NJ Chamber Insider: Oct. 29, 2025

 
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

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New Jersey Chamber Insider

Business News, Advice and Trends

Oct. 29, 2025

Content Curated By Scott Goldstein

Today's Highlights

  • NJ Chamber President Tom Bracken on gubernatorial election: 'The stakes couldn't be higher. So get informed, and vote.'

 

  • Paramount is coming to Bayonne – as anchor tenant of 1888 Studios.

 

  • The Fed is expected to approve another rate cut Wednesday.

NJ Chamber President Tom Bracken on the gubernatorial election: 'The stakes couldn't be higher. So get informed, and vote.'

The NJ Chamber does not endorse candidates, but we encourage our members – and everyone in NJ – to be informed voters. Before you head to the polls, take the time to review where the candidates – Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli – stand on the issues that matter most to our state’s competitiveness: job creation, tax policy, workforce development, infrastructure and regulatory reform. We also invite you to read the N.J. Chamber’s 2025 Priorities for Growth and Stability – a policy roadmap we shared with the candidates. This report outlines practical steps to build a stronger, more competitive, and more inclusive economy. See Tom's article guest article. (BINJE)

 

Paramount is coming to Bayonne – as anchor tenant of 1888 Studios

In what appears to be a big win for N.J. in its efforts to become a major player in film and TV production, Paramount announced Tuesday that it signed a 10-year lease for more than 285,000 square feet at the yet-to-be-built 1888 Studios in Bayonne. Currently under development by Togus Urban Renewal, 1888 Studios is set to become one of the nation's largest campus-style production facilities. The 58-acre facility will offer over 1.1 million square feet of production space spanning 23 smart sound stages. Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, gives the studio an anchor tenant. It also gives New Jersey another big player in the industry, joining Netflix, which is building a studio at Fort Monmouth, and Lionsgate, which is building a studio in Newark. (BINJE)

 

The Fed is expected to approve another rate cut Wednesday

The easy part for the Federal Reserve on Wednesday will be announcing a widely anticipated interest rate cut when it wraps up its two-day policy meeting. The hard part will be taking care of other challenging details. Markets are assigning a nearly 100% probability that the Federal Open Market Committee will approve a second consecutive quarter percentage point, or 25 basis point, reduction in the federal funds rate. The overnight lending benchmark is currently targeted between 4%-4.25%. Beyond that, policymakers are likely to debate, among other things, the future path of reductions and the challenges posed by a lack of economic data. (CNBC)

 

Nov. 6: Trailblazer Impact Honors Reception

African American Chamber of NJ is partnering with NJ Chamber of Commerce to honor 8 firms for commitment to diversity

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce will jointly recognize eight New Jersey organizations next week that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The third annual Trailblazer Impact Honors Reception will take place on Nov. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Pines Manor in Edison. The event will bring together business leaders, policy makers, and community advocates to celebrate the honorees’ dedication. (BINJE)

 

Want a more diverse board? Here are five ways to help you get there.

A Seat at the Table, the biennial report from Executive Women of New Jersey that tracks the representation of women on corporate boards, was released recently. It found that women make up 35% or more of the boards of 24 of the state’s 82 eligible companies. That’s a big increase from the first report in 2013, when only 16% reached that number. Further, women made up 50% or more of the board at four companies (Hain Celestial Group, Barnes & Noble, Organon and Co. and Kenvue). The report did more than offer numbers; it offered a roadmap for companies that want to increase board diversity. (BINJE)

 

Vote in the 2025 Elections

A 2025 New Jersey voter guide

Get a look at the governor’s race, a race for one unexpired state Senate seat and the races for all 80 Assembly seats. Read the guide here. (NJ Spotlight News)

Cornerstone NJ Member News

New Jersey American Water breaks ground on operations center

New Jersey American Water broke ground Oct. 28 on an operations center in Washington in Warren County, an investment in infrastructure, service reliability and resiliency for customers and communities in Warren and Morris counties. Construction of the 22,517-square-foot facility is set to begin this month and finish by the end of 2026. (ROI-NJ)

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

Nov. 6 – Trailblazer Impact Honors 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.

Members register here

 

Jan. 13 – BINJE's Best Awards Reception

The Heldrich, New Brunswick, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

More information and register

 

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

Harrah's Atlantic City

More information and register

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

The Best Tool for Your Business - Membership in the N.J. Chamber
 
The N.J. Chamber provides members with guest speakers, webinars, networking opportunities and discount programs that help businesses grow. The N.J. Chamber also advocates for pro-growth and pro-business legislation.
 

You are welcome to share this newsletter via email, social media or on your organization's website. Please credit the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce with a link to http://njchamber.com.

 

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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