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Aug. 6, 2025

Today's Highlights

FIFA World Cup Host Committee launches toolkit for small businesses 

A guide offering ways for small businesses to take advantage of 2026 FIFA World Cup was released by the NY/NJ World Cup Host Committee. The 21-page 'Toolkit' is designed to help smaller businesses navigate the steps to participation. The 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer will have 104 total matches, including six in Philadelphia and eight in New Jersey (including the final on July 19). It is expected to bring millions of visitors to New Jersey. (BINJE)

President to put additional 25% import taxes on India, bringing combined tariffs to 50%

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to place an additional 25% tariff on India – for its purchases of Russian oil – bringing the combined tariffs imposed by the U.S. on its ally to 50%. The tariffs would go into effect 21 days after the signing of the order, meaning India and Russia might have time to negotiate with the administration on the import taxes. India, until recently, was seen as an alternative to China by American companies looking to relocate their manufacturing. (The Associated Press)

Construction begins on first-of-its-kind NJ apartment complex for adults with autism

Work has begun on an apartment building in Red Bank designed for adults with autism. The 34,000-square-foot building will have 32 one-bedroom units and a ground-floor studio apartment, which will be staffed around the clock. It will have low voltage lighting, sensory friendly gathering spaces, faucets and ovens that shut automatically if left on, among other elements. Karen Fluharty spearheaded the project following a search for a place for her son Ryan to live when he aged out of services as a young adult with autism. Fluharty is the founder of 'Parents with a Plan,' a nonprofit that partnered on the project with Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. (nj.com)

NJ cuts child care subsidies for new applicants

New Jersey’s child care subsidy program is closed to new applicants after lawmakers did not fund the full cost of the program. New Jersey families spend an average of 19% on child care, far more than the 7% considered "affordable" under federal guidelines. The new state budget includes increased funding to support child care subsidies for approximately 70,000 children, but another $25 million to $30 million is needed to fully fund the program, said the state commissioner for Human Services. (NJ Spotlight News)

NJ Chamber Edge

We asked NJ Chamber members: How do you hire & retain top talent?

"Make sure that your employees’ voices are heard. That can happen through one-on-one conversations, employee surveys or listening sessions. The feedback is valuable to management, and it makes employees feel connected to the organization." - Lisa Johanning, senior vice president/director, talent management, Fulton Bank. Read more here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

Princeton to lead US effort to design better chips for wireless communication

Princeton University will get a $10 million grant to fund a combined government-industry effort to use AI to develop advanced semiconductors for wireless communication and remote sensing. The chips are vital for next-generation wireless networks, satellite communication, self-driving cars and smart health care technologies. The grant was announced by the National Semiconductor Technology Center, a public-private consortium. (ROI-NJ)

RWJBarnabas Health stroke centers recognized by American Heart Association and U.S. News & World Report

RWJBarnabas Health said five of its stroke centers have earned American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2025 'Get With The Guidelines' achievement awards. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital achieved the highest level of recognition given by AHA/ASA for stroke care. Also, the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Hospitals edition rated the two RWJBarnabas Health comprehensive stroke centers as high performing based on patient outcomes. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and RWJUH earned high-performing ratings for stroke, placing them in the top 13% of programs nationwide. (ROI-NJ)

Rowan political summit hosts former Gov. Christie, U.S. Rep. Conaway

Rowan University hosted the 8th annual Mid-Atlantic Political Intern Summit, welcoming 140 college students from over 70 colleges and universities. It was organized and hosted by the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship. The students, all of whom interned in politics this summer, gathered for a day of learning and networking, featuring former two-term N.J. Gov. Chris Christie and U.S Rep. Herb Conaway. (ROI-NJ)

PSE&G, South Jersey Gas, New Jersey Natural Gas and Elizabethtown Gas named among most trusted utility brands

Four New Jersey-based utility companies recently earned recognition for being among the "Most Trusted Brands" in 2025, according to a list by Escalent. The four New Jersey companies are PSE&G, South Jersey Gas, New Jersey Natural Gas and Elizabethtown Gas. Escalent measured customer focus, community support, communications effectiveness, reliable quality, environmental dedication and company reputation. (BINJE)

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.

N.J. Chamber Business Roundtable Series

Sept. 9 – Breakfast with Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald

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

Enjoy a networking opportunity with attendees over breakfast, and then hear from Majority Leader Greenwald. The presentation will be followed by Q&A.

More information and register

Sept. 10 – Young Professionals Networking Mixer

NJ Sharing Network, New Providence, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information and register

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

Oct. 6 – Young Professionals Networking Mixer 

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

Basketball star and Hall of Famer 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 coming soon

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 coming soon

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 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

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.

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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.

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