On September 17, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) testified before the Economic Growth Committee in support of a package of bills sponsored by Senator Singleton, which would support the development and growth of minority and women-owned businesses in New Jersey, as well as businesses in rural communities. The package includes the following bills:
- S2768 (Singleton / Ruiz) - Authorizes State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct disparity study concerning utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State procurement process.
- S2769 (Singleton / Ruiz) - Establishes "Minority Business Development Program" in EDA; appropriates $50 million to EDA from federal funds.
- S2770 (Singleton / Ruiz) - Establishes position of Minority Depository Institution Coordinator in EDA.
- S2771 (Singleton)- Establishes "Rural Business Development Program" in EDA; appropriates $35 million to EDA from federal funds.
- S2772 (Singleton) - Establishes "Biannual Business Matchmaker Initiative" in Department of State.
CCSNJ Manager of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra testified that as businesses are working to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, these bills create programs that will assist in assuring that minority and women-owned businesses in New Jersey have targeted support to ensure an equitable economic recovery,
In her testimony, Ms. Chebra noted that these bills reflect one of the CCSNJ’s core values to foster an inclusive community that embraces the diversity of the companies, organizations and individuals we serve.
If you have any questions, please contact Hilary Chebra, Manager of Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com.
