Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), spoke on NJ101.5’s “Jersey Thing” with Eric Scott this week about Governor Mikie Sherrill’s recent actions that have encouraged optimism among New Jersey’s business community.
Siekerka highlighted two executive orders signed by Governor Sherrill aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles and improving governance. “I give kudos to this now governor,” Siekerka told Scott. “During her transition period, she had us at the table. Her team reached out to us on what does business need.
“As you know, Eric, we had our Blueprint For A Competitive New Jersey with 60-some-odd policy recommendations. Many of those recommendations made their way to the table.”
Governor Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 4, which establishes the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Order No. 5, creating a Cross-Agency Permitting Team within that office. Both initiatives align with recommendations from NJBIA’s Blueprint released last year and are expected to streamline permitting for businesses while increasing accountability and transparency in these processes.
“A business made all this investment upfront to even apply for a permit, and they’re sitting there, not able to open their door,” Siekerka said during the interview. “That’s money lost. Every dollar counts, so efficiency and processes like that is welcome.”
Eric Scott noted his impression that Governor Sherrill “actually does care about the nuts and bolts of how government operates.” He asked Siekerka if she shared that view.
“Yes, 110%,” Siekerka responded. “And it starts with looking at the processes from the inside and how user-friendly and favorable they are to the user from the outside.
“What makes me optimistic about this governor, is she is very governance focused. I am known to say 10 times a week, ‘A good process yields a fair result.’
“I’m an attorney by trade. Governance is incredibly important to me, ok? She believes in that. She is intentional on governing, and we need a governor who governs, who understands process. That was not (Gov. Phil) Murphy.”
The NJBIA serves as the largest statewide employer organization in the United States and represents businesses across various sectors including manufacturing, retail, wholesale, contracting, and services (https://njbia.org/). The association provides advocacy efforts as well as practical resources intended to help its members prosper financially (https://njbia.org/). It also facilitates collaboration between businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions (https://njbia.org/).
Michele Siekerka has served as president and chief executive officer of NJBIA since 2014 (https://njbia.org/). The organization maintains its headquarters in Trenton at 10 West Lafayette Street (https://njbia.org/).
To watch or listen to Michele Siekerka’s full interview on “Jersey Thing,” visit NJ101.5’s website.
