development Authority (EDA) and the Business Action Center (BAC) – the Partnership for Action represents the proactive, coordinated approach to economic policy that had long been lacking in Trenton. The Business Action Center essentially ties it all together by providing a “one-stop shop” for the business community to facilitate growth and job creation across industry sectors by ensuring timely delivery of essential information and services to employers and entrepreneurs. Comprised of business experts skilled in the areas of attraction, retention, advocacy and state planning, BAC staff is charged with streamlining key government services. It is also responsible for educating the business community about New Jersey’s economic
development incentives, and facilitating discussions with the EDA and the departments of Labor and Workforce Development, Community Affairs, Treasury and others to match a company’s specific needs with the ideal programs. Finally, BAC is home to the Division of Travel and Tourism, which emphasizes that New Jersey is not only open for business, but that once you’re here, there is no greater place to live, work, raise a family and vacation. We were confident the Business Action Center would be a success, but so far it has surpassed even the most ambitious expectations. Since we assumed office, BAC staff has counseled 750 businesses on regulatory and other matters, and assisted 36,000 clients, mainly small businesses, through its call-center. Over the same period, BAC issued 217 proposal letters to companies of all sizes and across key industries for the potential creation of approximately 31,000 new jobs and the retention of 20,000 employees. On the international front, we have already hosted 22 foreign delegations and completed nine key foreign direct investment projects that will create nearly 400 jobs and $40 million in capital investments. By more effectively allocating existing resources, New Jersey has gone from zero to two foreign trade offices serving the critical European and Asian markets. A new day has dawned for New Jersey’s business community, one defined by convenience and an environment amenable to growth, investment and job creation. I invite you all to enjoy this new “one-stop shopping” experience by calling us directly at (866) 534-7789 or by visiting us online through our easily accessible and highly-informative business portal at www.nj.gov/njbusiness. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you soon. ❖ Kim Guadagno serves as New Jersey’s first lieutenant governor and its 33rd secretary of state.
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