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New Jersey Chamber Insider

Business News, Advice and Trends

April 14, 2025

Unemployment fears hit worst levels since COVID as tariffs dampen inflation outlook, Fed survey shows

Consumer worries grew over inflation and unemployment as the global trade war heated up in March, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey released Monday. The central bank’s monthly survey showed that respondents expect inflation a year from now to be at 3.6%, an increase of half a percentage point from February and the highest reading since October 2023. The respondents' expectations that the unemployment rate would be higher a year from now surged to 44%, a move up of 4.6 percentage points and the highest level since the early pandemic days of April 2020. (CNBC)

President Trump’s commerce secretary says new electronics tariff exemptions are temporary, chip tariffs coming

Tariff exemptions announced Friday on electronics like smartphones and laptops are only a temporary reprieve until the Trump administration develops a new tariff approach specific to the semiconductor industry, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday. "They’re exempt from the reciprocal tariffs but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two," Lutnick told ABC’s "This Week" on Sunday. (The Associated Press)

US jobless benefit applications rise modestly as labor market remains largely unfazed by trade war

Slightly more Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the week ending April 5, but the labor market remains broadly healthy despite an ongoing trade war. Jobless claim filings inched up by 4,000 to 223,000, the Labor Department said. That’s less than the 225,000 new applications analysts forecast. Even though President Trump put a 90-day pause on most of his widespread tariff hikes Wednesday, concerns remain about a global economic slowdown that could upend what has been an incredibly resilient labor market. (The Associated Press)

A guide to payroll accounting best practices for small businesses

Learn about different payroll methods, how to track essential expenses, and set up a system to make smarter financial decisions while complying with tax laws. Check out this guide for best payroll accounting practices for small businesses. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

AmeriHealth launches 2nd annual 'Be of Service' campaign to recognize an individual and an organization

AmeriHealth announced its 2nd annual 'Be of Service' campaign, which will recognize a Corporate Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Members of the public can submit nominations through May 5, with the winners getting a $500 gift card from AmeriHealth and the ability to designate a charity to which AmeriHealth will donate $1,500. (AmeriHealth)

Cornerstone NJ is a membership program of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. 

BUSINESS MADE EASIER

Do business with fellow N.J. Chamber members — you can find them in our online directory.

Business Events

April 17 – Member Mixer (Free to members)

Control Point Associates, Warren, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information and register

April 22 – Business Roundtable Lunch with Senate President Nicholas Scutari

Holiday Inn, Clark, Noon to 2 p.m.

This is a special lunchtime edition of the NJ Chamber Business Roundtable Series. Senate President Scutari will discuss legislative priorities, the proposed fiscal 2026 state budget and other issues vital to the business community.

More information and register

April 23 – Networking & Baseball: Brooklyn Cyclones at Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Young Professionals Event)

ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

More information and register

May 1 – Marketing on a Shoestring Budget in 2025 (Virtual Event)

Free Virtual Event, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

More information and register

May 19 – NJ Chamber Challenge Cup Golf Outing

Bedens Brook Club, Skillman, Noon

More information and register

May 21 – Business Roundtable Breakfast with Speaker Craig Coughlin

National Conference Center, East Windsor, 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin will discuss the proposed fiscal 2026 state budget, and other issues vital to the business community.

More information and register

June 12 – 28th Annual NJ Chamber Open House and Reception

New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

More information and register

July 16 – Young Professionals Networking Mixer

CGI, New Brunswick, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information coming soon

Sept. 18 – Women of Inspiration Awards Reception

National Conference Center, East Windsor, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

More information coming soon

Sept. 25 – Member Networking Breakfast (Free to members)

New Jersey Audubon, Bernardsville, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

More information coming soon

Oct. 22 – NJ Chamber Legislative & Business Awards Reception

EisnerAmper, Iselin, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information coming soon

Nov. 6 – DE&I Trailblazer Awards Reception

Co-Hosted by African American Chamber of NJ and NJ Chamber

Pines Manor, Edison, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information coming soon

Dec. 11 – Annual Member Holiday Party (Free to members)

Calandra's Italian Village, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information coming soon

Were you forwarded this newsletter? For more information about the N.J. Chamber, email Patrick.Daily@njchamber.com.

Business Resources

N.J. Economic Development Authority

Choose New Jersey 

New Jersey Business Action Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Small Business Administration

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The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is staying on top the issues important to business. For news media requests, please email Scott Goldstein.