Business Leaders to Drive Recommendations on Immediate and Long-Term Recovery

Senator Anthony Bucco and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of a COVID Economic Advisory Committee to develop specific recommendations that can have immediate positive impacts on local businesses, married with ways to safely reopen the economy as the State emerges from this crisis. Bucco will rely on the business-led blueprint in making recommendations to the Murphy administration while offering proactive solutions that can be used as part of the six-state council to restore the economy.

“Too often, leaders in government create policies and economic funding formulas that sound good on paper, but miss the mark because many politicians have no experience running businesses or creating jobs,” said Senator Anthony Bucco. “We need business leaders of all sizes to have a voice in the simple ways we orderly and safely get people back to work now, while addressing the long-term measures that can get New Jersey back stronger after the pandemic. For example, our lake-based marinas are permitted to be open for personal boating use, but unable to rent boats and generate sales – which could be done safely with occupancy limits. We’ve already had successes with cutting red-tape for things like craft brewery deliveries and online car sales, and there is still more to do. I’m excited to get to work with the Morris County Chamber.”

The County Chamber is moving quickly to build an Advisory Committee touching on all sectors – from retail to commercial real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, global pharmaceutical companies, service-based businesses, and entertainment venues. The collective goal is to have its first virtual kick-off by early next week.

“Our members are proud to support this effort with Senator Bucco, to provide them a voice in the policy formation that directly impacts their livelihoods and the jobs they represent across Morris County,” said Meghan Hunscher, President & CEO of the Morris County Chamber. “Our goal is to quickly develop concrete solutions that help drive decision-making. We are also exploring survey capabilities for all of our members, regardless of whether they serve on the committee, to provide input.”

“It is important that we have a balanced approach with both businesses and government keeping safety and economic recovery in mind,” added Rich Halen, Plant Manager for Howmet Aerospace in Dover, which employs approximately 800 people here in Morris County.