New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill visited Hunterdon County for a roundtable discussion with business and industry leaders focused on improving affordability, increasing government efficiency and reducing regulatory barriers as part of her “Saving You Time and Money” agenda.

Governor Sherrill met with Chris Phelan, President and CEO of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, along with Tom Bracken of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Emigholz of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. The meeting was hosted at Advanced Solar Products.

Discussion centered on improving state government efficiency and cost effectiveness, particularly by addressing permitting delays and streamlining regulations. This conversation comes as the Sherrill administration works to fulfill a campaign promise to reduce bureaucratic hurdles that add costs and uncertainty for small businesses and employers.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and central to job creation, innovation, and strong local communities,” said Governor Sherrill. “Rather than being a source of red tape and bureaucratic roadblocks, state government should work for our business community, helping to build up entrepreneurs by expanding opportunity and lowering costs.”

On the same day she sat down with business leaders in Hunterdon County, Sherrill announced the development of a dashboard that will allow businesses to track the progress of their permits in real time. Real-time permit tracking would be especially helpful for solar companies seeking approvals before the summer season. Chamber leaders noted that discussions around helping solar companies in this way could lead to more predictable costs for small Main Street businesses.

“Hunterdon County is a county of small businesses,” said Phelan. “I know one of the top five issues and challenges I have heard consistently over this last year is the rising cost to run that business.”

Phelan added that the Governor’s decision to engage directly with local business leaders underscores the importance of strong advocacy and partnership between government and the business community.

“The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce has always believed that effective advocacy begins with bringing business leaders and policymakers together at the table,” Phelan said. “We were honored that Governor Sherrill chose Hunterdon County as one of her first opportunities to meet directly with the business community. That kind of outreach matters. When government listens to the real experiences of employers and entrepreneurs, we can work together to move New Jersey’s business climate forward, reduce barriers, and create an environment where businesses can grow, invest, and continue strengthening our local and regional economy.”

The roundtable reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to advocacy and the power of direct engagement between policymakers and the business community. By bringing business leaders directly to the table with policymakers, the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce continues to amplify the voice of its members—ensuring that real-world challenges are heard and addressed.