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(TRENTON, NJ – March 30, 2023) The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is pleased to join the efforts of the Murphy Administration, CEO Council, and Rutgers University, to grow the participation levels of Minority and Women Business Enterprises in New Jersey with a dedicated group of local corporations.
On October 15, 2020, The New Jersey CEO Council, an informal coalition of CEOs from some of the state’s largest companies, announced a pledge to hire or train more than 30,000 residents by 2030 and spend an additional $250 million on procurement with state-based, diverse companies by 2025, and challenged their peers in the business community to produce an additional 40,000 jobs and $250 million in local purchasing.
“This pledge from some of our state’s largest and most well-known corporations is a potential game-changer for communities that have been hit hardest by the pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We want to thank each and every one of them for stepping up in a time of need, and challenge other companies throughout New Jersey to join this important effort.”[1]
“These were the inspirational words spoken by our governor which brought corporate leaders together following the murder of George Floyd and during the COVID-19 pandemic to demonstrate what is possible when we are of one accord,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.
“Governor Murphy’s formation of the CEO Council and the established goal to increase spending by $250 million with Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) over 5 years has achieved contract spending levels of $693 million with MWBE’s in two and half years, this is very encouraging for what diverse business enterprises can expect in the future,” said Harmon. “We are now extending an invitation to other CEO's in New Jersey to join this effort. DEI is not just an emotional goal, however it’s a transformational imperative when embraced with optimism and executed with intentionality.”
From the original 2020 Announcement:
“The CEO Council arose from meetings of the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission, named by the Governor in April to advise the administration, and help with the safe reopening of the state’s economy. The Council is made up of the CEOs of BD, Campbell Soup Company, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Prudential Financial, PSEG, RWJBarnabas Health, Verizon, and Zoetis.”[2]
“We applaud Governor Murphy and his Administration for two of their most recent announcements; the first initiative will provide $100 million dollars in grants to New Jersey's small businesses whom desperately need help in these difficult times; the second initiative, will provide access to thousands of career opportunities with many of our employers throughout the state,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “Moreover, this same cohort of employers have committed to extend hundreds of millions of dollars in contract opportunities that will target, small, women and minority owned New Jersey based businesses. It is through these types of initiatives that we can bolster the confidence and faith of a multitude of businesses that want the opportunity to participate, compete, and extend their value proposition while contributing to a more competitive New Jersey. This collective village approach, engaging both the public and private sectors to bring more New Jersey residents and businesses into the economy, is reflective of a Stronger and Fairer New Jersey.” [3]
About the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ
About African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
[1] https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20201015a.shtml
[2] https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20201015a.shtml
[3] https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20201015a.shtml
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