The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) is proud to have obtained widespread bipartisan support from policymakers, economic development, labor and higher education leaders on its recent policy report entitled, “Long Story Short: South Jersey - A Busy Policymaker’s Guide to Understanding a Misunderstood Region.” See below to see what they are saying.

“The seven most southern counites of New Jersey are complex in many ways with opportunities and obstacles to economic growth. To create holistic public policy that drives the region forward, these complexities should be better understood by statewide policymakers. Long Story Short helps do just that.”

- Assemblyman David Bailey, Jr., New Jersey’s Third Legislative District 

“As an anchor institution in South Jersey, Stockton University recognizes the region’s challenges and opportunities and supports the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey and partners in our shared objective of economic growth in Atlantic City and beyond. 

- Joe Bertolino, President, Stockton University

“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s policy report details what many of us from South Jersey already know - that the region brings an abundance of economic development opportunities, but also unique hurdles. Long Story Short: South Jersey is a “must read” for anyone dedicated to understanding how to create lasting economic and workforce development progress in the seven most southern counties of New Jersey.”

- Senator John Burzichelli, New Jersey’s Third Legislative District 

“In many respects, South Jersey is the sweet spot of New Jersey as the Garden State. It has an abundance of agriculture, open lands and diverse natural features…all within a close proximity of healthcare, education, and the recreational amenities of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. These assets become a desirable advantage as quality of life features that lift economic development strategies. We are proud of the contributions made by our commodity producers and farm owners, which help make the region a desirable location for business and community life.”

- Allen Carter, President, New Jersey Farm Bureau 

 

“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey policy report is an eye-opening compendium, for both the uninitiated and more seasoned investors of the strengths and opportunities in seven frequently misunderstood counties in our state. And for those who live and operate businesses there, it’s a compelling tool to convince everyone else of their untapped potential to contribute even more to New Jersey’s future. Congratulations CCSNJ on a job well done.

- Regina M Egea, President, Garden State Initiative

 

"Congratulations to the CCSNJ for their public policy report. Your leadership is important as we work together to support our industry leaders especially in aviation and the casino industry, both economic drivers in our region."

- Dr. Barbara Gaba, President, Atlantic Cape Community College

 

“Long Story Short: South Jersey succinctly captures the essence of our region. This informative portrait demonstrates the highlights, the potential, and the challenges of South Jersey. Postured uniquely on the I-95 corridor, South Jersey has enormous capacity for business, as elucidated in this treatise. Definitely worth the read.”

- Dr. Michael Gorman, President, Salem Community College

 

“South Jersey is ripe for economic growth and Long Story Short perfectly outlines the many opportunities the region presents. A quick but thorough read that anyone interested in South Jersey’s diverse landscape, as well as workforce development opportunities and challenges will appreciate.”

- Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, President, Rowan University 

 

"Those who live in South Jersey have long known that it is a hidden gem, ripe with untapped potential. This report reaffirms my conviction that a one-size-fits-all economic policy solution won't suffice; we need geographically nuanced policies tailored to address the distinct challenges of each region. It is only when we empower every corner of our state that we fortify our combined strength and foster a stronger more resilient New Jersey overall."

- Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald, New Jersey’s Sixth Legislative District

“We appreciate and applaud the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey to provide this detailed report on the micro-level economic opportunities to policymakers and advocacy organizations like ours. Too often, this portion of New Jersey is overlooked -- and despite some unique challenges, presents ample potential for industry expansion. This type of localized data is invaluable for our membership.”

– Greg Lalevee, Business Manager IUOE Local 825

 

“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey's 'Long Story Short: South Jersey' report delves into South Jersey’s economic landscape, offering valuable insights on workforce development and growth opportunities in the region. It provides compelling information for both policymakers and stakeholders, with the aim to propel South Jersey towards a future of sustained economic growth and opportunity. It’s extremely well-articulated, designed, and easy to read.”

- Wesley Mathews, President & CEO, Choose New Jersey

“I applaud the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey for producing such an in-depth analysis of our ever-growing South Jersey region. “Long Story Short” provides an invaluable resource for business and civic leaders as well as public officials in New Jersey,”

- David R. Mayer, Mayor, Gloucester Township



“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey has released an insightful policy report that sheds light on the challenges faced by South Jersey and offers solutions to tackle them head-on. Despite representing less than a third of the population of North Jersey and Central Jersey combined, South Jersey has enormous potential to be an economic powerhouse for the state. With the right resources allocated towards transportation, infrastructure, broadband access, and housing accessibility, we can unlock this potential and drive growth for the entire state. Let's work together towards a stronger South Jersey and a stronger New Jersey.”

– Assemblyman Cody Miller. New Jersey’s Fourth Legislative District

 

“Everyone knows Atlantic County as a tourist destination. The ACEA’s mission is to diversify the County’s economy, while making policymakers aware of the opportunities and the workforce development initiatives that we have successfully orchestrated over the last five years to attract new industries and companies to create high-paying jobs. Long Story Short brings to light these emerging sectors, underscoring the vital need for targeted state support geared toward nurturing the County's economic profile.”

