Ocean County, NJ - Business leaders from across the state gathered in at Red's Lobster Pot in Point Pleasant Beach to discuss issues that affect businesses across all industries. Michele Siekerka, President & CEO of the New Jersey Business Industry Association led a press conference designed to raise awareness to the obstacles that are preventing small businesses to succeed in this busy summer season. Joined by leading business and tourism advocates such as New Jersey Tourism Industry Association, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce of South Jersey, Greater Tom River Chamber and business owners representing restaurants, attractions, retail service and child care industries; the conference identified the need now for those hesitant to re-enter the workforce rather than wait for Unemployment Insurance benefits to expire. 

For tourism, lack of work force has been devastating as lack of workforce has led to hours and services to be drastically reduced cutting into what many seasonal businesses  The message that businesses are flexible with hiring from part-time, full time to even on day a week to get staff on board across all sectors. The message was Please return to work while it is available. The solutions discussed encouraged back to work payroll incentives, retention credits for workers who stay on the job as well as retraining initiatives.  Topics also included removing barriers for those looking to re-enter the workforce and how searching for staff has led to unique situations pairing other industries that saw large numbers of unemployment such as performance artists with hospitality jobs within the state.  Vicki Clark, New Jersey Tourism Industry Chairperson of the Board shared information about the over $22 Billion shore economy that remains at risk with lack of hospitality, attractions and restaurant workers. 

Siekerka reminded that press that traditional seasonal workers must clock 12 consecutive weeks to be eligible for off season UI benefits and that the federal program ends on September 4, encouraging those to jump in now, as they may still have time to get the requisite hours. The business leaders also asked the Legislature to get behind employer tax credits for those who are offering employee cash incentives.  With college students already giving notice, the challenges of understaffed businesses will be exacerbated.  The organizations anticipate an additional loss of 30% of the workforce in early August as students return to college as well as high school students returning for sport and other commitments. This loss is on top of the already low percentage of workers currently working and, in some cases will equal a total 60% reduction in the workforce