Sherrill addresses NJBIA forum, vows stronger business ties

The basics:

• Gov. Mikie Sherrill makes 1st major business address at NJBIA 2026 Public Policy Forum in Princeton
• NJBIA President Michele Siekerka cites rising costs, energy prices, competitiveness as top concerns
• Sherrill highlights EOs on permitting, regulations & operations to improve New Jersey’s business climate
• Governor urges ongoing engagement from business leaders as state works to boost innovation, affordability

The state’s top business and government leaders gathered Friday in Princeton for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association 2026 Public Policy Forum.

The annual event brings these leaders together to discuss economic priorities and policy direction in New Jersey. This year featured Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s first address to the business community since being sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor. It was held at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal Jan. 30.

The forum also honors business and policy leaders for their contributions to New Jersey’s economy – and featured two heavyweight panels.

“What a great day and beginning to a new year,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “2026, thus far, has been a reset. A new administration, new momentum and optimism for N.J. to finally put ‘Business at the Center.’ Let’s not mince words — we are coming off an incredibly challenging few years for N.J.’s job creators.

“Our Annual Business Outlook Survey told us so with continued year over year concerns of a lack of regional competitiveness, the increased costs of doing business, increased mandates on our job creators, regulatory and licensing hurdles and the list goes on,” Siekerka continued. “And this past year, for the first time, massive concerns about the cost of energy.”

Siekerka noted how there is lots of work to do.

More than a seat at the table

“But we stand ready. So together, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it,” she stressed. “To do that, we need you – each of you – your voice, your boots on the ground, your leadership, your courage. There is a place for you to join us at NJBIA — join a policy committee, become a part of our Business Round Table, and quite frankly, just show up. And when you do be present, and be part of our collective voice on behalf of our great N.J. job creators, our workforce and our communities, and together I know we can work to make N.J. more affordable and regionally competitive.

“Today we have an outstanding program, with excellent panelists, vibrant, and stimulative discussion and cause for celebration for some extraordinary N.J. leaders.”

As Siekerka introduced Sherrill, she lauded the new governor for her poise, confidence and commitment to transparent, effective governance; her response to the recent snowstorm; and, particularly, for several of the initial executive orders she signed after taking office pertaining to establishing a permitting office, pausing rules and regulations amid a review, and more.

“We also value her commitment to improving the policymaking process and ensuring the business community has a meaningful voice, not just a seat at the table,” said Siekerka. “Executive Orders 4, 5 and 7 reflect that commitment and echo our recommendations we shared throughout the election and transition from our Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey.

“Let me introduce you to New Jersey’s business community, who is here in force with you today.”

Making government work

Sherrill began her remarks by touting the recent executive orders, which also included the establishment of New Jersey’s first chief operating officer (Kellie Doucette). She said her and the administration hear the concerns from the business community.

“I’m really excited to get this going – because I want our government to work better for you,” said Sherrill. “And the other thing that I’m so excited to see our legislators here today. Because I think there is a sense – and I’ve even shared that sense – that Trenton doesn’t like business. And I think, in some cases, that’s not quite true.

“But what is true is maybe Trenton doesn’t always have the engagement with business that we need – to make sure that we’re understanding the benefits that you bring so many: the jobs, the opportunities, and how, if you are a public servant, that getting small businesses up and running as quickly as possible is really serving the public quite well,” she continued.

I’m really excited to get this going – because I want our government to work better for you.
– Gov. Mikie Sherrill

“Because that’s jobs and opportunities across our state. So, we are going to work to truly make sure that sign in Trenton – Trenton Makes the World Takes – that we are advocating for the businesses who make that sign a reality, who make sure that we are creating innovation. That we are creating innovation. That we are creating opportunity across our state.

“Because we have such incredible potential here.”

Opening the door

Sherrill did acknowledge the challenges, and said that ranking 49th in the country for business friendliness is unacceptable.

“If we were a country, we would be the 22nd largest economy in the world,” she said. “That is not where you want us to be. We want to open the door for opportunity here in our state – and that’s where all of you come in.”

The governor spoke about the ongoing Gateway Program dispute, as well as federal immigration policy enforcement and other challenges.

However, she also noted the many positives and potential the Garden State boasts – pointing to the educated workforce, great corporations and businesses, innovation hubs, and more.

NJBIA and CEO @SiekerkaNJBIA extend heartfelt thanks to @GovSherrillNJ for her inspiring keynote speech at today’s sold-out Public Policy Forum. NJ’s business community is thrilled to have a seat at the table during your governorship and look forward to working together to bring… pic.twitter.com/fa6nrMLPQI

— NJBIA (@NJBIA) January 30, 2026

She closed her speech with an ask from the community.

“Here’s what I ask from all of you,” she said. “We need all of you here to continually engage with the members of this government. So that we can all help chart that path forward. We do our best work – not when we sit in Trenton behind closed doors and come up with our great ideas.

“We do our best work when we’re out across New Jersey speaking to each and every one, and hearing, ‘Hey, is this policy working? Is this getting us what we thought it would?’”

Commitment to communication

Sherrill noted how many in the room are on her transition team.

“It has been marvelous. That’s what a lot of our executive orders were built on – was the thought and engagement that many of you had from your work on the ground,” said Sherrill. “We want to continue that conversation. We want to know, if we are moving forward with these executive orders, are they doing what we think they’re doing.

“And if they’re not, how do we fix it?”

She urged the business community to please remain engaged.

“My commitment to all of you is – that myself and my team will be that kind of government that you know is serving you,” she said. “That you know you can get a meeting with us. You know our doors are open. You know who go to when you have a problem.

“I can’t promise you we’re always going to agree. I can promise you that we’re always going to hear you out. And we’re always going to act in a way that we think is going to get the best results for everyone.”

‘You are the future of the state’

She stressed that engagement is what her administration is looking for and hoping to build.

“And that’s why I’m so excited to be in this room today,” said Sherrill. “Because I’m looking across this room – and this is the future of our state: You are the future of the state. You are the people who are going to make sure our kids succeed; you are the ones that are going to drive innovation; you are the ones that are going to help map out how we are going to handle AI and the disruptions there – but still feeding the workforce.

“You are the ones that are going to help us figure out what families need as far as child care and how we invest in that, as far as education, as far as degrees. So that we can feed your workforce.”

Sherrill said that the leaders in that room are the ones who are going to make or break the state.

“And I don’t feel at all uncomfortable. I’m not at all concerned – because I know so many of you in this room. And I know you’re going to do a great job,” said Sherrill. “And I know we’re going to work incredibly hard to make sure that happens.”

Stay tuned for further coverage from the policy forum.