The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) recognizes that as the state, its businesses and residents prepare to return to life as it was pre-pandemic, it is with the acknowledgement that there will be some aspects of life that will look different. The state must start planning now for the “next normal” and how it will impact its residents and the overall business community.
The CCSNJ assembled a Working Group of approximately 100 members, many of which are high-level CCSNJ Officers and Directors, from various industries and business sizes. Their objective was to discuss what is needed to prepare for the next normal and how state government can effectively reopen the economy, and guide businesses successfully, if they learn from the victories and mistakes of the past year.
The CCSNJ’s Preparing for the Next Normal Report details the suggestions and proposals from the six Working Group discussions, which took place over two weeks in late February and early March, and survey results from many others, on how government can help businesses succeed post-pandemic.
Recommendations include:
- Business assistance programs: programs to continue and relaunch, as well as several suggestions for new programs which could potentially be funded with federal money
- Predictable lead times
- Executive Order and legislative action review
- Revamping the Restart & Recovery Council and Commission
- Ensuring equity
- Reconsidering a geographical approach to reopening
- A coordinated messaging campaign, as well as a relaunch of the “One Jersey” pledge
- Necessary legislative actions, as well as an overview of previously supported COVID-19 legislation
The CCSNJ stands ready to assist state government with the included recommendations for the betterment of the state’s business community.
Should you have any questions, please contact Hilary Chebra, Manager of Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com.
