Acting Governor Kim Guadagno Concludes Statewide “100 Business Initiative” in Trenton
- Tuesday, November 15, 2011
- Tags: Jobs and the Economy
Visit to Switlik Parachute Company Wraps-Up Ambitious Outreach Effort to Foster Ongoing Dialogue with New Jersey’s Job Creators
“Economic policy is only as effective as the stakeholders informing it, and that’s why we were so eager to embark on the ‘100 Business Initiative’ last winter,” said Acting Governor Guadagno. “The State’s Business Action Center was able to assist several companies with a range of advocacy services, while the benefit of these conversations with the private sector on matters of taxes, regulatory issues and other obstacles to growth will prove critical to sustaining our positive momentum moving forward. It’s only fitting to conclude the initiative at Switlik Parachute, a truly remarkable New Jersey success story.”
Switlik Parachute in Trenton is a fourth-generation, family-owned and world-renowned manufacturer of high quality safety and survival products for the aviation, marine and government service industries. The growth of Switlik in Trenton parallels some of the most important and notable events in American history – from the early iconic flights of Amelia Earhart to producing 70 percent of U.S. military parachutes used during World War II, including one that saved the life of former president George H.W. Bush over the Pacific in 1944. Since 1976, the company has focused its attention on the manufacturing of life-saving pressure suits and inflatable equipment.
"We appreciate Acting Governor Guadagno's support of Switlik Parachute Company and our products which save lives worldwide while providing jobs locally in New Jersey,” noted Stanley Switlik, President of Switlik Parachute. “We are thrilled and honored to be the 100th meeting of her 100 Businesses Initiative."
Over a span of roughly nine months, the “100 Business Initiative” was structured in a matter to focus heavily on small businesses, which account for over 98 percent of the state’s employers and more than 50 percent of its employees according to the Small Business Administration, and on industry sectors critical to New Jersey’s growth and competitiveness in the global economy. There was a large concentration on general manufacturing (30), life sciences (14), and service industries (12), with the remaining visits broken down along the following sectors:
- Food manufacturing (8)
- Wholesale trade (7)
- Transportation (6)
- Retail trade (5)
- Telecommunications (3)
- Accommodation and food service (3)
- Finance, construction, arts and entertainment (2 apiece)
- Educational services, television production, audio production, conglomerate, utility, and real estate (1 each).
“These discussions with job creators throughout the state and across these vital industries has only reaffirmed that our Administration’s blueprint for economic growth is the right one for the state and its ongoing recovery,” added Acting Governor Guadagno. “They want us to hold the line on taxes, continue to implement commonsense regulatory reforms, enhance investments in existing and new innovative technologies, and expand access to critical capital and financial incentives to encourage long-term commitments to growing jobs in New Jersey. Consider it a message heard loud and clear.”
The “100 Business Initiative” was the latest in the Christie Administration’s ongoing, multi-faceted economic growth strategy to harness New Jersey’s unparalleled advantages in higher education, skilled workforce, transportation infrastructure and reputation for research and development excellence to create Jersey Jobs and fashion a sustainable blueprint for lasting economic growth.
Through pro-growth policies such as the New Jersey Partnership for Action and the Red Tape Review Commission, there is a renewed confidence and optimism about doing business in the state; one supported by real and meaningful results. From Fortune 500 firms to small and medium-sized businesses, including household names like BASF, Honeywell, Bayer, Church and Dwight and Panasonic, companies have committed to generate and retain over 28,000 jobs, bringing more than $4.6 billion in total public-private investment to the Garden State, since January 2010. New Jersey has added more than 40,000 private sector jobs since the Christie Administration took office.
A full, detailed listing of all “100 Business Initiative” visits is attached.
To learn more about the New Jersey Partnership for Action and its efforts expand economic growth, investment and job creation throughout the state, call 866-534-7789 or visit www.newjerseybusiness.gov.
|
Press Contact: Shawn Crisafulli 609-777-0830 |
