Fourth New Jersey Economic Policy Summit Set for May 25

Findings of Benchmark CEO Survey on NJ Business Climate to Be Released. End Quote

Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ (1888PressRelease) May 14, 2011 - At the 4th Annual New Jersey Economic Policy Summit on Wednesday, May 25, James W. Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, will present the findings of the annual "C-Suite Survey" of New Jersey CEOs on New Jersey's business climate. A panel of top CEOs will discuss the survey as well as their own perceptions of the state's changing business climate.

The May 25 program will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Special Events Forum of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy's Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick on the Rutgers University campus.

"From its start in 2007, the Economic Policy Summit has brought together key stakeholders from New Jersey's business, educational and political communities," said Gualberto "Gil" Medina, New Jersey executive managing director of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. The commercial real estate services firm heads the summit with The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

"Through the years, we have made great progress in identifying, understanding and addressing concerns, challenges and opportunities for the future health of the state," Medina added.

The Economic Policy Summit's C-Suite Survey sits at the center of this effort. Conducted biannually by Hughes and Joseph J. Seneca, Ph.D., University Professor at Rutgers University's Bloustein School, it targets senior executives from companies headquartered or have deep roots in New Jersey. Questions gauge their opinions about the economy and experiences doing business here.

"The Economic Policy Summit is committed to advocacy for a business-friendly New Jersey," noted Philip Kirschner, NJBIA president. "The C-Suite Survey results continue to serve as a barometer for New Jersey's business environment and its future economic needs, and provide the foundation for major analysis and recommendations. The survey also helps to identify openings for positive intervention by the state's government and by its institutions."

The program will begin with a welcome by Medina and Kirschner. James W. Hughes, Ph.D., and Marc D. Weiner, J.D., Ph.D., associate director of the Bloustein Center for Survey Research, will then present the findings of the latest survey. Caren Franzini, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, will follow with comments on the Christie Administration's perspective and offer an outlook.

The Economic Policy Summit will culminate with a panel discussion by top business executives moderated by Kevin McArdle, state house correspondent for Millennium Radio New Jersey, 101.5 FM. The panelists, senior executives with deep business interests in New Jersey, will talk about the state's business climate. Panelists include Joseph Harbert, chief operating officer - NY/NJ Region, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.; Edward Graham, chairman, president and chief executive officer, South Jersey Industries, Inc.; and Linda Bowden, Northern New Jersey regional president, PNC Bank.

Seating for the Economic Policy Summit is limited; space reservations can be made by calling Sherry Esteves at 609-393-7707, ext. 219, or emailing her at sesteves ( @ ) njbia dot org dot The cost to attend is $45 per person for NJBIA members and $65 per person for all others dot

PNC Bank, NJM Insurance Group and Cushman & Wakefield are key sponsors of the 2011 program.

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