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Sept. 18, 2025

Today's Highlights

NJ Chamber: The Fed's interest rate cut is 'good news' for companies

The Federal Reserve trimmed its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 4.25% on Sept. 17 – reducing the cost of borrowing. The rate cut and the possibility of two more before the end of the year puts companies "in a good frame of mind," said N.J. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Bracken. "Any rate cut is good news for borrowers." Inflation rose to 2.9% in August from a year earlier – above the Fed’s 2% target. But the central bank indicated it's focusing on a weakening labor market. (ROI-NJ)

Moody’s upgrades New Jersey’s credit rating

The credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded New Jersey’s general obligation bonds to Aa3 from A1. This marks the ninth credit rating upgrade for the state since Gov. Phil Murphy took office. Moody’s revised the state’s outlook from positive to stable, citing New Jersey’s budget surplus, full pension contributions, and tax revenues. (BINJE)

US jobless aid applications retreat to 231,000 after surging to nearly 4-year high a week earlier

The number of Americans applying for jobless aid last week retreated significantly after surging to a nearly four-year high a week earlier. U.S. filings for unemployment benefits for the week ending Sept. 13 fell by 33,000 to 231,000, the Labor Department reportedThursday. That’s less than the 241,000 analysts had forecast. The previous week, applications surged to 264,000, their highest level since the week of Oct. 23, 2021. Concerns about the health of the American labor market led the Federal to cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point on Wednesday as many expected. (The Associated Press)

See plans for Netflix's Fort Monmouth film studios

Netflix recently unveiled more renderings of how it expect its $848 million film studio will look on the former Fort Monmouth U.S. Army base. Netflix plans to turn parts of the former base – encompassing Eatontown and Oceanport – into its East Coast filming headquarters, with a total of 12 film studios (Netflix calls them soundstages). Construction on those first four studios is expected to start by early 2026. Netflix expects its first four studios will open in 2027. (PATCH)

TONIGHT: NJ Chamber to honor 12 women of inspiration. Be there. 

Tonight, Sept. 18, the N.J. Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception in East Windsor. The event will celebrate women who are inspiring leaders, mentors and advocates. This year’s class represents a wide range of fields and accomplishments, but all share a commitment to driving progress and strengthening the business community. The Chamber encourages business leaders, colleagues, and community members to attend the reception and help honor these exceptional women. Register today for what promises to be one of the Chamber’s most inspiring events of the year. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

NJ Chamber Edge

We asked NJ Chamber members: What was your first job?

"In 1989, I was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. I served onboard the USS Kauffman out of Newport, RI, during Desert Storm and the end of the Cold War. My experience in the Navy taught me the importance of effective leadership informed by a clear vision, mission, and values; of building and sustaining effective teams; and taking care of your sailors. This shaped the team-based approach I use as a scientist and administrator at Rutgers University." - Michael E. Zwick, senior vice president for research, Rutgers University. Read more in NJ ChamberEdge. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

Kean University approves in-state tuition for all students

The Kean University Board of Trustees voted to apply in-state tuition rates to all undergraduate and graduate students, both domestic and international, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. The move comes on the heels of a previous decision to extend in-state tuition to students from neighboring states, including New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The current annual in-state tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students are $15,299.60. (BINJE)

Hackensack University Medical Center’s Adult and Pediatric Emergency Department is recognized

The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing on Sept. 17 named Hackensack University Medical Center's Adult and Pediatric Emergency Department among the 2025 winners of its 'National Certification Champion Award,' It recognizes health care institutions that support registered nurses pursuing specialty board certification – the pinnacle of professional achievement for nurses – and, in doing so, advancing nursing excellence and patient care. (ROI-NJ)

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

TONIGHT: Sept. 18 – Women of Inspiration Awards Reception

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

The New Jersey Chamber is honoring 12 women who have used talent and hard work to create economic opportunities and help make New Jersey a better place to live and work.

More information and register

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

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

Register

Young Professionals Networking Mixer

Oct. 6 – A night with basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman 

Fiserv, Berkeley Heights , 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Basketball star Nancy Lieberman will be our guest speaker at this special event sponsored by the N.J. Chamber Young Professionals Network.

More information and Register

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

Oct. 21 – The State of Transportation

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

More information and register

Oct. 22 – NJ Chamber Legislative & Business Awards Reception

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

We will recognize state leaders and advocates who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting N.J.’s business community.

See honorees and register

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 and register

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

Dec. 2 – The State of Higher Education & Workforce Development

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

More information and register

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

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

More information coming soon

March 31 – April 1, 2026 – ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo

Harrah's Atlantic City

More information coming soon

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

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.