Ask the President NJBIA President Michele Siekerka

Questions?

Listening to members Listening to member companies across the state Focus groups with businesses of all sizes and from all industries First 90 days gathering information and developing a plan Next step is putting that information to work developing a plan We want to hear from you

Tell Michele

Phase 1: Determine where we are Phase 2: Decide where we want to be Phase 3: Layout a plan to get us there Taking NJBIA from Great to Nirvana

What it means to you More effective communications New Jersey Business Today NJBIA app Free webinars More networking opportunities Member networking breakfasts More member benefits: NJM insurance for your company and employees Office Max Partner Advantage Program RFP Watch subscriptions For NJBT news

Workforce Development Workforce Development Initiatives: Basic Skills Training Program NJ State Employment and Training Commission Dream It, Do It Employer Coalition for Technical Education Manufacturing Coalition Junior Achievement

Better Business Climate Governor Christie’s State of State—Must lower taxes to improve statewide business climate 2015 Outlook: Employers cautiously optimistic but concerned about broader economy Mandates are a burden; taxes are too high Employers are looking for positive sign from government—lower taxes, fewer mandates, less red tape Concerns are holding back private-sector investment and expansion

New Paradigm Policymakers should pivot away from mandates and higher taxes and towards tax relief and incentives NJ business climate second worst in the country ( Small Business Policy Index ranking for 2014 ) Obstacles are healthcare costs, high taxes and the overall cost of doing business Stop paid sick leave mandate Visit for more information

New Paradigm No income tax increases 65 to 73 percent of personal income is small business income Support Gov. Christie’s call for lower taxes in State of the State address Repeal either the estate tax or inheritance tax Only two states have both taxes—New Jersey and Maryland More than 30 states have neither inheritance tax nor estate tax. See NJPRO’s “An Outlier in Death” at njprofoundation.org/

Questions?

Ask the President NJBIA President Michele Siekerka