New Jersey Continues Push to Improve State's Economic Vitality

PRINCETON, N.J., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and Choose New Jersey recently brought together members of the Site Selectors Guild – a professional association comprised of the world's most respected site selection consultants – and the New Jersey Partnership for Action for a workshop focused on improving the state's competitiveness in economic development.

The event provided a candid discussion between those responsible for attracting and retaining business in the state and experts that assist companies in identifying locations for new facilities and expansion projects. Best practices for New Jersey business attraction efforts were shared by Site Selectors Guild members that attended the workshop.

"This event represents collaboration within New Jersey to overcome challenges and put the state at the top of the list for business investment," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. "Key players are at work on an aggressive economic development strategy that aims to streamline government, attract investment and create jobs."

In addition to the workshop, Lieutenant Governor Guadagno hosted the Guild members at Drumthwacket, the official residence of the governor of New Jersey, for dinner and candid discussion. Also at the dinner were members of the state's economic development and real estate community, leaders of the Partnership for Action and key members of the governor's cabinet.

Robert Ady, president, Ady International Company; Robert Hess, executive managing director, Newmark Knight Frank; Jonathan Sangster, senior managing director, CB Richard Ellis Consulting; and Mark Sweeney, senior principal, McCallum Sweeney, attended on behalf of the Site Selectors Guild.

According to Site Selectors Guild member, Robert Ady, Choose New Jersey brought the right people to the table for the event. "As a location advisor to some of the nation's leading corporations, it's great to see organizations within New Jersey working to create an environment for industry to thrive and setting the stage for long-term economic growth."

"With one of the best-educated workforces in the country, top quality infrastructure and access to capital, New Jersey is an unmatched location for advanced manufacturing, financial services and life sciences companies," said Dennis Bone, chairman of Choose New Jersey and president of Verizon New Jersey. "The success of this event speaks to the progress we are making in promotion of economic development within the state."

Choose New Jersey is an independently-funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created to promote New Jersey as a place to invest and do business. For more information, visit www.chooseNJ.com.

SOURCE Choose New Jersey