Primary Winners Invited to Joint Appearance at NJBIA Reception

Republican Kim Guadagno and Democrat Phil Murphy have been invited to kick off their general election campaigns for Governor before an audience of 200 business leaders at NJBIA’s Employer Legislative Committees Gubernatorial Reception next Tuesday.

The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hamilton Manor in Hamilton on June 13.

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka offered her congratulations to Guadagno and Murphy on their primary victories and commended them for recognizing the importance of economic growth as the general election campaign takes shape.

“This will be an historic election that will determine which direction New Jersey will go,” Siekerka said. “As the candidates begin making their case to the voters, we want to make sure the economy gets the attention it deserves. The next Governor will have a lot to do with determining whether or not we have a state that supports small business and produces good-paying jobs.”

The NJBIA ELC Reception is traditionally the first major general campaign event following the primary election and offers the newly chosen Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees the chance to address the state’s business leaders.

The Employer Legislative Committees have been NJBIA’s grassroots affiliates since 1959. Each ELC is independently run, bringing together local businesses with the legislators and government officials for informal monthly meetings.

“These are the business people who stay active in the political process day in and day out, so it makes sense for them to be part of the kickoff of the general election campaign,” said ELC Executive Director Frank Robinson.

Members of the media who wish to cover the event should contact Joanne Degnan at 609-858-9494 or jdegnan@njbia.org.