- Lauren H. Moore Jr., P.P., ACIP, President, Atlantic County Economic Alliance 

 

“The CCSNJ’s “Long Story Short: South Jersey” summarizes in readable fashion the key opportunities and challenges for Cape May County and the other southern counties in our State in a way that should bring more focus and rationale to the investment and development needed for the region to thrive and grow in the years ahead. This is not only good for South Jersey, but contributory to all of New Jersey.”

- Will Morey, Cape May County Commissioner; President, Morey’s Piers

 

The Chamber of Southern New Jersey's recent report "Long Story Short: South Jersey” takes the reader on an objective tour de force of a misunderstood region of our state. Its intriguing format drives you across the state from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River laying out the strengths, challenges and opportunities of the region. The policy recommendations put forth are rational and responsible and would go a long way to energize the South Jersey economy, making our entire state stronger.

- Chris Paladino, President, New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)

“"For too long, South Jersey has been too far under the radar and yes, misunderstood. I commend the Chamber of Commerce Southern NJ for shining a bright light on the "possibilities" of this region, the "hurdles" that can hinder progress and the "policy suggestions" that can lead to sustained economic impact for the region and NJ. "Long Story Short: South Jersey” sets out a great roadmap to guide our policy makers in unleashing the vast assets of southern NJ.

- Michele N. Siekerka, Esq., President and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association

 

“I applaud the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey's report for highlighting the unique challenges our businesses face in South Jersey, as well as comprehensive solutions that reflect South Jersey's distinctive role in our state's economy. Policymakers and stakeholders alike will benefit from the thorough report that CCSNJ has compiled, hopefully placing South Jersey on a path to accelerate economic growth and opportunity for businesses and families throughout the region.”

– Assemblywoman Heather Simmons. New Jersey’s Third Legislative District

 

"This report highlights many of the most pressing issues impeding economic growth in South Jersey, while acknowledging the opportunities for improvement. The lack of reliable, frequent public transit options, the shortage of affordable housing, and increased warehouse development are all significant problems here in Burlington County and beyond. I thank the CCSNJ for helping to shine a light on these issues as well as their continued advocacy on behalf of the entire South Jersey region, and I look forward to engaging with them as we work collaboratively to address these challenges."

- Senator Troy Singleton, New Jersey’s Seventh Legislative District

"The CCSNJ understands that the economic health and vitality of the entire state is determined by what happens everywhere, not just in a specific region. Long Story Short identifies needs in South Jersey that are not unique to any single region, including a lack of housing options, public transportation infrastructure, broadband accessibility, and equitable economic incentives. However, CCSNJ’s study sheds valuable light on how this misunderstood region plays an integral part in providing solutions to these problems for all of New Jersey. I appreciate the leadership and innovative thinking that CCSNJ brings to the table.”

-Former Senate President Steve Sweeney

“South Jersey’s economy is pivotal to the success of the state and future generations. The Chamber’s policy report highlights the need to diversify South Jersey’s economy and offshore wind is a monumental opportunity to invest in long-term growth and sustainability, which has already started to create family-sustaining jobs across the region. We must capture this moment to ensure South Jersey is a national leader in this booming sector.”

- Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority

“The report issued by the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey is well-thought out and highlights the issues plaguing the all too forgotten parts of the state. The report echoes my sentiments that South Jersey hasn’t been a priority to many of my colleagues for far too long, but with some help, we can turn it into an economic powerhouse for the state.”

- Senator Michael Testa, Jr., New Jersey First Legislative District 

 

“Southern New Jersey has all of the assets necessary to elevate our state to its next level of preeminence – innovation, intellectual capital, agriculture, tourism, integral inks in our global supply chain, and a “can-do” attitude that does not quit. Kudos to the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey for providing the blueprint for anyone committed to realizing South Jersey’s amazing potential as an economic powerhouse and a place where individuals and families will choose to live and work.”

- Dr. Antonio D. Tillis, Chancellor, Rutgers University–Camden

 

“Lawmakers oftentimes take a one-size-fits-all approach to New Jersey policy while ignoring the massive economic diversity of South Jersey. The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s policy report shines a light on our needs and will be a catalyst for change.”

- Senator Latham Tiver, New Jersey’s Eighth Legislative District 

“If the farms, Pinelands, beaches and other unique characteristics of the South Jersey region are ever going to get the attention they deserve from policymakers, it starts with reports like the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s ‘Long Story Short.’”

- Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, Jr., New Jersey’s Eighth Legislative District

 

“True economic growth and workforce development can only be achieved if policymakers are honest about the strengths, challenges, and most importantly the opportunities that exist in a historically misunderstood region of our state. Long Story Short: South Jersey highlights all of this information in a streamlined format that is a powerful and comprehensive read.”

- Gerard Velaquez, III., President & CEO, Cumberland County Improvement Authority

 

 To read the full policy report, click here.