New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Pledges Support for U.S. Chamber's Campaign for Free Enterprise

State's Business Leaders Join the Effort to Create More Than 580,000 Jobs in the Garden State

NEWARK, NJ—During its annual "Walk to Washington" today, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce endorsed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign. Recognizing the essential role free enterprise plays in turning around the economy, business leaders from the Garden State joined the fight to create the 20 million jobs needed nationwide in the next 10 years—580,367 in New Jersey alone—in order to turn the economy around.

"The issue that's top of mind here in New Jersey and around the nation is jobs," said Mary Kane, director of special projects at the U.S. Chamber. "In New Jersey, the business community is vibrant, creative, and energetic. As the state that brought us the light bulb, the drive-in theatre, and Campbell's Soup, the citizens of this state have a long history of entrepreneurialism, and we are glad to have them as a partner in this important initiative."

The New Jersey Chamber's endorsement is part of a series of forums the campaign is hosting during 'Jobs Week.' These events are hosting discussions around the country on how to meet the 20 Million Job Challenge. Today's event, along with others this week in North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, and Maine, are promoting the Chamber's Strategy for New American Jobs plan, which includes specific policy recommendations in the areas of trade, infrastructure, energy, capital markets, education, and fiscal policy that will accelerate economic growth and get Americans back to work.

"Our annual 'Walk to Washington' event is particularly significant this year, as it marks our 100th year in service and the 73rd year that our state's top business leaders will meet in Washington to discuss key business priorities," said Joan Verplanck, president of the New Jersey Chamber. "The State of New Jersey has been hard hit by the recession and we are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Chamber to educate citizens here in the state, and nationwide, about the benefits of our free enterprise system and its role in creating jobs and reviving the economy."

The visit comes on the heels of U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue's annual State of American Business address, where he outlined top priorities for accelerating economic recovery and an agenda for job growth. In addition, the campaign recently launched the I am Free Enterprise video contest, which invites all aspiring and established entrepreneurs to share their story of free enterprise for a chance to win $50,000.

American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's comprehensive, multiyear campaign to support free enterprise through national advertising; grassroots advocacy; citizen, community, and youth engagement; and research and ideas leadership.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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