Governor’s Race; Updates from Business & Industry

Roughly one month until New Jersey voters select a new Governor and both campaigns are in overdrive. For those watching the horse race, a September 20th Fox News poll of registered voters has Democratic nominee Phil Murphy ahead of GOP choice Kim Guadagno 42-29. A September 25th Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll of likely voters has Murphy up 44-25.

Democrat Murphy is touting high-profile support including former POTUS Barack Obama and former Veep Joe Biden who are finalizing plans to campaign with Murphy in New Jersey this month. Murphy also accepted the endorsement of NBA Hall of Famer, Newark native, and 2009 Chris Christie supporter Shaquille O’Neal. Republican nominee Guadagno enjoyed the launch of two new TV spots paid for by the Republican Governor’s Association which attack Murphy’s tax stance. Guadagno is hoping that the ads cut into Murphy’s sizable lead and sway undecided voters disproportionately in her favor.

While there hasn’t been much action in Trenton during this campaign season, businesses and industries in New Jersey have been very active. Here’s a quick rundown.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ), the business trade association for New Jersey’s consulting engineering profession, held its Fall Conference last week in Atlantic City.

The conference, one of ACECNJ’s signature annual meetings, was widely attended and brought together nearly 200 industry professionals for meetings, panel discussions and presentations on important business practice and public policy issues facing the profession. The two-day meeting featured executives and professional staff from key public sector clients from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania and provided excellent networking opportunities.

Highlights of the 2017 Fall Conference included:

• Panel discussion with the chief engineers from seven transportation agencies
• Discussion on the future of passenger rail with key leaders
• Service award to the Engineering Department of the PANYNJ
• Remarks from ACECNJ President Joe Fiordaliso on the future of transportation in NJ
• Business education sessions for young professionals
• Continuing education sessions for PE’s – 5 credit hours each for NJ and NY
• Deep sea fishing, golf outing, spa, shopping, welcome luncheon

NorthStar is pleased to play a role in the leadership of ACECNJ and the success of this important regional industry conference.

Fed Ex Corporation held a ribbon-cutting celebration for its new sorting facility in Hamilton Township last week. The new sorting facility, located along Route 130, will provide 300 well-paying jobs and contribute millions to New Jersey’s economy.

The new facility is the latest example of Fed Ex’s long-standing commitment to and investment in New Jersey which includes state-of-the-art industry facilities in Woodbridge, and Newark Airport, and elsewhere.

Fed Ex was honored to have Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede help cut the ribbon on this new facility and host Assemblyman Dan Benson on a tour and meet & greet with employees.

Preferred Behavioral Group, the leading behavioral healthcare organization in Central Jersey, recently held its annual golf outing at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, NJ.  The 2017 outing was Preferred’s most successful to date with a record number of golfers and revenue, with 80 golfers, and over $60,000 raised to support important programs and services.

Attendees enjoyed a day of beautiful weather, great golf and networking with industry leaders. Key leaders of New Jersey’s legislature joined Preferred Behavioral including Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, Senator Bob Singer and Assemblyman Dave Wolfe. Business and industry leaders, including TD Bank, OceanFirst Bank and others, also supported and attended this important event.

Under the leadership of CEO Mary Pat Angelini, the organization oversees the provision of programs and services that teach, improve, enhance and maintain mental health and healthy lifestyles for children, teens, adults and seniors.