PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
The Impact of Politics on Business is Real , and It Matters in New Jersey
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
As we start the new
year , 2021 will be significant for many reasons . It will be the beginning of a new decade , the continuation of a new normal and we will look back at 2020 and remember the painful and long-lasting impact of COVID‐19 on our health and our economy . The new COVID‐19 vaccines should allow for a near full recovery later in the year , making 2021 special for being the year we got control over the virus , and the beginning of the end of the pandemic .
Simply put , it was an extraordinary year and , for the most part , not for good reasons . Some of our businesses will recover and , unfortunately , some will not . That is the cost the pandemic has forced us to pay , and the road back from social distancing and work-from-home as a means of controlling the virus will not be a moment but rather a slow process .
Recovery will take place one step at a time , and over months and throughout the year . Some CIANJ members will begin to bring employees back to offices , and others will continue a hybrid model of working from home and in-office work . But what is not in doubt is how America and business will forever be changed by November ’ s presidential and congressional elections .
In New Jersey , the voter turnout was the highest in the history of the state — more than 4.6 million voters cast their ballots . That is an outstanding 80 percent of registered voters ! Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat or unaffiliated , politics were front and center in 2020 , driven by COVID‐19 and the waves of change the pandemic forced on home and work life in the Garden State and around the nation and the world .
The question for our Association to address is how will the business community respond and adjust to these new times ? Traditionally , businesses never seem to want to get involved in politics unless they have “ skin ” in the game , meaning they generate revenue from government contracts . But CIANJ ’ s mission in the coming months and years is to raise awareness of why politics matter to every industry and every business . We need to stress that apathy and inaction have a cost and winning in the decision process in Trenton translates into profits
From regulations , to product bans , to fees and taxes , there isn ’ t a business that is not impacted in some way by politics in Trenton and , ultimately , in the federal government .
and success on Main Street and in municipalities across New Jersey . Politics matter and businesses must take an active role — as CIANJ does — in communicating what they need from their elected representatives .
From regulations , to product bans , to fees and taxes , there isn ’ t a business that is not impacted in some way by politics in Trenton and , ultimately , in the federal government . Getting involved matters because if we sit on the sidelines and watch the game , it will play on without us . The business community needs to coalesce around the issues that mean the most , fight for
In 2021 , every lawmaker in Trenton will be up for re-election .
them and simplify its message to all lawmakers so it can matter . The key message is that businesses play a vital role in our state ’ s economy , and they create jobs that provide a better quality of life for employees and their families .
The business community needs to shed our apathy and fear of getting involved and we need to participate in the political process in 2021 . Whether by supporting pro-business candidates through financial contributions or simply voicing support or opposition to a bill or policy , weighing in early matters , as 2021 will be a special year for New Jersey . We will elect our governor , our State Senate and our State Assembly — every lawmaker in Trenton will be up for re-election .
What are we prepared to do about this ? CIANJ is proud to be a champion of a free market system that energizes innovation and new business — which can only thrive in a political environment that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit that creates jobs and powers the economy . We look forward to your involvement and support in 2021 as we aspire to rebuild and strengthen New Jersey ’ s economy by advocating for business and industry and the leaders who make our state a great place to live and work .
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